ON LOADING PUNT-GUNS 209 



all-important fact of making sure that the plan adopted to 

 fire a large charge of powder is one that is practically sure 

 to work. After this the priming charge can be adjusted 

 to give the proper ignition flash. Nothing is more heart- 

 sickening to the fowler afloat than a miss-fire with the punt- 

 gun. Although one can with confidence rely on his weapon 

 satisfactorily answering the tug at the lanyard, yet he can 

 never be absolutely certain until the gun actually goes off. 

 One feels pretty sure of muzzle-loading guns discharging 

 when the ignition arrangements are of good design and the 

 necessary preparations have been carefully carried out. But 

 let the conditions be reversed, then the odds and chances 

 are, undoubtedly, very much against success. Breech-loading 

 punt-guns of good design, when loaded, have an advantage 

 of having their ignition charges better protected from the 

 weather than is the case with muzzle-loaders ; but, as we have 

 said, one can never be certain, for, unless very recently tested, 

 there is a chance of improper detonation, deteriorated priming, 

 powder, etc., and the question is, even if the gun does fire, does 

 it do so properly ? The least defect in any part of ignition is 

 enough to assist failure in the ultimate shot. 



No doubt we are viewing things from the darkest corner ; 

 but it is well to do so, since so much care and attention must 

 be given to these vital parts of the punt-gun's working. Few 

 wildfowl-shooting authors give this matter the serious reference 

 it deserves ; hence our activity in its cause. 



A miss-fire with a punt-gun when fowl are within range 

 and affording a good chance is about as heart -aching an 

 experience as any sportsman can endure, and, without doubt, 

 is one which will undyingly remain in his memory. In short, 

 it is the fowler's bete noire. With even our best shoulder 

 weapons and the best of ammunition, miss-fires will occur — 

 very seldom, we admit ; yet, nevertheless, few and rare as 

 they are nowadays, they do happen, and there can be no 



