i THE RIFLE OF A PAST HALF CENTURY 7 



the delusion that any one particular description will be perfect as 

 a so-called general rifle. You may as well expect one kind of 

 horse or one pattern of ship to combine all the requirements of 

 locomotion as to suppose that one peculiar rifle will suit every 

 variety of game or every condition of locality. 



In South Africa accuracy is necessary at extremely long ranges 

 for the open plains, where antelopes in vast herds are difficult of 

 approach. In Indian jungles the game is seldom seen beyond fifty 

 or sixty yards. In America the stalking among the mountains is 

 similar to that of the Scottish Highlands, but upon a larger scale. 

 In Central Africa the distances are as uncertain as the quality of 

 the animals that may be encountered. 



Upon the level plains of India, where the black-buck forms the 

 main object of pursuit, extreme accuracy and long range combined 

 are necessary, with a hollow Express bullet that will not pass 

 through the body. How is it possible that any one peculiar form 

 of rifle can combine all these requirements'? Rifles must be 

 specially adapted for the animals against which they are to be 

 directed. I have nothing to do with the purse, but I confine my 

 remarks to the weapons and the game, and I shall avoid technical 

 expressions. 



The generally recognised small-bores, all of which are termed 

 " Express " from the large charge of powder, are as follow : 



Small-bore Charge of Large- Charge of For all Game 



Express. Powder. bores. Powder. such as 



577 6| drams 4 bore 14 drains^ ,-,, , 



500 5f 8 14 I Elephants. 



450 5 10 12 Rhinoceros. 



400 4 12 10 Buffaloes. 



360 

 295 



Toys. 



The two latter rifles, '360 and '295, are charming additions, 

 and although capable of killing deer, are only to be recommended 

 as companions for a stroll, but not to be classed as sporting rifles 

 for ordinary game. They are marvellously accurate, and afford 

 great satisfaction for shooting small animals and birds. The '360 

 may be used for shooting black-buck, but I should not recommend 

 it if the hunter possesses a '400. 



It would be impossible to offer advice that would suit all 

 persons. I can therefore only give a personal opinion according to 

 my own experience. 



For all animals above the size of a fallow deer and below that 

 of a buffalo I prefer the '577 solid Express 648 grains solid 



