234 PARTRIDGES 



in the chamber, and the strength of the 

 guns that are turned out now lies in the 

 action and the breech, not some 8 

 inches down the barrels as was formerly 

 the case. For the same reason long 

 barrels are no longer necessary to ensure 

 a good pattern, and the tendency now is 

 to shorten the barrels to 28 inches to 

 get a better balance. Improved steel 

 barrels have superseded the Damascus, 

 and are now the best and safest to use. 

 For some reason almost all * best quality ' 

 guns are now fitted with 'side-locks' ; 

 though 'box locks' are simpler in con- 

 struction, and give a much pleasanter grip 

 to the gun. There can be but one word 

 of advice to any one who would buy a 

 gun pay a good price for a good article, 

 and take care of it when you have got it. 

 Cheap guns and cheap cartridges are not 

 economical in the long-run, and the work 

 of our leading gunmakers well repays its 

 initial cost when tested by the wear and 

 tear of years. 



It remains an open question whether 



