16 THE GUN: AFIELD AND AFLOAT 



skilful in the handling of 2o-bores and even of 28-bores, 

 and, having thus formed a high estimate of these small 

 bores, have assumed that they must be equal in killing 

 power to the 12-bore. This, however, is an exaggerated 

 estimate, and the hypothesis will be completely upset 

 by careful perusal of the reports of comparative target 

 trials that have been published from time to time in 

 the columns of TJie Field. I find that advocates of 

 2O-bores frequently use one ounce of shot, but this is 

 properly a 1 2-bore charge, and loads so heavy are not to 

 be recommended in 2O-bores, save in those of quite 

 exceptional strength and weight. As a believer in the 

 merits of the 1 2-bore for game-shooting, I do not wish 

 to detract or in any way belittle the good properties of 

 the smaller bores. That they possess certain ad- 

 vantages in the way of portability and general handiness 

 over the 12-bores is undeniable, and of a truth those 

 2O-bore men who can hold their own when shooting in 

 company with 12-bores may well plume themselves 

 upon their ability. 



Whilst thoroughly convinced that, up to the present, 

 there is nothing in the way of gun manufacture to at 

 all compare with the best hand-made British gun, it 

 would perhaps be scarcely fair to pass altogether in 

 silence those who have devoted much earnest thought, 

 time and money to the production of the shot-gun 

 by machinery. Thus to cheapen the cost of produc- 

 tion, whilst at the same time insuring the use of the 

 best materials, is a measure that must interest the 

 shooter of moderate means, or those anxious to secure a 

 good sound article for the use of their gamekeepers. 

 This endeavour is now in process in this country ; it is 

 a perfectly legitimate one, and it has at least the dis- 



