WILD-FOWL GUNS 35 



One of the most powerful shoulder-guns possible, 

 enabling the wild-fowler to fire 6 oz. to 7 oz. into the 

 smaller gatherings of geese and duck, and so dispense 

 with the use of the punt-gun on occasion. 



All these guns to be made on the Anson and Deeley 

 hammerless principle, with top lever snap-action, and 

 cartridge-ejecting mechanism. Messrs. Westley Richards 

 built a series of these guns, and early in 1900 I received 

 one for trial, and some particulars of its performances 

 at the target are given in the next ensuing chapter. 



It will not be out of place, however, here to refer to 

 the system of hand-detachable locks on the hammerless 

 principle, which I found had been applied to this par- 

 ticular gun. This exceedingly simple and ingenious 

 arrangement permits of the instant removal of lock-cover 

 and locks by means of thumb and forefinger alone. This 

 should certainly prove of value to wild-fowlers, of all 

 sportsmen, for in the by no means rare event of having 

 the gun thoroughly soused with sea- or fresh-water, the 

 locks can be taken out for inspection and cleaning any- 

 where and at any time. In a gun so easily taken apart, 

 the deleterious action of the sea-air upon the bright 

 interior of the gun-locks can be most effectually checked 

 and counteracted. Another advantage possessed by 

 this principle of hand-detachable locks is the power it 

 places in the hands of the owner to prevent injury to 

 his gun from the snapping off of the locks by meddle- 

 some fingers. In some instances it has occurred that 

 guns have been taken out and used in the absence of the 

 owner. With locks altogether removed, the owner of the 

 gun need have no fear of injury to his property from 

 either cause. 



Some time ago I was having a chat with Mr. Edgar 



