CHEAP GUNS. 127 



bored, or rough and unpolished in the interior, 

 and perhaps the gauge shows that they are not of 

 exactly the same calibre. Again, the lock-plate 

 and mountings are not fitted and let in with 

 that peculiar nicety that distinguishes first class 

 London work ; and the stock, in spite of a thick 

 coat of French polish and varnish, betrays green- 

 ness, being made of unseasoned wood. I have 

 seen some of these inferior guns throw shot 

 pretty fairly to begin with, but, after a short time, 

 they invariably fall off both in strength and regu- 

 larity of shooting, become shaky, and even dan- 

 gerous ; for the locks (being made of soft metal, 

 instead of the best tempered steel) begin to wear, 

 and are no longer to be depended upon. 



It is mistaken policy and false 

 False Policy. 



economy to purchase any other than 



a first-class gun, which, with ordinary care, will 

 last longer than half-a-dozen cheap ones of in- 

 ferior workmanship, and give infinitely more 

 satisfaction, to say nothing of the great additional 

 security against accidents. 



