CHAPTER XXVI. 



RIFLES AND GUNS, AMMUNITION AND 

 ACCESSORIES 



T would be invidious, where so many firms of 

 gunmakers are capable of turning out first- 

 rate weapons, to select any of them for particular 

 mention ; but, especially where weapons for use 

 upon big game are concerned, a few words of 

 caution and advice to the beginner may usefully 

 introduce this chapter. 



In the first place, the sportsman who may wish 

 to shoot large game will do well, so far as his 

 pocket will admit, to purchase only the very best 

 weapons. By the " very best " is meant, not 

 necessarily the most expensive, but those whose 

 accuracy, power, and mechanism leave nothing to 

 be desired. They may be of quite plain finish, 

 but they must fit the intending user, be suitable 

 for use upon the game which he is likely to en- 

 counter, shoot as straight as any weapons of the 

 same bore can be made to do, and their locks, 

 fittings, and actions should be of the very best 

 types. 



Cheap double rifles for large game cannot be 

 relied upon, and few men who value their lives 



446 



