DEAD WEIGHT 285 



Thirty inches is what we may call a 

 standard length of barrel, in England at any- 

 rate, though most modern rifles are made a 

 bit shorter, say twenty-eight or even twenty- 

 seven inches. If six or eight inches could 

 be taken off this standard length without im- 

 pairing general sporting efficiency, much would 

 be gained, namely — Firsdy, the rifle would 

 be lightened by the actual weight of the 

 metal removed ; secondly, there would be a 

 corresponding lightening of the stock in 

 making the weapon balance ; thirdly, half a 

 dozen inches of useless metal stickino^ out 

 when the rifle is slung for a climb up a 

 thicket - covered hill, and catching every 

 branch which the head Is bobbed under, 

 would be dispensed with ; and, lasdy, the 

 effort of steadying the weapon in standing 

 and snap-shots would be greatly reduced. 



