230 VARIETIES OF SHOT-GUNS, ETC. 



gun, a guard is attached to the stock, being made longer for 

 double-barrelled guns, in order to allow of the two triggers. 

 A variety of safety guards have been invented, to prevent 

 the trigger cock from being let down, except at the exact 

 moment of being wanted that is, when applied to the 

 shoulder. One of these acts by pressure on the heel-plate; 

 but as most people load their guns with this part pressing 

 on the foot or ground, it i$ useless at the exact moment 

 when it is most required. The best I know acts by the 

 pressure of the right hand on the " grip" of the stock, the 

 fingers being sure to lay hold of this part in raising the gun 

 to the shoulder, in doing which a lever is pressed, which 

 liberates the trigger, previously held firmly by it. (See 

 Fig. 23). 



Ji# 23 



SAFETY GUARD. (HALF SIZE.) 



The lower limb of this is shown in fig. 22, beneath the handle ; 

 the other parts being let into the stock, and therefore invi- 

 sible. I am a decided opponent to all complications, and with 

 moderate care and a good lock I believe no gun will explode 

 while being loaded; but certainly I see no objection to this 

 plan on the above score, and for careless shooters it is a most 

 valuable invention. It is generally made in the annexed 

 form, which is a modification of that adopted by Joe Manton ; 

 but there is a slight objection to the plan, inasmuch as in 

 passing through a hedge a twig may easily get under the 

 part intended for the hand, and it then becomes impossible 

 to discharge the gun. To remedy this inconvenience it is 



