240 VARIETIES OF SHOT-GUNS, ETC. 



(fig. 33), was introduced some years back, in order to keep 

 the works out of the way of the corrosive gases which were 

 formerly generated by the explosion of the cap, but these 

 being now of a much milder character, the advantage' of this 

 useful invention is not equal to the disadvantage attending 

 upon the weakening of the stock, which is essential to this 

 form. The plate being let into the grip on both sides, a 

 large portion of the wood is cut away; and this part was 

 found to break on the slightest blow. On the bridle it is 

 scarcely necessary to make any remarks, as there is little 

 or no difference in its shape in any case. 



(6.) The striker should be of such a shape as to be readily 

 raised and commanded by the thumb whilst the forefinger is 

 acting on the trigger and at half-cock releasing the scear, in 

 order to let it down when desired. The mouth should 

 also be wide enough to permit the cap to fall out readily after 

 its explosion, and it should be so fitted as that its striking 

 face shall fall flat upon the end of the nipple. The metal 

 must be good, or that will give way under the blow. 



One of the most important parts of the lock is the tumbler, 

 upon the proper construction of which in great measure de- 

 pends the smooth action of the mechanism and its safety in 

 use. If it is not of hard metal, and true in all its bearings, 

 it will soon wear, and when new, it will not " speak" as it 

 should do, nor after use will its worn-out notch properly 

 catch the scear. The practised hand and ear readily detect 

 the false ring from the beautiful feel and tone given out by 

 one of Brazier's best locks, but the tyro will be wholly unable 

 to detect any diiference, and he must trust to the character 

 of the maker to sell him what will suit his purpose. Much 

 also depends upon the pitch and shape of the scear, and as 

 the one must be accommodated to the other, a good workman 

 will be required to adjust them exactly. 



(c.) The mainspring should be of excellent temper, and 

 should have a force equal to about ten pounds or a little over, 

 that being the lowest which will ensure the explosion of the cap 

 under all circumstances. It is desirable to avoid unnecessary 

 power in giving the blow, because it is liable to break the 

 nipple or the striker itself. As the spring is most at liberty 

 when the cock is let down, the gun should always be put by 

 in that position. 



