THE STOCK, THE RAMROD. 241 



TJie addition of the swivel is a great improvement to the 

 lock, for the reason before alluded to, and this part also 

 requires careful workmanship and adjustment. 



The scear spring is usually made with a power of about 

 three pounds, that or a little more being the force exerted 

 upon the trigger in ordinary guns. The importance of giving 

 a proper shape to the scear and of making it of good metal, 

 cannot be overrated. 



Tliere is a great difference in the price of locks, which can 

 be obtained as low as d. a piece wholesale ; but even for 

 very cheap guns intended for the English market, Is. 6d. to 

 26'. a pair is generally the lowest price. For ordinary guns 

 7s. Qd. will be paid, and for the best 15s. to 17s. 6d. 



THE STOCK. 



The stock of this kind of gun does not in any way vary 

 from the model described in the last chapter. It may or 

 may not be fitted with the safety guard there described, and 

 it may have one or two loops by which to connect it with 

 the barrels. Ordinarily one loop is considered sufficient for 

 double guns. Single guns of large bore are sometimes made 

 with two loops, as the fore-end of the stock is made larger in 

 them, to enable the hand to be carried well forward. 



THE RAMROD. 



This part of the muzzle-loading gun is of some importance, 

 for if it is badly made, it gets out of order or breaks, and 

 renders the gun useless at a moment probably when it is 

 most wanted. The wood should be of a tough kind, and not 

 liable to warp. The head must be large enough to carry the 

 wads down without jamming in the barrel or admitting a 

 shot between. For those who care about dirtying their 

 gloves, this part should be gilt, as it does not then become 

 corroded by the gases resulting from the explosion. Care 

 should be taken that it fits easily in the loops, and that the 

 screw which is capped at the end to enable the wads to be 

 laid hold of and withdrawn is of a proper shape. When the 

 ramrod is not fitted, a loading-rod is required to be carried 

 by an attendant, and it is made somewhat larger and stouter 

 in all its proportions. 



