GUNS AND LOADS. 



The selection of a gun is a matter which requires 

 careful consideration. Weight, bore, and shooting 

 qualities are not to be determined arbitrarily. 



As a rule, the novice desires the closest shooting 

 gun obtainable, regardless of whether it is appropriate 

 to the shooting he expects to have, or whether his skill 

 is equal to the exactions of such gun, be the shoot- 

 ing what it may. Even superior marksmen are prone 

 to use guns of too close pattern and loads of unneces- 

 sary power. If the shooter cares to own but one gun, 

 and uses it for all-round shooting, a compromise as 

 to weights, loads, etc., is desirable, though for cover 

 and open shooting special guns are quite the best, a 

 modified cylinder for the one and a closer choke for the 

 other. 



Whatever the bore, the gun should be as light as is 

 consistent with safety. An extra pound or two of 

 gun counts heavily in added weariness toward the end 

 of a day's shooting, and at all times in the way of 

 slower manipulation. Quickness of execution is one 

 of the prime essentials in the practical use of the gun 

 in wing shooting. 



In the closing years of the past century the popu- 

 larity of the lo-bore rapidly waned, till at last it be- 

 came obsolete as a gun for upland shooting. In weight 



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