SPORTING RIFLES AND THEIR USE 351 



in this particular the single-barrel sporting Lee- 

 Enfield, or similar rifle, easily carries off the palm. 



There is, on the other hand, another feature con- 

 nected with the weight of a rifle which is worth 

 mentioning. My own experience is that a very light 

 rifle is more difficult to shoot quickly and accurately 

 with than a heavier weapon. This may sound para- 

 doxical, and it may be entirely a question of personal 

 idiosyncrasy, but my distinct impression is that a 

 light rifle 'jumps ' more at the shot, and in moments 

 of excitement particularly, and in the case of running 

 shots is a more difficult weapon to ' hold on ' with 

 than the heavier double rifle. The least unsteadiness 

 or involuntary muscular contraction at the psycho- 

 logical moment when the trigger is pressed appears 

 to have, in my view, a greater effect in the former 

 case than the latter. With the heavier weapon, on 

 the other hand, provided, of course, it is a well- 

 balanced, well-fitting rifle, it has always seemed to 

 me easier to shoot accurately in the case of quick 

 shots at running game, and the rifle is more easily 

 held and kept steadily on the mark. 



If the question of cost is to be considered, the single 

 cordite rifle is again easily first in the field. A well- 

 made single-barrel sporting Lee-Enfield or Mannlicher 

 can be bought for from 7 to 12, whereas any kind 

 of a double rifle, particularly the modern cordite 

 variety, costs nearly five times as much, owing to the 

 care with which a double-barrel requires to be made 

 and sighted, and the strength and quality of metal 

 that is necessary in the breech. It may be as well 

 here to say a word of warning against ever attempt- 

 ing to use cordite or any kind of nitro-powder in an 

 ordinary black-powder express, no matter how good 



