SPORTING RIFLES AND THEIR USE 357 



or *500 bore drops from 9 to 12 inches, according to 

 the size of bore, in the same distance. This difference 

 between 4 and 9 to 12 inches in 200 yards represents 

 the difference in the respective trajectories, or lines of 

 flight of the projectile, of the two classes of rifle. 



So the curve of the bullet's flight may be dis- 

 regarded, as I have said, for sporting purposes at 

 what is termed the point-blank or fixed-sight range, 

 this range usually, in both classes of rifle, being 

 100 yards. The reason is that this curve or variation 

 from the straight line of flight makes no difference, 

 anywhere within the fixed-sight range of either rifle, 

 in the result of the shot if the aim be correct. Thus 

 a hit anywhere within the circumference of a 6 or 

 even 8 inch bull's-eye behind the shoulder of red- 

 deer, moose, etc., that is shot at, means a kill. 

 Beyond the point-blank range the foresight must be 

 proportionately elevated by means of flaps on the 

 backsight, or by taking a fuller foresight, as already 

 described ; the amount of this elevation being, of 

 course, greater with the black-powder express than 

 with the smokeless-powder small-bore. 



With modern rifles the point dealt with is largely 

 academic. But it is well for the rifleman to under- 

 stand the general principle underlying the term 

 point-blank range, for it may happen to him some 

 day to use a smooth-bore or an antiquated Snider or 

 Enfield rifle hi the field. Then a practical considera- 

 tion arises. He must remember, in these cases, the 

 greater curve, the higher trajectory, of the bullet's 

 flight ; otherwise at short ranges he may overshoot the 

 mark. If a stag or other animal is missed at 50 yards, 

 in the large majority of cases it will be because a fine 

 sight was not taken, and the bullet went too high. 



