ON LOADING PUNT-GUNS 209 
all-important fact of making sure that the plan adopted to 
fire a large charge of powder is one that is practically sure 
to work. After this the priming charge can be adjusted 
to give the proper ignition flash. Nothing is more heart- 
sickening to the fowler afloat than a miss-fire with the punt- 
gun. Although one can with confidence rely on his weapon 
satisfactorily answering the tug at the lanyard, yet he can 
never be absolutely certain until the gun actually goes off. 
One feels pretty sure of muzzle-loading guns discharging 
when the ignition arrangements are of good design and the 
‘necessary preparations have been carefully carried out. But 
let the conditions be reversed, then the odds and chances 
are, undoubtedly, very much against success. Breech-loading 
punt-guns of good design, when loaded, have an advantage 
of having their ignition charges better protected from the 
weather than is the case with muzzle-loaders ; but, as we have 
said, one can never be certain, for, unless very recently tested, 
there is a chance of improper detonation, deteriorated priming, 
powder, etc., and the question is, even if the gun does fire, does 
it do so properly? The least defect in any part of ignition is 
enough to assist failure in the ultimate shot. 
No doubt we are viewing things from the darkest corner ; 
but it is well to do so, since so much care and attention must 
be given to these vital parts of the punt-gun’s working. Few 
wildfowl-shooting authors give this matter the serious reference 
it deserves ; hence our activity in its cause. 
A miss-fire with a punt-gun when fowl are within range 
and affording a good chance is about as heart-aching an 
experience as any sportsman can endure, and, without doubt, 
is one which will undyingly remain in his memory. In short, 
it is the fowler’s dée nozre. With even our best shoulder 
weapons and the best of ammunition, miss-fires will occur— 
very seldom, we admit; yet, nevertheless, few and rare as 
they are nowadays, they do happen, and there can be no 
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