120 THE OREGON SPORTSMAN 
under such conditions, and when hunting certain varieties of game 
or in loealities where the country is open, long shots with steady 
holding is the rule rather than exception. 
Use of the sling strap, which is advocated by military riflemen 
and generally derided by hunters, should be learned. I am free to 
confess that, until a short time past, I belonged to the latter class and 
felt sorry for those poor, benighted cranks who claimed it a useful 
auxiliary; it spoiled the appearance and clean lines of a gun, swivel 
rings marred stock and harrel, it caught on brush, ete., irritated the 
clavicle when gun was shouldered, and, in fact, was an all around 
nuisance with no redeeming feature; however since becoming familiar 
with its use, I now have a decidedly different opinion and certainly 
desire my big game rifle equipped with one, for, when a long, difficult 
shot is necessary, requiring careful steady holding, the sling sure 
delivers the goods. They are also convenient when one’s hands are 
burdened with game or camping paraphernalia, to say nothing of the 
many other ways in which it can be utilized to advantage. If one likes 
the shooting game at all he must necessarily be continually confronted 
with divers problems as to sights, make of gun, drop of stock, length 
of barrel, mode of rifling, trigger pull, bolt vs. lever action, velocity, 
trajectory, energy of various cartridges, and a multitude of other sub- 
jects which he is unable to decide for himself, owing to lack of oppor- 
' tunity for trial and advice; how much better to actually try out these 
problems, personally, on the local rifle range with free or low priced 
ammunition, during the closed season, than to wait until actually on 
your vacation and in the game country, only to decide you have made 
a poor selection, or one not adapted to your requirements, and be 
forced to return empty-handed. 
By signing up with your local rifle club you will be constantly 
meeting other gun cranks who are well posted and who are likewise 
desirous of exchanging experiences; who have personally tried out the 
very thing of which you desire information and will enjoy detailing 
it for your benefit, in detail. If any particular arm has a weakness 
some enterprising fellow is sure to make it known to all present. 
I am particularly desirous of having a State Rifle Association 
formed in Oregon, to become a component part of the State Sports- 
man’s Association; meeting at the same time, if thought advisable. 
A state match could be held each fall for outdoor shooting, and 
throughout the winter indoor championship matches could be held by 
mail, which would be enjoyed by ail clubs participating. 
The Portland Rifle Club was reorganized the first of the year 
and is doing good work; we were handicapped in the beginning of the 
National Rifle Association matches for 1917, owing to said re-organi- 
zation, but are going nicely at present and holding sixth place in our 
class. Next year we are going to do some hard trying for first place. 
We have adhered to the Lyman military windgauge rear and 
aperature front sights, but will try out telescope sights soon, and if 
they prove superior to above combination, will adopt them. 
Mr. J. S. Hyatt, 1200 Mallory, state secretary for the National 
Rifle Association, will be pleased to advance all information desired 
in regard to formation of rifle clubs. 
