(,'UNS AND AMMUNITION 



55* 



the rim fire and cheaper ammunition is sim- 

 ply relegated to the old type arms. 



As to the new revolver, the writer would 

 be very glad if he could get a .32 calibre Win- 

 chester, single action, Frontier Model, even 

 if it would not have a side ejector. I would 

 be happy enough to have one that did not 

 weigh about a ton, as an arm like this with a 

 five-inch barrel should not weigh over 22 or 

 25 ounces. I would give almost any price if 

 I could get something in this line to shoot 

 rim-fire ammunition. 



When the other models come out, however, 

 I will .want one of these also, but at the same 

 time try to hear other ideas on these sub- 

 jects. Jesse French, Jr. 



WANTS A 6-INCH BARREL 



Editor Recreation : 



I have a word to say about the ideal belt 

 revolver. I agree with Mr. Haines about the 

 calibre and weight of revolver. The length 

 of barrel should be about six inches, some 

 prefer the $ l / 2 , others 7 l / 2 inches, but if one 

 length only will be made I think the 6-inch 

 would be about right and would answer all 

 purposes, either for target or hunting. 



The fore-end bolt as used on the S. & W. 

 military revolver, also the forward motion 

 of the locking button, should be one, and 

 would, I think, be a great improvement over 

 the old style. The hammer and stock should 

 be the same as in the old single action ; they 

 could be made smaller, of course. 



This revolver should be made of the very 

 best material. 



As smokeless powder has become so popu- 

 lar, it would perhaps be best to have the re- 

 volver made of smokeless steel, but it should 

 be made, if possible, so it will handle either 

 black or smokeless with equal accuracy. The 

 Colt people would have to decide on that, as 

 the twist in rifling might not answer for 

 both. It would also< make some difference in 

 the sights. I prefer the sight pinned to lug, as 

 shown in cut in the October number. The 

 rebounding bolt would be a good feature. In 

 putting this revolver on the market it should 

 be made so one who wishes could have either 

 ivory or pearl stocks, either carved or plain 

 or engraved, if wanted. 



For myself I would prefer the revolver in 

 plain blued finish with ivory stocks, carved 

 with bull's head, and low ivory bead front 

 sight pinned to lug. I am ready to purchase 

 one as soon as they are put on the market. 

 A. W. Hildebrand, 

 Norwich, Conn. 



USES OF AMMONIA 



Editor Recreation : 



In answer to Mr. Johnson in November 

 Recreation, would say that I have had the 

 same trouble in keeping my rifles clean when 

 using smokeless powder. Thinking that there 

 might be a small amount of nitric acid set 

 free in the combustion of the powder, I de- 

 termined to try the effect of a strong base 

 upon this acid. For this I used chemically 

 pure ammonia. 



A piece of white cloth wet with this and 

 passed through the barrel will come out ab- 

 solutely black, even after you apparently have 

 it thoroughly cleaned. This must be repeated 

 for five or six times before the rag will come 

 out fairly clean. 



Then grease the barrel well with 3 in I 

 oil and you are pretty sure to find your gun 

 in good condition when you want it again. 



The C. P. ammonia may be obtained at any 

 drug-store, or the common household variety 

 will do, the only difference being the greater 

 strength of the pure article. 



W. I. B., New York. 



MORE WEIGHT; LESS KICK 

 Editor Recreation : 



I have read with great interest the several 

 articles published in your valued magazine on 

 the "Ideal belt revolver." I entirely agree 

 with Mr. Haines. 



I think the illustration in the October edi- 

 tion just meets the requirements, only by all 

 means let us have it in the .38 S. & W. special, 

 and as to weight let us have all we can get, 

 as I think it greatly lessens the "up kick" of 

 the gun. 



I also think making the barrel of nickel 

 steel would greatly favor those of us who 

 prefer smokeless ammunition. 



I am on the market for one of these myself 

 as soon as it makes its appearance, and be- 

 lieve it will meet with great popularity. 



James Leonard Mathews, 

 Rochester, N. Y. 



WOULD SUIT HIM 



Editor Recreation : 



The cut of a belt revolver shown in A. W. 

 Lowdermilk's article in October Recreation 

 is just what we want for an Ideal Belt Gun. 

 Personally, I prefer a .44-40 calibre with S J A 

 or 6-inch barrel. Use a .44-40 Winchester 

 and prefer a revolver that will take the same 

 ammunition. 



Frank Gannon, 

 8th Artillery Band, 

 Fort Barrancas, Fla. 



