6 § 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
[July 21, 1884. 
Modern American pistols and Revolvers. 
This wort, by Mr. A. C. Gould, is a companion volume to the stand- 
ard work. "Modern American Rifles." by the same author. It is illus- 
trated with many portraits of pistol and revolver shooters, as well as 
engravings of various arms and tools and selected targets, showing 
the possibilities of the little guns. 
The letter press is authoritative. Both by education and practical 
experience Mr. Gould is preeminently fitted to be the chronicler of his 
chosen subject. He is one of the few Americans who have combined 
authorship to any great extent with the study of small arms. He has 
not only put on record the results of others'' investigations, but he has 
also conducted numerous experiments in original fields upon his own 
responsibility. One of these experiments was the pocket revolver 
test, which is detailed at considerable length in the present volume. 
In reading what Mr. Gould has written one is struck by the author's 
practical bent of mind. Inferential reasoning or speculation is studi- 
ously avoided and the reader in most cases is left to form his own de- 
ductions. The subjects he has chosen to investigate are all practical, 
and his effort is to place the facts of the case lucidly before hi* 
audience. He strives to right mistaken notions and effect needed 
reforms. His book is not only a perfect catalogue, but it gives a 
record of what has gone before and marks out a line of advance. 
The author moves along smoothly and easily in the path he has 
chosen, and gives the impression that he is in a position to prove every 
statement he makes, by ocular demonstration. He asserts nothing 
that he cannot show to be true in the machine shop or on the ranee. 
His books are satisfactory, because accurate, and they are progressive 
and representative of the best achievement. In the departments treated . 
The first edition of "Modern American Pistols and Revolvers " was . 
published in 1888. The objects of the author in presenting this 
second edition, as stated in his preface, are: "To demonstrate the 
accuracy of modern American pistols, revolvers, and ammunition to 
date; to record the hest known work to the time of publication; to 
point out the propriety of classifying the several departments in 
shooting with these arms; to urge practical training among the 
national guard in America, where revolver shooting, which should 
be understood by ah officers, members of the naval battalions, 
cavalry and artillery, has, until recently, been almost wholly 
neelected." 
Mr. Gould gives an interesting resumi of the status of pistol shoot- 
ine in his preface at the time the first edition was printed ; he says: 
"There was bat little general knowledge of the capabilities of the 
pistol or the revolver. A general impression prevailed that there was 
little or no accuracy in the arms, or if they were accurate, those 
manipulating them skillf uly were specially gifted. The publication of 
the first edition showed the great accuracy and reliability of certain 
arms, and made it apparent that to become skillful in manipulating 
them was only a matter of practice. This stimulated many devotees 
of shooting to attempt to acquire a proficiency. As a result, at the 
time of writing there are expert pistol and revolver shots in various 
sections of the country; and as the shooting world has no national 
confines, this statement may be applied to many parts of the world. 
"The expert amateur pistol and revolver shots of to-day are, in 
many instances, doing work superior to that of professionals a few 
years ago. To some extent, this is due to improvement in arms and 
ammunition, but chiefly to the knowledge that the arms possess great 
accuracy, are safe to shoot, and that it is within the reach of any 
one with normal health and vision to become a fine marksman. 
"Pistol and revolver shooting has grown rapidly in popularity as a 
sport throughout the world; where there was one expert pis'ol shot a 
few years ago there are now many. There have been numerous styles 
of arms created and modes of shooting developed, and it has seemed 
to be important that a record of the work accomplished since 1888 be 
collected, added to that before presented, and recorded in a perma- 
nent form. It is thought that the matter published in this volume 
will show the capabilities of pistols and revolvers and the development 
of skill in shooting them." 
The table of contents which follows gives a good idea of the book: 
Development of American Pistols and Revolvers. American Single- 
Shot Pistols. The Colt Revolver. American Revolvers— Smith & 
Wesson's Productions. Miscellaneous Revolvers — Revolvers Classi- 
fied. Test of Military Revolvers by the United States Ordnance 
Board. Target Revolvers. Pocket Revolvers. Ammunition for Pis- 
tols and Revolvers. Reloading Ammunition for Pistols and Revolvers. 
Revolver Shooting Record in America. Some Performances with the 
Pistol. Pistol and Revolver Shooting at Long Range. Impressions 
Formed by Investigations Rules for Pistol and Revolver Shooting. 
"The first supply of single-shot pistols found in the United States." 
says the author, "were of foreign manufacture, being almost wholly 
of the dueling pattern." Next came the manufacture of home pro- 
ducts, which for many years was confined to hand work. These wea- 
pons were necessarily expensive; for, besides the time and labor 
required to make them, they were often richly embellished, addiug to 
their expense. * * * Besides the single-shot pistols of the dueling 
pattern were those of plainer finish for military work These pistols 
were of large caliber, generally shooting a spherical bullet; sometimes 
a bullet and several shot were employed. These pistols were often of 
smooth bore. Next came the manufacture of military rifled pistols by 
machinery, and later, with the advent of the metallic cartridge, the 
production of the cheap single-shot breechloading pistol of small 
caliber. 
The introduction of the revolver which bad such an apparent ad- 
vantage over the single-shot pistol on account of its reserve shots almost 
drove the pistol into disuse. It also had the effect of lessening prac- 
ticing with the pistol, which in the early davs of this country was con- 
sidered a gentleman's accomplishment. Fine shooting became a lost 
art, and the old time pistol shoot sank into oblivion. Speed in manip- 
ulating a revolver was apparently considered of more importance 
than extreme accuracy. 
The first American revolvers were crude arms, their chief merits 
being the reserve fire and ability to fire rapidly. Improvements in the 
arm to increase its accuracy were slow. The change from percussion 
to rim-fire cartridges retarded improvement in accuracy; from rim- 
fire to center-fire cartridges had the same effect; and it can be safely 
said that American breech-loading pistols and revolvers were not 
brought to a high state of perfection until within a few years. 
So much for the early history of the American pistol and revolver. 
The types of both had been developed during the period alluded to 
and recent improvements have been chiefly directed toward securing 
greater accuracy. This last period covers about ten years and it is 
with this that the book before us deals. 
After his slight introduction the author begins a description of the 
products of such manufacturers as Smith & Wesson, Colt, Stevens 
and Remington. This matter occupies about one-third of 1 he book, 
but is far from being the least interesting part. It is a compilation 
that covers the American field completely and contains much interest- 
ing information. 
A. chapter each is devoted to target revolvers. The author draws 
the line between these classes somewhat as follows: He would con- 
sider an arm a pocket revolver which did not exceed a maximum 
weight of 23 ounces; a maximum barrel length of four inches, and 
he would make .33 the minimum caliber. All exceeding this weight or 
length of barrel he would apparently class as target revolvers. 
The chapter on ammunition for pistols and revolvers, and reloading 
ammunition, are particularly instructive. That on the "Revolver 
Shooting Record in America" is very interesting, describing, as 
it does the rise of Chevalier Paine and the Bennett Brothers 
and their wonderful performances at 50yds. and upward with the 
revolver. 
Mr. Gould has made most of his investigations at the great Massa- 
chusetts shooting ground, Walnut Hill, and if any fault could be 
found with his book, it would be that it is too sectional It is true that 
much that is best in target work emanates from the neighborhood of 
Boston, and that Walnut Hill occupies a foremost position in our 
shooting annals, but the remainder of the country furnishes much that 
must not be overlooked. We think that the author could have profit- 
ably devoted space to gallery shooting, which is the only kind at the 
disposal of shooters in certain localities, and we do not believe with 
him (except in the case of the police force or the regular army) that 
practice with the revolver should be confined to service charges. 
Sportsmen who practice at the target do not do so with the inten- 
tion of acquiring skill to kill their fellow men or to kill large game 
animals. For the latter purpose they select some other weapon than 
a revolver, and the man who carries a revolver nowadays for purposes 
of self-defense has become very rare. Consequently there is no such 
necessity for shooting killing charges as Mr. Gould assumes. 
Those who take up revolver shooting do so solely for the pleasure to 
be derived from the sport, in the same way that other men take up 
billiards or bowling. There is no more argument in favor of shooting 
heavy charges for these men than there is that the bowler or billiard 
player should handicap themselves with implements that only the 
strongest could use to advantage. Service charges in large caliber 
revolvers are unpleasant for most men to shoot in the open air, aod 
impractical for use in galleries. The shooter should prepare his am- 
munition for the distance and purpose intended. If shooting in a gal- 
lery or at short range let him use the very lightest charge that will 
give accuracy, whether shooting pistol or revolver. A shot in the 
center of the black is worth as much for the skill of the shooter if 
propelled by 6grs. of powder as if by 60. The only comment that can 
be made is that the man shooting the big charge has unnecessarily 
handicapped himself. J. B. B. 
At the bi-monthly shoot of the Zettler Club in Wissel's Cyress Hills 
Park on July 15, Fred C. Ross gave another exhibition of his wonder- 
ful shooting qualities in off-hand shooting. The following scores 
were made by him pn thjg occasion; 236. 22$ %\ 230 223-1J44 an 
arerage of ma 
Revolver Scores With Nitros. 
The advantage of a smokeless powder over the ordinary black pow- 
der are ..nowhere more thoroughly appreciated than in a shooting 
gallery on a summer day. 
In winter the difference in temperature of the inside and outside 
air generally serves to clear the ordinary gallery of smoke, but in 
summer there is no such difference of temperature and no smoke-dis- 
pelling currents of air. A few shots from a revolver will hide the 
With a .38-44 S. & W. Revolver. 
5 Shots at 20yds. and 6 Shots at 20yds. 
25 Shots bach at 20 Yds. 
target in inky gloom, and then there is nothing for the shooter to do 
but sit down and wait till the smoke clears away at its own sweet will. 
Under the circumstances it is no wonder that revolver shooters in 
New York are on the lookout for a perfect smokeless powder adapted 
to their needs. Roundsman W. R Petty has been particularly active 
in experimenting with the various brand upon the market, and has 
suffered unpleasant consequences more than once as a result of his 
investigations. He has done good shooting with several different 
nitros, however. B°low are exhibited some of his best targets to date, 
made with American wood powder, No 2 rifle. Mr. Petty used a 
.38cal. Smith & Wesson revolver with an 8in. barrel, loaded with 7grs. 
wood powder and primed with 2grs. Dupont powder. The range 
was 20yds. and the date July 4. 
Revolver Shooting in England. 
It was a very fine day on July 3 at the South London Rifle Club's 
weekly shoot. The scores for the revolver resulted as follows, Mr. 
Winans taking second prize, although his score equalled the winner's, 
on account of the order of the shots, the last six coming fourth in bis 
score and third in Mr. Rand's for the championship, though both 
scores count alike: 
20yds. 50yds. 
F Rand 7 6 6 7 7 7—40 6 6 7 7 4 6-36 
Walter Winans 7 6 7 6 7 7—40 7 6 6 7 7 7-40 
Capt T W Heath 7 6576 7-38 77667 6-39 
Clementi-Smith 4 6 7 5 7 7—36 6 5 7 5 6 6—35 
Howe.... ....6 6 7 5 6 5-85 6 7 5 6 6 5-35 
At the North London Rifle Club on July 4 the following scores were 
made. It was a perfect day for shooting, but many of the revolver 
members are waiting for Bisley and did not compete: 
50yds. target: 
Andrews 555455—29 Ashley 550^55-25 
Rand. 544555—28 Knapp 444544—25 
Major Munday 545545—28 Capt Heath 554344—25 
Clementi-Smith 455554—28 Ridgway 445453—25 
C FLowe 455445—27 Carter 454334—23 
Capt Richardson 345555—27 
Leading scores for revolver championship of the club now stands: 
20yds. 50yds. Total. 
Walter Winans , 41 41 40 40 40 39 30 29 300 
C F Lowe 40 39 39 39 38 38 27 27 289 
Rand 40 :-t8 38 38 38 38 28 26 288 
Skilton ;. 40 39 39 39 36 38 27 27 287 
Capt Cowan 38 38 38 38 37 36 27 26 278 
Major Munday .39 37 36 36 36 3!i 28 26 273 
Capt Richardson 38 36 35 34 34 34 27 25 263 
Carter 36 36 36 36 35 34 24 23 260 
Ashley 36 35 34 33 32 32 28 25 255 
Andrews. ,,,,,,,, 39 §7 36 a? ,, ,, 2927 200 
Hartford Rifle Club. 
Hartford, Conn., July 14.— Scores of the Hartford Rifle Club made 
at the regular bi-monthly shoot this afternoon. German ring target, 
200yds. off-hand. Weather conditions were everything, from the 
brightest sun to the deepest gloom with a heavy storm, and wind 
from all directions, clearing later into the most perfect of shdoting 
conditions, but too late to be taken full advantage of, as most of the 
members had left the range. Medal match, one entry : 
H M Pope ; 23 23 22 21 19 22 25 20 16 23—213 
F K Rand 23 22 17 18 22 22 SO 22 17 25-208 
I) S Seymour 20 22 24 20 22 3 6 21 16 22 23—206 
W J Dunbar 25 18 24 20 16 10 20 21 23 20—197 
H A Fox 22 21 11 18 20 22 22 25 18 15—195 
Re-entry match: 
Pope (Win. p 0 pe barrel, .33-45-213). . .24 20 20 22 19 23 28 24 18 24—217 
21 24 24 22 18 23 19 21 22 22—216 
25 24 22 21 24 24 23 24 24 23-234 
Seymour (Bal. Pope barrel, 33-45-213)24 24 21 19 24 19 24 24 25 20-226 
Fox (Win. 32-40-165) 21 21 22 19 20 24 18 22 24 18—198 
„ , 24 21 20 19 18 21 19 21 15 18-196 
Dunbar (Win. .32-40-165) 20 17 16 15 20 19 23 24 22 19-195 
21 24 18 23 22 18 19 14 10 20—189 
H. M. Pope, Sec'y 
New York Schuetzen Corps. 
The New York Schuetzen Corps held its monthly practice shoot in 
the Union Hill Schuetzen Park on Friday of last week. The weather 
was fine, but decidedly hot. B. Walther carried off the honors on the 
ring and bullseye target, making the good score of 222 on the ring and 
having the most flags (5) on the point target. On the man target B. 
Zettler was first with 57. Scores: 
Ring target. 10 shots, possible 250: B. Wr.lther 222, Joe Schmitt 203, 
Fr. Schmidt 201. John G. Tboelke 197. Fr. Facompre 195. Ph. Feigel 
194, B. Zettler 191, Aug. J. Christen 187, W. Wessel 183, J. Bunz 182, C. 
Grosch 176, John Hainhorst 176, H. Haui=chen 167, J. C. Bonn 164, H. 
Strate 165, G. Wehrenberg 161, H. B. Michaelsen 161, H. W. Werselee 
158, H. Offermann 156, J. D. Wilkens 156. H. Meyn 151. 
Man target, 3 shots, possible 60: B. Zettler 57, J. G. Thoelke 56, C. 
Grotch 53, F. Schmidt 52, H. Strate 51 and Ph. Feigel 51. 
Bullseye target: B. Walther 5, C. Grosch 3, F. Hagersheat, J. G. 
Thoelke, A. Brunke, J. Bunz, John Hainhors and Aug. J. Christen 2 
each, H. Krobel. H. Strate. Ph. Feigel, B. Kumm, F. Facompr6, J. F. 
Cordes, Curd Meyer, B. Kuhlmann, H.. Peters, A. H. Sievers, H. 
Decker, B. Zettler, A. Walta, H. Buthfer and H. F. Meyer 1 each. 
Greenville Rifle Club. 
The weekly gallery shoot of the Greenville Rifle Club was held at 
its headquarters on Friday night. 
In the competition for class prizes the following members won in 
their respective classes: First class. Robidoux first, Purkess second; 
second class. Agneau first. Lutz second; third class, Daniels first. E. 
Wuestner, Jr.. second. Scores: First cla*s, Piirkess 240: J. Boag 
238, Scheeline 233, Collins 236, Robidoux 240, C Boag 232; second clas«, 
Agneau 231. Lutz 232, Charlock 211; third class, fc). Wuestner, Jr. 214, 
Becker 215, Daniels 218, F. Wuestner 203. 
Schlicht Rifle Club. 
Whst New York, N. J., July 11.— The weekly gallery shoot of the 
Schlicht Club was held at headquarters this evening. Geo. Dorr won 
the champion medal; Gus Meyer the first class, and M. Daus the 
third class. Scores: Geo. Schlicht 241, Geo. Dorr 241, Wm. Schlicht 
236, Aug. Meyer 236, Jacob Schlicht 235. M. Daus 232, Chas Meyer 230, 
Geo. Richert224. A. Deubline 224. Geo. Lantenberger 222, Jacob Diehl 
219, Fred Lambrix 217. John Dedrick 217, P. Man 215, Conrad Schlicht 
213, Capt. Krobatsch 210 : 
RIFLE NOTES. 
At the weekly practice shoot of the New York Rifle Club in Arm- 
bruster's Park, Greenville, N. J., on Saturday of last week, Dr. Chad- 
bourne, with his .25-10 Stevens, made an average of 8.5 on the standard 
American target, in a series of 50 shots. B. Zettler, who was present, 
was requested by the Doctor to try his rifle. After a few preliminary 
shots Mr. Zettler made the following 10-shot score off-hand: 9 9 10 7 
9 10 8 10 10 10-92. To say that Zettler was pleased with his effort 
hardly expresses the situation, and the Doctor, well, we all know how 
one feels when a brother shooter makes a fine score with our pet rifle. 
Gus Zimmerman cabled the Zettler Bros last week to forward a 
fresh supply of ammunition without delay. Report says Zimmerman 
continues to add new trophies to his stock of winnings in his journey 
through Germany. He says that Europe will be well represented at 
the great international festival in New York in 1895. Where the great 
shoot is to be located continues to be a matter of much interest to 
the shooting fraternity of New York. Long Island seems to have the 
call at the present time. 
The New York City Corps hild its annual festival at Brummer's 
Park on Tuesday of this week. The scores will appear in our next 
issue. 
A team from the Portchester (N. Y.) Rifle Club will visit the Green- 
ville (N. J.) Rifle Club at Greenville to-day and engage in a friendly 
match with the Greenville Club. 
The New York Central Corps willl hold its shoot in the Union Hill 
Park on Tuesday of next week. 
The South New England Bund held its annual shoot In Meriden on 
Monday and Tuesday of last week. A letter received by us from one 
of the members of the organization says: "The Meriden shoot came 
off on Monday and Tuesday. I did not know of it in time to notify 
you. It was a fizzle. It was so well advertised that they sent one 
programme to each society in the Bund." This explanation should 
relieve the burden resting upon Mr. Dorrler's mind as to why he was 
slighted when the notices were distributed. 
Armbruster's Greenville Schuetzen Park, most thoroughly equipped 
for rifle shooting. Range open for practice every Saturday.— Adv. 
All ties divided unless otherwise reported. 
If you want your shoot to be announced here 
send In notice like the following: 
FIXTURES. 
July 18-19.— Interstate Manufacturers' and Dealers' AsBociations's 
seventh tournament, under the auspices of the Kentucky Gun Club, at 
Louisville, Ky. The Kentucky Gun Club will add from $200 to $400. 
July 18-19.— Dr. Wallade's bluerock target and live bird tourna- 
ment, at Newport, Mich. 
July 19.— Hartford Gun Club tournament, Hartford. Conn. Open 
to all. 
July 24-26.— Lafayette (Ind.) Gun Club tournament. 
July 25.— Central New York Trap-Shooters' League, fourth tourna- 
ment, at. Syracuse 
July 26 — New England Shooting Association championship tourna- 
ment, under the auspices of the Willimantic Rod and Gun Club, at 
Willimantic, Conn. 
Aug. 7-9.— Memphis (Tenn.) Gun Club tournament. 
Aug. 8.— W. H. Kearfott's semi-annual bluerock target tournamen 
at Kearneysville, Jefferson county. W. Va. 
Aug. 8-10.— Missouri State Amateur Association, at Richmond, Mo • 
$300 added. 
Aug. 13-18.— John Parker's fourth international tournament, blue 
rock targets and live birds, at Des-chree-shos-ka Island, near Detroit, 
Mich. 
Aug. 15-16.— Richmond (Me.) State shoot. C. O. Rowe, Sec'y. 
Aug. 21-23.— Hot Springs (S. D.) Gun Club's tournament; $250 added. 
Aug. 21-24.— Pennsylvania State Sportsmen's Association annual 
tournament, under auspices of Altoona Rod and Gun Club, at Wop 
sononock Park, Altoona. 
Aug. 22-24.— Central Blinois Sportsmen's Association annual tourna- 
ment, at Bunker Hill, BL 
Aug. 23.— New England Shooting Association championship tourna- 
ment, under the auspices of the Atlantic Trap Shooting Association 
at Lynn, Mass. 
Aug. 29.— Central New York Trap-Shooters' League, fifth tourna 
ment, at Auburn. 
Sept. 3.— Endeavor Gun Club's annual shoot, Marion, N. J. E Ho 
lister, Sec'y, Jersey City Heights, N. J. 
Sept. 19 20.— Interstate Manufacturers' and Dealers' Association's 
tournament, under the auspices of the Chattanooga Gun Club, at 
Chattanooga, Tenn, 
Sept. 85-27.— Rochester (N. Y.) Rod and Gun Club tournament, with 
Central New York. L^agu.6 team shoot, at Rochester, J, B, MAiHan, 
Sec'y, 1 
