20 
-A.pril lO 
THE B1FLE. 
The Irish Match— The Programm''. 
The regular meeting of the Joint Committee on the International 
match held on Friday. April 9d. waa an important one and showed 
the rising populaiity of the movement. Col. Wingate occupied the 
chair. Gena Shaler, Woodward, McMahon, Col. Gildersleeve, 
Capta.Bruce.Carey and Fulton, Mr.Alford, &c. The entertainment 
committee reported satisfactory progress on the Academy of Music 
benefit Mr.Wm. B. Freligh of the Bowery Theatre offered the use 
of his Theatre and the corps of artists on any aftemoo n, for the 
benefit of the team expenses. 
Major Leech was represented by two letters, one asked for the 
opinion of the committee on the advisability of making the inter- 
national match broader by admitting repiescniative teams from 
England and Scotland, at the same match. After discussion it was 
resolved to limit the match to the original intention of a shoot with 
the Irish only. Major Leech also sent the following letter, a char- 
acteristic one from the volatile Major, giving several topics under 
discussion between the two teams. The suggestion of a change of 
target was not acted upon so the old targets will be employed 
The point about camping; at Wimbledon, was taken up and the 
American team will camp on the co mm on ^rith the Irish party: 
DrBLix, 20th March. 1875. 
Mt Dear Colo.*«el:— I see by the Americax i^poiiTSMAX, that 
the target you propose for our match in June, are those in use in 
1873, namely, the target being an outer centre and aquare boll's eye. 
instead of the newly introduced one at Wimbledom in 1874. consist- 
ing of outer, 'center and rtw/nef ball's eye; of course if yon 
see fit to adhere to the target of 873. it shall be s<j, but I think it 
right to call your attention to the matter as it entirely rests with you 
to name either. 
Team I want you please to tell me the proM>U date of the sail- 
ing of the t jam from Xew Tork. At a futnre time yon will please 
announce to me the actual day of sailing. The object of my enquiry 
is no doubt obvious to you, as it wi 1 naturally infiaeuce our ar- 
rang emenrs about which I will shortly write to you confiderUiaUn 
I have b#n to London on this and other subjects, my book, etc. I 
thinkvou are quite right not to risk a match with a nlace repre- 
sented by a few men who may form a club, it would be awkward to 
lose such a match and no credit to win it. 
Bore of With respect to Mildmay’s letter in your papers I 
think yon ne^ not trouble yourself more on that subject. In pre- 
viously published letters recognize the bore of your rifles and say 
that the rules have been altered accordingly. 
WimbUdon—V^'iW the Americans camp npon the common as the 
volunteers and hundreds of others have done for many years, and 
the Canadians of late years, many of the shooting men have houses 
and have lodgings in the neighborhood — no people uuderstaud camp 
life better than the Americans. The Irish will camp along with 
you. 
Ammunition.— Your men mast see to this, as our bullets are har- 
der and are too big for the bor« of the Remington and Sharps, there- 
fore, they mus*^ bring an ample supply witfl them. 
Team . — How embarrassing that in forming the team some good 
fellows must be left out in the cold, whether by selection or compe- 
tition. 1 like a little of both. 
As things occur to me my Dear Colonel, I will continue to write to 
you. My kind regards to all my friends in America, how can I par- 
ticularize them, thuDgh I may name Gen. Shaler, our unnire. 
Very sincerely yours, Arthur B. Leech. 
The sub-committee on the nreliminary matches for places on the 
team, reported a full circular to be issued to the riflemen of the 
country at largo. The fall text of the address is given below. 
Xo. 194 Bro^uwat, Xew York. April 2. 1875. 
To THE Riflemen of America— A challenge bavinif been ex- 
tended to you by Major Leech, on behalf of the riflemen of Ireland, 
to shoot a return matebsiu Dublin, on June 29, 1875. the Amateur 
]Me Club of this city have accepted it on your l^half. 
The following programme has been a^eed upon, as being sub- 
stantially that of the last intemationaj match* — 
PROGRAMME. 
Programme of the international rifle match between the riflemen 
of the United States and the riflemen of Ireland, represented by a 
team to be chosen from the members of the Irish Rifle Association, 
to take place in Ireland on the 29th of June. 1875, on the following 
terms, viz: — 
Team — Each team to consist of not more than eight or less than six 
men, at the option of the Americans, whose decision will be an- 
nounced on tbe day next preceding the match. The American team 
to be composed exclusively of riflemen bom in the United States. 
Tbe Irish team to consist of men qualified to shoot in the Irish eight 
at Wimbledon. 
Rifles — Any not exceeding ten pounds weight, minimum pull of 
trigger three pounds. The Americans to shoot with rifles of bona 
American manufacture. The Irish to shoot with rifles of bona 
fide Irish manufacture. 
Sights, Ammunitions. Targets and Marking To be according to 
print^ regulations in force at Wimbledon. 1873. 
Ranges — 80U yards, 900 yards, and 1,000 yards. 
Number of shots — Fifteen at each range by each competitor, 
previous Practice— The American team to be allowed the use of 
the range for practice at least two days before the match. 
Position — Any; no artificial rest to be used either for ihe rifle or 
the person of the shooter. Targets, range and all accessories for 
carrying out the match to devolve on the Irish. The Americans and 
Irish to choose a referee to act for their teams. Mr. Le^h will act 
in the capacity of referee for the Irish team, and the respective ref- 
erees shall mutually select an umpire, to whom, in case of difference 
of opinion, they shall refer, and whose decision shall be final. 
The terms of the match to be s^nf*d by the resident of the Ama- 
teur Rifle Club on behalf of the riflemen of America, and by Arthur 
Blennerhasset Leech, on behalf of the Irish team. 
Duplicate copies of this programme to be exchanged and all 
necessary arrangements to be completed on or before the 1st day of 
June. 18^. 
Should either team fail to make an appearance on the day and 
hour agreed upon for the match, the team then present may claim 
the championship. 
In taking this step the Amateur Rifle Club do not claim that they 
include among their memb^-rs the best riflemen of America; but 
only assume to act as your representatives, for the purpose of plac- 
ing the matter in such shape as to permit all who prove themselves 
competent to compete, irrespective of their residence or member- 
ship. 
The targets and scoring used in the match will be in accordance 
with the rules of the National Rifle Association— viz. targets six 
feel high, by twelve wide, having a black bull's eye three feci 
square, surrounded by the “centre,’' six fiet square, the rest of the 
target constituting the “outer;" bull's eves counting four point'^. 
centres three, outers two. Any sigui« allowed bm lelescopic mtg- 
nifylng^ and such conceal the target so as to prevent the danger 
simal from being seen. Any amnnition mvy be used. Anv position 
will be allowed which can be taken on level ground without arti- 
ficial rests. 
Tbe teim shall consist of a captain and nine men, who shall be 
selected as follows; 
1. The staQ*iing competitors shall be determined from four consec- 
utive sc^ires of forty-live shots each score made in a single day, with- 
out sighting shots, consisting of fifteen shots at 800, 900, and 1000 
yards. 
2. The members of the American team of 1874 shall be allowed to 
stand upon the four scores made in their four la.st competitions at 
Creedmoor in 1874, ending with the Bennett match, provid^ they 
signify their election so to do in writing to the seereiary of this com- 
mittee on or before the first of April, iv75. 
3. All other competitors shall be required to shoot in four compe- 
titions to be held at I reedmoor, April 17, 21, 24 and 28 at eleven 
A. M. of each day. The nine competitors including the members of 
tbe team of 1874, standing npon ibeir scores, who show the highest 
aggfegaieon their four scores thus made, or npon which they ^tood 
as above provided, shall constitute the leam for 1875, and be given 
their rank therein respective according to thei^ scores, subject, 
however, to the following provis.ou: 1 hat such members of tbe 
team of ] “4 as do not receive a place upon the team of 1875 under 
the for ^ ng rules shall be allows! to challenge an equal nnmber 
of the team of nine as above selected, conimtncing with the 
ninth n £ 11 , to two competitions, to be under the direction of this 
commi’ - . and the victors in these two competitions shall be mem- 
bers of the team. 
4. Should any vacancy or vacancies oecur in the team as thus se- 
lected, before the day of sailing, it or they shall be filled by placing 
therein the competitor or competitors whose score or scores are 
next in the order of merit, as shown at tli# end of the four competi- 
tions above provided. 
5 The Captain shall be chosen by a majority vote of the nine 
men constieming the team as soon as practicable after their relection 
In accordance >%ith the coudiihms herein pro>ided. 
The team of 1875 shall be required to engage in such private prac- 
tice on the range as this committee may direct The names of the 
men wio shot in 1874 and who ;have elected to stand on their 
scores are follows: 
, Score? ■ ■ - . Total 
Henrv Fulton 
159 
168 
171 
158 
655 
John Bodiue 
154 
158 
158 
153 
624 
H. A. GiJdersleeve 
153 
154 
155 
143 
6C6 
G, W, Tale 
147 
150 
163 
13T 
581 
The Amateur Rifle Club will pay all the expenses of the team to 
Europe, and also tbe expenses of these competitions. The team 
will sail about June 5, 1875. 
The matter is one that appeals so strongly to your pride, not only 
as riflemen, but as Americans, that It i" to be hoped the best shots 
in the country will come fonvard in this match. The gentlemen 
who have sent the challenge are very *^kiiful riflemen, but there are 
many in America fully as ixpert, and if they can be induced to en- 
gage in the onderiaking it is hoped mat the result will ne as gratily- 
ing as that of tbe former intematioiial match. 
Byorderofthe Joint Commiilee of the Amateur Rifle Club and 
the National Rifle Association. 
LESLIE C. BRUCE Secretary. 
Rms Not F.— The theatrical enurtainment for the benefit of the 
Riflemen, went off in a very successful manner on Saturday even- 
ing last. The amaten.’^s who had taken the parts in the play 
(Othello) were favorably rec.ived, the audience being large, com- 
prising many military men in full uniform. The net receipts reach 
nearly ^4,000. 
On Tuesday evening the National Rifle Asso. Board of Directors 
at their regular mombly mtreiing, nnanimonsly adopted the new 
Wimbledon target for use at Creedmoor, and hereaft- r all scoriog 
will be done on the new system excepting the lutemntionai match 
and its preliminary practices and matches. Col. Wingaie and Gov- 
ernor Morris were elected directors vice Church and ]&olineax re- 
signed. At the annoal meeting of the Amateur Rifle Club in tbe 
evening a fine piece of bronze work was precenied to Col. Win- 
gate as Captain, (at Henry Fulton's) as the best shot in la^t year's 
International team. The elecCion of oificers resulted in tbe choice 
of Henry Fulton as President; Col. Bodine, V. President; W. B. 
Coughiry, Secretary; A. Alford, Treasurer; Geo. Crouch, G. W. 
Yale, £. H. Gaylord, Robert Johnston and Col. Wingate, Execu- 
tive. Full report of b-jth meetings will appear in our next issue. 
New York State Rifle Club will hold its semi-annual meeting at 
Croton Falls, Westchester Co., N. Y., on Wednesday, April 28th 
1875. A general imitation is extended to all who are interested in 
rifle shooting. Any one wishing to become a member can do so by 
paying five dollars on the ground; this entitles them to all tbe priv> 
lieges of the Club. Fifteen lbs. being the standard, all over that 
must give odds. From 15 to 20 lbs. 1-4 of an inch to the lb. for 
every 10 shots. From 20 to 30 3-lG to the lb. and from 30 to 
40 1-16. Prompt attention is required as three strings will be 
shot on the above date. 
Kitle Sights and Rillcs. 
Wtomino Territory, March 25. 
Bditor of Rod and Gun: 
An ioteresiing article on Rifle Sights appeared in your paper some 
time since. 1 fully agree with the writer — “Buck" finding fault 
with the way in which eastern rifle makers slgfh their rifles. And I 
will go farther, and say that 1 have seen hut very few rifles made in 
the east that were proper;y sighted for hunting in the Territories. 
As soon as an old mountain man gets hold of an eastern rifle, the 
first thing he does with it is to have it re-sighted. The fore-sight 
made of a silver half-dollar is a favorite sight. Its shape differs 
from anything seen on eastern rifles. It sets higher on the barrel, 
tnot lower, as “ Buck "says). 1 will describe the sight on my rifle; 
(it was sighted in Colorat^,) which will give the reader some idea of 
a western sight. It is an inch and a quarter long, and is a quarter 
of an inch above the barrel in its highest point. Its shape is a curve 
rising from its forward end till it reaches its highest point, and in 
shape it is mneh like a parabola. The rear eight is what is known 
as the “ back horn sight." And a better sight for killing game ii 
would be hard to invent, as the wide enables the hunter to 
get a quick sight, while the notch is cat so fine that it gives the 
fairest sight 1 know of. 
There is probably no rifle the praises of which have been sung so 
load as the “ Maynard." To listen to its admirers' talk, one would 
think it was the only rifle worth haring, and that all others were 
trash. Especially has the sighting of the “ Maynard " been praised. 
Well, I know of one case that would probably make the lovers of 
the “Maynard" shudder with horror. An old Rocky Monnt^in 
hunter— a friend of mine — came in posse'^sion of a “ Maynard,’ 
(newest ^tylp. (^. re-fire, and all the rest of iu) Well, the first thing 
he did was to knock off the fore-sight and put on its place a fore- 
sight such as I have described, but made out of a piece of elk horn, 
and many is the black-tail buck that re-sighted rifle has brought 
down. 
Let no enthusiastic rifleman, who with his “ 31aynard " is wont 
to peg away at microscopic buH's eyi*^ on the fence in bis back 
yard, or to slay the festive grey squirrel at the top of some tree at 
the enormoob distance of 180 or 200 feet, accuse me of slandering 
tbe “5Iaynard." I know the gun w’ell; it was the first breech-load- 
ing rifle I ever owned Its merits I fullyappreciate,as a rifle to shoot 
squirrel with or to kill white-tail deer with, or wild turkeys in the 
thick woods of the cast, but it's not the rifle for the west; and the 
fact that Mr. So-and-so with a “ Maynsnl " killed a grizzly, (which 
I strongly doubt) or Mr. Somebody-else killing all his buffalo and an- 
telope with it, proves nothing. Circumstances might arise in which 
an depbant coujd be killed by an old-fashioned mnzzle-loading 
squirrel rifle carrying a ball of 90 to the pound, but would you, from 
this, deduce that such game must be hunted with such an arm? No; 
the best proof of the merits of an arm is to see whether it is used by 
the hunters and trappers of the west; men who have to depemi for 
their food, and often for their lives, on the merits of their rifles. 
The “ survival of the fittest " is true in regard to rifles as to every- 
thing tlse. Since the Union Pacific has been built the far west has 
been flooded with all sorts of fancy arms; few of them though are 
used by hunters. The Springfield, Sharps, Winchester and Rem- 
ington (the Remington as re-sighted and improved by a celebrated 
gunsmith of Denver, Col,,) are the guns most nsed. I cannot recol- 
lect half a dozen Maynard rifles that I ever saw in the hands of 
hunters in the Territories. I speak of bona fide hunters, not green- 
horns from the Stated on a picnic. 
I do not find fault with the accuracy of the “ Maynard," no more 
than I did with the accuracy of the “ Remington." 1 dislike the 
** Maynar'd," 1st, on account of its tipping-down barrel, which I 
consider a very faulty way of ma'xlng a rifle; 2d, on account of its 
not throwing the shell clear of the gun, but simply poshing it out 
like a shot-gun — a fatal error in a rifle to be used on large game; 3d, 
on account of its angainlv, misshapen stock, which is about as 
much like a rifle-stock as a broom-stick. The “ Remington " I dis- 
like because it doesn’t throw out the shell, and becanse tbe shell 
sticks in the chamber most of the time. “ Off Hand ’’ was mistaken 
when he attributed my dislike of the “ Remington *’ to a rifle badly 
made. No, it isn't from one “ Remington," but from hundreds 
that I've seen, that this dislike springs. I've carefully loaded Rem- 
ington shells with bullets run in Remington moulds, and then 
swedged the bullet in a Remington swedge, and with tbe ^ame re- 
sult-half of lUe cartridges sticking, the breech-block not closing, 
and general tlisgust and vexation of spirit. They are med by many 
hunters, but the guns have been, as I said before, fixed up. Tte 
number of hunters using the “Remington" is small compared to 
those using tbe Springfield, Sharps or Winchester. 
But 1 must bring this letter to a close. Every man has bis own 
choice in gnns, and I would not have said anything about the merits 
and demerits of these rifles, Mr. Editor, if it had not been for the 
constant and loud praises of the “ Maynard " sQug by a select few 
who would seem to ignore the existence of any other rifle. 
As for me, 1 wouldn't citauge tbe easy-working, solid, simple and 
.effective “Springfield " for any number of “Maynards," in hunting 
the large game of tbe territories. 
In my article on “ Hunting Large Game in the Far West," in No. 
76 of The Sportsman, I wrote “ alkali bottoms," the printer made 
it “ .Alaska boUom.s" thns spoiling the sense of the sentence. 
Snap Shot. 
S.\AP AAD POSITIVE ACTIONS. 
BY RECAPPZR. 
Bunistead, in his book enliiled “ On the AVing,” after 
describing tbe manner in which most of the breech- 
loaders now in use, work, and sp)ecif3’ing the points of 
comparison favorable to them, as compared to the muz- 
zle loader, asks the following pertinent question : “Do 
the breech-loaders of to-day answer all necessary re- 
quirements?” He claims and I think he is very nearly 
right, that “the complete disconnecting of the barrels 
from the face of the false-breech, is a sign of weakness, 
and further, that the locking bolts, or screws, are not 
scientifically placed.” Gloan, in his excellent work. The 
“Breech-Loader,” says that “the nearer a breech-loader 
is in principle of construction to a muzzle loader, the 
stronger and more durable it must be.” In the muzzle- 
loader, the locking power is in the rear of the barrels, 
and on a level with the line of fire. This is the one 
grand desideratum. In the now old fashioned double 
grip, Lefauebeux gun, the locking of the barrels to the 
stock, is done by a screw section hooking into recesses 
in the lump. The barrels do not fit loosely down upon 
the action bed, but when the lever is turned, are drawn 
down with a strain by the screw section connected with 
the lever. There is, of course, an amount of friction 
and strain upon these parts, that even when they are 
made of the best materials, will sooner or later cause 
them to wear, and the gun becomes loose at the breech; 
the barrels at each discharge rise at that point, the gas 
generated by the powder escapes, and the shooting or 
propelling power of the powder is much reduced and 
the charge is thrown beneath the object aimed at, iust 
in proportion to the distance it is al from the gun, and 
the height at which the base of the barrels leap from 
the action bed. 
There have been many attempts to remedy these de- 
fects by a multiplication of locking bolts, and an almost 
endless variation of the position of the lever. Springs 
have also been added to make the gun self-locking, and 
by that means to save time in the loading; yet in spite 
of all these precautions, we are constantly having com- 
plaints that breech-loaders are becoming unpleasant, if 
not unsafe to handle, because they will show a ten- 
doncy to gap at the breech. It is a law in mechanics, 
•;nown to every school-boy, that the more simple in 
construction a piece of machinery is, providing it 
answers all the purposes for which it was designed, the 
better it wUl be. Are the inventors of breech-loading 
