I 
THE RIFLE OF A PAST HALF CENTURY 
13 
The weight of this rifle should be 1lbs., or not 
exceeding 12 lbs. For smaller game, from fallow 
deer downwards, I prefer the *400 Express with a 
charge of from 85 grains to 4 drams of powder 
—solid bullet, excepting the case of black-buck, 
where, on account of numerous villages on the 
plains, it is necessary that the bullet should not pass 
through the body. The important question of 
weight is much in favour of the *400, as great power 
and velocity are obtained by a weapon of only 8-| lbs. 
I should therefore limit my battery to one ‘577, 
one *400, and one Paradox No. 12, for ordinary game 
in India, as elephants and other of the larger animals 
require a special outfit. 
The Paradox,^ invented by Colonel Fosberry and 
manufactured by Messrs. Holland and Holland of 
Bond Street, is a most useful weapon, as it combines 
the shot-gun with a rifle that is wonderfully accurate 
within a range of 100 yards. 
It is a smooth-bore slightly choked, but severely 
rifled for only inch in length from the muzzle. 
This gives the spin to the projectile sufficient to 
ensure accuracy at the distance mentioned. 
The No. 12 Paradox weighs 8^ lbs. and carries 
a bullet of if ounce with 4.^ drams of powder. 
Although the powder charge is not sufficient to 
produce a high express velocity, the penetration 
and shock are most formidable, as the bullet is of 
1 Since this was written Messrs. Holland have succeeded after 
lengthened experiments in producing a Paradox No. 8, which burns 
lo drams of powder, and carries a very heavy bullet with extreme 
accuracy. This will be a new departure in weapons for heavy game. 
