I 
THE RIFLE OF A PAST HALF CENTURY 
3 
velocity ; the latter must depend upon the volume 
of gas generated by explosion. 
The rifle was made by Gibbs of Bristol. The 
weight was 21 lbs., length of barrel 36 inches, weight 
of spherical belted bullet 3 ounces, of conical bullet 
4 ounces, charge of powder 16 drams. The twist 
was one full turn in the length of barrel. The rifling 
was an exceedingly deep and broad groove (two 
grooves), which reduced the difficulty of loading to a 
minimum, as the projecting belt enabled the bullet 
to catch the channel instantly, and to descend easily 
when wrapped in a greased silk patch without the 
necessity of hammering. The charge of powder 
was inserted by inverting the rifle and passing up 
the loading-rod with an ounce measure screwed to 
the end ; this method prevented the powder from 
adhering to the sides of the barrel, and thus fouling 
the grooves. 
An extraordinary success attended this rifle, which 
became my colossal companion for many years in 
wild sports with dangerous game. It will be ob¬ 
served that the powder charge was one-third the 
weight of the projectile, and not only a tremendous 
crushing power, but an extraordinary penetration 
was obtained, never equalled by any rifle that I 
have since possessed. 
This weapon was in advance of the age, as it 
foreshadowed the modern Express, and the principle 
was thoroughly established to my own satisfaction, 
that a sporting rifle to be effective at a long range 
must burn a heavy charge of powder, but the weight 
