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centre of the right trigger to (1) the heel, (2) to the centre of the heel plate, (3) 
to the toe ; and for depth from heel to toe. All measurements should be taken 
to the T ] gth of an inch. 
To test the pull .—Tie a piece of string to each trigger, and attaching them 
in turn to an accurate spring balance, place the gun trigger guard down on a 
table, and pull upwards and towards the body. 
Tb test the balance .—Loop a piece of string round the fore-end about 
3 inches in front of the breech, and hold the gun suspended. If the 
Darrels are horizontal, the balance is correct. A muzzle heavy gun should 
be condemned. 
Selecting a gun .—In selecting a second-hand gun, it is not sufficient to 
merely look through the barrels, mount it to the shoulder, and aim at some 
imaginary object, open and close the breech with a snap and read the makers’ 
name. The proof mark should be examined, the breech and false breech looked 
at to see if there is plenty of metal between the extractor pin and the inside of 
the chamber, and the locks should be opened out and examined. 
To clean guns .—Boiling water is excellent to clean weapons with. If the 
barrels are wet with rain, the heat caused by pouring boiling water through 
them quickly dries them. To clean a gun this way, pour boiling water slowly 
