uMiM? 0. OF L ffiSm-SSffiPMSN 
The Effect of a Slanting Wad. 
A Lahore correspondent recently wrote to this office 
asking what would be the effect of fixing the top wad of 
a 12-bore cartridge obliquely over the shot. His letter 
went on to say that he had lately seen some cartridges 
loaded by a native firm in which the top wads and 
turnover had been badly treated. All the wads were 
fixed at a decided angle instead of at a true surface. He 
suggested to the man who had bought them that his 
shooting would be very erratic, which idea was pooh- 
poohed, and the query was in due course transferred to 
this paper for settlement. Nothing would have been 
easier than to write in general condemnation of such 
obvious bad workmanship, and to answer on. first prin¬ 
ciples that the results would be bound to suffer. Mr. 
Griffith’s authority could be quoted as having shown 
that slanting wads throw the pattern over to a very 
decided extent. In his lecture he certainly referred to 
the cartridge which had been used to illustrate the de¬ 
fect as an exaggerated example, but he was quite 
emphatic that when cartridges were so made the pattern 
was distinctly thrown over toward the way of the slant. 
With the modern equipment at the disposal of the Field 
testing department, in common with contemporary estab¬ 
lishments, this kind of problem can be better examined 
than was ever before possible, at any rate as compared 
with the appliances which Mr. Griffith in his day was 
in the habit of using. 
Recent experiments have shown that with an ordinary 
sound gun, accurately aligned on the target, the center 
of the pattern does not necessarily lie in the line of aim, 
neither are the results sufficiently consistent to enable 
the properties of a gun in this respect to be precisely 
defined. With the proof gun, as used for the ordinary 
12 -bore cartridge tests, which is more a piece of ord¬ 
nance than anything in the nature of a “small arm,” 
these difficulties disappear. The total weight is 501bs., 
and the bulk of this mass is represented by the barrel. 
Therefore, the weight is evenly distributed around the 
axis of the bore. The gun is poised on suspension wires, 
supported by a beam in the roof, and it never deviates 
from its natural position, except perhaps to the extent 
of a slight leaning of the building when the wind is 
strong. The direction in which the gun is pointed is 
subjected to a system of unconscious observation with 
every round that is fired, for the ordinary requirement 
is that the charge shall be centrally located between two 
posts some 16in. apart at 20yds. Therefore, the regular¬ 
ity and general evenness of the results produced, also 
the constancy of the line of fire, represented the be¬ 
havior of the cartridges which are fired from such a gun, 
free of disturbances due to the idiosyncrasies which 
would exist in the case of a double-barrel shoulder gun. 
Cartwheel patterns occur in the usual proportion, ac¬ 
cording to the cartridges that are used, while patterns 
as a rule are close or open according to the conditions 
present in the cartridge. 
Such a gun is obviously perfectly adapted for testing 
the real effect of any peculiarities of loading which 
might be supposed to influence the direction taken by the 
charge. For the present purpose the exact line of aim 
was carefully defined by opening the breech and taking 
a sight right through the barrel itself. An assistant held 
a rod vertically in front of the target and moved it 
about according to order until the precise center of aim 
had been defined. A nick, marking the vertical division 
of the pattern, was then made in the top edge of the 
plate, and after each shot had been fired a plumb line 
was suspended from this nick. Judgment was exercised 
to decide whether this line truly divided the pattern, and, 
if not, the extent of the divergence. The target lies as 
nearly as possible 22 yds. from the muzzle of the gun, 
and this range has always been found a convenient one 
for locating the position of a group. The bulk of the 
pellets lie well inside a 12 in. circle, the center of the 
charge being thus more easy to define than at longer 
distances, where the eye must cover more space and 
take account of considerable detail in order to form a 
general estimate of the charge as a whole. 
Having thus satisfactorily settled the system of meas¬ 
urement to be adopted, the next question was the much 
more difficult one of producing cartridges with slanting 
top wads. At first it was supposed in all innocence that 
the only thing necessary was to push the wad in side¬ 
ways on the top of the shot and turn the end of the 
case over, all the while assuming that the turnover would 
live obliquely the same as the wad. In the first place, 
the slanting wad showed a very decided inclination to 
allow the shot to spill out of the case when held hori¬ 
zontally for the turningtover process. This was due to 
the lack of proper fit which the oblique position entailed. 
However, now and' then a wad held during the process 
of turning over, but great was the disappointment to 
find that the machine steadily insisted on ignoring the 
attempts which had been made to produce a bad result. 
As surely as the mouth of the case was advanced into 
the turning over tool, the wad was forced on to a level 
keel, so that the ultimate result never fell below the 
ordinary standard of loading. It then became apparent 
that the oblique turnover, with the incidental slanting 
wad, is the result of defects in the turnover machine. In 
the same way that every owner of a lathe takes great care 
that the back center shall be in true axial alignment with 
the rotating pulley and chuck, so the tool man in the 
cartridge loading shop must take particular notice to 
insure a similar standard in respect to the lathes used 
for making the turnover on sporting cartridges. While 
the ordinary Jathe bed is a continuous piece of metal, 
with the various _ faces planed in alignment with one 
another, the cartridge turnover machine is frequently a 
very elementary contrivance from an engineering point 
°f view often comprising a wooden table top, into 
which the mechanical fittings are fastened by ordinary 
bolts or screws. Even if the alignment is true at 
ordinary times, the pressure exerted in working the 
machine is apt at the critical moment to throw the 
opposing parts out of alignment. 
To produce these defects on the apparatus used at the 
shooting ground, the back end of the turnover machine 
was released from its. proper foundation and a piece of 
packing was used to raise the back center nearly l-16in 
out of line with the other end of the machine. Some 
beautiful examples of slanting turnovers and top wads 
were then at once produced, and the result was the same 
however the top wad was seated. Having thus produced 
ten cartridges with one side a measured 3-64in. higher 
than the other, five shots were fired with the high side 
toward the right-hand side of the gun, and five with the 
high side on the left. It is immaterial, in view of the 
results, to discuss whether the shooting ought to be 
thrown one way or the other, according to the lie of the 
case in the chamber. Anyhow, the accompanying results 
show that no difference whatever was produced by the 
extremes of treatment adopted. 
Experiments to determine the effect of a slanting turn¬ 
over, one side being 3-64in. higher than the other: 
Recoil as a 
r- — 22 yds. target-» 
general test 
Turnover 
Position 
of the cartridge. 
slanting to the 
Pattern. 
of same 
1. 9.54in. 
Medium 
Central 
2. 9.4Sin. 
Medium 
2 in. left 
3. 9.44in. 
Medium 
Central 
4. 9.lOin. 
Medium 
lin. left 
5. 9.28in. 
Open 
Central 
Av. 0.6in. left. 
6 . 9.18in. 
.Left 
Medium 
Central 
7. 9.06in.. 
.Left 
Medium 
lin. left 
8 . 9.44in. 
.Left 
Medium 
Central 
9. 9.36in.. 
.Left 
Medium 
lin. left 
10. 9.40in. 
Medium 
lin. left 
Av. 9.33in. 
Av. 0.6in. left. 
It is, of course. 
, quite obvious, now 
we know the 
answer, that once the charge of shot gets into the barrel 
it takes its own level and follows a true course, uninflu¬ 
enced by the lie of the wads in the case. On the other 
hand, there must be no doubt in tlie mind of the shooter 
that a slanting top wad, whether it does harm or not, 
is evidence of defective and careless loading. The cause 
has now been so satisfactorily demonstrated, examples of 
it should be promptly eliminated as soon as the defect 
develops. So many of the irregular results obtained in 
shooting are due to obscure causes which defy the 
ordinary processes of analysis that nothing on the face 
of it wrong should ever be sanctioned, even though 
experiments may suggest that no noticeable effect is 
produced. A slanting turnover no doubt detracts from 
the general efficiency of the cartridge, apart from its 
lack of eyeableness, but the theory that it throws the 
charge in the direction of the slant is apparently unten¬ 
able.—The Field (London). 
Pinehurst Tournament. 
Pinehurst, N. C., Nov. 13.—“Trap shots everywhere 
are talking Pinehurst and the third annual midwinter 
handicap,” says Bandmaster John Philip Sousa, as a 
result of his annual fall tour, and here you have the sit¬ 
uation in a few words. What Pinehurst is to the world 
of golf, it is rapidly becoming to the world of sportsmen. 
“The shoot is certainly now thoroughly established 
among the leading class events of the country,” continued 
the great composer and author, “and mark my word, 
the entrance field will surprise you this season.” 
This year’s programme booked for the full week be¬ 
ginning Jan. 17, with the leading events on the 20th, 
21 st and 22 d, is planned on new and comprehensive 
lines; the sweepstakes to be 20 -target events, with the 
money divided into five sections and $10 added to each 
of them, class shooting with an optional sweepstake for 
those who desire to participate in it divided into four 
moneys, high guns. 
There will be $200 added money in the handicap, the 
entrance fee $20, and $150 added money in the pre¬ 
liminary, with an entrance fee of $10. It will thus be 
seen that the programme arranged is ideal, appealing 
generally and without objectionable features, as the par¬ 
ticipation in the optional event rests entirely with the 
contestant. 
Two splendid sterling cups are offered to the winner 
of the handicap and the preliminary, and one gold and 
two silver medals for the highest general amateur average 
with a gold medal for the highest professional average. 
The contest is open to amateurs only, manufacturers’ 
agents and paid representatives being allowed to shoot 
for the price of the targets only and the average medal. 
The handicap committee includes Charles W. Billings, 
of the New York Athletic Club, as chairman; Charles A. 
Lockwood and David T. Leahy, of the Crescent Athletic 
Club, of Brooklyn ; Charles Newcomb, of the Independent 
Gun Club, of Philadelphia;, Frank L. Hall, of the Car- 
taret Gun Club, of Ridgefield, and H. J. I. Johnson, 
of Raleigh, one of the best known trap shots in the 
South. 
The club’s programme of tournament events includes 
weekly 100 -target handicaps for sterling cups, to be 
held on Mondays from Jan. 31 to March 28. For the 
four best scores made during the season (midwinter 
tournament excepted) in 100 -target events, a gold medal 
will be awarded the winner to have shot at not less than 
800 targets; scratch shooting, open to amateurs only. 
Invitation tournaments for trophies contributed by 
those interested, will also be a pleasant feature of the 
winter, and among those who will touch elbows on the 
firing line will be old friends who have been connected 
with the sport here since its inception. 
The club’s equipment is unequaled and the location 
ideal; a quaint southern touch being given by the log 
cabin club house. 
Herbert L. Jillson, Sec’y. 
The Forest and Stream may be obtained from any 
newsdealer on order. Ask your dealer to supply you 
regularly. 
Garfield Gun Club. 
Chicago, Nov. 13. —The’ shoot-off for the season’s 
trophies was held by the Garfield Gun Club on afternoon 
of above date. A strong south wind sent the targets a 
hundred feet into the air at times, and made them un¬ 
certain at all times. 
The Class A cash prize in the club trophy was won 
by Kuss, who shot at a total of 575 birds in this event 
and scored high average for the season with 95.7 per 
cent. 
The Class B cash prize was won by Thomas with a 
percentage of 76.6, the same number of birds being 
shot at. 
The Class C cash prize was won by Eaton, who shot 
at 275 birds and scored a percentage of 70.9. 
In the Hunter Arms trophy, George, Einfeldt 
and Dr. Shaw qualified in Class A, Thomas in 
Class B and Herr in Class C. The trophy was a beau¬ 
tiful hand-painted vase, and was won by Einfeldt in the 
shoot-off with a perfect score, 25 targets. 
In the Dupont trophy, George won, the prize being 
a bronze Irish setter. His score in the shoot-off was 22. 
In the Ballistite, Thomas, in Class B and Herr in 
Class C, tied in the first contest and ran an even race in 
the first 15 birds of the second contest, but in the last 
10 Herr outdistanced Thomas and carried off first honors. 
The prize was a silver cup of very pretty design. 
The high average for the season in the Hunter Arms 
event was made by Kuss with a percentage of 94.8, while 
Einfeldt was second with 90.1. 
In the Dupont trophy, Kuss again scored high average 
with a percentage of 93.2, with Einfeldt second with 91.3. 
In the Ballistite, Kuss and Einfeldt respectively scored 
first and second, with percentages of 88.8 and 86.4. 
A summary of the scores made in the shoot-off is as 
follows. No. 1 was for practice; No. 2 the Hunter Arms 
trophy; No. 3 the Dupont trophy; Nos. 4 and 5 the 
Ballistite trophy. 
Events: 1 2 3 4 5 
Targets: 25 25 25 25 25 
Thomas . 19 22 19 22 14 
Einfeldt . 18 25 20 20 22 
Dr Shaw . 14 15 14 15 .. 
George . 18 19 22 18 .. 
Herr . 17 17 14 22 18 
Hobart . 23 20 .. .. 
Morris . 20 20 .. .. 
Frontier Rod and Gun Club. 
Buffalo, N. Y., Nov. 14.—In the Frontier Rod and 
Gun Club’s regular shoot to-day, ideal weather favored 
the sportsmen who 
attended, and a 
fine afternoon’s 
sport was enjoyed. 
Events: 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 6 
Targets: 
10 
15 
25 
10 
20 20 
McKenna . 
. 5 
13 
22 
7 
15 9 
F Clay . 
. 6 
9 
13 
4 
12 8 
W Bidell . 
. 7 
9 
17 
8 
16 7 
Eichberg . 
14 
19 
8 
14 14 
Wakefield . 
. 10 
13 
20 
9 
15 15 
Eaton . 
11 
18 
E Bidell . 
9 
19 
Goetz . 
10 
15 
6 
L Rowland . 
. 1 
9 
2 
1 
Bryant . 
. 8 
10 
Seasland . 
10 
Ltz . 
. 6 
12 
15 
Kamman . 
. 5 
12 
22 
. 9 
9 
7 
Ratcliffe . 
’0 
13 
Tax . 
9 
12 
21 
. 14 
Heckadon . 
. 6 
23 
5 
Dewald . 
. 9 
19 
.. 9 
Story . 
. 7 
F Appelbacher . 
. 4 
No. 3 was for badge; No. 6 was at doubles. 
Henry C. Utz, Sec’y. 1 
Woodland Gun Club. 
1 
Woodland, Mass., Nov. 13.—There were eleven con¬ 
testants in the club handicap event, which was divided 
into classes A and B, W. G. Clark winning with a total ’ 
of 79 in the former class, and F. H. Brown with 91 in I 
the latter. Scores: 
Class 
A. 
H. 
T. 
H. T. 
W G Clark. 
. 10 
79 
C E Barott. 
.. 8 83 
F M O’Donnell... 
. 10 
84 
L B Folson. 
.. 10 91 
J II Dodge. 
. 6 
81 
Class 
B. 
F H Brown. 
. 24 
91 
W R Conover.... 
.. 16 99 
L A Spinney. 
. 18 
92 
F Winter . 
.. 24 108 
Hillside Rod and Gun Club. 
Flushing, N. Y., Nov. 13.—The regular Saturday 
afternoon shoot of this club was held on their grounds 
at Flushing. The scores follow in detail: 
Targets: 
Bell . 
Campbell 
Funke ... 
Goerke .. 
Pentz 
Keppel .. 
Swain .... 
15 15 15 15 15 15 
.... 10 13 7 13 14 .. 
.... 11 11 9 5 8 9 
.... 8 12 7 9 10 .. 
.... 13 13 6 8 8 7 
.... 15 14 11 12 14 14 
.... 10 10 10 7 14 8 
.... 4 6 4 4 10 .. 
Fred. R. Long, Sec’y. 
