< Previous238 T H E R I F L E M A N .June, 1918. NOW IN ST OCK. GREENER Mark II. ORTHOPTIO^BAOKSICHT. Can be easily fitted to any Martini Rifle. Provides screw lateral and elevating adjust ments, giving micrometer readings. O b t a i n a b l e f r o m t h e S . M . R . C . , A r u n d e l H o u s e . Arundel Street, London, W .C. 2. P R I C E 1 0 / 6 N E T T E A C H . Postage 2d. extra. The S.M.R.C. Club Account Book COMPRISING Club Membership List, R e c e i p t s a n d P a y m e n t s , Ammunition Register . S i z e 1 2 i i n . b y l O f i n . 60 pp. in Cloth Cover . Price 2/6 each, mncHESUR '22 LONG RIFLE "LESMDK" CARTRIDGES were used successfully in the following Competitions at the S.M.R.C. Meeting, June, 1916. " D A I L Y E X P R E S S . " < 8 ^ ^ " D A I L Y T E L E G R A P H . " * " D U K E O F W E S T M I N S T E R . " " S T E V E N S V A S E . " * ^ " B E N H A M . " ^ ^ ^ ^ In all kinds of shooting they continue to excel. No matter what the make of your favourite arm is, you can bring out its possibilities to the fullest degree by using " Winchester " make of cartridges. S o l e D i s t r i b u t o r s i n t h e U n i t e d K i n g d o m : LONDON ARMOUR Y COMP ANY L TD., 3 1 , B u r y S t r e e t , S t . J a m e s ' , L o n d o n , S . W . I . WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKThe Rifleman T H E O F F I C I A L O R G A N O F t h k S O C I E T Y O F M I N I A T U R E R I F L E C L U B S . T k l e g k a i ' H I C . A d d k k s s : '■ R i r t a l i o t , E s . r n n i l , L o i u l o n . " Te l e p h o n e : G e i n i r t i 2 g ^ 2 — 3 9 5 5 . Vol. XIV. No. y6 (New Series). LONDON, JUNE, 1918. Monthly , One PenNy . B O M B - D R O P P I N G F R O M A I R C R A F T. B y " B a l i s t i c a . " [Although the subject of bomb-dropping fro)n aircraft is one lehich is in itself outside the scope of rifle shooting, get it is of so much interest at this time that " Balistica " has been requested to write a short series of articles on requested the subject for our readers.—The Editok.] T P r e l i j i i n a r y R E M A P a C S . "^HE present war has given much ^•i\■id illustration o f t h e p o w e r f u l n e s s o f t h e a e r i a l a r m . To w h a t extent aircraft as a factor in future conllicts may be developed we can only conjecture. To-day we see aircraft be'ng used in a manner which our enemy has deemed fit to initiate ; and destruction from the air is being carried on in a wholesale way quite out side military ■ requirements. I n t h i s s h o r t s e r i e s o f a r t i c l e s w e s i i a l l s e c t h a t t h e dropping of bombs is, to a groat extent, a matter of hazard, as the hitting of a definite small target is a very difficult problem. W e w i l l c o n s i d e r t h e m o t i o n o f a b o m b r e l e a s e d a t a height with a horizontal velocity, firstly, when air resist ance is not operating against the bomb's flight, and, secondly, when air resistance is taken into consideration. Bomb Falling in a Non-Resisting Medium. W h e n a b o m b i s r e l e a s e d f r o m a n a i r c r a f t i n m o t i o n the bomb does not follow a perpendicular path to earth becau.se it is charged with .a horizontal velocity equal to the velocity at which the aircraft is travelling. It moves almost horizontally for a very small fraction of time, and afterwards falls away from the horizontal path very rapidly, until, if the fall to earth is a large one, the final portion of its path becomes very nearly perpendicular. Its path to earth is, indeed, analogous to that of a gun projectile or a rifle bullet after it has reached the summit of its trajectory. The manner in which a projectile of ..any kind, travelling with a forward velocity, falls to earth, is deter mined by its power of meeting the resistance offered by the medium in which it is moving, the air. Thus a heavy projectile of small diameter projected with small velocity is little affected by air resistance; a light projectile of large diameter suffers a large retardation. In the case of a bomb falling from travelling aircraft its forward velocity at the commencement of its flight is not likely to be more than 300 feet per second (204 miles per hour) so that the air resistance is not great, although it has to be reckoned with. When we consider the motion of the bomb in a non- resisting medium, i.e., a vacuum, the path followed by the bomb is a simple parabolic one. The calculation of the elements of flight is simple, and it gives us limiting I figures. Thus, we know that the bomb cannot travel horizontally over the ground beyond the figure given for range, nor take a shorter time in falling, than indicated by the figures of parabolic motion. .Vnd when the bomb is a particularly heavy one, and of comparatively small diameter, it is so little affected by air resistance that the figures of parabolic motion are very near the truth. To calculate the elements of parabolic motion we must know :— - V = velocity (in feet per second) of the aircraft,' which is also equal to the initial velocity of the bomb ; h = vertical height of fall (feet); a; = horizontal range covered by falling bom!) (feet) ; f = time taken by bomb in falling (seconds); a = quadrant angle of depression to the target; 2 = angle to the horizontal at which bomb strikes the ground ; and L" = striking velocity. Velocity may be measured in feet per second, or miles per hour, the former convertible into the latter bv multiplying by 15/22. For convenience we may set down the speeds usually met with in flying as under :— X'elocity (V) in Feet per Miles per second.hour . 30 ... ... 20 40 ... , 2 7 50 ...34 60 41 70 ... 48 80 55 90 ... 61 100 68 11 0 75 12082 130 ... 89 140 95 150 ... ... 102 We will first calculate the time taken by the bomb in Tailing (t). The time jn a vacuum is independent of velocity and dependent only on the height fallen, so that, whatever velocity' the bomb has when it is released, it * The term aircraft is u<ed, although, of course, we are for the moment presuming the absence of air. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK242 T H E R I F L E M A N . June, 1918. 9. SURREY . i . H . H a r d i n g ( M i t c h a m ) • • 2 G C M. Willcox (Addiscombe) 3 G T Basham (AddiscomDe) i. W Serle (Wimbledon Park) 5. H. C. Pressland (Addiscombe) 6. E. Marshall (Cheam) 10. ESSEX. 1. S. J. Phillips (London Postal Ser- 2 , L i m m e r ( W a l t h a m s t o w E n - Edwards (Associated Eauip- m e n t C o . ) - • ■ , * — ' i i. F. Newberry (Associated Equipment m e n t C o . ) • ; 5. G. A. Jones (Associated Equipment C o . ) ' 1 11 D E V O N S H I R E . 1. W . W . Moon (Devonport)- 2. E. Coleman (Devonport) 3. J. S. Luke (Devonport) 4 . E . H u x h a m ( D e v o n p o r t ) 5. E. J. Odgers (Devonport) .. 6. C. E Hocking (Devonport) .. 12. SUFFOLK. 1 E Garrod (Lowestoft Railway) 2 . W . D u r r a n t ( S o t t e r l e y ) . . . • . 3. R W. Dapljm (Lowestoft Railway).. 4. G. Eevell (Lowestoft Railway) 5 . J . K n i g h t ( S o t t e r l e y ) . . . . 6 . E . H . W i l l i a m s ( A l d e b u r g h ) . . 13. MIDDLESEX. 1. G. Rhodes (Midland Railway, High- gate) 2 . H . C . C h a n d l e r ( H e s t o n ) . . . . . 3. C. Bryant (Pinchley Special Con s t a b u l a r y ) . . . . . 4 . J , C o a t e s ( A l e x a n d r a P a l a c e ) 5 . C . B r o o k s ( H e s t o n ) L . B r o o k s ( H e s t o n ) D. R.Tl. 10098 198 97 99 196 9795192 99 91 190 94 92 186 94 89183 11 4 5 99 96195 9695191 9695191 9791 188 9392185 9587182 11 3 2 99 95194 96 97 193 9694190 9594189 9790 187 9086176 11 2 9 96 98 194 99 95194 9795 192 97891S6 91 91 182 94 84178 11 2 6 96 98 95 94 96 96 94 ISO 92 190 94 139 94 183 88 184 88 184 11 2 5 11 Y O R K S H I R E . 1 H E H a y n e s ( M i d l a n d R a i l w a y. S h e f fi e l d ) t . ' , u \ n S 2 P W a l l i s ( B r i n c l i f f e a n d E c c l e s a l i ) 9 8 3 E Hughes (Brincliffe and Ecclesali) 94 4 . T H W a t s o n ( S o u t h B a n k N . R . ) . . 9 3 5. H. E. Dyson (Pitsmoor) 6 W Manging (Northallerton Town).. 87 84 171 98 197 96 194 96 190 93 186 90 186 11 2 4 15 CHESHIRE. 1 R . M . S w i n t o n ( A p p l e t o n ) 2 . J . M c L e o d ( W a l l a s e y ) . . . . . . 3 , L i e u t . B . D a v e n p o r t ( C C o . 5 t h C h e s h i r e V . E . ) ■ . , 4 A. P. O'Kell (Bowden and District) 5 . W . C . C a r s w e l l ( W a l l a s e y ) . . 6. W . McCubbin (W allasey) 98 196 95 192 94 188 90 187 91 185 82 175 11 2 3 16. KENT . 1. P. Cheetham (Vickers. Crayford). 2 . P. O l d r o y d ( L o n d o n P o s t a l S e r v i c e ) 9 8 3. W . C. Pettigrew (Sundridge Park Golf Club) 4 . S e r g t . T r a i e . s ( R . A . P. , E a s t c h u r c h ) 6 , G . E . L u k e y ( V i c k e r s . C r a y f o r d ) . . 6 . C , A . L o w ( S u n d r i d g e P a r k G o l f C l u b ) 8 5 9 0 1 7 5 98 94 192 94 192 94 188 93 188 90 185 11 2 0 17 DERBYSHIRE. 1 . E . C . S y k e s ( B o l s o v e r C o l l i e r i e s ) . . 1 0 0 2 , H . M o o r e ( B r i n c l i f f e a n d E c c l e s a l i ) 9 6 3 , J . F. S t e v e n s o n ( S t a n t o n I r o n Wo r k s ) 9 8 4 . J . D a l z i e l ( M i d l a n d R a i l w a y, D e r b y ) 9 6 B, E, M. Payne (Midland Railway , D e r b y ) 9 4 6 . G . H o l m e s ( C h e s t e r fi e l d ) . . . 8 5 96 198 97 193 93 191 91 187 89 183 85 170 11 2 0 18. BERKSHIRE. D. R. Tl. 1. Sergt. F. Knight (No. 12 Plat. 1st R o y a l B e r k s V . R . ) 9 9 9 5 1 9 4 2. Mrs. Lennard (Maidenhead and Dis t r i c t ) 9 4 9 8 1 9 2 3 . P . S c h o fi e l d ( R e a d i n g ) . . . . 9 7 9 4 1 9 1 4 . F . T . G r a y ( R e a d i n g ) 9 2 9 6 1 8 8 5 . A . S m i t h ( M a i d e n h e a d a n d D i s t r i c t ) 9 4 9 2 1 8 6 6 . H . D y s o n ( R e a d i n g ) 9 2 7 5 1 6 7 111 8 19.MONMOUTHSHIRE. 1 . W. W a l t e r s ( M o n m o u t h a n d D i s t r i c t ) 1 0 0 9 5 1 9 5 2 . P. G . H a r v e y ( M o n m o u t h a n d D i s t r i c t ) 9 3 9 6 1 8 9 3 . G . E . J e n k i n s ( M o n m o u t h a n d D i s t r i c t ) 9 4 9 2 1 8 6 4. A. J. Herbert (Monmouth and Dis t r i c t ) . . . . . . . . . . 9 5 9 0 1 8 5 5 . E . A . H a r v e y ( M o n m o u t h a n d D i s t r i c t ) . . 9 9 8 4 1 8 3 6 . F. A l n e s ( M o n m o u t h a n d D i s t r i c t ) 9 6 8 4 1 8 0 111 8 20.HER TFORDSHIRE. 1 . J . H a r e ( C r o x l e y G r e e n ) 2 . A . B e c k ( C r o x l e y G r e e n ) 3 . S . H . B a u g h e n ( U p p e r M i l l s ) 4 . ( J . E . F r a n c i s ( U p p e r M i l l s ) 5 . G . B r o c k l e h u r s t ( U p p e r M i l l s ) 8 . G . I v e y ( C r o x l e y G r e e n ) 96 95 191 99 90 189 95 93 188 94 92 166 88 95 183 94 86 180 111 7 21. NOR THAMPT ONSHIRE. 1 . P. G a r d i n e r ( W e s t w o o d W o r k s ) . . 2 . W . B . F r o s t i c k ( W e s t w o o d W o r k s ) . . 3 . W. A . P e e k ( W e s t w o o d W o r k s ) 4 . E . B i l l i n g t o n ( W e s t w o o d W o r k s ) . . 5 . A . W e b b e r ( W e s t w o o d W o r k s ) 6. C. W . Smith (Midland Railway , Kettering) 100 91 191 98 91 189 97 91 188 99 87 186 95 90 185 95 80 175 111 4 22. PER THSHIRE. 1 . W . J . S u m m e r v i l l e ( P e r t h C i t y a n d C o u n t y ) 9 6 9 6 1 9 2 2 . W . S c o t t ( P e r t h C i t y a n d C o u n t y ) 9 7 9 0 1 8 7 3 . D . B . C r o c k a r t ( P e r t h C i t y a n d C o u n t y ) 9 9 8 7 1 8 6 4. W . Leslie (Meigle and District! .. 97 87 184 5 . J . S h a n k l a n d ( P e r t h C i t y a n d C o u n t y ) 9 9 8 4 1 8 3 6 . W . M c i n t o s h ( M e i g l e a n d D i s t r i c t ) 8 9 9 1 I S O 111 2 23.SUSSEX. 1 . E . B a t e s ( B r i g h t o n R a i l w a y A t h l e t i c ) 2 . G . L . H a n c o c k ( B r i g h t o n a n d H o v e Imperial) 3 . H . W . A l e x a n d e r ( P o r t s l a d e ) 4 . J . T . B a k e r ( B r i g h t o n a n d H o v e Imperial) 5. T. Chenuell (Portslade) 6. B. Mitchell (Brighton Railway Ath letic) 9895193 99 94 193 96 93189 9785182 9289181 8979168 11 0 6 24. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE. 1 . A . J . O t t e r ( 4 5 t h N o t t s B o y S c o u t s ) 1 0 0 2 . W . B a i l e y ( 4 5 t h N o t t s B o y S c o u t s ) 9 7 3 . H . L o n g d o n ( 4 5 t h N o t t s B o y S c o u t s ) 8 9 4 . G . T o m l i n s o n ( S n e i n t o n ) . . . . 9 2 5 . J . W . S m i t h ( S n e i n t o n ) . . . . 9 5 6 . W. E . H o r n s b y ( 4 5 t h N o t t s B o y S c o u t s ) 9 3 96 196 96 193 93 182 89 181 85 180 86 179 1111 25. WA R W I C K S H I R E . 1. E. Giles (Metro.. Birmingham) .. gg 96 194 2. P. H. Rayer (Metro., Birmingham) 97 89 186 3. W. J. Wright (Sper^n Athletic) . 94 90 184 4. T. Corbett (Metro , Birmingham) .. 95 86 181 5 J. T. Dent (Metro.. Birmingham).. 98 81 179 6. A. Pelton (Metro., Birmingham) .. 95 74 169 26. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE. D. R. 97 97 98 93 1 . E . M o r r i s ( A y l e s b u r y ) 2 . J . R . L e e ( A y l e s b u r y ) X ' . ; s x 3 . C . G r i e r ( A y l e s b u r y ) 9 3 8 9 4 . E . B o d d v ( A y l e s b u r y ) . . 5 . F . P o w e l l ( S a w M i l l s ) . . . . . 6 V. C . T r i m m i n g ( B u r n h a m a n d D i s trict) 90 86 97 78 Si 191 182 176 175 90 82 172 1090 27. CORNW ALL. 1. Sergt. E. Behenna (" D " Co. Truro V o l s . ) „ 2. G. Wright (Mounts Bay Vols.) .. 3. G. L. Rogers (Mounts Bay Vols.) .. 4 . F. B e r r y m a n ( M o u n t s B a y V o l s . ) . . 5 . L i e u t . J . W i l l i a m s ( " D " C o . T r u r o 6 . W . H . E v a ( M o u n t s B a y V o l s . ) 1093 28. BEDFORDSHIRE. 1 . H . G i b b o n s ( L u t o n a n d D i s t r i c t ) . . 2. S. C. Dickinson (Luton and District) 3 . E . H . M u l l e r ( L u t o n a n d D i s t r i c t ) 4. R. Head (Luton and District) 5 . P. R . C o o k ( L u t o n a n d D i s t r i c t ) . . 6 . E . S c h e f e r i L u t o n a n d D i s t r i c t ) 29.CAMBRIDGESHIRE. 1 . G . V. C e a d e l ( C h e s t e r t o n ) . , 2. K. Sanderson (Chesterton) 3 . A . H . W . B r a d y ( C h e s t e r t o n ) 4. C. T. Stearn (Lensfield) H . P i n c h a m ( C h e s t e r t o n ) 6 . E . C . S t e a m ( L e n s fi e l d ) 30. GLAMORGANSHIRE. 1 . W . E v a n s ( T o n d u ) 2 . A . A . S a n d e r s ( To n d u ) 3 . W . D a v e y ( To n d u ) 4. S. Mead (T ondu) 5. G. Powen (Tondu) 6 . J . T. H o p k i n s ( To n d u ) 31. NOR THUMBERLAND. 1. J. Lumsden (Wallsend and Neptune) 2. H. L. Robertshaw (W allsend and Neptune) 3 . G . W . E . D a v i s ( W a l l s e n d a n d Neptune) 4. H. Gibson (W allsend and Neptune) 5 . W. F e r g u s ( W a l l s e n d a n d N e p t u n e ) 6. W. Scarborough (W allsend and Nep tune) 32. OXFORDSHIRE. 1 . J . T. M o u n t a i n ( B i c e s t e r To w n a n d District) 2 . W. H . G a r d i n e r ( R e a d i n g ) 3 . B . L e w i s ( C h e r w e l l ) 4 . H . W . P a n k h u r s t ( B i c e s t e r T o w n and District) 5 . R . H u t c h i n s ( C h e r w e l l ) 6. A. Axtell (Cherwell) 33. SOMERSETSHIRE. 1 . A . L a n g l e y ( C a x t o n ) 2 . S e r g t . T . M i s k e l l y ( T a u n t o n D e t . 3 r d S o m e r s e t ) . . 3 . M . S . S m i t h ( C a x t o n ) . . 4 . W . E . S t o n e ( B r i s l i n g t o n ) . . 5. E. J. Reed (Caxton) J . W. K a y d i d n o t r e t u r n t a r g e t s . 97 93 190 9690 18f 9886181 9291183 9485179 88 79167 1089 9790187 9501 186 94 80 183 93an182 9585 180 92 79^ 171 1089 9794 191 99 92191 94 92 IBG 90 84174 90 84174 8675 161 107T 97 98 195. 96 9218S 98 90 188 9188182 97 85182 91 61142 107T 9696 192 97 85 182 9685181 91 89 180 0581176 95 57 152 1063 9596191 97 93190 98S3 181 86 90176 95 71166 8374157 1061 92 89 181 91 88 179 95 84 179 92 85 17T 84 72 .156' ' 872 34. ABERDEENSHIRE. ^ 1 . P . J a m i e s o n ( B o n a c c o r d ) . . . . 8 8 9 8 1 8 6 ' 2 . J . C a m e r o n ( B o n a c c o r d ) . . . . 8 9 9 1 I S C ' 3 . J . S . M a r s h a l l ( B o n a c c o r d ) . . . . 9 3 8 7 1 8 t > 4 . A . F o r b e s ( B o n a c c o r d ) . . . . 9 6 7 7 1 7 3 L. G. Jamieson did not return targets. G. L. Taylor did not return targets. 719 WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKJune, 1918. T H E R I F L E M A N . DRIFT . B y " A k e r i m a n . " I AST month we considered the question of velocity as applied to the rifle bullet, in its relation to —J accuracy and smashing power. The writer pointed out that high velocity was only obtainable over a long range by decreasing the surface of forward resistance ■while increasing the weight of the bullet, i.e., making it ■of cylindrical shape, and giving it a "twist" by mear.s of rifling, in order to keep it moving point foremost. The principle by which this twist, or rotation, keeps '.the bullet point foremost is known as " gyroscopic action." It is one of the most remaritable phenomena of kinetics, and is widely used in scientilic construction. Two of the commonest applications of it are to the torpedo and the mono-rail. It has also been tried (and may now be used —the writer is not aware) for stabilising aeroplanes. What it comes to in practice is simply this—that if a body, •say a cycle wheel, be rapidly revolved upon its axis or .axle, it will remain in the same plane, even if only supported at one end of the axle; so that if not revolving, the weights •of the wheel would at once cause it to fall over. It is ■exactly the same phenomenon which keeps a child's hoop upright, so long as it is revolving fast enough. When it ■slows down or stops, it falls over. In the case of the hoop, being in contact with the ground, it rolls forward ; and it is such a common spectacle to see a hoop rolling along and not falling, that one never regards it as at all remarkable ; but to see a stationary cycle wheel revolving, ■supported only by one end of its axle resting, say, upon •one's finger, and not falling over, seems and indeed is, very wonderful. But if this wheel experiment be tried, it will be found fhat while the wheel will easily remain upright, indeed, cannot easily be pushed over, it will also very slowly revolve in the horizoulal plane. That is to say, supposing you hold out your wheel at arm's length, supported by the end of the axle on your hand, and revolve it with the ■other hand, you will find you have to slowly turn round yourself ; for the wheel will gradually move round and rub against your arm if you do not. If you then change hands, holding it by the other end of the axle, it will then •slowly turn in the opposite direction. Now this tendency to turn slowly in the plane perpendicular to that of the revolution still exists even if the wheel or body be spinning freely in the air without ■support ; but in this case it is a much slower movement. Now suppose the spinning body to be a long, pointed bullet, moving forward from a rifle barrel. If the twist or rotation be left-handed, i.e., coming from rifling, the twist of which is similar to tliat of a left-handed screw, then the tendency to rotation in the horizontal plane will be such that the point of the bullet will go to the left and the base to the right—speaking from the point of view of the man behind the gun, facing the target. If the twist were right-handed, the tendency would loe the other way —point going to the right. Now as the bullet travels through air, which is all the time exerting a strong pressure, or resistance to flight, the effect of the point's turning off to one side or the other, at once causes an increase of air pressure on one side. ^If the point turns off to the left, there becomes greater pressure on the right, and vice versa. This increase of pressure on one side will obviously cause the bullet to move across slightly, away from the pressure—and thus we get the deviation from true flight known as Drift. " Musketry Regulations," Part I., describes the phe nomenon in its usual bald and businesslike manner iii these w o r d s : " 156. Drift is the term used to express the lateral deviation of the bullet after it has left the barrel. This deviation, which is considerably less than that caused by jump, is brought about by the rotation of the bullet and the position which it assumes in its flight. The left-handed rifling of the service rifle causes the bullet to rotate from right over to the left, and, owing to gyroscopic action, the point works over slightly to the left. The consequent increased air pressure on the right side of the bullet there f o r e f o r c e s i t t o t h e l e f t . " The book thengoesontomakethe following remarkable statement:—"The deflection due to drift at distances below 1,000 yards is negligible. At 1,500 yards it may he regarded as about'] feci." (The italics are ours). " Negligible " is perhaps a term of some elasticity of meaning. Certainly the drift increases enormously out of direct proportion to the range, as the velocity becomes less, both because the point of the bullet has worked over much more, and the side pressure has more time in which to make itself felt as the bullet travels slower at the extremity of its range. At 500 .yards, however, with the .303, the drift is about xo inches, and at 1,000 yards 2 feet; which amounts, while being more or less negligible for purposes of collective fire, are certainly to be reckoned with in any- sort of accurate fire. Some years ago, jump and drift were supposed to be allowed for in the sighting of the service rifles by setting the foresight out of centre an amount sufficient to give straight shooting at 500 yards. These days, however, when ranges for rifle fire are generally short, the rule seems to be to sight for straight shooting at short range, and ignore the effect of drift, which only becomes a factor to be seriously reckoned with at longer range. In the case of the .22 and indeed most rifles other than our .303, the,twist is generally right hand, and drift therefore to the right also. The writer has never yet had the opportunity to conduct experiments to find the amount of drift to be expected with the .22. and would welcome information on the point if any other rifleman can supply it. VOLUNTEER CROUPINC GAUGE. Many applications have been received for the above to assisf^n deciding doubtful shots, and we are pleased to announce that we are now in a position to supply a celluloid gauge with 2 inch, 3 inch and 4 inch rings at 8d. each, post free. S.M.R.C., Arundel House, Arundel Street, London, W. C . 2 . WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK244 REGISTER OF WINNERS. T t a r C l u b . 1 9 1 6 M a n c h e s t e r A t h l e t e s 1916 R.N.A-S. Eastchurch 1917 W ellington Harbour (New Zealand) 1 9 1 7 M a n c h e s t e r A t h l e t e s 1917 35th Poona Battalion (India) Board, 1917 1917 1917 1917 1917 1917 1918 igiS 1918 1918 1918 1918 igi8 1918 1918 1918 rgiS 1918 1918 1918 1918 1918 1918 igi8 Barnsley and District Hendon D o r c h e s t e r a n d D i s t r i c t Bradford Post Office New Court Hospital Grosvenor L o n d o n V o l u n t e e r R i fl e s Capel (Surrey) Globe W orks L e e d s S q u a d r o n L e g i o n o f Frontiersmen Logie Chiswick Miekleham City of London National Res. Croydon Batt., C.L.B. Long Ashton Police Irvine Brocklesby Limber and District ist Cadet Batt., The King's Own Lancashire Regiment London Orphan School " B" Coy., R. E. Cadets St. Hugh's, Bickley, Kent Vu l c a n Lancaster No.Bell Medal.Daily ExpressDaily Telegraph D a i l y M a i l •Medal. Certificate. Certijicale. 531 G. S. TylerT. L o n g W. C o l eH. Robinson 11 4 8 aP/O. TraiesA/M. AustinP/O. Lewis L/M. Scott 3811 S. SunderlandC. McDonald C. McDonaldC. McDonald 531 W. C o l e G. S. Tyler A. R. Barwell D. Eyre 347 Staff-Sgt. Inst. Coy. Q.-M.-Sgt. Staff-Sgt. Inst.Staff-Sgt. Inst. R. J. Martin R. M. Master J. AnnettJ. Annett 2135 C. Pickering F. L a n d J. R. Sharp G. W. Hey 675 A. Richardson T. Mansergh A. RichardsonA. Richardson 1573 H. K. Harris W. F . S m i t h H. K. HarrisP. E . C r a b b 2196 M i s s P . F o s t e r M i s s P. F o s t e r M i s s P . F o s t e r M i s s P . F o s t e r 2574a E. C. Mabbett T. H . W . F u l t o n E. B. MabbettT. A l l e n 1702 E. A. Pell C. B. Cutchey E. A.Jones C. B. Cutchey 1403 Band Sgt. Mc- C. S. Jamieson Sgt. Gutteridge Band Sgt. Mc- Cormick Cormick 2580a M. J. Penfold S. MortimerR. Bell R. Bell 1747 J. Barker W. D u n c a nT. H a l l J. Barker 1271 H. Allwood 1579 W. S m i t h 76F. G . H . H o l t W. J . L i l l W. F . G o d d a r dT. W . S m i t h 2708a W. L o n g G. Kent T. E . R o s eT. E . R o s e 1207a Sgt.W.Saunders W. T. Ottaway Sgt.-Maj. W..J.Sgt.-Maj. W. J. King King 834Sgt. Scott Cpl. Woodcock Sgt. Downton Pte. L. Stephens 3550 P/C. J. PalmerP/C. E. J. Hart P/C. A. JeansP/CH.JHibberd 3712 C. Glen D. Hulme J. G. PatersonA. W . W att 2926 D. Brocklesby C. Stain sby W. P o c k l i n g t o n J. W. Berry 2846aSgt. H. G. Mc- CadetL.Thomp- Carrollson 1267 H. J. Frith R. K. Cox C. F . Chaloner J. Henderson 2487 Sapper Palmer Sapper Steele Sgt. PritchardSapp'rFairbairn 3095aJ. R. McMillan 1434 J. T. BanisterJ. T. Banister J. T. Banister J. T. Banister 2936 E. Wilkins W. J. .A.therton W. P a s s m a nA. V . Rossiter Ladv's McdiiL CADET SUMMER COMPETITION, 1918. To be competed for by teams of four from companies or smaller units of Cadet Corps, School Corps, Lads' Brigades, Boy Scouts and any other approved organisation affiliated to the S.M.R.C. The following prizes will be awarded :— 1. To the winning team, 4 large Silver Medals and 1.000 rounds of Ammunition. 2. To the second team, 4 small Silver Medals and 1,000 rounds of Ammunition. 3. To the third team, 4 small Bronze Medals and 1,000 rounds of Ammunition. 4. To the fourth team, 1,000 rounds of Ammunition. 5. To the fifth 6. T o the sixth ,, ,, 7. T o the seventh ,, ,, The above prizes have been kindly presented by Lord Desborough and the Council of the Central Association Volunteer Regiments. Full particulars of the conditions were published on page 232 of the May • Rifleman"; further copies and entry forms will be forwarded on application to the Secretary of the S.M.R.C. E N T R I E S C L O S E J U LY 3 r d . E N T R A N C E F E E 1 / = WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKJune, 1918. T H E R I F L E M A N . 245 N A T I O N A L T E A M C H A M P I O N S H I P, 1 9 1 8 . ' I ' HE final shoot in the current year's competition took 1 place between the teams of the Wimbledon Park, Cheam, Ruston Boiler Works, and Gloucester Civfil S e r v i c e R i fl e C l u b s . A s a n n o u n c e d i n l a s t m o n t h ' s Rifleman, each team shot on their respective home range i n t h e p r e s e n c e o f t h e A s s i s t a n t S e c r e t a r y o f t h e S . M . R . C . , a n d t h e r e s u l t w a s a s f o l l o w s : — I. Wimbledon P.ark (The Cup and Six Special Gold Medals) 584. W. S e i - l e D. S. OaUey... 1^. Cattermole 90 O. Barnes 98 Captain C. Tench 98 H Ciarchicr 07 07 <)5 The winning team thoroughly deserved their victory, as their shooting was of a much higher class than that of any of their opponents. At the same time, the mem bers of this team have had far more experience in match shooting than any of the other competitors. The first five members representing Cheam shot con sistently, but unfortunately either the extreme heat or the excitement of the competition had a very bad effect upon Mr. C. H. L. Whitbourn, who probably made on this occasion a worse shoot than in any previous match for t h e l a s t t w o o r t h r e e y e a r s . The members of the tliird team suffered very badly W I M B L E D O N P A R K R I F L E C L U B . standing, left to right: W. Serle. G. Barnes. W. H. Gardner, F. Cattermole- Sitting: Capt.G- Tench, D. S. Oaker. 97 97 H. (lough C, H, L. Whitbourn... 3 2. Cheam (Six Special Silver Medals) 571. A. D. Cartwright 98 (1. A. Pilditch J. E. Howard W. R . G e o r g e Ruston Boiler Works (Six Special Bronze Medals) 563- G. Clavton 97 H. Hur .st 93 A. Chird 9d B. Bulhvant 93 H. Unnell 93 1'. Hodgson 91 4. Gloucester Civil Service (Six Special Bronze Medals) 560. W . M . J a m e s 9 3 T . H . R a y n e r 9 1 W. R . S t o d d a r t 9 1 96 95 88 C. J. Durham E. J. Neininger J. D. Yeomans 96 96 93 from nerves, this probably being accounted for as it was the first time they had taken part in the final shoot of an opien competition. The grouping on their targets was infinitelv better than the above scores represent and it is quite possible that it will not be very long before the team win one of the open events in miniature rifle .shooting. The team of the Gloucester Civil Service Rifle Club also suffered badly from nerves, anid the scores piit up do not at all represent their shooting ability. It is curious that immediately after firing in this competition the two members who made the lowest scores shot their Queen's Cup targets for the second stage, making 97 and 98 respectively. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK246 the rifleman. Jcxe, 19i8. N O T E S A N D C O M M E N T S . We are pleased to announce that Brigadier-General S. H. W i n t e r , C . B . , C . M . G . , l a t e S e c r e t a r y o f t h e S . M . R . C . , w a s r e c e n t l y e l e c t e d a m e m b e r o f t h e C o u n c i l o f t h e Society. * ^ * It is extremely regretted that owing to a further increase in the cost of the substitutes for wood pulp, the Society has reluctantly been compelled again to revise the prices o f t a r g e t s , a s a n n o u n c e d o n p a g e i i i . o f t h e c o v e r, this further advance being quite unavoidable in the present exceptional circumstances. * * * Det.ails of the second and third stages of the Queen's Cup Competition are given on page 241, and it will be s e e n t h a t t h e f o u r c o u n t i e s q u a l i fi e d t o s h o o t i n t h e fi n a l are Lincolnshire, London, Forfarshire and Gloucester shire. It has been decided that it is impossible to call upon the members of the four competing teams to meet together for a shpulder-to-shoulder match, and therefore each county team will compete on a range to be selected in their own county, in the presence and-under the super vision of the Assistant Secretary of the S.M.R.C. * * * The shooting in the county stage of the competition was not up to the usual standard, but the score made by the Lincolnshire team is a very creditable one and equals the leading score last year. Some exceptionally close shooting took place between seven teams for the fourth place in the final; and after Gloucestershire, Lancashire and Hampshire returned the same aggregate scores Gloucester qualified on account of making four more p o i n t s o n t h e r a p i d c a r d s t h a n e i t h e r o f t h e o t h e r t w o teams. The final should result in a very fine and close contest, and it is hoped that the number of points separating the four teams at the close of the competition will not be greater than in 1916, when the difference i n t h e s c o r e s w a s o n l y 1 6 . * * * The Wimbledon Park Rifle Club team have put up some most excellent shooting recently. In addition to winning the National Team Championship with a score of 584 out of the possible 600, they have made some fine shoots through the ranges; in the S.M.R.C. Team Champio.n- ship their aggregate score at 25, 50 and 100 yards was 1,731, and within a few days they put up another score of 1,7.1.3 fhe London League Competition. ■ « ■ * * Extries for the Cadet Summer Competition close on July 3rd, and in view of the augmented prize list on this occasion it is hoped that a record number of teams will compete. Cornpanies and smaller units may enter more than one team if they wish. Full particulars of the condi tions and entry forms will l>e forwarded upon application being made to the Secretary of the S.M.R.C. * * s W ith regard to the report dealing with the Portslade Rifle Club, appearing on page 234 of last month's issue, it was stated that the whole of the adverse points for tliis club last season totalled only 5 as against 31 to their c r e d i t . W e a r e i n f o r m e d t h a t t h i s s h o u l d h a v e r e a d adverse points to 325, which of course is a very differe matter, and we are pleased to take this opportunity • publishing the correct figures. * * * Shooting on the 25 yards outdoor range of the ist T.l Cadet Battalion North Stafford Regt., Cadet Sergt. I Ashton, aged 16, put up a very fine performance on tl first class figure target 25 = 400. His group of five sho is easily contained in an area of fin. by fin., rnakiri one of the best targets we have seen for some time. A MOST enjoyable shooting competition took place c M a y n t h b e t w e e n " Y " a n d " V " D i v i s i o n s o f t l Metropolitan Special Constabulary, at the " Y " Divisic Headquarters, Holmes Road, Kentish Town, for a cha lenge cup presented bj' the commander of the divisic losing the contest. The weather was ideal and a goc attendance was present. The shooting was very lev, throughout, the result remaining in the balance unt the last two men went down, when " V " Divisio proved victorious by two points. After the match ligl refreshments were partaken of and the cup and medal presented by Commander Gollin to the winning tearr Commander Hammond, of " V " Division, in a spiortin m a n n e r i n v i t e d " Y " D i v i s i o n t o a r e t u r n m a t c h a t H a t and Petersham in the near future, the same condition to govern the contest, and both Divisions are lookin, forward with pleasure to this meeting. The scores mad in the match were " V " Division 577, " Y " Divisio 575- * * * A h.vndbook which should be of great interest at th present time is " Practical Flying," ;recently published b Press, Rosebery Averiue, London, E.C.i T his is the first book dealing with the Service course o tuition for the R.A.F., and is written by Flight Com mander W. G. McMinnies and illustrated by Flight Lieut E. L. Ford. The scope of the book is wide, and it i certainly a valuable addition to existing official publica tions. * * * CLLms which are in need of light rifles for." their ladies or junior sections will be pleased to hear that the Society now has in stock a limited number of Australian Cade Martini model rifles, fitted with service back tangen wind-gauge sight, weight about 61bs., length over-al 4oin., which can be supplied at 55. od. nett. Undei the Defence of the Realm Act it is of course essentia that all orders for these and other rifles should be for warded through Club Secretaries. * * * One of the matches in the semi-final of the MackwortJ Praed (^mpetition has been decided, by which the tearr of the " C " Company 9th Kent V.R. qualifies to tak< part in the final. Owing to a tie shoot in the seventh round the second match to decide who are their opponents has not yet been shot. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK2-17 CADET NOTES. Tiikke are very active days ahead for the Cadet Corps throiigfhout the country. The season for camps is now beginniiii^ and everywhere arrangements are being made for the lads to go either under canvas or into billets in farm buildings, etc., for a week or two in August. There are many difficulties in the way of organising such camps, not the least of these being that so large a part of the country is in prohibited areas for this purpose. However, no doubt in most cases these and other difficulties relating to travelling facilities and food supply will be overcome, and large numbers of boys who are members of Cadet Corps will secure the advantages of a pleasant and health ful holiday, and at the same time improve their training and knowledge of drill and discipline. ■ * * In another direction also we understand that considerable activity may be looked for^lmost immediately. The Cadet Department of the War Office, under the guidance of General Sir Robert Scallon, is taking steps to organise reviews of Cadet Corps in various districts. .Arrange ments have already been made for such a review and inspection in Yorkshire, and a similar review on a very large scale indeed is in contemplation for the Cadet Corps of London and its vicinity. These attractions ought to prove an additional inducement to those who are not yet members of Cadet Corps to take steps to join up at once. * * * L-MtOE numbers of boys are also required for work on the land in connection with the harvest and gathering in the flax crops, etc., and we understand that arrangements are being made through the War Office for this to be done by relays of Cadets wherever possible. The scheme offers an excellent opportunity for lads belonging to Corps to get a good holiday at no expense, and at the same time to render a useful service to the country. Members of Cadet Corps should bring the matter to the notice of their Officer Commanding, who might take it up and endeavour to make arrangements for the Corps to take part in this u s e f u l w o r k . C o m m u n i c a t i o n s o n t h e m a t t e r s h o u l d b e sent to the Cadet Department at the War Office. * - x - * . jMembers of Cadet units which have been successful in the competition for the Lucas Tooth Medals will be interested to know that the Army Council has issued an instruction with reference to the wearing of such medals bv Cadets. These medals are awarded annually to the niost efficient Cadet unit in each county by the Lucas Tooth Boys' Training Fund. It appears that in some instances the medal has been worn by the winner on the chest as an ordinary medal, but the War Office has now laid down that this is not to be continued. The medals are to be worn on the left arm, two inches below the seam of the shoulder-strap, and pieces of ribbon half an inch in length may take the place of the medal when the latter is not worn. Our readers who are qualified to wear this distinction should note the instructions given as to its display. Some lads have a greater interest in Cavalry Regiments than in the ordinary Infantry Cadet Corps, and for these the Imperial Cadet Yeomanry provides a suitable and attractive force to join. There are not many detach ments of this Corps, and in some cases they are already over full, but the Imperial Cadet Yeomanry of Yorkshire, which is affiliated to the Yorkshire Hussars, is still open to receive recruits. The Corps is a very good one, which has been in existence for the past six years, and has attained a status almost equal to that of an O.T.C., and since the outbreak of the war it has passed through to the Senior Service i,6oo efficiently trained Cadets. The- regiment includes squadrons at Leeds, Bradford and Harrogate, with a detachment of the Leeds Squadron also at Wakefield. Recruits should be lads of good social standing between the ages of 14 and 18 years, and not less than -^ft. .-^jins. in height. X * * Geneiul Sir Robert Sc.\llon, K.C.B., who is superin tending the Cadet Department at the War Office on behalf of Lord Scarborough, the Director-General, visited Hull a few weeks ago and took part in a conference and public meeting in connection with the Cadet movement, also inspecting the secondary school Cadets in the city. The conference and public meeting were each attended by large and influential gatherings, and the conference especially was of great utility as there were present repre- .sentatives of all the existing boys' organisations in the city, the place and work of the Cadet Corps being dis cussed and many valuable suggestions made. The General at the inspection of the Grammar School Cadets paid a very high compliment to the lads, who certainly looked very smart on parade. * * * A MOVEMENT for the training and development of the youth of North Staffordshire, between the ages of 14 and 17, has been started as the ist Cadet Battalion of the North Staffordshire Volunteer Regiment. The first enrol ment and drill, which took place quite recently, was very successful, more than 150 lads joining up. At present the movement is confined to Stoke-on-Trent and district, but it is intended to extend it to include Burslem, Tun- stall, and other districts in the vicinity. Those residing in that area should note this and join the new battalion. * * * On Saturday afternoon, June ist, the Cadet Corps of the Xaverian College, Mayfield, was inspected by Alderman Sir John Knill, Deputy Lord Mayor of London. In addi tion to the usual ceremonial the inspection included squad, company, and extended order drill, together with a dis play of physical training exercises. Addressing the Corps at the conclusion of the programme. Sir John, who was accompanied by Lady Knill, expressed himself as very much impressed by the high standard of nil that he had witnessed, and in offering them his heartiest con gratulations he felt sure that the members of so keen a Corps would be ready when the time came to continue to fulfil their duty to their country in whatever sphere the circumstances of the time dictated. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK248 T H E R I F L E M A N . - ■ » ■ - - - ■ ■ JUXE, T H E M A C K W O R T H P R A E D C H A L L E N G E C U P FOR VOLUNTEER REGIMENTS, 1918. RESUL T OF SIXTH ROUND. C C o . i s t C o r n w a l l No. 2 Co. Arbroath 2/ist F o r f a r s . . . C C o . 2 n d D e v o n . . . ■A C o . C o w e s I . O . W . 787 beat C Co. 19th Count}' of London 7S0 .. F Co. 5th Cheshire A T e a m . . . 748 by 39 77<> 7S0 D Co. 2nd City of London ... -A Co. 7th Surrey .A Co. 4th I.incs. 749 762 76S 21 14 12 Stourbridg-e Co. ist W o r c e s t e r s 7 8 6 b e a t E x m o u t h A C o . i s t D e v o n 7 7 8 b y 8 F r i m l e y a n d C a i n b e r l e y P l a t . 7 t h S u r r e y . . . 7 6 6 , , D C o . 4 t h M i d d l e s e x 7 6 3 , , 3 C C o . 9 t h K e n t A T e a m 7 8 1 , , C C o . 1 4 t h W . R . V . R . . . . 7 7 9 „ 2 RESUL T OF SEVENTH ROUND. C Co. 9th Kent .A Team 779 beat B Co. 3rd Warwicks 738 by 41. Lieut. F. S. Cope ... Pte. J. Cameron ... S e r g t . . A . G . B r i n d l e y . . . Pte. H. T . -Adams Sergt. J. Coles Sergt. \V. Brindley Sergt. E. J. Huntingdon Pte G. White Fr i m le y a nd C am b e rl ey P l ats. (.Arbroath) 2, :st Lieut. H. J. Buckingham Corpl. J. W . Elsley P t e . C . K e a r l e v . . . O . M . S . B o o b i e r . . . Sergt. W. Savage ... Pte. C. Court Pte. W. W ye Corpl. J. T. Hurdwell 100 C.O.M.S. Matthews 98 97 93 92 92 91 90 85 99 Sergt. Jewsbury 99 Sec. Lieut. H. Holmes 98 Sergt. Crane 98 Pte. Redgrave 96 Lieut. C. O. Whitfield 95 Capt. S. E. Dean ... 94 Pte. W. Taylor 7th Surrey 76S beat No. 2 Co. Forfars 753 by 15. o S P t e . B a i l l i e 9 9 9 7 C . M . S . J . S . N . ' i p i e r . . . 9 8 9 ( 3 S e r g t . J . - L a m b 9 6 96 I.ieut. H. Duncan ... ... 95 a h P t e . 1 9 . G r . ' i y . . . . . . 9 3 Ob Lieut. C. M. Wilson ... 93 9,3 Pte. .\. Binnie ... ... 91 94 Sergt. G. R. Ogilvie ... 88 C Co. 2nd Devons 762 beat A Co. Cowes I.O.W. 753 by 9. Sergt. R. J. Goodman Pte. Leest ... ... ... 97 Pte. C. Hocking 96 Pte. \A'. W . Moon 96 Pte. H. M. Bucknill ... 96 P t e . C . E . H i l l s 9 4 C.S.M. Pile 93 S e r g t . J . W. R o b i n s . . . 9 2 Sergt. E. Rogers Pte. J. Hudson Corpl. R. .Mason Lance-Corpl. F. Hussey Lance-Corpl. G. Wheeler Sergt. E. Jones Sergt. S. Taylor ... Pte. F . Denham 97 97 95 95 93 93 92 90 C Co. ist Cornwall 771 drew with Stourbridge Co. ist Worcesters 771. C.O.M..S. Rogers ... Pte. Wright Pte. I-awrence Sergt. .Martin Sergt. Berryman ... Sergl. Eva ■Sergt. Taylor Sergt. Peak 99 W. K n y ... 99 98 Elcut. A. Bateman ... ... 99 98 .S. Tooby ... .98 ' 97 H . S . W . T h o m a s . . . ... 97 96 A. E. Carder... 96 96 G. P. Deeley ... 96 95 T. H u b a n d ... 94 92 J. D. C. Burley ... 92 R E S U L T O F T I E . S H O O r . Stourbridge Co. ist Worcester 78S heal C Co ■ 783 by .3. 1st Cornwall .A. .A. Batf imm W. K n v .\. E. Carder P. Deeley If. .S. \A". Thomas. -S. Tooby J. D. C. Biirley . T. H u b a n d . . . ion .Sergt. Berrvman 99 C.O.M.S. Eva 99 Corpl. T ailor 99 .Sergt. Martin 99 -Sergt. Gilpin ... 99 Pte. W right ... 9 7 S e r g t . P e a k . . . 96 Pte. Lawrence I . C C o . 9 t h K e n t A Te a m v. Surrey . DRA W FOR SEMI-FINAL. 100 100 100 99 98 97 95 94 Frimley and Camberley Plats. 7th 2. Stourbridge Co. ist Worcesters v. C Co. 2nd Devons. LONDON LEAGUE, 1918. TA B L E . MatchesAggregate Club. S.AV . L.D.P.Score I. Wimtledon Park 33 0 0 6 5156 2. .Addiscombe 43 I0 6 6870 3, \A allhamstow Ensign 43 I0 6 6747 Borough of Wandsworth ... 43 I0 6 6718 3. Cheam 3 2 10 4S'2I 6 . H a m a n d P e t e r s h a m 4 220 4 6749 7. Lee 4 220 4 6705 8. .Assoc. Equipment Co. 31 20 2 4970 9. G.lvR. Athletic Association 4 I 3 0 2 6745 JO AJ itch am 3 0 3 00 4967 II. Hampton and Hampton Hill 4 0 4 00 6235 W imbledon Park Addiscombe Lee ... ; Borough of Wandsworth 1686 Assoc. Equipment Co. ... 1679 SCORES: THIRD ROUND. ... 1699 beat Hampton and Hamp ton Hill ... 1391 H a m a n d P e t c r - ■ S h a m . . . . . . 1 6 9 9 Wa l t h a m s t o w E n sign 167S G.E.R. Ath. .Assoc. 1683 M i t c h a m 1 6 7 7 1732 1688 by loS- .. 33- 10 ■ „ 3 . Cheam Lee ... Wimbledon Park... AA'althamstow Ensign Ham and Petersham FOUR TH ROUND. ... 1707 beat Hampton and Hampton Hill ... . . . 1 6 8 S , , A s s o c . E q u i p m e n t Co ••• '733 II Addiscombe ... 1691 ,, G.E.R.-Ath. .As.soc. ... 1688 ,, Boro. of W ands worth '372 by 335 '653 1704 1675 1677 .. 58' ,, 29. ,, 16' WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKJuxE, 1918. 249 RAPID FIRE. T H E C H E F - D ' C E U V R E O F T H E B R I T I S H S O L D I E R . (Continued.) M I N I A T U R E R I F L E R A N G E P R A C T I C E S . B y " C a r t o n . " PREVIOUS to the adoption of the Hiscock-Parker magazine for the .22 calibre R.F. rifle by the War Offlce, all rapid lire practices carried out on military miniature rifle ranges were very unsatis factory, and as each round of ammunition was required to be " single loaded," the practices could not by any stretch of imagination be said to resemble a modilied form of rapid fire exercises similar to the Classification Practices of the General Musketry Course. The introduction of the Hiscock-Parker magazine, however, provided the musketry instructor with an opportunity of ascertaining the progress of his recruits with regard to bolt action with the butt of the rifle in the shoulder, and quick re-alignment of. sights after firing, which are, unquestionably, two potential factors to be taken into consideration in the early stages of elementary training, but which unfortunately only gave us a limited series of five rounds at each practice, when the magazine had either to be re-charged by the particular method advised, or replaced by another magazine con taining five rounds, by which the magazine, although providing an excellent device for those important features mentioned, does not afford a means of exercising that rapid and clean re-charging so essential in a burst of rapid fire. I understand that the adopted magazine was originated by Armourer Sergeant-Major Hiscock, of Hythe, which I 0 i ■ J&oZf htad^ tfiffViig 7iott-neitn.ff "T'Az .S'/iccciedV'■/*<» i^e Ccct cm-cixj. in pre-war times was the hub of musketry training, and was later made practical by the addition of a loading device invented by Mr. A-. E. Parker, of the well-known firm of rifle experts. The magazine can be readily fitted to any .22 calibre Lee-Enfield rifle, the only alteration being that the underside edge of the bolt face should be rounded, so that it may depress and travel over the body portion of the magazine in the action of re-loading the rifle (see diagram). All Government pattern .22 calibre rifles are issued with the cut-off removed, but in privately owned weapons of the converted pattern this superfluous portion of the body group often remains, although a source of trouble to the firer, so a further small alteration will be found necessary by treating this in a similar manner . The magazine is substantially constructed, and if carefully oiled with thin oil and kept free from grit, will not get out of order no matter how extensively it may be employed, in fact I can with confidence assert that a very smooth action is acquired after the magazine has been in constant use on military ranges for three or four months. I may mention that an instructor or a qualified assistant should charge and re-charge the magazine when necessary, exercising a certain amount of care, and also, that a correct bolt action is essential so that jamming may be avoided, (i.e., the bolt should be drawn back to its full extent when reloading). It is not necessary to remove the magazine from the rifle to re-charge with five rounds because this may be effectually accomplished wdth a little practice as follows : Turn the handle " D " upw^ards to the left, say the 9 o'clock position, by which movement the auxiliary platform " C '' is depressed. Now lean the rifle over to the left with the muzzle pointing slightly downwards, then place the five cartridges in the slot " E," resting the rim end of each round on the back of the slot with the fore-finger on the tip of the bullet, so that when the cartridge is released it will drop in horizontally. Turn the handle " D " down wards to the 6 o'clock position to allow the platform to rise. It is by no means difficult to strip or assemble the magazine, all one has to do is to press down the portion i n d i c a t e d a s " A " i n t o t h e o u t e r c a s e " H " u n t i l t h e loading cam is opposite the large part of the keyhole slot. Turn the handle " D" and work it outwards with a semi- rotary movement, taking care that the loose pin "L" is not lost. To assemble, it is necessary to replace the loose pin " L " flat end in first, and press the body portion "A " down to the bottom portion of the outer case " H." Force home the loading cam with handle at 6 o'clock position by pressing the angled groove against the rounded end of the loose pin " L " until it clicks into position. Up to the moment of writing there has been an abundant supply of .22 calibre ammunition for use on military miniature rifle ranges, and there is no reason- w h a t e v e r t o a s s u m e t h a t t h e s t o c k s d e m a n d e d w i l l f a l l short of the supplies. The " Western "—a brand very largely used now—is very accurate and groups exceedingly w-ell at 100 yards range. This brand of .22, however, is heavily coated with grease or wax, similai- to the " Peters " or " Winchester " which is used in club-land to-day. Now,, while this hard grease no doubt assists the rifleman to obtain consistent accuracy, and lengthens the ''life" of the barrel, a large portion of it is scraped off the cartridge as the latter is pushed into the chamber of the .22 S . M . L . E . c o n v e r t e d r i fl e a n d i s f o r c e d i n t o t h e e x t r a c t o r way. This has no injurious effect upon the efficiency of b o l t a c t i o n r i fl e s , n o r d o e s i t r e t a r d a n e x e r c i s e o f deliberate firing, because if the extractor fails to withdraw the fired case the latter may be removed by a rod, the practice resumed, and the extractor way and extractor cleaned at first opportunity. But if rapid exercises are being carried out with magazine re-loading it is clear that the extractor way and extractor must be in perfect order otherwise a serious jam would occur, if a cartridge was- WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKNext >