< Previous188 the rifleman. i"I8. C L U B R E P O R T S . C a m b o r n e V o l u n t e e r C o r p s . T h e B C o m p a n y ( C a m b o r n e and Redruth) ist Battalion Corn wall V .R. paraded at T revenson Park, Pool, recently, and were presented with the Challenge S h i e l d g i v e n b y t h e • R o y a l Cornwall Gazette," Ltd., of which they were the first winners. The competition consisted of a series of matches throughout the summer months of last year, and the team drawn from B Company won every match except one in the first round, in which they w e r e b e a t e n b y P e n z a n c e . T h e t e a m a l s o h a s t h e d i s t i n c t i o n o f the highest individual aggregate, Sergt.-lnst. La wry having the e.xcellent record of i.sgo, or a n a v e r a g e o f 9 9 9 3 f o r 1 4 matches. W e have pleasure in reproducing on this page a photograph of the team with the Shield. C i t y o f L o n d o n I m p e r i a l Cadet Yeomanry. The report of the above squadron .shows that the po.si- tion with regard to musketry i s v e r y s a t i s f a c t o r y. A t e a m c o m p e t e d f o r t h e K i n g ' s Shield, securing 36th place out of 94 entries, and two t e a m s h a v e a l s o b e e n e n t e r e d f o r t h e E m p i r e C a d e t C u p Competition. In the S.M.R.C. C a d e t W i n t e r C o m p e t i t i o n f o u r t e a m s e n t e r e d , s e c u r i n g 2tith. 36th. 45tb and 49111 places respectively. M i t c h a m R . C . The annual meeting was h e l d a t t h e H e a d q u a r t e r s o f the Mitcham Co., Surrey V.R., o n F e b r u a r y [ 5 t l i w h e n t h e President. G. J. Poston. Esq., J.P.. took the chair. The seventh annual report s h o w s t h a t t h e m e m b e r s h i p f o r t h e p a s t y e a r w a s 6 1 , which is a slight decretise on the previous year on account of the absence of active mem b e r s w h o h a v e j o i n e d t h e Forces. The financial posi tion is stronger than for some y e a r s p a s t , t h e b a l a n c e i n c a s h a t t h e b a n k b e i n g £38 OS. <)d,: there was a slight decrease in the amount of am munition sold, which amounted to 42,810 rounds. T h e r e c o r d f o r c o m p e t i t i o n shooting is good, both as regards open and club events. The semi f i n a l s t a g e o f t h e ' • N e w s o f t h e W o r l d " C o m p e t i t i o n w a s reached, and in both the S.M.R.C. Te a m C h a m p i o n s h i p a n d t h e Hurroughes & Watts contests the club was knocked out by very narrow margins. In the final stage of the Queen's Cup Com petition one of the members. Mr. H. Harding, made the top score for Surrey. C C o y. , 3 r d K e n t V. R . The presentation of prizes won in the recent rifle shooting com petitions was made on February nth, on the occasion of the annual smoking concert, the chair b e i n g o c c u p i e d b y t h e C o m manding Officer, Captain H. A. B e e c h i n g . D e t a i l s w e r e a s f o l l o w s : — C o u n c i l l o r E m s o n ' s C u p , — " A " t e a m w i n n e r s : L i e u t . W i n t e r - ton, Sergt. -Aspinal, Lce.-Sergt. Ball, Corpl. Sweetman, Corpl. Caldwell, Lee.-Corpl. East. Ptes. . ■ \shdown and Penfold. Second. " B " Team ; Sergt. Hamlin, Ptes. Allen, Austin, Ilaynes, Huett, M u r d o c h , W i c k e n s a n d P. H . We e k s . The Caldwell Cup. Xo. 1 1 Platoon, Sergt. A. W . Smith. S o c i e t y o f M i n i a t u r e R i l l e C l u b Medals : i, Pte. Stockdale (The "Bell" medal); 2, Pte. Slymm (The "Daily Express" medal); 3 , C o r p l . S w e e t m a n ( " L o r d Roberts" medal) ; 4, Pte.Strange I" Daily Telegraph" certificate); 5, Sergt. Aspinal (" Daily Mail " certificate); 6, Lce.-Sergt. Ball ; 7, Corpl. Maunder f 8, Sergt. Russell ; 9, Sergt. S. E. Smitli ; 10, Corpl. Graves ; 11, Lce.-Corpl. East ; Recruits : 12, Pte. Taylor ; 13, Pte. Easton ; 14, Pte. Godden; 15, Pte. Hill.s. C o u n t y P a l a t i n e o f L a n c a s t e r ( S m a l l B o r e ) R i fl e A s s o c i a tion. The annual general meeting of the above Association, held in the Town Hall, Manchester, was p r e s i d e d o v e r b y H e n r y W h i t e head, E,sq., D.L., M.V.O., in the absence of the President, Sir W. H. Hornby, Bart. There was a good attendance o f r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s f r o m v a r i o u s parts of the county. The Acting Hon. Secretary submitted his report, as published l a s t m o n t h ' s R i fi . k m a n ' . He also stated that an ef fort had been made to ascertain the n u m b e r o f m e m b e r s o f a f fi l i a t e d c l u b s s e r v i n g w i t h t h e c o l o u r s a n d t h e n u m b e r o f c a s u a l t i e s among the membership, but only an incomplete list could be pre s e n t e d , t h e n u m b e r s t o h a n d being Army 1,459, Navy 48. killed 109, wounded 112, missing 17, prisoners 3. The Hon. Treasurer, Mr. R. E. Coupe, reported a bal ance in hand of £-^6 7s. lod. T h e f o l l o w i n g o f fi c e r s w e r e e l e c t e d f o r t h e c o m i n g , y e a r : I P r e s i d e n t : S i r W, H . H o r n b y, Bart, ; Hon. Treasurer : R. E. Coupe, Prestwich ; Hon. Secre tary: Bomb. R. E. Gravill, R.G.A-, in France ; Acting Hon. Secre. tary : F. Merlin, St. Helens ;. Assistant HOir. Secretary : T. H. Bolton, Manchester; Hon. Statis tical Officers : .Messrs. Fielding and Evans,Liverpool; Hon. Audi t o r s : M e s s r s . P. F a r n w o r t h (Bolton) and ]. McLean, Howick.. A meeting of the Competition Committee was held later, and it was decided to hold the following Competitions during the year : The "All Black" Competition, prizes of £$ being presented by J. H. Edmondson, Esq. The " Lady Hornby " Compe tition, prizes of ;^5 being pre sented by Henry Whitehead. Esq. The " Col. Johnson" Cup Com petition for 'S'olunteers, prizes of £S presented by Col. J. Barlow, M.V .O. T h e " H i b b e r t " S h i e l d C o m petition, prizes of Six War Saving Certificates and Six Silver Spoons. T h e " S . M . R . C . " S h i e l d C o n i r petition, prizes of Six War Savings Certificates and Six Silver Spoons.. The " Edmondson " Cup Com petition, prizes of Eight War Savings Certificates. By kind pmnimmi of Mefsr^. Opie, IJd., linlriUh: B C O Y . , 1 s t B A T T . C O R N W A L L V . R . T E A M . Fronl Bow {left lo riyht): I'te. S. Simmons, Liciii. M. 'I'. 'I'a.vlor, .MiiKkcli-.v-lnstniolor Liuvr.v, Lioul. W. Foulkcs luul ScTKl. BcicJuim. Buck Bow : Lieul. Knipli, C(jr|ii. PartiiiRlon, I'lo. Slovens nncl Sergt. T. .lams. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKMarch, 1918. T H E R I F L E M A N . 189 All the War Savings Certifi cates in the above competitions are presented by R. H. Edmond- son, Esq. I t w a s a l s o d e c i d e d t o h o l d a n Open Sight Competition if suffi c i e n t e n t r i e s c o u l d b e o b t a i n e d . A Winter League Competition w i l l b e h e l d , d e t a i l s o f w h i c h were left over . Lincoln Notes. The Winter Postal Competition, run by the L.C.M.K.A.,has proved quite a success, and has been the m e a n s o f k e e p i n g a n u m b e r o f C l u b s i n e . x i s t e n c e . T h e Grimsby Central Club have again s e c u r e d p r e m i e r h o n o u r s i n Division I., although Lincoln Church House have given them a g o o d r u n . I n D i v i s i o n 1 1 . Grimsby Ceatral (B) and Ruston B o i l e r Wo r k s ( B ) h a v e fi n i s h e d with the same number of points, necessitating a tie shoot. In Divi sion 111. Ruston Aircraft (B) have an unbeaten record, while in this d i v i s i o n W e l l i n g o r e ( B ) h a v e made a good fight and secured second position. In the fourth division the .Air craft third string have also an unbeaten record, and congratula tions are due to this compara tively new club on the excellent s c o r e s t h e y h a v e r e t u r n e d . I n the fourth division second place i s t a k e n b y t h e . A C o y. , 3 r d B.L.V.R., who have only lost one match, against the Aircraft team, the winners of the trophy. Quite a n u m b e r o f v o l u n t e e r u n i t s h a v e taken part in the competition, a n d t h e s c o r e s r e t u r n e d s h o w t h e r e i s s o m e u s e f u l m a t e r i a l i n the volunteers. The following is the position of the clubs in the respective divisions Division 1. S. W . L. D. P . G r i m s b y C e n t r a l 1 4 1 3 o i 2 7 Lincoln C.H ... 14 12 i I 25 We l l i n g o r e . . . 1 4 9 5 o 1 8 Ruston B.W. ... 14 8 6 o 16 C l e e t h o r p e s . . . 1 4 7 7 o 1 4 Ruston I.W . .. 14 3 II 06 G r i m s b y C o r p n . 1 4 2 1 2 o 4 Market Rasen ... 14 I I3 o 2 Division 1 1. S. W . L. P . Grimsby Cntl. (B) 14 12 2 24 Ruston B.W. (B)... 14 12 2 24 Ruston Aircraft ... 14 9 5 18 L i m b e r I 4 7 7 H Lincoln C.H. (B)... 14 7 7 14 Grimsby Corp. (B) 14 6 8 12 DCo.,4thB.L.V.R. 14 2 12 4 Louth 14 1 13 2 Division 1 1 1. S. W . L. P . Ruston Aircraft (B) 11 11 o 22 Wellingore (B) ... 11 9 2 18 ACo.,3rdB.L.V.R. 11 8 3 16 Grimsby Corp. (C) II 7 4 14 BCo.,3rdB.L.V.R. II 6 5 12 P i n c h b e c k . . . 1 1 6 5 1 2 Ruston B.W . (O... II 5 10 CCo.,3rdB.L.V.R. 11 5 6 10 Dunholme ... 1 1 3 8 6 R u s t o n I . A A ' . ( B ) . . . I I 3 8 6 D C o . , 4 t h B . L . V R . 11 2 9 4 M a r k e t R a s e n ( B ) 11 i 1 0 2 Division IV . S. W . L. P . Ruston Aircraft (C) 10 10 o 20 ACo.,3rdB.L.V.R. 10 9 I 18 Lincoln C.H. (C)... 10 8 2 16 Gosberton ... 10 7 3 14 BCo.,3rdB.L.V.R. 10 6 4 12 ECo.,3rdB.I..V.R. 10 4 6 8 Surlleet 10 3 7 6 Quadring 10 3 7 6 Pinchbeck West... 10 2 8 4 DCo., 4thB.L.V.R. ( C ) 1 0 2 8 4 L o u t h ( B ) 1 0 I 9 2 Congratulations to the Grimsby Central Club on their winning the Burroughes and Watts Chal lenge Cup. The finalists for this c u p w e r e G r i m s b y C e n t r a l a n d Perth City, the Grimsby team securing the trophy with a score of 7S0 as against Perth 765. Mr. B. Hardy has done some wonderful shooting in this com petition; his average of 99 per target for 14 consecutive targets i s p r o b a b l y. a r e c o r d i n o n e o f these important competitions. It is proposed to run the usual Summer Competition in connec- with the L.C.M.R.A., and it is hoped there will be a good entry Portsea Island R.C. •At the annual meeting of the Portsea Island RIHe Club held at their headquarters in Elm Road on March 2nd. Mr. W. H. -Adams, deputy chairman, presided in the place of Brigadier-General Sir Robert Colleton, Bart., unavoid ably absent. He announced that as the result of an appeal to the c l u b m e m b e r s t h e r e h a d b e e n a splendid financial response, to gether with letters of apprecia tion. Cheques received included the following :—The Mayor (Alderman H. R. Pink, J.P.), £4 1 0 s . ; H i s E x c e l l e n c y S a o K e .Alfred Sze (Chinese Minister), £2 5s. ; Brigadier-General Colleton, £l IS. ; Admiral Sir Stanley Colville, £1 ; Dr . Earncombe (Hants Volunteer Regiment], los. 6d. ; Mr. Fred Cox, a new rifle with sling and aperture sight, 450 rounds of ammunition and 1,600 air-rifle slugs. In a letter Lord French said how much he appreciated the good work done by the club, and Dr. M. Curcin, the Serbian Minister , thanked the club for its interest in his country. O t h e r l e t t e r s w e r e r e a d f r o m M r . Prothero, Minister of Agriculture, h i s E . x c e l l e n c y t h e P o r t u g u e s e Minister, and M. Cambon, the French Ambassador . Mr . F . W . G. Young, in again accepting o f fi c e a s H o n . S e c r e t a r y a n d T r e a s u r e r , s a i d t h e r e w a s n o e x cuse for any man, however unlit for military service, not acquiring an intimate knowledge of the rifle. The report shows that the club has played an important part, not o n l y i n p r o v i d i n g v o l u n t a r y r e cruits for the Army, but also in training men to the use of the r i fl e . W h e n t h e e . x - M a y o r ( S i r John Corke, J.P., K.L.H.) raised h i s P o r t s m o u t h B a t t a l i o n s o f t h e Hampshire Regiment, the club's r a n g e w a s s i m p l y o v e r r u n b y these recruits, and its resources w e r e v e r y s e v e r e l y t e s t e d . T h e r e p o r t p r o c e e d s : — ' • W e a t o n c e advertised for 100 honorary m u s k e t r y i n s t r u c t o r s , a n d o v e r 130 answered the call, amongst whom were many retired officers of high rank. To these gentle men, not only the club's executive, but the nation at large, owes a deep debt of gratitude, the result being that upwards of 4,000 men and j'ouths received their initial musketry training through the c l u b ' s i n i t i a t i v e . T h e w h o l e o f these members are now serving their King and Country in the v a r i o u s t h e a t r e s o f w a r . T h e c l u b ' s r o l l o f h o n o u r i s i n d e e d a long and glorious one, probably unequalled by any other civilian rifle club in the Empire." 5 t k B u t t . N o r t h R i d i n g V. R . " Little by little and bit by bit " the monthly social gather ings organised by the -Shooting Committee gain popularity. On Saturday, the 2nd inst., the -Ath l e t i c C l u b R o o m w a s c r o w d e d t o i t s f u l l e s t c a p a c i i v, w h e n t h e presiding officer. Lieutenant J- D o u g l a s s , t o o k t h e c h a i r, a n d t h e f o l l o w i n g o f fi c e r s s u p p o r t e d h i m w i t h t h e i r a t t e n d a n c e : — Captain and Adjutant Wilson - S h a w . C a p t a i n J . S L e w i s , Lieutenant R. Paterson, l.ieu- ten.ant H. Marlin, and Lieu tenant -S. W oodward. In his introductory remarks. Lieutenant J. Douglass slated that during t h e p a s t m o n t h t h e e n t r i e s f o r the Monthly Shooting Competi tion had slightly decreased, but the -Stand.trd of marksmanship had been fully maintained. The r e c o r d f o r t h e t h r e e m o n t h s ending January placed " C " Co. first with 22 points, " B " Co. s e c o n d w i t h 1 6 p o i n t s , " D " Co. third with 13 points, and " A " Co. fourth with 3 points. The lowest-placed Companies had made a declaration that they would improve their position, and the Chairman trusted that during the next two months the position of the Companies would be miore equalised and more keenness shown to gain the leading position. The prizes were distributed to the winners of the Janu.arv Competition as follows :—I St Class (figure tar get) : I St, Scrgt. W. Robinson, D Co., 17 points; 2nd, Pte. R. H. Robin-son, D Co., 13 points; 3rd, Pte. A. Grosvenor, D Co., I,3 points. 2nd Class (lin. bull) : 1st, I.ce.-Corpl. Clarkson, B Co., iS points; 2nd, Lce.-Sergt. Guinetv, B Co., 17 points; 3rd, C.O.M.-S. Lewis, C Co., 17 points. 3rd Class (zin. bull) : 1 s t , P t e . W - S i m p s o n , C C o . , Ip points; 2nd, Pte. Ellis, C Co., 18 poiijts ; 3rd, Pte. F.ynch, B C o . , 1 7 p o i n t s . T h e D i s c Shooting Contest, which had b e e n i n t r o d u c e d b v t h e C o m m i t t e e f o r t h e fi r s t t i m e d u r i n g January, had been a great suc cess; 1,27s rou.ids had been fired and 105 discs had been broken bv 33 competitors, each partici pating in the pool, which amounted to 55. Sergt. R. H. Carter, C Co., was easily the i i r s t w i t h 1 2 d i s c s b r o k e n . C.S.M. Rowland, A Co., and Sergt. .A. Preston, C Co., fol lowed with 10 each. Other m e m b e r s r e c e i v e d t h e i r s h a r e f r o m 8 1 0 1 d i s c s b r o k e n . The -Adjutant apologised for t h e a b s e n c e o f M a j o r D o r m a n owing to business reasons- He earnestly appealed to all mem bers of the Corps to take more interest in the competitions- P r a c t i c e w a s a v a i l a b l e e a c h evening and Saturday afternoon, a n d i t w a s i m p e r a t i v e t h a t a l l V o l u n t e e r s s h o u l d e n d e a v o u r t o become expert marksmen. The a t t e n d a n c e o n p a r a d e s d u r i n g the past month had slightly im proved, vet there was room for g r e a t e r i m p r o v e m e n t . T h e n e x t s i x m o n t h s w o u l d b e t h e m o s t strenuous time we shall experi ence ; therefore it was necessary for us all to pull together all we are worth. Sergt. Prosser faccompanisi), Lieut.' Woodward, C.S.l.M. W. Holmes. Sergt. Dobson. Sergt. Carter , Sergt. Roxby , Sergt. I.angford, Lce.-Corpl. Crutchley, a n d M r . E d g a r F o x w e r e t h e entertainers during the evenin.g. E a c h a r t i s t e w a s i n e x c e l l e n t trim, and all were received with the highest appreciation and a h e a r t v v o t e o f t h a n k s w a s a c corded to them. C . S . M . M c G a h e v m o v e d a v o t e of thanks to the presiding officer. In supporting same, Capt. J. S. L e w i s t o o k t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o urge all members of the Corps t o a t t e n d p a r a d e s m o r e o f t e n than they have done .during the p . a s t f e w m o n t h s . " N e v e r m i n d , " h e s a i d , " h a v i n g j u s t .got in the prescribed number of drills, turn out on parade every available opportunity ; every one o f u s , b o t h o f fi c e r s , N . C . O . s a n d men, can enjoy .a drill far better when the attendance is greater in numbers, and in doin.g .so you become more and more efficient, and at the same time the Bat t a l i o n a s a w h o l e b e c o m e s m o r e consolidated ; then if we are wanted at any time in the near future, let us pro-.-e our worth, as we should do, in turning out f u l l y e l l i c i e n t a t o u r j o b , a n d ready, ])repnred to lake our stand a s t h e b e s t b a t t a l i o n i n t h e country." The evening closed by singin.g the National .Anthem. Ringwood and District R.C. The return match between the Ringwootl and District R.C- WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK100 the rifleman. 1018. a n d t h e l o c a l C o m p a n y o f the 4th Battalion liampshire V . R . f o r t h e E a r l o f E f ; - m o n t ' s C h a l l e n g e S h i e l d t o o k place at the Rifle Club's indoor miniature range on T uesday, February 12th. The teams were 1 2 o n e a c h s i d e , 1 0 s h o t s e a c h at a 2in. bull, 25 yards (equal 200 vardsj, the result being a win for the Rifle Club by 105 points. The respective teams were captained by .Mr. C. Dyson and Sergt. E. J. Davis, and the scores were 1,098 and 993 re.spcc- tively. The Rifle Club, having w o n t w o m a t c h e s i n s u c c e s s i o n , a r e n o w t h e w i n n e r s o f t h e C h a l lenge Shield- Borough of Portsmouth R.C. The annual general meeting of t h i s C l u b w a s h e l d a t t h e r a n g e in Crasswell Street, Mr . A. E. Woolgar (the Captain) presiding. The report of the Secretary (.Mr. , \ . E . P r e . s t o n ) s h o A c d t h . n t t h e Club Cup and Chtimpionship had b e e n a g t i i n w o n b y M r. . \ . E . Woolgar, wlih a score of 2,000, .Mr. Loveridgi' being second with 1 . 9 7 7 . ' S e c r e t a r y a l s o r e ported that the range had been u s e d b y t h e 3 : d H a n t s Vo l u n teers. and that a good perccnl."ge o f m e n h a d t h u s b e e n t - n a b ' t d t o become proficient in the tise of t h e i r r i fl e . The report of the T rec.stirer s h o w e d t h a t t h e C l u b w a s s o l vent, with total assets of 4v34 16s. T h e m e d a ' s a n d c c r l i fi c . a t r s were presented 10 the winncr.s by the Chairman, and the T residi ni a n d \ ' ; c e - P r e s : d e n l s w e r e r e elected. T h e u s u a l v o t e s o f t h a n k s w e r e pttssed to the otliccrs, .and Mr. M'oolgar was sitecially mentiontM f o r h a v i n g t a k e n s u c h k e e n i n terest in the management of the Club and maintaining the high standard of etTicieiicy in shooting. E » d o > K . C . The eleventh annual meeting was held in the Parish Room on F r i d a y, F e b r u a r y 2 2 n d T h e President (Mr. F. T. Chesworth) occupied the chair, and was supported by Mr. T. Hulme (one of the founciers of the Club), Mr. Ewan (Captain), and Mr. J. T. Robinson (Secretary). There was a good attendance of members, including several ladies. T h e S e c r e t a r y r e a d t h e balance-sheet, and also gave an account of the year's working, including the fact that the Club h a d w o n t h e " E . C o t t o n " Shield and medals ; both reports were considered satisfactory, tuid were adopted. The President moved that a vote of thanks be accorded to the ofllcers of the Club for their services rendered during the past vear . T h e f o l l o w i n g o f fi c e r s w e r e elected to serve fo,' the ensuing 12 months :—President, Mr. F. T. C h e s w o r t h ; P r e s i d e n t e l e c t , Mr. (1. Willitims; V ice-Presi- dent.s, Messrs. G. F Adcock, E. Cotton, G. H. Heaton, J. B. Hulme, r . Hulme, J. F . A. Jones, and .\. Wild ; Secreltiry and T reasurer , .Mr . J. T. Robin- .son : .Auditor , Mr . H. R. Di.\ ; Captain, Mr. R. Ewan ; Range .Attendant, Mr. C. H. Stubbs. During the last few years the n u m b e r o f l a d y m e m b e r s h a s ■n c r e a s e d . a r i d i t w a s t h e r e f o r e considered they should be repre sented. ']"he followin.g Committee was elected :—Messrs. F. A V. Harri son. C. Hook, E. Mee, H. Priest and C. H. .Stubbs, Miss Coley, Miss Heath and Mrs. J. T. Robinson, together with the President, President elect. Secre tary, and Captain. The best thanks of the meeting were accorded to Mr . J. T. Robinson :md AJr . C. H. Stubbs f o r t h e i r s e r v i c e s t o t h e C l u b and a hetirty vote of thanks to the President, which concluded ;i very interesting meeting. Boulton and Paul R.C. Captain J. Dawson Paul, the President of Alessrs. Boulton & Paul's, Ltd., Miniature R.C., on Februiirv 2olh formally opened t h e c i u b ' s n e w r a n g e i n Moiintergato Street and fired the first shot, a well-placed bull's- eye. Since the closing of the X o r w i c h M i n i a t u r e R . C . ' s r a n g e in .Mountcrgate Street the Club, which boasts of ;i tnembership of nearly 1,000, has severely fell the need of some permanent place in which to gather, tind it w a s t o m e e t t h i s n e e d a n d a l s o from ;t patriotic point of view that t h e d i r e c t o r s d e c i d e d t o e r e c t a n up-to-d;ite" range close by their c a n t e e n . T h e m e m b e r s c o n s e quently now h.-ivo a rttnge which is in every way worthy of the firm. It is looft. in length, with a firing rttnge of 75ft., and is i l l u m i n a t e d b y n e a r l y i , o o n - candle-power lamps, which throw u p t h e s i x t a r g e t s w i t h t h e g r e a t e s t e f f e c t . ' I ' h e t a r g e t s a r e worked on the Paterson appara tus. and the range is fitted with an otfice, rifle lockers, and everything that is required to m a k e i t a s u c c e s s T h e m e m b e r s a r t t h o l d e r s o f t h e D e w a r Challenge .Shield, and Mr. G. I.arkins has presented a couple of challenge cups, the rules c o v e r i n g t h e l o m p e t i t i o n s f o r which have yet to be formulated. .After the opening ceremony the members at ottce got to work, :i competition taking place with a m i l i t i r y t e a m a n d a n i n t e r - department shoot also being de- tided. Hendon and Cricklewood R.C. The 12th annual generttl meet ing of the above Club took phtce on Fcbru;try 21st at the Old AA'elsh Harp Hotel. The attend a n c e w a s s o m e w h t i t l e s s t h a n 'usual. The chtiir was taken by .Air. \V. E. C. Dickason, and 'he business of the evening was got through, in a most work- mtmlike manner . .Aluch regret was ex|>ressed at the resign.-ition of the President (.Air. AAA AVebster AA'atts), who is residing out of the neighbour h o o d f o r a t i m e , a n d h e w a s sincerely thanked for the many k i n d n e s s e s h e h a d r e n d e r e d t h e C l u b . H i s p l a c e w i l l b e t a k e n by Mr. Frank AA'. Ajips, who f or ma n y y e a r s w a s C h a i r m a n of Committce. The post of Hon. Financial Secretary was rendered vacant by the resignation of Mr. A. C. C t K i p e r. H i s p l a c e w a s t a k e n by Mr. H. G. AA'ebb, who should p r o \ ' e a w o r t h y s u c c e s s o r . Having to follow such a good e.xample will no doubt put Mr. A A ' e b b o n h i s m e t t l e . In thanking the retiring ofllcers, the Chairman said that he could not help but admire the a d m i r a b l e w a y i n w h i c h t h e w o r k o f t h e C l u b w a s c a r r i e d on ; it was quite a treat to be at the range's and see the friend l i n e s s t h a t e x i s t e d b e t w e e n t h e m e m b e r s . T h i s w a s d u e t o t h e excellent way in which the Club w a s m a n a g e d . T h e C l u b w a s always ready to accept new members, and advice could be h a d a t a l l t i m e s o n a n y t h i n g appertaining to lifle shooting. The subscription was very small E N D O N R I F L E C L U B . W i n n e r s o f E . C o t t o n S h i e l d a n d M e d a l s , S e a s o n 1 9 1 6 — 1 7 . Hack liotr—R. A'ernon (Captain), G. Wittianis, P. Priest, T. \V. ilanisnii. Centre-C. Hoot;, F. Stiiptev, F. T. Ciieswortti (President), Jlrs. J. T. Roi.inson, J. T. Rni.inson (Secretary), T. Ilntine (Vice-President), C. If. Rtniitis. SittinD—lJ. Priest, AV. Sliiplcy. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKMarch, 1918. 191 and tuition in sliooting was gladly given. 'I'lie ranges in Renter's Lane were open every Saturday afternoon and Sunday mornings. M i l e e l e c t i o n o f o l Ti c e r s r e s u l t e d a s f o l l o w s : — L r e s i d c n t , M r. I'Vank \\ . .\pps ; \Mce-l'residents, t > r. J . J . A c w o r t h , D r. P. L . Hlaber, .Messrs. W. IC. C. Dicka- son, R. R. lilworthy, H. Favar- ger, \V. R. Humby, Bernard James, H. .Mallaby Deeley, M.P., R. C. J. .Michell. T. O. Pemberton. (i. Roos, (i. Sneath, J.P., M. C. Iv. Rogers, M. MM Rogers, C. Rogerson, R. H. lilanfield, 1-. O. Smithers, J. H. Smith. J. W. Smith, J. H. ihomas, A. Mowle, R. W. W el- foi'd, and W. Webster Watts; Solicitors, Messr.s. Deacon New ton, IMirncr & Co. ; Hon. Audi tors, Messrs. C. .\shford and ]<". \y. H. Workman; Hon. I'inan- cial Secretary, Mr. H. C. Webb ; Hon. Secretary , .Mr . Frank G r i l l i t h s ; H o n . . A s s i s t a n t S e c r e tary, Mr. P. <i. Cobby; Cap tain, Mr. F. G. Cooling; Vice- Captains, Messrs. J. H. Belfield a n d C . C . W a t t s ; R a n g e Oflicers, Mr. Stanford (Chief), Messrs. M. Parpall, C. Barter, W. Fordham, E. Medina, H. Rowland, J. Wardley, M". Ped lar, .A. I-:. Pope, C. Ridglev, R. O. Faulkner , and H. A. Whit- more; Committee, Messrs. F. C. Hoopel, J. James, F. Hodges, C. Needell, J. Phillips, L. Moore, R. J. Escreet, W . hVaser , W . Dickason, and A. C. Cooper ; Handicappers and .Scorers, Alessrs. F. G. Cooling and J. .Stanford. M h e C l u b , i t i s p l e a s i n g t o note from the balance-sheet, is in a sound financial position. M M i e r e c e i p t s f o r t h e y e a r, i n cluding subscriptions, entrance f e e s , p r o fi t s o n s a l e s , e t c . , amounted to ;£^6y 3s. 4d. .All expenses were paid and a con s i d e r a b l e s u m w r i t t e n o f f f o r d e preciation, and a small amount w a s t r a n s f e r r e d t o c a p i t a l a c count. MMie balance-sheet shows .good assets, including stock, buildings, plant, cash balance, etc., amounting to over £igo. D e n n i s A t h l e t i c R . C . M he prize shoot held on Satur day, January 26th, went off with a fine swing, and was well sup ported. M'ea was served on the range and the billiard table was ;iv; lilablc to fill ui) spare time. M hanks to excellent support, the v a l u e o f a l l t h e p r i z e s w a s i n - - c r e a s e d t o t h e fi g u i e s g i v e n b e l o w . M M i e w i n n e r s w e r e ; — Handicap .Shoot, 10 shots all-in scoring; i, MMie Pillin Rifle, value j£"2 5s., Mr. H. Clacy, actual score qo, handicap score 95.717; 2, los., Mr. Groocock, actual score So, handicap score y5-54.T ; 3. /S- fid > Mr. Goblc .and Mr. Harding each made the actual score of S7 and handicap score of 95.38. MMiey shot off the tie, and .Mr. fhirding be- conK.'s winner of the third prize. Rapid Competition, to shots in 90 seconds, jiossible too: i, Ss. t3d., Mr. .Starr, <)> ; 2, fis. bd., Mr . Butt, 90; 3, 5s., Mr . H. Harris, .85. C o m p e t i t i o n t o r I . a d i e s , p o s sible So ; I, 5s., .Miss O. Kemp- ton, 76; 2, 3s., .Miss .M. Wake- ford, 74. .Snufiing the Candle : MMiis c.'uised a great deal of fun, some of the candles getting a severe m a u l i n g . C n l i m i t c d e n t r i e s t o this event, .and manv competitors took advantage of this and had t h r e e o r f o u r t r i e s , i , l o s . , M r. G . P h i l l i p s s n u f f e d t h e c a n d l e four times, 20 points; 2, 7s.. 6d., Mr. W. Clacy, three times, 15 p o i n t s ; 3 , 6 s , M r . W . S t a r r , twice, to points. . \ 11 t h e e v e n t s w e r e g o t o f f well on time, and it will interest m e m b e r s o f h e R i l l e C l u b t o k n o w t h a t n o f e w e r t h a n S q n rounds of ammunition were fired during the afternoon, in addition t o w h i c h s e v e r a l m e m b e r s w e r e using their own "pills." I'he whole idea of handicap p i n g i s t o b r i n g a l l c o m p e t i t o r s to the same level as far as pos sible. IMie Dennis .system seems to have got nearer to this mark than most systems. M he seven top scores in the rifie shoot arc- not separated by as much as one point, the handicap score.s being : Mr. 11, Clacy 95.717, Mr. Groo cock 95.545, Mr. Harding 95.38, Mr. M'. Go'ble 95.38, Mr. A. I3utt 9 5 - 3 5 , W . S t a r r 9 5 . 0 5 , M r . R. Chittleburgh 95.03. MMic membership of the Rille S e c t i o n h . n s j u m p e d u p a g a i n t h i s y e a r a n d s t a n d s a t 4 6 , a n a d v a n c e o f 1 4 o v e r i a s t y e a r ' s figures ; only 14 are members of the staf f, the temaining 32 coming out of the works. M'he League M'able up to Feb ruary 4th is :— Matches . W .L.P. M'ool Rootn . 5 4 I 8 No. I ... 0 4 2 8 No. 4 ... 4 -s 1 6 No. 2 ... 5- 3 2 6 L a d i e s . . . 3 2I4 No. 5. ... 4 224 O f fi c e s . . . 4 040 N o . 3 - - 5 050 T h a n k s t o t h e generosity of . M r. R . D e n n i s , a S i l v e r S h i e l d w i l l b e a w a r d e d t h e w i n n e r s o f the League, to be held for one year, and a silver medal will also b e a w a r d e d t o e a c h m e m b e r o f the team. We s t o n - S u p e r - M a r e R . C . Mr. M". W. Warry presided o\er lh(- anntial meeting of the . m e m b i - r s o f t h i s C l u b , w h i c h wa.s held at the Caf6 Royal on F e b r u a r y 1 9 t h . M M i c r c w a s a limited attendance, those pre.sent including .Messrs. W. E. Perrctt, J. J. Leaver, W. J. Davies, G. P o w e l l , t h F . J o n e s ( H o n . .Secretary), etc. fi l e H o n . S e c r e t a r y r e a d t h e report as follows :—" 1 have to r e p o r t o n a n o t h e r s u c c e s s f u l year's work, although, of course. We are still working uncler great ditliculties. I should first of all like to deal with the general financial position of the Club. We have to again thank " Old N'olunteer ' for subscribing the a m o u n t o f o u r d e fi c i t f o r 1 9 1 7 . We are deeply indebted to him for the splendid support he has alway.s given us, and the interest h e h a s t a k e n i n t h e w o r k w e are doing. We thus commenced ihe year 1917-1S clear, and I am pleased to say we have paid our w a y s u c c e s s f u l i y. . . . Vi e w i n g the year's work at Sand Bay, 1 think we have every reason to b e s a t i s fi e d w i t h w h a t h a s b e e n done. .As f have s.'iid on more than one occasion previously, it will be impo,ssible for us during the w.ar to see members prac tising on this range as in the old days, but our duty at the moment is to keep our organisa t ion c om plet e , in o rd e r t ha t we shall be prepared to use all our r a n g e s t o t h e i r f u l l e s t c : i p a c i t v l a t e r o n , w h e n r i l l e c l u b s a r e recognised to a larger extent than they have been in the past. .\t the Quarry Miniature Range w e h a v e a n u m b e r o f s c h o o l s r e g u l a r l y u s i n g t h i s r a n g e , a n d some good shooting is being d o n e . I t s e - e m s t o m e t h a t o u r r a n g e s c o u l d n o t b e u s e d f o r a b(-tti-r purpose than for trainiiig the boys, and I should like to say , on behalf of the Club, that we shall be pleased to make ar- rangt-ments with the princi|)al of an.y school who may be consider ing the c]ucstion of providing I'ille practice and instruction for his boys. . . . MMie membership shows a slight increase, viz., 44 for last year against 41 for the y e a r i p i t i - i y . M M i e M a r k e t H o u s e M i n i a t u r e R a n g e i s s t e a d i i y working, although wo have not done so much shooting there as last year on account of the mili tary not having been in Weston during this past winter. It was t h e p r a c t i c e o f y o u r C o m m i t t e e to offer every encouragement to the soldiers to use this range, and it resulted in a tremendous amount of shooting being done, and which during the past w i n t e r w e h a v e m i s s e d . H o w ever, here again our membership s h o w s : i s l i g h t i n c r e . - i s e , b u t I ci-rtainly think that, being a covered range and so ct-ntr.al, it should bi- used by a gri-ater number of people than it is. . . . On behalf of the Club, 1 sin c e r e l y t h a n k ' O l d Vo l u n t e e r ' and the President and V ice-Presi dent for their splendid support, which has so greatly assisted us i n o u r e f f o r t s t o p r o m o t e r i l l e shooting. i would also per s o n a l l y t h a n k t h e o f fi c e r s a n d C o m m i t t e e f o r t h e s u p p o r t I h a v e a t a l l t i m e s r e c e i v e d i n carrying through all business and organising the Club generally. Our thanks are again due 10 -Mr. C. H. Reyiiolds for k i n d l y a u d i t i n g t h e a c c o u n t s . Finally, I wish to appeal to those who can find time to interest t h e m s e l v e s i n t h e w o r k w e a r e endeavouring to accomplish. I would ask them to join the Club e i t h e r a s s h o o t i n g m e m b e r s o r working members, as rifle clubs, e s p e c i a l l y a t t h e p r e s e n t t i m e , arc losing most of their members f o r t h e p e r i o d o f t h e w a r, a n d i t i s o n l y b y o t h e r p e o p l e i n teresting themselves in these or g a n i s a t i o n s t h a t t h e y w i l l c o n tinue to exist and carry on the good work they have done in the past, and are still doing at the prese-it time." MMi-2 balance-sheet showed a d e fi c i e n c y o f o s . b d . o n t h e general account, with JC30 on deposit. Mhe Chairman, in proposing the adoption of the report and accounts, said had it not been f o r t h e a m m u n i t i o n t h e y h a d had in stock the deficiency would h a v e b e e n f a r m o r e a l a r m i n g . He, how.-ver, was pleased to tell t h e m t h a t a n " O l d V o l u n t e e r " had called on him that morning a n d h a d h a n d e d h i m a c h e q u e lor ;£,"9 OS. bd. with which to wipe off the deficiency. For this continued interest in the Club a n d f u r t h e r g e n e r o u s c o n t r i b u t i o n e v e r y m e m b e r o w e d t h i s g e n e r o u s b e n e f a c t o r s i n c e r e t h a n k s , a n d h e w a s s u r e t h e s e t h a n k s w o u l d b e h e a r t i l y a n d u n a n i m o u s l y e x t e n d e d . M ' h e C l u b d u r i n g t h e p a s t y e a r h a d " not been able to do all the work t h e y w o u l d h a v e l i k e d t o b e a b l e t o p e r f o r m o w i n g t o t h e f a c t that they had not had any sol d i e r s b i l l e t e d w i t h t h e m , b u t they had kept going, and if the work they had been enabled to do had been small, yet he thought they could claim it had been effective. M'hey had e.xperi- enced their ups and downs as a Club, and sometimes the ques tion of closing down had been mooted, but. they had held on, and he thought they had fully justifi(-d their desire to keep g o i n g u n t i l s u c h t i m e a s t h e i r o l d m e m b ( - r s r e t u r i u - d t o c i v i l occupations, when he had no doubt with the iiresent e.xperi- ( - n c e s b e f o r e t h e m t h e v a l u e o f title shooting would be rnore f u l l y r e a l i s e d a n d t h e C l u b b e c o m e a t h o r o u g h l y p o p u l a r, i f not n.-itional, institution. He desired to couple with his pro- jtosal that the report and ac counts be adopted a vt-ry hctirty v o t e o f t h a n k s t o " D i d A ' o l u n - teor " for his vt-r\- generous coti- tribution, which would enable them to start the year free of debt. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK192 T H E R I F L E M A N . March, 1918. Mr . W . E. Perrett seconded the proposition, and also referred t o t h e p a t r i o t i c i n s t i n c t a n d generosity which animated " Old Vo l u n t e e r " i n t h e m a k i n g o f his handsome gift. Several men;bers took part in a brief discus.sion in regard to t h e d e s i r a b i l i t y o f p r o m o t i n g rifle shooting amongst the s e c o n d a r y s c h o o l s , a n d i t w a s decided that all principals should be circularised and informed that not only were thefe convenient ranges, but that a competent in s t r u c t o r w a s i n a t t e n d a n c e . CHALLENGES. Inscrlnd free of charge. The Brokenhurst M.R.C. would like to arrange Post Matches, 25 yards range, open or aperture sights,- slings, single- bull practice target; average 75. —W . E. Pither , Hon. Match Sec., Myrtle Cottage, Broken- hurst, Hants. Belvedere Rilfe Club, Peter borough, would like to arrange Post -Matches, 25 yards range, open or aperture sights, 10 men aside, 5-bull Match Targets.— Challenges and Targets to J. H. Cowen, Hon. Match Secretary, 44, Walpole Street, Peter borough. Post Matches wanted. Finch- ley Special Constabulary, 25 yards range, 8 to shoot, all to count; first team, average 96; second team, average 90.—E. G. Hammond, 23, Squires Lane, Church End, Finchley N.3. P o s t M a t c h e s w a n t e d , 2 5 yards, aperture sights and slings, 10 to shoot, 8 to count.—Melk- s h a m R . C . , V V. S . B u r b i d g e , Church Walk, Melksham. Royal Marine Barracks (Chat h a m ) R . C . w o u l d l i k e P o s t Matches, 25 yards, open or aperture sights and slings, 8 or 10 men a-side, counting out optional. — Drum-Major V. G. Bacon, R.M. Barracks, Chat ham. W a n t e d P o s t M a t c h e s f o r both First and Second T eams (averages 96 and 93), 8 or 10 a-side (latter preferred), 7 or 8 to count. Open dates from April onwards. -Also Shoulder-to- S h o u l d c r M a t c h e s f r o m M a y t o September. — Replies to A. E. Rasell, Associated Equipment R.C., Blackhorse Lane, Wal- thamstow, E.iy. P o s t M a t c h e s w a n t e d , 1 0 t o shoot, 8 to count ; aperture sights and slings ; to extend throughout week. Southgate R.C.—W. H. Last, 41, Warwick Road, New Southgate, N.ii. Post Matches wanted, 25 yards range, 10 to shoot (8 to count), open sights, no slings, on 50 y a r d s c e n t r e b u l l ; e x t e n d throughout week.—E. C. Stearn, 50, Belvoir Road, Cambridge. P o s t M a t c h e s w a n t e d , D e v o n C o n s t a b u l a r y E x e D i v i s i o n a n d H e a d q u a r t e r s S t a f f R . C . ; 2 0 yards' range, aperture sights, 10 to shoot, 8 to count; average 95. —Se.'-gt. Gill, Chief Constable's OfT ice, Devon Constabulary, Exeter . Endon R.C. would like to ar range Post Matches, 25 yards' range (outdoor), aperture sights, 8 to shoot, 6 to count; average 9 2 . A l s o L t i d i e s ' t e a m w i s h t o arrange Post Matches, 25 yards, li to shoot, 4 to count, aperture- s i g h t s , s i n g l e b u l l . M a t c h e s t o extend throughout week.—J. T. R o b i n s o n , l ' " l o r c n c c T e r r a c e , Endon, Stok-e-on-Trent. RIFLEMEN'S SALES AND EXCHANGE. A d v e r t i s e m e n t s i n t h i s c o l u m n will he inserted at the rate oj Jd. p e r w o r d p e r i n s e r t i o n f o r p r i v a t e A d v e r t i s e m e n t s a n d I d . p e r w o r d f o r T r a d e A n n o u n c e m e n t s i f p r e paid. In consequence of the o r d e r r e c e n t l y i s s u e d u n d e r the Defence of the Realm R e g ^ u l a t i o n s i t i s n e c e s s a r y f o r b o t h b u y e r a n d s e l l e r t o obtain a special permit to purchase and sell respec t i v e l y b e f o r e a n y . 2 2 r i fl e s c a n b e d i s p o s e d o f b y m e m b e r s o f R i - fl e C l u b s . S u c h p e r m i t s m u s t b e o b t a i n e d f r o m t h e C o m p e t e n t M i l i t a r y A u t h o r i t y f o r t h e d i s trict. W a r O f fi c e M i n i a t u r e a n d S h o r t L e e - E n fi e l d R i fl e s w a n t e d i n a n y c o n d i t i o n b y A . G . P a r k e r & C o . , L t d . , B i s l e y Wo r k s , W h i t t a l l S t r e e t , B i r mingham. F'or Sale, two Winchester Re peating Rifles, .22 bore, second hand, 32s. 6d. each.—T. R. H., c/o S.M.R.C. Wa n t e d t o e . x c h a n g e . 2 2 Stevens Rifle, for .22 B.S.A. Air R i f l e . — C u s h i o n , 5 8 , P a r m a Crescent, Battersea, S.W.ii. For Sale, B.S.A. No. 12 Match Rifle, with B.S.A. (No. 8a) Sight, also open ; good condi tion ; will group well; 4^.— G. C., c/o S.M.R.C, W E S T L O N D O N L E A G U E O F R I F L E C L U B S . R E S U L T S A N D P O S I T I O N O F C L U B S T O MARCH 9TH, igtS. Matches N a m e s o t C l n h s . S h o t . Wo n . r . , o s t . P r ' w i i Aggreg'to 1, pts. Scores.Arerage Kensington ID 8 3 — 16 5835 583-5 Grosvenor 8 6 2 —12 4674 584.2 Wimbledon Park8 6 212 4652581.5 Boro' of W andsworth ...8 6 2 —124617577-1 Hammersmith IronW'ks 8 53 — 10 4640 580 " B " D i v i s i o n M e t . P o l i c e 8 4 4 — 8 4615576.8 Harrodian 8 44 — 8 4594574-2 " X " Div. Special Const. 8 44 — 8 4312 538-5 H e n d o n & C r i c k l e w o o d8 2 6 — 4 4491 561-3 Chiswick 8 t 6 — 4 4434 \ • 554-2 L.G.O.C. "B" 7 I 6 — 2 3870552-8 ( ( A " 6 6 — 3314 552-3 .22 CARTRIDGE EXTRACTOR {lie.g. Xo. 649517). A handy and ever-ready device for immediately removing spent cartridges should rifle ejector fail. Particularly useful in rapid firing when time is a great factor. Suitable for use with all miniature rifles of the Martini pattern, also useful with many of the holt pattern. No poking with keys or pocket knife, which usually either fail to extract or only succeed after much patience has been expended. PRICE 6d. Each (Postage id. extra). Obtainable from Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs, Arundel House, Arundel Street, London, W .C.2. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKApril, 1918. T H E R I F L E M A N . 44 DOMINION" BRAND. T H E B E S T BRITISH AMMUNITION FOR BRITISH MARKSMEN. NOBEL'S EXPLOSIVES COMPANY, LTD., GLASGOW <5 LONDON. R.C.B. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK194 N O W I N s T , o e K . GREENER Mark II, OBTHOPTIIT BACKSIGHT. 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 X T E A C H . P o s t a g e 2 d . e x t r a . I m p o r t a n t t o I H u s k e t r y I n s t r u c t o r s a n d O t h e r s . H I L L , S I F F K E N & C o . , LT D . , Beg to announce that they have just produced a New Series of l a J C C N O S C T ^ P E T T ^ R G E T S called the Battlefield Series Nos. 19-21, Specially designed for instruction in Trench Warfare and Military Operations under existing conditions on the Continent. The size of each panel is 60in. by 24in., the same as their Continental Series, and the price :— 7/6 per set of 3. Illustrated Text Book for Instruction Purposes supplied free with each set. (Additional sets in same parcel, 6/- per set.) rnU parliailars on applicalion to— T H E S O C I E T Y O F M I N I AT U R E R I F L E C L U B S . Arundel House, Arundel Street, London, W.C. 2. WmCHESUR *22 LONG RIFLE "LESMGK" CARTRIDGES were used successfully in the following Competitions at theS.M.R.C. Meeting, June, 1916. " D A I L Y E X P R E S S . " * ^ " 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 . " < 8 ^ ^ ^ ^ 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.UKRifleman T H E O F F I C I A L O R G A N O F t h e 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 . Tf.i.i-ckai'Hic Addkfss : '■ Ritlfshol, Eslntml, Loniloii." Tei.ei'Hokk : Gnr.tnl 2052— Vol. XIV. No. 94 (New Series). LONDON, APRIL, 191S. Monthly , Onl Penny . THE THEORY OF THE RIFLE AND RIFLE SHOOTING. (Continued.) B y " B a l i s t i c a . " T X V I . - T H E . A C C U R A C Y O F R I F L E F I R E T H E D E S I G N I N G O F v a r i o u s i m p e r f e c t i o n s o f r i fl e a n d a m m u n i t i o n , the weather conditions, and tlie personal error c o m b i n e t o r e n d e r s h o o t i n g i n a c c u r a t e . I n examining a vertio:d target such :is is depicted in Figure XIX., we sec tliat rarely do tlie trajectories of bullets actually coincide, although firing may be carried out at the same setting of the sights. \\'e find that the bullet holes form a grouping such that the nearer the centre of the group is approached tiie closer together a r c t h e s h o t h o l e s . The trajectories of all the rounds of a series form a sort of bent cone known to infantry as the Co)U' of Fire, and the area of the ground covered by this cone of fire is called the Beaten Zone. In rille shooting the cone of fire describes a pattern on a \ertic;d target which is very nearly circular (but is actually elliptical, \\-ith the longer axis of the ellip.sc in the vertical direction), and on la horizontal target a pattern wiiich is decidedly elliptical with the longer axis of the ellipse parallel to the plane of fire. T e s t i n c . ' V m m u x ' i t i o n o i ; R i fl e . When a new ammunition is introduced, or a parti cular batch of cartridges is under test, the manner in which the accuracy of the ammunition is estimated is ;is follows, .'\bout twenty rounds iire .selected haphazardly f r o m t h e p a r t i c u l a r b a t c i i u n d e r t e s t a n d fi r e d f r o m a fixed rest. In official proof the target fired at is usually set up at a range of 500 yards. The target is 18 feet high and 12 feet wide, and is dixidcd into squares of 3 feet side. These squares are again di\'ided into smaller squares of 6 inches side. Figure XIX. shows a portion of such a target, the thick lines .\B, CD, EF and GH enclosing one of the squares of 3 feet side; the small squares being of six inches side. The testing of ammunition is usually carried out by firing the ride when fixed in a mechanical rest, although, o n t h e a u t h o r i t y o f t h e " Te x t B o o k o f . S m a l l . ' \ r m s " (1909, page 135), " the errors of aim made by a skilled shot firing with fine sights from a rest, or in a steady position, are .so small that a group of shots fired by him will not as a rule be materially larger than one obtained from the mechanical rest with the same rifle and ammuni tion." Supposing twenty rounds to liave been fired in a lest batch we might expect to find a grouping on the target such as is exemplified in Figure XIX. And from such a grouping we may obtain the Figure of Merit, which is a criterion of the accuracy of the ammunition : T E S T I N G A M M U N I T I O N O R R I F L E ; MA TCH T ARGETS. with a particular rifle. The figure of merit is measured i n i n c h e s a n d i s t h e m e a n r a d i a l d i s t a n c e o f t h e s h o t s from the mean point of impact of the group. We obtain the figure of merit in this way. Taking any two lines at right angles on the target, such as the vertical line CD and the horizontal line .AB in Figure XIX., we measure the distance each shot hole on the target is from these two lines. For example, the first round (the spot marked 1 on the target) is 20 inches from t h e v e r t i c a l l i n e C D a n d 2 1 i n c h e s f r o m t h e h o r i z o n t a l line .AB. Measuring the other rounds similarly we hpxe the following table :— Horizontal N u m b e r o f d i s t a n c e f r o m round. CD. inches. 4 .S 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 L3 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20 26 33 28 19 19 23 27 23 25 20 25 -a 29 \'ertical distance from AB. inches. 21 19 21 11 11 17 11 43 19 22 22 15 14 17 16 20 16 17 16 19 Mean distances = 24.1 inches. 17.4 inches. The abo\c mean distances are obtained b\ totalling the coltimns and dividing by 20, the number of rounds in the series on the target; tlic measurements gixing the position of the mean point of impact marked X in Figure XIX. I he position of the mean point of impact hat ing been determined, we arc now in a position to find the mean radial distance of the shot holes. Witli the tissisi- ance of a pair of compasses we find that the radial dis- WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK196 April, 1918. tance of round No. i from X is 5 inches, and similarly for the other rounds as in the following- tabulation :— N u m b e r o f RadialN u m b e r o f Radial round.distance.round. distance. inches.inches. I 5 I r .S 2212 3 -» 9135 4 8 14 I 5715 3 6 3 16 3 7 9 17 2 8 818 2 9 I 19 3 10 6 20 3 Mean radial distance = 4.4 in: The mean radial distance, or figure of merit, for the batch of 20 rounds of ammunition is therefore 4.4 inches. 14 •• /'I '9 ■I Q © - P o t n t a i m e d a t . q Fig. XIX.—Determining the " Figure of Jterit." The smaller the figure of merit the better the accuracy. Thus, our series would indicate greater accuracy than the figure of merit of 5.25 inches, which was given bv 20 rounds of a special lot of 0.303 inch ammunition for Bisley, quoted by the " Text Book of Gunnery " (1907, Part I., page 110), and inferior accuracy to that of the American 150 grain bullet which has a figure of merit of 4.2 inches. A similar procedure to the foregoing would be adopted in the case of a number of rifles being fired for comparative accuracy with a particular mark or brand of ammunition. T h k D e s i g n i n g o p M a t c h T a r g e t s . When we know the figure of merit of a particular brand of ammunition with a particular rifle it is possible to design a suitable match target. The target for one combination of rifle and cartridge is not necessarily suit a b l e f o r a n y o t h e r c o m b i n a t i o n . In the case of the target consisting of bull s-eye, inner, magpie and outer, we may adopt the convention that the cylinder which cuts out 25 per cent, o e rounds on the target is suitable for the bull s-eye , at which cuts out 50 per cent, for the inner; that whici cuts out 75 per cent, for the magpie; and that whicn cuts out approximately 100 per cent, for the outer. We have first of all'to determine the Probable Devia tion of any one shot. The probable deviation is such that it is an even chance that the deviation of an\ particular shot will be greater or less than it. By the Theorii of Probabilities it may be shown that it e repre sents the mean radial distance, or figure of merit, then d, the probable deviation of any shot is given by rl = 0.8453 c . • • ('^71 It may also be shown by the theory of probabilities that the radius, r, of the cylinder which cuts out P per cent, of rounds on a vertical may be obtained from the following table when cl has been determined ;— r r P. d P. d 5 0.48 55 1.88 10 0.6860 2.01 15 0.85 65 2-15 20 0.99 70 2.30 2.5 1.12 75 2.47 30 1-25 80 2.66 35 1.38 85 2.86 3.18 40 1.50 90 45 J.62 95 3 •'33 501-75 100 (nearly) 4-.50 As an example we may take the case of the 20 rounds fired on the target illustrated in Figure XIX. If we wished to construct a suitable target for the combination of rifle and ammunition with which this grouping was made, we have, as e = 4.4 inches, therefore, bv formula (67) fZ = 0.8453 X 4.4 = 3.72 inches. If the bull's-eye is to contain 25 per cent, of the shots then we extract from the foregoing table for P = 25t- r - = 1 . 1 2 d so that = 1 . 1 2 3-72 therefore 1=1.12x3.72 = 4.16 inches. .And if the inner is to contain 50 per cent, of the shots we refer to the table again and for P = 50 we find;— = 1 - 7 5 so that therefore = 1 - 7 5 3-72 r= 1.75 X 3.72 = 6.51 inches. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKApril, 1918. T H E R I F L E M A N . 197 We may proceed in the same way to obtain the radius r for the magpie and outer, the following being the dimensions to the nearest tenth of an inch of the four rings on the target:— Diameter of ring. Bull's-eye Inner Magpie Outer ^ B . Fig. XX.—Bull's-eye find Deeinml Targets. The target drawn to scale to the above dimensions is shown at A in Figure XX. In the ca.se of a Decimal Target each of the rings would be drawn to contain lo per cent, of the rounds. Proceeding in the same way by extracting the — <l corresponding to the percentage, P, from the table we have the following results for the target XIX. Ring to contain undermentioned percentage of shots. lO in Figure 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 (nearly) Diameter of ring in inches. 2-5 3-7 4.6 5.6 6.5 7-5 8.5 9.9 T I . S 16.7 -A " decimal " target drawn to scale and with the foregoing dimensions is illustrated at B of Figure XX. We have already mentioned that with the rifle the pattern on a target is usually very nearly circular in shape. When the pattern is decidedly elliptical then it may be deemed desirable to construct a target with ellip tical bull's-eye, inner, magpie and outer; and similarly for a " decimal " target. In such case the probable deviation d would have vertical and horizontal values, and the dimensions of the major and minor axes of the ellipses could be obtained from the table. For instance, if the probable deviation vertically were found to be 5.5 inches and the probable deviation horizontally 3.3 inches, then for the bull's-eye to contain 25 per cent, of the shots, we would have an ellipse of the following dimensions :— Half of major axis = 5.5 x 1.12 = 6.2 inches. Half of minor axis = 3.3 x 1.12 = 3.7 inches. {To he continued.) T H E V O L U N T E E R T E A M C H A M P I O N S H I P. F O R T H E PAT R I O T I C C H A L L E N G E S H I E L D N o . 2 . To be competed for by one team of twenty from Companies, or smaller units, of Volunteer Regiments affiliated to the Central Association of Volunteer Regiments, or the Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs. In addition the'Shield, which will be held by the winning Unit for one year, the following prizes will be awarded ;— Winning Team, Twenty S.M.R.C. Silver Medals and £lO. Second Team, Twenty S.M.R.C. Bronze Medals and £5 Third Team, Twenty Silver Spoons. This Competition will be shot between Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday, June 30th Full particulars of the conditions will be published in the May " Rifleman." E N T R I E S C L O S E J U N E I 3 t h . E N T R A N C E F E E 5 / = . WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKNext >