< Previous'»• 26 THE RIFLEMAN.August, 1917 1.8 inches, we have the following data as an example to work out the striking velocity by fonuula (20). (Xn data, using the accepted sjunbols, are :— \V=173 pounds ; w=\lii grains=0.02.o-pounds ; L=6 feet ; and c=1.8 inches=0.1o-foot. Formula (20) then gives :— f 173.025 ^1 .32X9 z;=:0.15 Y i 0.025 J G V =0.15x6921x2.316 = 2404 feet per second. The striking velocity, v, is, as its name indicates, the speed at which the bullet strikes the block of the pendulum erected at some distance from the point at which the rifle is fired. The rifle is usually operated when fixed m a rest made for the purpose, and aligned so that the bullets strike in the centre of the block. Having obtained the striking velocity at a known distance from the rifle muzzle, it is easy to calculate by means of ballistic tables (about which we shall have more to say in a later chapter) the muzzle velocity of the bullet.* We ma.y also calculate back to the muzzle velocity with sufficient accuracy in the following way. c:c, i A Fig. X.—The five-point Suspension Ballistic Pendulum (front elevation). Suppose the distance from the rifle muzzle to the block of the ballistic pendulum to be 30 feet. At a speed of about 2,400 feet per second the time of flight of the bullet over a distance of 30 feet is J^-second. By formula (17) the retardation to the bullet for this time may be quickly calculated. W e have :— Cr^pg C, the ballistic coefficient, we may take as the weight of the bullet in pounds, divided by the square of the diameter in inches, supposing the coefficients of reduction and tenuity each equal to unity, so that :— 0.025 C= 0.31x0.31 =0.260 * This is assuming that the blast of powder gases has n.d affected the velocity of the bullet after il has left the piiizz'e (see Chap, VI1.) From the table of the Resistance of the Air in Chapter VIII tiie value of p at a velocity of about 2,400 feet per second is 21.1 pounds a]fproximatcly. The retarthition is then given by 21.', X 32.19 0.260 =2,660 feet per second per second. At the rate of 2,660 feet per second per second tiie retardation for one-eightieth of a second is 33 feel jter second. Therefore the muzzle velocity is 7;-| 33=2404 -).33 = 2437 feet per second. This is exactly tiic result given by calculation cm])loying the ballistic tables. In practice the velocities of a number of bullets are determined at the same time. The bullets as they' are fired become imbedded in the block of wood of the ballistic jcndulum. With each round the weight of the block becomes heavier by an amount ecjual to the weight of the Fig. XI.—The Boulenge Chronograph. bullet. This can, of course, be allowed for in calculation from round to round ; but it is obvious that if the weight of the block be considerable in comparison with the weight of the bullet, as in our example, the added weight of, say, 10 rounds, would make little appreciable error in the calculated result even if it were ignored. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKAugust, 1917 T H E R I F L E M A N . 27 AHIkjukIi in coniix'tent IkukIs the Inillistic pendulum ■ fj;i\-es perfectly reliable results, this simple i)iece/)f apparatus has been superseded largely by the invention of the electro- b a l l i s t i c c h r o n o g r a j ) h . I t i s h a l f a c e n t n r v s i n c e L e Boulenge the in\-cntor ]mb]ished a description of his instrument ; meanwhile the original design has under gone considerable modification and improvement. 'J'he Boulenge chronograpii (or " time measurer") consists of a stand A (Bigure XI) from which are suspended by electro-magnetism two cylindrical rods, B and C. The longer rod of the two, B, (length about 1 metre iu the larger models of the chronograph) is called the time recorder, and the shorter rod, C, is known as the " drojr weight." When the velocity of a bnllet is to be measured the rifle is fixed in a shooting clam]i, and across the muzzle of the rifle a fine wire, held in position by a strong clip, is stretched. The wire forms part of the electrical con nection at U. At a carefully measured distance from the rifle muzzle a target is placed which is also in electrical connection with the chronogra]di at E. This " electrical target " consists of a scjuare ])late made of mild steel (or, when jrointed bullets are used, of armour plate steel) about an inch in thickness, and so adjusted that at the instant when struck by a Imllet the electrical contact at E i s b r o k e n . When the rifle and target are in jwsition, and the con nections with the chronograj)h properly adjusted, the rods B and C are susi)ended at h" and K, simi)lv by electro- magn<.Tism. Tlie I'iflc is then fired. .As tiie bullet passes out of the rifle the wire stretched across the muzzle is broken, electro-magnetism at I"" is destroj'cd, and the " time-recorder " rod B commences to fall. The rod B has not had time to fall very far before the bullet reaches the electrical target and electro-magnet- ism at K being destro\'ed the " drop weight " C begins to fall. As C descends it strikes the plate L, thereby releasing the catch at ]\f. At is a knife-edge, which, being released by the catch at AI, springs forward and marks the falling " time-recorder " rod B. Tile iuinci])le of the Boulenge chronograph is obyioiis from the description of its working ; that a freely sus- jiended body, when let fall, descends to earth at a definite rate of s])eed. We know that the distance through which a body falls is giyen (formula (G) ) by ;;=gT- The " time-recorder " rod B, in falling, was liberated a t I ' " w h e n t h e b u l l e t l e f t t h e m u z z l e o f t h e r i fl e , a n d a mark on it was made by the knife-edge N when the bullet struck the electrical target, the height through which the rod B, has fallen whilst the bullet was passing through the rifle to the target has thus been obtained. In the formula we haye just quoted, we know u and wish to find T, therefore :— T = ■Ih (21) Suppose the distance from the ritle muzzle to the target to be ItH) feet, and that the height, n, through which the r o d B h a s f a l l e n t o b e 1 , i n c h o r 0 . 0 4 1 7 - f o o t . W e h a v e then ;— T = V 0.0S34 32.19 =0.0509-second. It takes 0.0509-second for the bullet to cover a distance of 100 feet, so that the velocity of the bullet, v, at midway between the rifle muzzle and "the target (that is at about 50 feet from the muzzle) is given bj-;— 100 0.0509 = 1905 feet per second. I f t h e b a l l i s t i c c o - e f fi c i e n t o f t h e b u l l e t w e r e k n o w n i t would be possible to work back to find the muzzle velocit}' in the same way as was done in the case of the example of calculation with the ballistic pendulum. [To he continitcd.) S . M . R . C . T E A M C H A M P I O N S H I P . CONl^ITlONS.-—One team of si.x from any cfub in tlic United Kingdom alfdiatcd to tire S.iM.K.C. 30 shots deliberate, ten eacli at 25, 50 and 100 yards, S.M.R.C match targets. RESUL T OF SECOND ROUND. Rdmonton Shanklin Pitsmoor Padiliani Dundee ... H a m a n d P e t e r s h a m . . Brinclif fe and Eccfcsail C l i c a m . . . 1700 beat W. Mam Nat. Res n02 by 5!)S 1710 ,, Garswood Hall C o l l i e r i e s . . . 1 0 4 3 , , 0 7 1 7 1 3 , , L a n c a s t e r . . . 1 0 7 7 , , 3 0 1090 ,, Hampton and Hampton Hill 1062 ,, 34 1724 ,, Addiscombe ... 1697 ,, 27 171 1 ,, Garston ... 1701 ,, 10 1 0 S 9 , , G l o u c c . s t e r C i t y 1 0 8 2 , , 7 1714 ,, Ellengowan ... 1709 ,, 5 RESUL T OF THIRD ROUND. Padiham Dundee Shanklin Edmonton 1 7 1 9 b e a t H a m a n d P e t e r s h a m . . . 1 0 9 7 b y 1 7 2 1 , , P i t s m o o r . . . 1 7 0 8 , , 1 7 0 9 , , C h e a m . . . 1 7 0 2 , , 1707 ,, Brinclille and Ecclesall ... 1700 ,, DRA W FOR SEMI-FINAL. 1. 1 . P a d i h a m v . D u n d e e . 2. Edmonton v . Shanklin. The " Rifleman " Challenge Cup and six silver medals. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK28 T H E R I F L E M A N .August, 1917 B.S.A. COMPETITION FOR. VOLUNTEER REGIMENTS, 1917. To be competed for by any unit of Volunteer Regiments affiliated to the Central Association of Volunteer Regiments, or to the Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs. For the following Prizes, the whole of which have been kindly presented by the Bikmingiiam Small Arms CoMPAXY, Ltd. :—• 1st. Six Silver Medals and £12. 2nd. Six Bronze Medals and fji. To each of the Teams knocked out in the Semi-final, /3. A Souvenir will also be presented to the Competitor in each of the first eight teams who has the best average for at least three heats. Open to teams of six from any Company or smaller unit, of Volunteer Regiments as outlined above. Companies or smaller units may enter any number of teams. Full particulars of the conditions, and entry forms, can he obtained from the Secretary of the S.M.R.C. E n t r i e s c l o s e 3 0 t h S e p t e m b e r . E n t r y F e e , 2 / 6 p e r T e a m , «-» B U R R O U G H E S & W A T T S C H A L L E N G E C U P CGMPETITION, 19.7. To be competed for by teams of four from any Club in the United Kingdom affiliated to the Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs. Clubs may enter any number of teams. In addition to the Cup, which will be held by the winning club for one year, the following prizes will be added by the Society of IMiniature Rifle Clubs ;— 1st. Four Silver Medals and £8. 2nd. Four Bronze Medals and £4. To each of the two teams knocked out in the Semi-final round £2. To each of the four teams knocked out in the previous round £\. Full particulars of the conditions, and entry forms, can he obtained from the Secretary of the S.M R.C E n t r i e s c l o s e 1 s t O c t o b e r . E n t r y F e e 2 / 6 p e r t e a m . B R O W N E M A R T I N C H A L L E N G E C U P COMPETITION 1917. To be competed for by Rifle Clubs affiliated to the Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs having their ranges within 1 5 m i l e s o f t h e G e n e r a l P o s t O f fi c e . Open to one team of eight from any club affiliated to the S.M.R.C. having its range within the above area. In addition to the Cup, which will be held for one year, a Silver Medal will be awarded to each member of the winning team, and a Bronze Medal to each member of the second team. A Souvenir will also be presented to the competitor in each of the first eight teams who has the best average for at least three heats. Full particulars of the conditions, and entry forms, can he obtained from the Secretary of the S.M.R.C E n t r i e s c l o s e 1 s t O c t o b e r . E n t r y F e e 2 / 6 WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKAugust, 1!)17 T H E R I F L E M A N . 29 " C A R E O F A R M S " M I N I A T U R E . % B y " A h U K n i A N , " ! M u s k u t r v O I - T I C U K . Last nKinth tliu writer gave some idea of what " C a r e o f A r m s " m e a n s i n t h e A r m y, m o r e esi)ecially as regards the .298 Rille. Now as to l i o w a l l t h i s a f f e c t s t h e M i n i a t u r e K i t l e . w h i c h is the weapon which chiellj" concerns the readers of the Riflonan. What is the difference between cleaning a Service I v i l l e a n d a M i n i a t u r e ? M ' e l l — v e r y l i t t l e — b u t t h e r e arc points of difference. In the old days, there was a general idea that although the " full charge " rille had to be .scrupulously cleaned, the miniature, or " aiming tube " which then took its j^lace in this country, would be satishcd with an occasional rub through with a iilthy bristle brush dijjped in oil. In fact, to this day, the sole apparatus issued in the Sercdce for cleaning the .22 is a rod and brush. Now as a matter of fact, neither the .22 nor any other lire-arm will shoot accurately unless the original surface of the bore is maintained undamaged. And the fouling from the .22 cartridge is just as capable of eating away the steel as is that from the .303. In fact, with most .22 ammunitions, more so—for this reason. The " detonator " or cap, of the .303 cartridge is in the centre of the base. It contains fulminate of mercury, which c.xplodes on being struck, and the flash from this small explosion fires the main cordite charge within. In the case of the .22, the mercury fulminate is all round the rim of the cartridge ; hence the name " rim-fire," whereas the .303 is " centre-fire." Now this fulminate is most deadly stuff for corroding rifle barrels—far worse than cordite, or black oi" smokeless l)owder. And in the little .22, the proportion of fulminate to the total charge is necessarily greater than in the case of the centre-fire cartridge. In the latter, the fouling from the cap is, as it were, swallowed up in the much greater volume of fouling from the cordite ; but in the .22, it is a considerable item, and shows its sense of im portance by rapidly corroding the bore just in front of the chamber if it is given the chance. Here, then, is the difference. The .22 must be very carefully cleaned just in front of the chamber—at tlie " lead," to give it the technical name of that part. This is more important than in the case of the bigger bore, bigger charge rifle, though it is an important point in all rifles. A mechanical difficulty crops up at once in this con- j nection. The Service Rifle, is easily cleaned at the lead, I for the bolt is taken out and the pull-through dropped j through from that end. But most .22 rifles are of the ; Martini or Ifiock action type, and generally cleaned from the muzzle with a rod—the result being that the unwary " miniature man " is very apt to neglect that last inch | of the barrel which is by far the most important part i to keep clean. So general is this tendency, that the writer always inculcates the maxim, in cleaning a Martini, " t a k e c a r e o f t h e l a s t i n c h , a n d t h e r e s t w i l l t a k e c a r e of itself." And in proof of this, it will be found that if a number of old .22 rilles be carefully inspected, !XI ptr cent of them will have rust jiits or roughness near the chamber, while the remainder of the bore may be bright. The nature of the fouling from the main charge is veiy similar in all cartridges. Black powder is perhaps the least harmful, though it is bad enough. Cordite and other smokeless and semi-smokeless powdem are c-ery similar in their effects on the bore, but the intcusUy of the fouling depends to some degree on the size of the charge and the ]iressure set up in the barrel b\- the ex plosion. In the .303, with its 38 grains of tubular cordite, the jn-essure is about 20 tons to the square inch at the moment of detonation, and the heat greater, for a moment, than the fusing point of steel. The result of this is that the amount of fouling forced into the pores of the steel is considerable ; but in the case of the .22, where the jiressure and heat are much less, the amount of " internal fouling " is also less. The use of boiling water for removing internal fouling is always good, but a good cleaning fluid may quite safely be used instead, especially with the .22. There are several e . x c d l e n t b r a n d s o n t h e m a r k e t , o f w h i c h t h e w r i t e r h a s found Young's " .303 " and Price's " Antifoul " as good as any. Oils which profess to do several things besides cleaning are hardly to be trusted. T h e s e " C l e a n e r s " c o n t a i n s o m e a l k a l i n e s o l u t i o n w h i c h a c t s o n a n d n e u t r a l i s e s t h e a c i d r e s i d u e i n t h e fonling. The}' should be used by soaking a flannelette patch in the cleaner, and working it vigorously up and down the bore (especially that last inch!)—by means of a rod and loop. Do not be put off with plugs, jags, brushes, etc. There is no tool to equal a brass loop, for any rifle of small bore. When the fouling is thoroughly loosened and neutralised, it may be wiped out bc' repeated applica tions of clean patches, alternated with others soaked in the cleaner. A dozen tight-fitting patches is not too many to use for one cleaning, and it takes ten or fifteen minutes of time. (Take care of that last inch!). Now, however good the cleaning, some internal fouling will remain in the pores, and this wiU gradually ooze out, or " sweat," as it is called. It must be neutralised -while if sic'cats out—and to do this, a film of the cleaner maj' be left in the bore. But even better than the liquid cleaner is the realh' wonderful preparation of the B.S.A. Coy., called " Safetipaste." If the bore is coated with this after cleaning, it will effectually " take up " the sweating—and probably the barrel really would be " safe but the writer never takes any chances, and strongly recommends that the barrel be wiped out again and re- greased 24 hours after the first cleaning. Then it really is safe, and may be left for months if necessary without danger. But be careful that last inch has its full share of the paste! One decided dif ference between the .303 and the .22 is in the nature of the metallic fouling.- In the former rifle, this is " nickelling," when it occurs at all—but in the case of the .22 it is " leading "—for the .22 bullet is of lead without any hard nickel enveloi^e. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK30 T H E R I F L E M A N . Au(;ust. J017 This leading always occurs, though more in some barrels than others. It should be removed occasionally—say every hundred rounds or so—by means of some mercui-y s dvent. There are pastes oa the market which will do this, and also liquid processes. The writer has never u sed an yth i n g b ut " Leidene," a n d found it p e r fe ctly satisfactory. It is a paste used exactly like a " Cleaner," but may be left in for an liour or two with advantage before being wiped out of the bore ; when it will ccnne out quite black with the dissolved lead. It does noL attack the steel. The main thing in cleaning all rifles is to do it immcd- ialely after firing—while the barrel is still h<h, if ])ossible. I f l e f t i n f o r a n h o u r o r t w o , t h e a c i d f o u l i n g t a k e s its toll of the steel, and the jiolish of the bore is dimmed a little:—to g(.) worse and worse on subsequent occasions, for steel once corroded ca)i never be replaced. liave nothing to do with wire scourers, excejit for a barrel that has been allowed to get badly corroded. In s u c h a c a s e , a w i r e s c o u r e r w i l l t e a r o u t t h e l e a d w h i c h accumulates with frightful ra])idity, and inqjrove the sliooting for a few shots—but the best remedj' when it c o m e s t o s u c h a c a s e a s t h i s i s a n e w b a r r e l - a n d m o r e careful and scientific cleaning thereafter. 1st Prize—-t Large Silver Medals :— 1st Idanfaes Troop Boy Scouts. H . K i c h a r d s . . . . . . . . . 9 8 U. Bevan ... ... ... ... 100 A. Bevan ... ... 04 D. Bevan ... ... ... ... 04 42 40 42 42 To t a l 140 140 BiO 100 .052 2 n d P r i z e — 4 S m a l l S i l v e r I V I e d a l s : — ist Idanfaes Boys' Brigade. B . E v a n s . . . . . . 0 7 F . R i c h a r d s . . . . . . . . . 0 0 C . S p u r r i e r . . . O S T . S a m u e l s . . . . . . . . . 0 3 44 40 37 35 141 J 30 135 128 To t a l 5 4 0 3 r d P r i z e — 4 S m a l l B r o n z e i l c d a l s : — O . C o y. 3 r d H a n t s R e g t . C . B CADET SUMMER COMPETITION. COXDITIONS —Open to one team of four from Ouupanies or smaller Units tjf Cadet Corps Sclioo! Corj).s, f.ads' Brigades, Boy Scouts, and any other approved organisaticm alliiiated to llie S..M.R.C. 20 shots per lad at 25 yards: 10 deliberate, target 15/20 yards double V.T.C. with carton ring; 10 in 100 seconds, target Double T-iisley Figure 25 = 200. Richmond Hill Cadets Coleman St. Ward School Coy. 1st Cilv (jf f.ondon ... B C o y. 1 s t C a d e t B a t t , K . R . R . . . . Pannal Ash College C.C Shaftesbury School Coy. ... S. J udes ami S, .Vidan's ... Bisley Farm .School Arlington Boys' " B" Team Ist Cadet Battery N.R.R..F.A. ... S. Francis Coy. A. Coy . 1st C. Bn. K.R.R i !\. Cov. Ist C.B. 1st 1 lome Counties' R.F.A. ... D e t a i l s I s t C . B . K . R . R No. 3 Coy. 3rd C.i3. Jdncoln Regt. Maidenhead Cadet Coy. ... A C(jy. 3rd City of London Cadels B. C(J3'. 1st C.B. Leicester Regt. C . C o y - B t C . B . K . R . K F. Coy. 1st C.B. Cornwall Regt. H i g h B a n i e t B o y S c o u t s . . . . . . . . . .v. Plat. C. Coj'. Ist C.B. Warwicks Regt. No. 3 Tujop Ihiversham Boy Scouts Roan School Cadets " C " L e a m i n g t o n S c h o o l C a d e t s ! ! iMirtescue House Scliool X Va n d s w o r t h C o y. 2 3 r d L o n d o n C a d e t s ! ! Northern Polvteclmic School Cov. Cadet Corps 4th Coy. Ist C.B, K.S.L.I. Scorton School (.'.adets Woolwich Coy, (jiiecn's Own K.W. Kent C.B. " !!! B. Plat. C. Coy. Ist C.B. Warwicks Regt St. Mary's Lcwisham " A " Team St. Matthews Coy. 3rd C.B. Manchester Regt. ..! S. Pauls Plat. Idchlield C.L.B S . M o d w c n ' s P l a t . L i c h fi e l d C . L . B ' Uxbridge Coy. 2nd Middlcsc.x Regt. C.B 11 Coy. 8th Middle.se.\ C.B. B. Coy . 10th London C.C. !! S Oswald's Cadet Coy Ripon All Souls Cojo 3rd C.B. Manchester Regt. St. Mary's Lcwisham " C " Team Baildon St. John's Cadet Coy. 2ik1 Ripon C.B, ... St. Mary's Lewisliam " B " Team S t . G e o r g e ' s M i c k l c y N e w c a s t l e C . L . B . . . . ! ! ! ' ' St. Clements Coy. Rijiou Arlington Boys' " C " Team did not shoot C. Coy. 10th London Cadet Batt. did not shoot St. Andrew's Coy. Eastbourne " A " Team did not shoot St. Andrew's Coy. Eastbourne " B " Team did not shoot St. Andrew's Coy. Eastbourne " C " Team did not shoot St. Andrew's Coy. Eastbourne " 1) " Team did not shoot Ongar Grammar School 4th C.B. Essex Regt. did not shoo Cadet Payne Cadet Boynton L'C. Hansford L/C. Cooper 0(1 03 00 88 -12 42 40 30 138 135 130 127 To t i d 5 3 0 A. Coy. Kent College Cadets A. Coy. Kent College Cadets " X" E. Coy. 10th C.B. London Regt. S. George's College " A " Team Artington Boys' " A " Team A . C o } ' . B a t t e r s e a G r a m m a r S c h o o l L e i n s t e r H o u s e S c h o o l St. Thomas' School Wimbledon College Cadet Corps Tr u r o C a t h e d r a l S c h o o l . . . K i l b u r n G r a m m a r S c h o o l R o a n S c h o o l C a d e t s " B " No. 2 Coy. Hackney Downs School Thetford T own Scouts B . C o y. B a t t e r s e a G r a m m a r S c h t ) o l No. 1 Coy. Hackney Downs School De Aston School Cadet Coy. 4th Lincoln Eton Coy. 2nd Cadet Batt'. Oxfoi'd No. 3 Coy, Hackney Downs School King Edwards Grammar School 4th Warwicks S. George's Collc.ge " B " Team No. 1 Coy. Ixmdon Orphan School C.C. Epworth C(^llege Coy, Riiyl 5th Royal W.F. . " F " Coy. 3rd Hants C.B. Roan School Cadets " A " C.B 510 514 512 512 512 51 1 51 1 510 508 500 505 504 503 503 500 500 500 407 407 493 490 488 488 487 483 482 481 481 4 7 7 477 471 471 470 408 407 407 4 0 4 402 454 452 45 1 448 44 8 440 445 430 437 420 428 427 413 412 410 400 408 400 402 400 384 375 305 358 350 341 332 331 325 322 300 281 WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKAucust, 1 1)17 T H E R I F L E M A N . 31 REGISTER OF WINNERS. Y e t i r C I!)!.■) As><ociatc(l JMiiiipiiient Coy. I!)hl IDICi Xatioiial Reserve Wool.ston district No. 7 Coy. liUli Bromley Town 1!)I7 Devon Constabulary "B" Division 1(117 Blacklnirn and District t' J J 1017 llfracombo Ciiurch bacls^Brigatle 1017 Dive Ways Ciiammar School C.C. (BirminKliam) 1017 Sperryn .\thlclic 1017 Slielvcvs 11)17 Middlesex V. R. 1st Batt. •Vo.Hell Medal 1017 Sillotli 1017 V ulcan 1017 Rawdon and Ve a d o n 1017 .Middlese.x V. R. 4th Batt. A & B Cos. ISM.7 Saw Mill (Osborne Steven & Coy.) I!n7 Oranville Canadian 1 9 1 7 M a n c h e s t e r C i t y 1017 Broonisleigh School 1017 Bristol Wheelers 1017 Southgale District 1017 St. Faiths (Brentford) 1017 Boldre & Pilley Sec. 4th Hants V.R. 1017 Wallasay Village 1017 Leyfield Grange 1017 Cainborwell Special Police 1017 Scotton Farnham and District 1017 .Associated F.quipinent Coy. 1917 Blankney, Metheringham & Dist 1017 Metro. Police "K" (Bow) Division 1017 Liverpool Miniature 1917 Friern Barnet 1917 Hingham 1917 Reniield 1917 Norton 1917 1917 1017 1917 1917 1917 1017 1917 1917 1917 1917 1917 1917 1917 1917 The Dittons Charlton and Kidbrook Livingstone and Doughty Metro. Police Chatham Charlbury E l t h a m a n d D i s t r i c t Nordrach-on-Dee Belvedere Metro. Police "G" Division Shelton Iron Steel & Coal Co., Ltd. Lincoln .Assoc. of Small Bore. R.C. Imperial (Brighton and Hove) K i l b u r n G r a m m a r S c h o o l Ardgowan Lindley Lodge School H l ' l M W . S . I f a l y dddl C. K. Edwards l i d O S W M " . W e l l s 41 Li liCil 144,7 (iS4 I S I . 7 a S. R. Lloyd Su]it. Newberv A. G. Grubb G. Hancock Cadet \V alkcr liOOOa d.719 1 1. Smart 7.77a Sergt. A. N. Samuels 400;i J. M. T indall 1494 A. M. Kinnear 1709a Pte. G. Burns 40d;! 2S02 W . Gardner 19S:ia Pte. H. W . H. Smith . 7 0 t ) T . B u t t e r w o r t h 17S4a Pte. J. Bristow .70S W. J. Cunnington 517a 5V. K. Johnston 274 H. 7V . Smith 2S2Sa 11 0 5 a 181a 1912 1 : i 4 9 a 9221 25S() 1910 358 1592a 2641 1414 256 436 103 1530 3753 1459 2381 414 61 1a 1889 055a 3528 3514 667a 2792 1265 W. C o x G. James P/C. Lawrence 2nd Lt. A. P. Slingsbv W. H . L e e C. 7V . Green P/C. Phillips E. P . Cottier G. Nye J. 7Vilkinson T. R . A . 7 V a i n - wright H. G. Hollowav AV . H . R e e d E. W . Boer —King F. S t u r d y W. T u r n e r i J. Blow : P/C. Mitchell ' A . A ' l i l l w a r d C. R. Staves J. S. Macfarlane E. L. Pearson I A. McDougall sen W. i M . A l i l l e r D a i l y D . x p i e s s Medal. W. S . E a l y E. T . A'allentine R. Kimish F. A V . S m i t h Cons. Donsham E. A'ity Ci. 1-lancock Sergt. Bleby G. A. Butt T. W a l l a c e G. Crowther Sergt. J. Croc A. Finch Pte. AV. G. Fry J. B. Cullen Sgt. R. Holland C. Hooper AV . C . K i l b v Airs. J. AV. Crox- ford AV. J. Pryer A. Ratakin S.'C. A. Morgan O.M.Sergt. Elm- hirst S. .Attwood C. AAA Green P/S. Gilbert E. P . Cottier G. Nye D. Alacdonald AAA H. Pearson T. G r e e n AA'. J. Stevens —Peters F. S t u r d v F. AAA Byfield J. Bancroft P/S. J. Gray A. Alillward' —Howson L. A. Leggett T. Ta y l o r , C . E . A l i l l e r D a i l y Te l e g r a p h Cctlificale. AAA S. Ealy J. E. Esworthy R. Kimish S. R. Lloyd Cons. Cottev E. Vity AAA Brimcombe D a i l y M a i l L a d y ' s Certificate. Medal T. G r u n d v AAA S. Eaiy AAA E. Ommanny S. R. Lloyd Cons. Cole T. A A A D u c k w o r t h AAA Brimcombe T. L c w i n H. L. A V illiams Sergt. AAA J. Hornsby N. Littleton J. AAA Sapsford Pte. G. Burns F. E . R i c h a r d s o n F. P o w e l l Pte. H. AAA H. Smith Cpl. H. AA Bag- shaw F. G . O w e n AAA G. AA'ood Mrs. J. AAA Crox- ford C. G. Alalyan G. James P/C. Law 2nd Lt. .\. P. Slingsbv AAA S. Ealy J. Top ham P/C. Fuller E. P . Cottier G. Nve M. Taylor D. Macdonald H. Howe T. G r e e n .v. J. Holland —T aylor H. Langford M. C. Senior A, Keeble J. llett S. Haslam S J e f f e r i e s J. K. Crone N. Leitch C. E. Miller E. S. Holland G. H. Phillips Sergt. AAA H. Last T. D o w t h w a i t e A. M. Kinnear Sergt. E. S. AA'aite E. Richardson Pte. AAA G. Frv Sgt. A. Summer- land T. G u m i n g H. Field AV. S . G o f t C. G. Alalyan J. A. Heap H. A V atson P'C. Lawrence 2nd Lt. A. P . Slingsby R. Pavey J. Topham P/C. Arnold H. Dix G. Nye A. J. Laird E. Bingham T. G r e e n ' J. Bannister R. Lant —Hale C. Dyke AAA T urner G. AAA AA Foster P . A A ' a r d I M i s s M . P a l m e r P/C. A. Chapman AAA J. Brooke A. Chard F. R . P o s k i t t S. McKendry A. T . Barber I F Y O U H A V E A N Y D I F F I C U L T Y I N O B T A I N I N G T H E R I F L E M A N , A copy can be sent each month direct from the the offices of the S.M.B.C. Post Free 2s. per Annum. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK32 T H E R I F L E M A N . August, 1917 MUSKETRY AND MINIATURE RIFLE CLUB SHOOTING. CO-OPERATIVE METHOD OF COACHING SUGGESTED [Continued) By " Carton." II. The Importance of a Good Position. The " 2-5 " firing point of our smart and well- appointed Miniature Rifle Range is now vacant, and confronting us at the measured distance are a few spotlessly white targets neatly arranged discriminately for a corresponding number of firers. But no, the targets are not spotkss. In the centre of each there is a clearly defined aiming mark which is universally known as a " bull," while in the centre of the circular black maze"is hidden the elusive carton, the desideratum, of all who are endowed with the spirit of the chase. But you, my comrade, having a very im portant and highly commendable duty to performi, will not be so acutely exacting at the initial onset and will be thoroughly satisfied if your friend, the novice, only secures an approach to the enviable taurus of the Rifle Shooting world in a tentative manner. "All's clear—get down! I'll sj ot for you." Upon this, or some similar synonymous expression, the timorous would-be rifleman prostrates himself, while you pro ceed to adopt a recumbent position adjacent to your friend, adjusting your 'scope so that you may assist him to obtain a measure of success in his first venture, paying little heed to the contortions of the firer who is probably despondent of ever being able to hold the rifle with sufficient steadiness so that he may control the direction of his shot. Now this is by no means an exceptional word picture. Incidents such as described occur too frequently upon club ranges. The deplorable apathy of the old club shot who can knock the centre out of the carton when he has adopted some fancy stunt will be fatal to the life of his club and, parenthetically, to the national ideal—" Every man a Rifleinan." If vmi wish to get the best out of your novice at his first attempt, if you desire to give him a meed of encouragement as the result of his initial effort, the " any-old-wa.y ' must be expunged from the club methods of coaching. Rarely, very rarelv indeed, is it successful, " as awkward as a cow with a musket " is an old and well-known saw^ and although it may be far from being homologous, potentiallv, if assisted by an exaggerated stretch of imagination, it may be applied to the unfortunate victim of an indifferent club coach. The importance of a good position must be emphasised at once. Take a man who follows a sedentary occupation, or a youth who does not indulge in out-door recreation, when about to fire a rifle in an incongruous lying position his muscles, which have been dormant, will be unduly- exerted and will in fact undergo a rather severe trial. There -will probably be excessive constraint, his nerves will be -wound up to a high tension, while wracking agony of cramp will probably distress him and so defeat every good intention to excel if only in a moderate degree. Why not a Service Positkjn ? When tlie recruit of six months' service recei\-es the order to " Load " he immediately slips down in (Ik! correct service position. 1 he trained lad does not pause fca- a fraction of a second, but in a twinkling he is lying prostrate on the ground with his magazine charged with foiii- rounds and one in the chamber and has the salety-catch of the rifle applied and his pouch buttoned. If he has adopted the correct firing position he will be ready to obey with alacrity any fire order v,-hich may be given. " hive rounds rapid fire," " five rounds fire," or a snairping paactice, will all come alike to him. and afford no undiu> fatigue. V V X i J t i J J L — I . , - There will not be any unnecessary movement of the body, no rolling of the hips and no twisting or crossing of legs, and each shot w-ill be aimed at the targi t given in the fire order. As soon as he has completed the fire order our recruit will re-charge his magazine, apjfly the saicty-- catch keeping his front under observation the wliole time, and remain motionless awaiting another fire order. Now, when a stranger is afforded an opportunity of wit nessing this little phase of disciplinary rifle fire he is impressed by its simplicity. Muliiim the Latin scholar could not apply the apothegm with greater efk'ct. To begin with, every recruit is taught the Standing Position at the outset, not wholly because he may be called upon to fire his rifle while standing in the open but, potentially, because he must become accustomed to the weight of the rifle and its point of balance. All the the little details of elementary training must be inculcated which are evolved later when firing fi-om a trench, or from the kneeling position, or from behind cover. I here are many salient principles which are m.anifest identically throughout the firing exercises, conspicuous among them being': The grip of the rifle with each hand, the left hand in front of the magazine and the right hand at the small of the butt as described in a previous cliapter ; the left wrist w-ell under the rifle ; from heeUto toe of butt plate well up and in the hollow of shoulder ; the aiming eye well back from the cocking-piece and the recruit's jaw in contact with butt of rifle ; and, pej-haps the most para mount feature, the angle of direction of the body being about 45 degrees from the line of or direction of fire, unless the firer has adopted a prone position behind a portion of isolated cover, such as a boulder about the width of his shoulders, when he would lie in prolongation to the line of fire resting the rifle against the side of c o v e r t o o b t a i n i n a i - n e a s u r e , p r o t e c t i o n f r o m t h e enemy bullet. The firing positions taught to-day are Standing, Trench, and Prone. Sitting and kneeling appcar in the curriculum, but with only- a limited period to- perfect a lad in the former, the latter- are inr-ariably demonstrated by musketry instructors and lessons only gi\-en when an opportunity occurs. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKArorsi, HU / 33 X(.\v whv do I advocate a resemblance of the code as tan^thl to-dav being introduced into our .Miniature Rifle Clubs > I kni)\v I niav have to defend m\- tlieory from the assault of the cai)tious critic who may endeavour to pour a cold douche ujxin my advocac}". " You teach men to maintain a flrc-flgiit. " To pour a volume of well-aimed shots upon a service target that has been discerned among tlie enemy trenches or out on the open country—be it the dreary wastes of Idanders or amongst the battered vinevards of Picardv " may be his a.sscrtion. " :\lore- over we club membi?rs shoot for 5pt)rt and pleasure and will not tolerati- an atmosifliere of militarism," he may teisely add. Well, whatever may be the critic's line of argument I submit that it is but reasonable to suppose that the man who can produce good results in rapid fire owing to his ado])tion of a jhccly balanced position is the self-same individual who will figure prominently in any slow practice 111)011 a simple target with a well-defined aiming mark.^ Fatigue and exhaustion arc the fundamentals from which ei'iianate the various causes which militate against con sistently good inarkinanship. That must be untpiestionably admitted. The orthodox position was framed to counteract the distress occasioned by a spell of rapid fire : so that evcr\- muscle from the toes to the nape of the neck may bear some of the burden, and lastly to afford a measure of protection and invisibility, and \ may add uniformity and discipline. Prone Position, Front V iew . Now I do not expect .you, as a club coach, vill teach the orthodox service position, but I suggest that you should give your new members a sporting chance. I repeat that a good first-time effort is far more encouraging than is supposed. The Club desires new and active mem bers, the nation yearns for them. By the fonner the club's financial position may be retrieved, by the latter the fighting force is assured. .Adopting the Service Position, ' Quoting iluskctry Regulations a recruit is instructed to " Turn half right, bring the rifle to the right side as when standino-. Place the right hand on the ground, and lie down on the stomach obliquely to the line of fire, with the legs separated, left shoulder well forward, left arm extended to the front, and rifle resting on the ground in a convenient position, muzzle pointing to the front." Those instructions are just a little too concise perhaps, so to assist the casuistic coach I append a couple of rough sketches of a firer who has adopted some semblance of the service position. They are b\- no means accurate re presentations of the position as taught, but are suggested as the happy medium between the careless attitude and t h e e . x t r e m e l y a c c u r a t e . » W h y E m p l o y t h e R i fl e . - t s . - t C r l t c h ? Have 5-ou noticed how often the rifle is employed to support the bod}- when a member is getting down on the firing point, and used as a crutch when getting up Have you ever thought that the accuracy of the rifle may be impaired by the strain, if the weapon is gripped at the fore-end of the barrel, the butt being on the ground, and the weight of the body placed upon it, when either going down to the firing point or getting up ? The rifle must not be treated as a support e\nn if }-our recruit may risk bruising himself. " Place the rifle on the ground before you get down " ma}' be suggested, but are you certain of the position of the rifle? probably when your recruit is down you will find the rifle under his stomach which would necessitate some relhng over so as to extricate it. You do not desire your friend to bruise Inmself so you choose the lesser evil bringing the " crutch " in prominence. However, endeavour to follow me through these few movements, then practise them in }'our leisure moments. You will be surprised at the results. A ou will also be astonished by the ease with which you can bring the rifle into the correct aiming position with just simply raising the fore-anns, and also b}' the length of t i m e v o u c a n m a i n t a i n a s t e a d v a i m . P r o n e P o s i t i o n , B a c k V i e w . If your club provides a strip of cocoa-nut matting to protect a member's garment place it upon the firing point obliquely to the line of fire and stand at the left bottom corner facing your target. Now assume for the nonce that }'ou are the recruit and I your instructor who is about to put you through your first exercise in the Prone Position. By numbers— IMrn half-right and by lookingoveriyour left shculdcr you should watch your target. 2._Cant the rifle up, grip it by the left hand between the trigger guard and that portion of tlie stock under the back-sight (in front of magazine on a service rifle), sink to the knees throwing back the shoulders keeping the eyes and muzzle of rifle directed towards the target. 3.—Place the right hand on th.e ground about forty inches in front of the right shoulder, now lower the body to WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK34T H E R I F L E M A N . August, I!)J7 the ground, and at the time, push the rifle out towards the target, the left wrist being under the rifle which should be in an iron grip, the body should now be in contact with the ground and in a straight line, but at an angle of 45 degrees to the line of Are, and the eyes directed upon the target, the position of the right hand being about thirty-six inches from tlie left. 4.—^Maintain the grip with the left hand swing in the right to the small of the butt and at the same time separate legs and turn the heels down. Now the points to be noticed are :— The body is oblique to the line of fire, bringing the left shoulder forward thus assisting the recruit to bring his left fore-arm under the rifle and obtain good support. Legs are well separated which counteracts the tendency to roll and helps the recruit to maintain his position. Elbows are closed inwards so that the rifle butt may be brought well up into the hollow of the shoulder and not the shoulder down to the rifle, while the right fore-arm is lying close to the right side of butt!; the head raised and eyes on the target throughout. To bring the rifle into the aiming position the recruit merely raises the forearms, the elbow of the left arm acting as a pivot. There is unerring emphasis that to obtain consistently good shooting the po.sition of the left •elbow must be maintained throughout a series of shots, and I submit that this can only be accomplished when a LONDON LEAGUE. AUGUST 5th, 1917. TA B L E . Matches.Aggregate Club.Shot. W on. Lost. Drawn. Pts.Sc. 1. Alexandra Palace ... ... 6 0 011110274 2, Cheam ... 650 1 11 • 10244 3. W i m b l e d o n P a r k . . . ... 64208 10274 4. H a m a n d P e t e r s h a m ... 64 2 08 10265 0.Edmonton ... ... 6420810253 6.Addiscombe ... 6 3 3 0 6 10138 7. Mitcham ... 6 4 0 4 10102 8. Lee ... - . . . 6 1 50210142 9. Walthamstow Ensign ... 61 0 02 10049 10.Boro, of W andsworth ... 6 06 00 9976 SCORES. Ham and Petersham 1732 beat Leejl087 by 45. Wimbledon Park 1720 beat^Addiscombe 1675jby!^4o. Edmonton'1707 beat WalthamstowJEnsign 1667,^by 40. Mitcham 1703 beat Borough of Wandsworth 1671 by 32. C h e a m 1 7 0 2 d r e w w i t h A l e x a n d r a P a l a c e 1 7 0 2 . NOTICE TO CLUB SECRETARIES. The Society of MiniaUire Rifle Clubs has no local agents. All communica t i o n s s h o u l d b e a d d r e s s e d d i r e c t to :— The Secretary, Arundel House, Arundel Street, London, W.C 2. correct position is attained before firing the first shot, and the eyes square to the target. Before closing this chapter I must advise m}-colleague, the club coach, if the first attempt to obtain the correct position has resulted in a failure, to persist until successful. Do not twist your pupil into a shapeless mass. Get him (or her) to rise and go down naturally. Endeavouring to correct when a recruit is down bj' moving a limb is fatal to the best interests. Just one more word. There is a tendencj' to jflace the right liand on the ground in the direction of the target. This must be avoided, because if this is done the body will assume quite a different angle from that intended. The right hand should be placed out from the right shoulder. I am convinced that I am about to run the gamut of a scathing fire of criticism. Possibly most of the members now remaining with the clubs have their own jx-t ideas and it will be very difficult to disillusion them, liowever, the popular quip " that an ounce of practice is worth a ton of theory " may result in producing a radical change throughout the clubs which are so fortunate as to enrol new members while the shadow of war hangs like a pall over everything having a true sporting characteristic. How Trench firing is taught and carried out on Classifica tion and Miniature Ranges will be described in the next chapter. {To be conlimted.) R A R K E R ' S • 22 LE. APERTURE BACKSIGHT. Reg. design 6342. This simple yet effective aperture sight was designed l>y our Mr. a'. E. Parker to bring the .22 calibre Short Lee-Enfield into line with the 1914 Enfield Rifle Tr o o p s i s s u e d with the 1914 Enfield rifle with aperture sights naturally wish to train with aperture sights on the Min iature range, and our sight therefore fiilsamuchneeded want. It will be noticed f r o m t h e i l l u s t r a tion thattheFirer's view of the sight i s p r e c i s e l y t h e s a m e a s h i s v i e w of the 1914 En field Sight, which naturally i n c r e a s e s t h e e f fi c iency of Musketry Tr a i n i n g o n t h e Miniature range. PRICE 8s. 6d., Post 2d. Designed and Manufactured by A. G. PARKER & Co., Ltd., Musketry Specialists, Bisley Works, Whittall St., BIRMINGHAM, WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKAugust, l!)l' T H E R I F L E M A N .35 DOMINION POST AL COMPETITION. FOR INDIVIDUAL RIFLEMEN IN TWO SECTIONS. A , — M e m b e r s o f A l l ' U i a t e U f f i i l e C l u b s . B.—^'oluntecl•s. Xo Competitor to slioot in more tlian one Section. P R I Z E L I S T . Section A. COXl)lTK).\"S. ;!0 shots at three S.M.K.C. match targets at :.'r> yards, completed within one hour, any sights. 1st Prize. and S.M.K.C. Life Membership;— R. Proctor, Leyton Ltd. D. I'ollock, Jedburgh. ... ... J. Pearson, J.ancastcr ... 4 t h P r i z e . 1 0 - a n d S . M . K . C . L i f e M e m b e r s h i p : — A . I L S m i t h , M i t c h a m . . . . . . .v. Mitchell, Grimsby t^entral ... (ith Prize. 10.'- and S.M.K.C. l.ife -Membershi]-) : — C. Xcwman, Grimsby Central ... T. 11. Kayner, Gloucester Civil Survice \V. M. James. Gloucester Civil Service S. J. Phillips, London Postal Service P. G . B a l l , C h e a m IC. Pearson, NVellingorc .\. W. Poland, Xo. 2 K.H.T. Depot 13th Prize, o/- and S.M.K.C. Life .Membership J. Drummond, Falkirk Lord Roberts E. J adding, Bcckcnham J. Hare, Watford Howarth, Padiham W. Harper, Chorlcy F. K. Manning, Leven and Dist ■V. li. Machin, Brincliffe and Ecclesall [. T. Mountain, Bicester and Dist J. H. Fletcher, .\ppleton 22nd Prize. S.M.K.C. Life Membership C. Suthcrn. Orrell and Dist H. Poole. Grimsby Central W. M a r t i n , E l t h a m D. .MacDonald, Kenlield r. Henry, Bridgend H. Mills, Grimsby Corporation Capt. G. Tench, Wimbledon Park H. .Moore, Brincliffe and Fcclo.sall W. Bassctt May, Kensington f. !•:. Sudbury, Kuston Boiler Works k. Pollard, Padiham A. D. Cartwright, Edmonton \\' H. Barnes, G.E.K. Liverpool St J. 11. IMay, K.X. Barracks, Dcvonport E. Bates,'Brighton Railway Athletic to be :!9(i 2f)<) 299 298 298 297 297 297 297 297 297 297 2(19 59(1 29t) 291) 29(1 29(1 290 290 290 29o 295 295 295 295 295 295 295 295 295 295 295 295 295 295 Special Life Memberships awarded to the lady competitors making the highest scores in the Competition — i M i s s M a y , H a m a n d P e t e r s h a m 2 9 5 i M i s s X . " C o l c n u t t , S h a n k l i n L a d i e s ' 2 9 3 Section B. COXDITIOXS. 30 shots at three double V.T.C. 15 20 yards targets with carton ring, at 25 yards, to be completed within a period of one hour, open sights. 1st Prize. £2 and S.^[.R.C. Life Membership F. Knight, 7th Plat. B Coy. 1st Berks ^".K — 2nd Prize. 15 - and S.M.K.C. Life Membership :— J. W. Barrett, Xo. 2 K.H.T. Depot A. M. Dickson, .\. Coy. 7th Cheshire 4th Prize. 10 - and S.M.K.C. Life .Alembership :— H. .\dams, C. Coy. 9th Kent S. J. Taylor, C. Coy. 1st Cornwall F. W. O. Bond, 7th Coy. 5th Essex G. E. Koyle, IManchester R.C. Coy. 4th Lanes. 8th Prize. 8/0 and S.iM.R.C. Life Membership :— J. Larkin, Bolsover Unit A. Coy. 4th Derby R. C. Murray, Manchester R.C. Coy. 4th Lanes J. Boyd, C. Coy. 3rd Somerset J. Lamb, Arbroath Coy. 2Tst Forfarshire V.R. E. G. Venn, C. Coy. 1st Devon P. R o b i n s o n , A . C o y. 1 s t X o t t s . W. E. Weeks, C. Coy. 1st Devon 15th Prize. 3/0 and S.M.K.C. Life Membership :— T. Miskellv, C. Coy. 3rd Somerset F. E. Bad'deley, B. Coy. 9th Surrey ... G. L. Rogers, C. Coy. 1st Cornwall ... R. Tecle, C. Coy. 1st Devon \V. Stallard, Xo. 2 K.H.T._Depot J. Cameron, C. Coy. 9th Kent S. R. Lloyd, B. Coy. 7th Kent J. H. Reancy, A. Coy. 2nd Derby E. A. Chown, C. Coy. 1st Devon 24th Prize. S.M.K.C. Life Membership :— C. Cutts, Bolsover Unit A. Coy. 4th Derby G. Bramwell, B. Coy. 1st Essex 298 295 295 294 294 294 294 293 293 293 293 293 293 293 292 292 292 292 292 292 292 292 292 291 291 NATIONAL ROLL OF MARKSMEN. June and July, 1917. A = 3 points; B — 2 points ; C = 1 point. C l a s s A . W. J. Stone, Swindon Town E. J. IMatthews, Spcrryn Athletic S. Hale, Sperryn Athletic E. Toulouse. Sperryn Athletic 379 380 370 374 G. W. Norton, West Ham Nat. Keserr e 374 H. Lindsell, W. Ham Nat. Reserve ... 388 i\lrs. Lindsell, \V. Ham Nat. Reserve 377 Miss F. Buisson, Portland Sports ... 395 G. Stanton, Hammersmith Iron Works 380 G. F Crowley , Leigh-on-Sea 375 A. Sears, Leigii-on-Sca 388 E . S . H o l l a n d , S p e r r y n A t h l e t i c . . . 3 8 3 F. E . R i c h a r d s o n , 4 t h B a t t . M i d d l e s e x Vo l u n t e e r R e g t . H. ^V. H. Smith, Granville Canadian Miss Freda Godwin, Hanley Y.M.C.A. Ladies' Class. Miss Td. Orsman, Penarth Ladies 377 378 372 344 WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKNext >