The Rifleman 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 F T T O F M I N I AT U R E R I F L E C L U B S . Telegraphic Address : '• Ritiesliot, Estrand, Loiidou." Telephone : Getrard 2952 2955. Vol. XV. No. 103 (New Series). LONDON, JANU.^RY, 1919. Monthly, One Penny. ANCIENT MILIT AR Y B y L i e u t . » ' I ■'HE encouragement of valour and acknowledgment I of public service was, with the Romans, one of the most important observances, contributing in large measure, doubtless, to their military suc cesses. Apart from promotion as reward for military service and public donations in money and kind, were the accepted military rewards of which the following is a brief summary. A spear of wood (called the Hafta pura), such as is mentioned by Virgil as given to Syhius, was bestowed on one who had killed an enemy in a skirmish. The gods are frequently represented as earrying such spears. 1 he armillas, or bracelet, was given to Roman born warriors. « I he torques (golden and silver collars) of beautiful design are mentioned by Pliny as given, in gold, to the Auxiliaries, and in silver, to the Roman soldiers. The phalerae, or trappings for horse and foot soldier, were golden chains hung around the necks of man and beast. Ihe vexillae, or banners of various colours—the bestowing of one of which on Agrippa by -Augustus after the sea fight at Actium, is well known to readers of the classics. Next in order of precedence were coronets, the first in importance being the Corona Civica which was given to a soldier who had saved the life of a Roman citizen in battle. Though composed of nothing more than oaken leaves and boughs, it was considered more valuable than any other crown. Virgil names it the Civilis Quer- , cus (Ae. 6). The peculiar honour due to the wearer of this crown was when entering at public ceremonies, the whole company present signified their respect by rising. The person on whom the award had been conferred was also excused from various public duties and services as also were his father and grandfather. To the first who scaled the walls of a city by general iND NA V AL A W ARDS. . C . F i s h e r . assault the Corona Muralis was given. This was de signed to represent a brick wall. To the hero who first forced the enemy's entrench ment, was given the Corona Castrensis, or Vallaris, the crown having spade-like ornamentation. For valour at sea the Corona Navalis was awarded —crude representation of the prow of a ship marking the "design. Denoting their appreciation of a great General was the award given by the soldiers to their. General. This was the Corona Obsidionalis, given to a General as reward for deliverance of the Romans or their allies from a siege. Composed only of the grass grown in the be sieged place, it was, nevertheless, highly valued. The wreath of laurel leaves, familiar to our readers, called Corona Triumphalis, was supplemented bv leaves of pure gold and was given to a General who had had the honour of a great triumphal victory. In addition, were the Corona Aura?, bestowed on soldiers for some signal act of valour. Other honours were conferred in absence; and others on arrival in a city. Among them were the Salutatio Imperateris, and the Supplicatio; of the latter, the ovation and the triumph. The first was the saluting of the Com mander-in-Chief with the title " Imperator," which title was -decreed him by the Senate at Rome after it had been given by the joint acclamation of the soldiers in camp. The Supplicatio was a solemn procession to the Temple of the Gods to return thanks for victory. The most remarkable person upon record in history to obtain the greatest number of these awards was one C. Siccius Dentatus, who received for his military ser vice 8 crowns of gold, 14 civic crowns, 3 mural, and 8 golden torques (collars), 60 golden armillm (bracelets), 18 hafta pune (sticks), and 75 phalerae (suits of rich trapping for horse and man). WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK11 6 T H E R I F L E M A N . January, 1919. B.S.A. COMPETITION FOR VOLUNTEER REGIMENTS. Conditions : Teams of six from any Company or smaller unit of Volunteer Regiments affiliated to the C.A.V.R. or the S.M.R.C. Ten shots per man at 25 yards. S.M.R.C. double decimal 25 yards B.S.A. target, with I iin. bull and two carton rings. Military rifles, aperture backsights, no slings. S t . B r i d e s M a j o r a n d S o u t h e r n d o w n P l a t . W h i t b y D e t . C C o . 4 t h Yo r k s V. R . . . . A Co. 4th V.B. Royal West Kent Regt. S t o u r b r i d g e C o . i s t W o r c e s t e r V. R . . . C C o . 2 n d Y o r k s V . R . A T e a m B Co. 4th V.B. The Black Watch C C o . i s t V. B . M a n c h e s t e r R e g t . Denny Det. ist Stirling V.R. A Team ... A C o . i s t C i t v o f L o n d o n V . R . A T e a m A Co. 3rd VUB. K.O.S.B Denny Det. ist Stirling B Team D C o . i s t S t i r l i n g V. R B C o . 2 n d M i d d l e . s e . K V . R . . \ T e a m . . . B Co. 7th County of London C C o . 1 4 t h C o u n t y o f L o n d o n . . . A C o . i s t C i t v o f . A b e r d e e n Dennv Det. ist Stirling V.R. B Team 568 heat .\ Co. 3rd V.B. K . O . S . B . 5 2 8 b y 4 0 . T. R o b e r t s o n . . . D . S i n c l a i r . . . D. Robertson... J . G r a h a m . . . J . W . G r a y . . . Lieut. Shanks... 99 Sergt. J. Hindmarsh g 5 P i p e - M a j o r T . H . B o y d 95 Sergt. W .'Hope 94 Lieut. J. M. Bowie ... 94 Corpl. T. W . Connell 90 Sergt. J. Benwall ... RESUL T OF FOUR TH ROUND. . . . 5 9 4 b e a t B C o . i s t V . B . D u k e o f C o r n w a H ' s L . I 5 3 4 U ' h o ... 5S1 ,, Stockton Heath Det. 6th V .B. Cheshire Regt. 537 ,, 44 . . . 5 5 6 , , N o . I P l a t . A C o . 2 n d V . B . Y o r k s R e g t . 5 ^ 3 . . . 5 8 6 , , C o . 6 t h V . B . E s s e x R e g t s E i ... 559 ,, .A Co. lolh V.B. County of London Regt. ... <... . ... 536 . . . 5 S 7 „ N o . 8 P l a t . B C o . 2 n d A ' o r k s R e g t , . . . 5 6 S • • • 5 7 5 > > B C o . 6 t h V . B . E s s e x R e g t . 5 5 9 5 6 5 , , A C o . 2 n d S h e r w o o d F o r e s t e r s A T e a m . . . . . . . . . 5 5 0 . . . 5 4 5 „ C C b . 5 t h V . B . A . P . W . O . A ' o r k s R e g t 5 3 1 ... 536 ,, No. 8 (Aldeburgh) Plat. B Co. 4th V.B. Suffolk Regt. ... 525 560 ,, D Co. 1st County of London V.R. ... ... ... ... 553 >> 7 B C o . i s t V . B . L a n e s F u s i l i e r s 5 5 ' > > 7 . A C o . 3 r d V. B . R o y a l W e l s h F u s i l i e r s B Te a m 5 3 8 , , 4 B C o . 1 7 t h C o u n t y o f L o n d o n 5 3 3 , , 4 B C o . 4 t h A A B . H a m p s h i r e R e g t . . . . 5 4 4 , , z N o . 1 3 P l a t . 7 t h V. B . AV o s t A ' o r k s R e g t 5 6 3 , , 3 RESUL T OF FIFTH ROUND. .A Co. ist City of London A'.R. .A Team 569 beat C Co. 14th County of London AAR. 545 by 24. C. B. Capleton g5 F . H. Clarke S e r g t . G . C . C r o g g s . . . 9 6 H . S . L o n g h u r s t S. IP . Scaramanga 96 L i e u t . F . W . B u t l e r . . . 9 5 T. G . P i c k e r i n g 9 4 T . J . B . C r o s s g z •loO 542 537 546 93 >|0 87 87 86 Stourbridge Co. ist Worcester V.R. 579 beat B Co. 7th County of London 543 by 36. G . P . D e e l e y 1 0 0 C o r p l . E . G . L l o y d . . . .A. A. Bateman . A . E . C a r d e r . . . S. Tooby W. K n y W. W. B r a z i e r 98 Sergt. .A. W . Smerdon 97 Pte. H. S. Priddle ... 96 Pte. E. Booth 94 Corpl. G. B. W ood ... 94 Pte. W . Kendall ... 98 91 91 90 87 86 Denny Det. 1st Stirling V.R. .A Team 558 heat .A Co. 4th A'.B. Royal West Kent Regt. 531 by 27. Pte. J. Cameron ... ... 96 J. Simpson ... G. Gauld J. Sneddon ... J. C. W right .A. Dunn W. J o h n s t o n . . . 99 99 98 91 88 83 Lieut. F. S. Cope ... Sergt. E. J. Huntingdon C . S . M . H . B a y l e y . . . S e r g t . W. B r i n d l e y . . . Sergt. .A. ISrindley ... 91 91 88 84 81 St. Brides Major and Southerndown Plat. D Co. ist Glamorgan V.R. 581 beat A C P. H o p k i n Corpl. W. David A. Davies G. F . Hadden H. Jones H . I . D a v i e s . . . ist City of Aberdeen 556 by 25. 99 Pte. W . Gibb 9 7 Q . M . S . A . F o r b e s . . . 97 Pte. E. Calder 96 A.S. A. Buchan 96 Corpl. C. P. Skene ... 96 Pte. Craigmyle 97 97 94 94 93 81 C. S. Bartlett M. Alitchell ... Capt. .A. E. Flair H. S. T rott ... 33 23 23 19 16 15 '4 11 98 96 96 91 88 76 B Co. 4th A'.B. The Black Watch 57S heat. C Co. 2nd A'orks A'.R. .A Team 358 by 20. P t e . D . G r a y 9 9 Sergt. T . Lamb 99 Lieut. C. D. Wilson ... 98 Lieut. H. Duncan 95 Pte. W . Baillie 94 Pte. -A. Binnie 93 Pte. J. T . Hodgson 98 S.M. F . Thompson 93 Capt. T . McEwen 92 C o r p l . W . B l a i r g z P t e . S t a p l e s < ) z A.S. H. Shadbolt gi C Co. ist A'.B. Manchester Regt. 580 beat D Co. ist Stirling A'.R. .A Team 566 by 14. Sergt. B. J. Buckley Corpl. G. E. Royle ... Lieut. R. C. Murray Sergt. J. H. Leigh ... C O.AI.S. J. Slade ... Pte. J. Bryon Sec. Lieut. H. Lloyd ... 92 P t e . H . C . C h a n d l e r . . . 9 1 Pte. E. A. Deadman ... 91 Corpl. E. B. Tibbits ... 89 Sergt. J. H. Daw.son ... 89 Lce.-Corpl. J. Chalmers. ... 84 99 Q.M.S. P. Cunningham ... 98 98 .Sergt. P; Johnston 97 97 Pte. J. Stewart 94 96Capt. AA'. Haddovv 94 96Pte. A. Perrie 93 94 Pte. AA'. Davidson 90 Team 536 w.o. AVhitby Det. C Co. RESUL T OF St. Brides Major and Southerndown Plat. D. Co. ist Glamorgan V.R. 583 beat B Go. 2nd Middlesex V.R. A Team 521 by 62. Pte. I. David ... Sergt. H. C. Jones Pte. T . Hadden Pte. A Davies T. H o p k i n Corpl. W. David 99 99 99 98 98 90 Pte. E. Deadman Lce-Corpl. J. Chalmers Corpl. E. B. Tibbits Sec. Lieut. H. Lloyd Sergt. J. H. Dawson P t e . H . C h a n d l e r . . . 91 87 87 87 86 83 SIXTH ROUND. Stourbridge Co. i£t AA'orcester 572 beat A Co. ist City of A'.R. -A Team 554 by 18. 100 S. P. Scaramanga ... 96 Sergt. Craggs 99 T. G. Pickering 94 Corpl. Capleton 94 Lieut. F . W . Baker B Co. 4th V.B. The Black AVatch 517 heat C Co. ist V.B. Manchester Regt- 549 t>y 22. Pte. D. Gray Sergt. J. Lamb Lieut. H. Duncan ... Pte. W . Baillie Lieut. C. D. Wilson Pte. A. Binnie 99 G. E. Royle 95 T. R o b e r t s o n ... 95 96Sergt. B. J. Buckley 95 D. Sinclair... 94 96 Pte. J. H. Byron ... 93 Lieut. J. K. Shanks ... 92 95 Sergt. A. S. Pickford 91 D. Robertson... 90 93 •Sergt. J. H. Leigh ... 90 J. Graham ... 89 92 Lieut. R. C. Murray S5 J. AV. Gray ... 88 G. P. Deeley ... AV. Kny -A. .A. Bateman S. T oobv A. E. Carder \A*. N. Brazier ... 93 Sergt. F. J. B. Cross London ... 07 ... 94 ... 94 ... gi ... qo ... 88 Denny Det. i.st Stirling A'.R. B Team 548 beat Denny Dot. ist Stirling V.R. A Team 541 by 7. •A. Dunn 93 AA'. Johnston 93 J. C. W right 93 T. B a i n 9 2 J. Simpson 90 G. Gauld 80 WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKT H E R I F L E M A N . 1 1 7 A Y E A R O F R I F L E I N V E N T I O N . B y " B a l i s t i c a . " 11 has been our privilege from time to time to give a glance at the work of the inventor in the realm of the small arm and its appurtenances. During the past 3 ear or so there have been produced a number of novelties and improvements, but nothing that mav be said to be of fundamental importance in the rifle shooting science. But, of course, in a science which has had so much thought and work devoted to it the difficulties of >devising something new and of outstanding merit are \eiw great indeed. Periscopic sights have been a great attraction for the inventor. One produced by two American patentees iconsists of a tube, fitted at top and bottom with reflecting mirrors, and is attached to the longitudinal axis of the rifle barrel. -Adjustment verticalh' and laterally for range .and wind is possible, and the ordinary sights of the rifle are dispensed with. .Another pattern of periscope is due ,to a Birmingham inventor. In this case one mirror is fitted on the end of the butt and another mirror is situated on the action at the side of the rifle. The arrangement is such that the target and sights are in alignment and reflected to the shooter's eye below the butt. -An interesting rifle sight is the production of Air. II. L. Bennett, of Nigg, Ross-shire. Over the action of .a military rifle are fitted two glass-covered chambers, one liorizontally across the action, the other vertically at the side of the action. By means of graduations on the glass of the chambers and a fluid contained in the chambers 'the necessary elevation to attain a desired range is given. I he horizontal chamber is intended for short ranges and the vertical chamber for long ranges. .An illuminated rifle sight is patented by Mr. E. J. Hall, of Newcastle-on- I }'ne. In this invention the action of pulling the trigger completes an electric circuit and lights a small lamp placed ■conveniently near a sighting point mounted on the fore- ■sight lens. .A London inventor puts forward an idea in rifle triggers. .A false trigger is so situated as regards the real trigger that the action of releasing the scar causes the two to move together. .As the last part of the pull on the real trigger is arrived at a pin-point is caused to niove forward against the firer's finger as a warning. .Another trigger idea is contained in an .American in- "i.entor's patent. In the rifle fitted with the new device— '1 thumb trigger—the trigger is placed above the grip and is operated by a push of the thumb. Of novelties in targets there are always a good number passing through the Patent Office. In the dis appearing target of Captain C. M. .A. Quaerk, of Holland, the target is retained in the vertical position by 'a tappet and spring. When a bullet strikes the target a falling weight removes the lock and springs tilt the target forward. The vertical position is regained by pulling with a cord. In a later specification an improvement in this target is put forward in the shape of a windscreen mounted on a rocking beam to prevent the unlocking of the parts holding the target by the action of the wind. .A shot-recording target.is suggested by Mr. S. .A. Rose, whose name is familiar in connection with target devices. Mr. Rose's latest idea is a moving band of paper the perforation of a bullet on which operates electrical contact fingers. .A recording target at the firing I point bears two arms, the intersection of which indicate the position of impact of the bullet on the target fired at. .An " explosive target " is another target idea. This consists simply of replacing the bull's-eye by a detonating cap or explosive disc, which, of course, is " set oft" " bj' the impact of a bullet. When one explosive bull's-eye is disposed of another takes its place by means of a paper strip rvhich feeds the buirs-e\e aperture. Messrs. C. Copp and T. Mayes, of Dublin, are the inventors of a new rim fire striker which, the patentees claim, will abolish ■ missfires. In this idea the striker bears a concave face with two grooves at right angles to o n e a n o t h e r c u t a c r o s s i t . B e t w e e n t h e r i m o f t h e cartridge and the concave-faced striker there exist four points of contact, which should certainlv go a good way towards minimising the chance of a missfire. .A bayonet for use with the revolver is the novel sUftSGstion of Captain .A. Pritchard. From the specifica tion the following is extracted :—" It will be appreciated that the attachment (of the bayonet to the revolver) does not in any way interfere with loading and reloading the revolver, and, further, is so simple in its application that it can be very readily attached, even in the dark. . . . hen detached the guard (attached to the ba^■onet) adapts the bayonet for use as a dagger." In his " Lateral .Allowance Indicator for Rifles " Mr. F. H. Kelly, M.B., assumes that for any given strength of wind the degree of cant is approximatelv the same for normal ranges. In his specification Dr. Kelly remarks : " The necessary wind allowance is therefore made instantaneously (whatever the range mav be, and without having to take the range into consideration), while aiming and without moving the rearsight laterally as is customarv. As the rearsight is thus always in a fixed position laterally on the firearm there is no liability, as m the customary method of making wind allowance, of the firearm being fired with the rearsight in its incorrect position. The rate of fire of the firearm is also increased when firing at a moving target whose range is varying 6r at several targets at different ranges, and also when the marksman is moving towards or awav from the target." A number of accepted specifications are concerned with the filling of compound bullets. Many suggestions are advanced to improve upon the idea of a shaped alurriinium tip such as is used in the bullets of Mark VII. .303111. ammunition. Messrs. Alote and Crouch, of London, suggest using a l ulcanisable " filler " for the tip, which need not be shaped until it is contained in the bullet envelope. The " filler," being inserted, can be pressed borne by the lead core, and it can afterwards be vulcanised in position. .Another suggestion is that of Air. J. Dymock, of Stockport. This consists in using paper tips_ formed from rods of paper which are contained within strips wound helicalh". These strips allow of the paper, being moulded to the'correct shape. The addition of red or white lead, size or litharge, is suggested to bring the tips up to the correct weight. The proposal of Messrs. A. D. and F. C. Allday, of Birmingham, is also put forward with the idea of replacing the aluminium filling such as exists in our service bullet. 'J'he proposal WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK11 8 January, 1019. of the last-named patentees is to use a composition of the following :—Wood pulp (5 per cent, by weight), sili cate of soda (50 per cent.), barium (30 per cent.), plaster of Paris (10 per cent.), and graphite (5 per cent.). It is claimed that this composition, when compressed and shaped in the manner of the aluminium tip now used, is of the same weight as the latter, and in other ways suitable. O CADET SPRING COMPETITION, 1919. To be competed for by teams of four from companies or smaller units of Cadet Corps, School Corps, Lads' Brigades, Boy Scouts and any other approved organisation affiliated to the S.M.R.C. The following prizes will be awarded :— 1. To the winning team, 4 large Silver Medals and 1000 rounds of Ammunition. 2. To the second team, 4 small Silver Medals and 1000 rounds of Ammunition. 3. To the third team, 4 small Bronze Medals and 1000 rounds of Ammunition. 4. To the fourth team, 1000 rounds of Ammunition. 5 . T o t h e f i f t h t e a m , „ „ 6 . T o t h e s i x t h t e a m . „ „ 7 . T o t h e s e v e n t h t e a m , , , , CONDITIONS. Each competitor must ha\e been a boria-fide member of the C o r p s , e t c . , w h i c h h e i s r e p r e s e n t i n g f o r a t l e a s t t w o m o n t h s previous to the date of shooting. No competitor may shoot for more than one team. T h e c o n t e s t w i l l t a k e t h e f o r m o f a p o s t a l c o m p e t i t i o n , a n d teams may shoot their targets upon any day between February 24th and March 8th inclusive. Secretaries of teams must give the Secretary of the S.M.R.C. at least three days' notice as to the day, time and place the teams will shoot. The shooting of the whole team must take place on the same range and be completed within a period of two consecutive hours. M'itnesses.—-Each of the targets must be shot, where possible, in the presence of a witness especially appointed by the S.M.R.C., or, failing such a witness, in the presence of any Commissioned Officer, Cadet Officer, Musketry Officer, Scoutmaster or School master, who has previously been nominated and accepted by the S..M.R.C., who will be responsible for the conditions of the com petition being duly complied with and who will certify same upon the certificate forwarded with the targets. Teams of four lads between the ages of 13 and iS. Distance.—25 yards, to be measured from the edge of the firing point nearest the targets. Number of shots and description of targets.—20. 10 deliberate, S.M.R.C. double decimal; 10 in 100 seconds. Double Bisley Figure 25-200 yards. Notf..—The deliberate targets have two targets printed on one c a r d , a n d fi v e s h o t s s h o u l d b e fi r e d a t e a c h . T h e T i m e - L i m i t t a r g e t s h a v e t w o t a r g e t s p r i n t e d o n o n e c a r d , a n d fi v e s h o t s s h o u l d b e fi r e d a t e a c h . T h e s c o r i n g w i l l b e a s follows :—5, 4, 3, and hits outside the rings, 2. Should competitors fail to observe these conditions and more than the specified number of shots be placed on any target, full credit for each shot shall be given if they c;m be distinctly seen, subject to a penalty of one point for each shot in excess. An additional fall value of one shot will he deducted from any target in respect of each shot in excess of the required number. Rifies,—.\ny .22 breech-loading rifle or carbine (this includes the short fore-end I fitted with barrel not exceeding 3oin. in length and complying with the following conditions ;— Sights,—Foresight : Isarloycorn, knife-blade or solid bead, with or without protecting ring not exceeding Tn, in width, measured parallel with the barrel- Backsight : -Any sight hicluding apertures, with or without wind-gaugCj but not fitted with glass or levels. Position.—Any. No artificial rest of any kind allowed.^ (Seer Rule 58.) Slings.—Slings must not be used. Trigger.—The trigger pull must not be less than 4lbs. Triggers m u s t b e t e s t e d . E a c h c o r p s m u s t p r o v i d e a . - 4 1 b . c e r t i fi e d d e a d weight trigger tester for this purpose. Coaching and spotting.—Deliberate Stage : Coaching and spot ting allowed ; competitors may also use their own binoculars or tele scopes. Time-Limit Stage : No coaching or, spotting allowed, and telescopes must not be allowed upon the firing point. In the deliberate stage 10 minutes only will be allowed each competitor for firing 10 rounds. I n t h e Ti m e - L i m i t S t a g e t o o s e c o n d s a r e a l l o w e d . N o e x t r a time allowed for jams or miss-fires. (See Rule 37.) Competitors will load and aim on the words " Get ready " and fire on the word " C o m m e n c e , " a n d t h e y m a y n o t fi r e a f t e r t h e w o r d s " C e a s e fi r e . " There will be an interval of five seconds between the words " Get ready" and the word "Commence"; time will be reckoned from, the word "Commence." Witnesses must give the orders "Com m e n c e " a n d " C e a s e fi r e , " a n d i n b o t h t h e d e l i b e r a t e a n d Ti m e - Limit Stages intermediate times may be called and competitors may use their own watches. Whilst shooting is taking place in connection with this com petition no other targets are allowed on the butts, and ho Time- Limit targets may be on the butts whilst deliberate shooting is- taking place. Where not otherwise provided for the Shooting Regulations of the Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs will govern the contest. Tics for the first three places will be shot off. -Any protest regarding an infringement of the rules must be received by the Secretary of the S.M.R.C. on or before March lyih, otherwise it cannot be entertained. Entries must be made- on or before February iqth upon a special form to be obtained from the Secretary of the S.M.R.C. The necessary targets and witness's certificate will be sent to competing corps immediately after the closing date, together with an envelope, in which they must be returned at the conclusion of the shooting. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKT H E R I F L E M A N . 11 9 M O R E L I G H T O N T H E G A U G E H A N D I C A P. B v " G a d g e t . " 1 ^HE Handicap is based on one simple fact, viz., that the bigger the bullet fired at a target the easier it is to hit the bullseye. Consequently, if it were possible for competitors to shoot with bullets of dilierent sizes, the handicapping could be done very simply by picking out a suitable size for each one. Such an arrangement is, of course, out of the ques tion, but it is perfectly possible and at the same time very- easy to score competitors' targets with i^auges of A-arying size, and this comes to the same thing. Here, then, is the plan adopted in the Gauge Handicap. To cairy out this plan, all that is needed is either a set of gauges similar to those shown in Fig. i or, what IS more convenient m practice, one single gauge made up of all these sizes. A single gauge of this nature is illustrated in Fig. 2, and IS designed to replace the whole series shown above it. Each gauge in Fig. i bears a number, and is applied to the target in exactly the same way as the ordinary little .22 bullet gauge with which everyone is familiar. Handicapping a competitor merely means selecting one of these gauges for scoring his targets, and the number of the gauge chosen serves very conveniently to denote his handicap. The scores obtained by using this gauge are his hanJicaf) scores, no calculations of any kind being re quired. S C O R I N G T H E T A R G E T S . The way in which the value of a shot is affected by the use of any particular gauge will be seen at once on reference to Fig. 3. Every shot on this 25 yards' target is so placed that it just scores a " ten " for the handicap marked on it. On the top bulls, gauges o, i ... g would, if fitted into the corresponding shot holes o, i ... 9, each touch the svhite ring or carton line, as shown by the dotted circles. On the bottom bulls the same gauges, fitted into the shot holes 10, n .. ig, respectively would touch the edge of the hull. Hence, for handicaps up to g, a shot -is a carton if the gauge touches the lo-ring, and for higher handicaps the shot is a carton if the gauge touches the black. As an example, take the case of a man whose handi cap is, say, g. Every time he clips the black he scores a " ten," and if he can do it ten times running he scores 100. The handicaps on the centre bull are intended for expert riflemen only. In this case gauges i to 5 fitted into the shot h'-les —I to —5 would fall inside the bull touching the edge of it, as indicated by the dotted circles. With these handicaps, then, marked Avith a minus sign to distinguish them from the others, a shot soill not be a carton if any part of the gauge shows outside the black. HANDICAPPING. The eight best shots on a target are the only ones considered, and the handicap is made one less than that n e c e s s a r y t o c o n v e r t t h e w o r s t s h o t i n t o a " t e n . " T h i s figure can be found in a feAv seconds with the gauge of Fig. 2. An aA'erage must be taken over a number of targets, to obtain reliable figures. If desired, the handicaps may be fi.xed in the usual manner from the average gun scores according to the following table :— -AAverage gun scores— 98 g6i 95 93^ 92 goi 89 87A 86 84^ 83 Handicap— -2 o6 8 TIES. 12 14 16 18 The tiresome business of " shooting off " is entirely eliminated Avith this handicap. Tie-cards are quickly separated by the simple process of reducing the handicap of each card, one point at a time and scoring again. An actual example of this method, taken from a competition, is given below :— C o m - O r i fi i n i i l T i o ' S c o r i n c . p e l l - ^ • ^ toi-s. Hep. Scores. IT cp. Scores A 14 98.100=198 12 98.99 =197 B 7 98.100 = 198 C 9 9 9 - 9 9 = 1 9 8 5 9 7 . 1 0 0 = 1 9 7 7 9 7 - 9 9 - 1 9 6 Hop. Scores. 10 97.99=196 3 96.99=795 Result: Competitors A, B, and C arc placed i, 2, and 3 respectiA-ely. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK120 T H E R I F L E M A N . January, 1919. During a whole year's experience this plan has never failed to split up tie-cards, and since it is founded on ideal principles no exception can be taken to it. GENERAL REMARKS. It will be observed that under the Gauge Handicap a certain standard of accuracy is set for each competitor —that is to say, each marksman must place his shots within a given distance of the centre of the bull if they a r e t o r a n k a s c a r t o n s . If a target similar to Fig. 3 is posted up at the range the scheme "will be understood in a few moments. A competitor, on being told his own particular handicap, examines the target and sees immediately the kind of shot which will give him a " ten." That is all he wishes to know, and he goes down to shoot with the fixed inten tion of scoring a "possible." To do this, however, he m.ust shoot consistently for ten successive rounds. Therein lies the difficulty, and experience has shown that such " possibles " are not very common. Actual gauging of shots is only needed in connection with those of doubtful value. It frequently happens that a target can be scored without gauging a single shot, and it is rarely necessary to gauge more than a couple of shots on any target. For the sake of clearness. Fig. 3 shows only the limiting positions of shots counting " tens," but " nines " and " eights " are, of course, similarly placed farther out on the next and next but one rings respectively. C O M P A R I S O N W I T H T H E F I X E D S T A R T A N D D R O P P E D POINT H.ANDICAPS. Generally speaking, it may be stated, I think, without fear of contradiction, that the Fixed Start System unduly I favours the " long start " man, whereas the Dropped Point System is all in favour of the skilled marksman. With the former systerri' it frequently happens that men of very moderate aljility obtain handicap totals abso lutely beyond the reach of the " scratch " man, even though he scores 100. The inevitable result is that experts take little or no interest in F.S. competitions. The dropped point handicap, on the other hand, is so arranged that if the " scratch " man should score 100, which is very probable, it is not possible for anyone else to even tie with him, unless the same score is made. Now the great majority of riflemen never reach a "possible," despite years of practice, and D.P. competi tions are in consequence confined almost exclusively to the skilled marksmen, novices being discouraged. The gauge system do'es not suffer from either of these grave drawbacks. Under it,» all competitors arc treated with the utmost fairness, so that each one holds a reasonable winning chance. A " handicap score " of 100 can be reached by all, b u t c a n n e v e r b e e x c e e d e d . In ease of working, the»system compares favourably with either, of the others, whilst m the matter of tie settling it claims an advantage which no other method, can approach. An actual trial will prove better than anything else the merits of the Gauge Handicap. Competitors them selves fully appreciate its fairness, and there is a marked absence of that dissatisfaction and lack of interest which always arises from those disappointing systems, the Dropped Point and Fixed Start. O- T H E M A C K W O R T H P R A E D C H A L L E N G E C U P F O R VOLUNTEER REGIMENTS, 1919. To be competed for by Companies or smaller units of Volunteer Regiments affiliated to the Central Association of Volunteer R e g i n j e n t s o r t h e S . M . R . C . * In addition to the Cup, which will be held by the winning unit for one year, the following prizes will be awarded:— Winning Team, £8 and 8 Silver Medals. Second Team, ^"4 and 8 Bronze Medals. 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. E N T R I E S C L O S E F E B R U A R Y 1 s t . Entry forms can be obtained upon application to the Secretary, Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs, Arundel House, Arundel Street, London, W .C.2. Fill ^onditions of each of the above Competitions were published in our December issue. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKJanuary . 1919. T H E R I F L E M A N . 121 B R O W N E M A R T I N C H A L L E N G E C U P C O M P E T I T I O N . Conditions : One team of eight from any Club affiliated to the S.M.R.C., having its range within 15 miles of the G.P.O. Ten shots per man deliberate at 25 yards, S.M.R.C. Match targets. W h e n i t i s t a k e n i n t o c o n s i d e r a t i o n t h a t o n l y c l u b s s i t u a t e d within 15 miles of the General Post Office are eligible for the above Competition, the entry of 46 teams was very encouraging, as it must be borne in mind that a number of clubs who, previous to the war, always supported it are either temporarily disbanded or without sufficient members to raise a team. The shooting, which has e.x- tended over the past three months, has been of a more up and down character than usual, but as most of the competing clubs shoot on open-air ranges a great proportion of this can be put down to the wretched weather on a number of Saturdays during the period con- cc-rnecl. After fighting their way through five preliminary rounds, the Fmchley Special Constabulary, who had the credit of the best score of the Competition, viz., 7S5, were entitled to meet the Wimble don Park R.C. in the final round, and this match took place shoulder to shoulder on the neutral range of the Ham and Petersham R.C. on Saturday afternoon, January 4th, under the supervision of the officials of the S.M.R.C. The weather on this occasion was by no means ideal; at the same time it was not sufficiently bad to account for the indifferent shooting of both teams, and the result of a low-scoring match was a victory for the Finchley Special Constabulary team by- seven points. .A special word of commendation is deserved by Miss Piers, of the Wimbledon Park R.C., the only lady competitor shooting throughout the Competition, who shot in five matches with an ex cellent average of 97.00. ' ;IS ."....A' ■■■ . - V , / ' • : ' " * . ■ ' - ' V ■ A ■ , ' / . V- 'i ■ - V';' T ' V . . . . . - - V ' V .... ''T 7 Finchley Special Constabulary 774 beat .Addiscombe 773 bv i r l . H u m t i v ^ . . - 1 , . . . FINCHLEY SPECIAL CONST ABULAR Y . WiNXEBS or THE Browxe Martin Cur, 191!). B. Calltin P . Everltt W . Groengra.s3 E. H. Brock H. Gibbons W. R. Humby F. Calkin (C'apt.) W.J.Cross RESUL T OF SE.MI-FIN.AL. J. Coates •A. G. Rickarby. W. H. Humby F. C a l k i n H. Gibbons J. Coates A. G. Rickarby P. E v e r i t t B. Calkin E. H. Brocl ... 100 G. C. JI. Willcox 98 H. Harding ... 98 A. Linford 97 H. C. Pressland 97 J. A. Cushion 96 G. T. Basham 95 T . W . Hooker 93 J. H. Stretch 99 99 99 97 97 97 97 88 M inibledon Park 770 beat HammersmitTi Ii'on Works W. S e r l e M i s s G . P i e r s \A . H. Gardner D. S. Oakey ... Capt. G. Tench G. Barnes F. W. C a t t e r m o l e D. King 100 99 98 96 96 9.S 94 92 P. S e l l w o o d P. P r i c e W. G r o o m G. Standen A. Southall W. F e a r n e W. B u r r R. Reynolds 60 bv 10. . 1 0 0 . 9 8 • 9 7 • 9 7 ■ 9 4 • 9 2 . 9 2 . 9 0 F1XCHI.EV SPECI.\L CO.VJST. (The Cup and eight Silver Medals). A. G. Rickarby H . G i b b o n s . . . P. E v e r i t t W. R . H u m b y W. T. Greengrass B. .A. Calkin ... F. C a l k i n J. Coates final. W l M l i l . E D O X P a ' U K (Eight Bronze Medals). 99 D. S. Oakey ... ... 99 99 Capt. (i. Tench ... 98 98M i s s P i e r s... 97 98G. Barnes ... 96 97 F. W . C a t t e r m o l e . . . ... 96 9.i G. H. Dean ... ()4 94 M". Serle ... 94 93 W. H . G a r d n e r... 92 773 766 Ihe following competitors received silver souvenir spoons for the highest individual averages in each of the eight leading teams :— Matches. A ver . -A Linford, .Addiscombe ... Inspr. G. Hicks, P Div. Metro. Police C. K. Edwards, Associated Equipment Co. ... D. S. Oakev, Wimbledon Park *.A. J. BayleV , Lee I *F . O. Andrew , Lee ) *.A. G. Rickarby, Finchley Special Const. *P. Everitt, Finchley Special Const. *H. Gibbons, Finchley Special Const. ... P. S e l l w o o d , H a m m e r s m i t h I r o n Wo r k s . *H. Harding, G.E.R. Mechanics' Institute "'M . H. Giuos, G.E.R. Mo^-haiY.^^' Institute 5 98.80 3 98.66 3 98.33 5 98.20 3 98.00 5 97.60 97.00 3 97.00 WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKT H E R I F L E M A N . J A N - u a k y . 1 9 1 9 . N O T E S A N D C O M M E N T S . _Club Secretaries are reminded that entries for the " National Team Championship " for Rifle Clubs, and the '■ Mackworth Praed Competition " for Volunteers, close on the 31st inst. Now that a large number of small bore riflemen are returning from war service, a record entry is confidently looked for. * * * The result of the '' Cadet Winter Competition " will be found on page 129 and the Chatham Cadets of the Royal Marine Light^Infantry are to be heartily congratulated upon winning the first prize with a record score of 576. The shooting of these boys reflects great credit upon the instructors. * * * Owing to a number of letters having been received by the Secretary of the Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs, suggesting some minor alterations in the "Junior Com petition," a circular letter was forwarded to most of the Clubs who have supported these events asking for replies to the following questions : (i) In future competitions should the teams be composed of four or increased to, say, si.N or eight ? (2) Can more suitable dates .be fixed for shooting these competitions ? The replies to (i) were almost imanimous in expressing the wish that teams of four should be continued as formerly, but with regard to (2) there was more diversion of opinion. A slight majority, however, suggested an alteration of dates so that the com petition should not clash with school examinations. This course has now been adopted and the "Junior Spring Competition " will be shot for between the 24th of February a n d t h e 2 8 t h o f M a r c h . W e t r u s t t h i s a l t e r a t i o n w i l l enable a much larger number of teams to take part in the event. * * * The fifth round of the " Burroughes and Watts Com petition " resulted in some very close matches, four out of the eight losing teams being beaten by only one point. Both the Grimsby Corporation and Cheam"teams were distinctly unlucky to fall with such excellent scores, while the Royal Naval Barracks, Devqnport, put themselves out of the competition by overlooking the rule that stipulates that a competitor can only shoot for one team (not Club) throughout the competition. For some unaccountable' reason the scoring in the si.xth round fell off very badly. With regard to the individual shooting a special word of praise must be accorded to Mr. W. R. George, of the Cheam Rifle Club, who followed up his score of 200 in the second round by again making the highest possible in the fifth, making his total score for the whole event 988 for ten targets, a most excellent performance. * * * T h e S t . B r i d e s a n d S o u t h e r n d o w n P l a t o o n , w i n n e r s o f last year's " B.S.A." Competition, are keeping up their reputation in this year's event, and in the 4th, 5th and 6th rounds have returned the exceptional scores of 594, 581 and 583. They are now di'awn against the Stourbridge Company in the semi-final, and should they win this match, will hold the proud record of reaching the final for three years in succession. * * * Very few clubs appear to take advantage of the Society of Miniature Rifle Club's scheme for insurance against third party accidents. This'insurance is extremely desir able, if not a necessity, for all Clubs where shooting takes place on open-air ranges, as it is very seldom a season passes without one or more shots going astray, and should an accident occur it would probably result in a claim for compensation, and where Clubs have failed to cover them selves possibly result in the closing of the Club. * * * L.ast year's competition for the " National Roll of Marks men " has resulted in the Finchley Special Constabulary Rifle Club securing the Class " A " Shield, displacing the previous winners by 12 points. This Club from its com mencement has taken a great interest in qualifying its members and in each of the 'previous three years had secured the Class " B " Shield. The Vickers (Crayford) Rifle Club take the Class " B " Shield, whilst the previous winners, the Metropolitan (Birmingham) again appear in the prize list, taking third place, beating the Scotton Farnham Volunteer Regiment on the post. * * * We are pleased to announce that " The Theory of the Rifle and Rifle Shooting," by our popular contributor, Mr. J. W Hicks (" Ballrstica "), which appeared in serial form in our issues of 1917 and 1918, has now been published i n b o o k f o r m a n d c a n b e o b t a i n e d f r o m t h e S . M . R . C . price 3s. * * * The S.M.R.C. Handbook for 1919, which has been con siderably delayed in the printing, will we hope be ready for issue before the end of the month. The Secretary of each Club will receive a copy upon payment of the Club's annual subscription for the current year. * * * Ale Riflemen are reminded that the S.M.R.C. will hold two open meetings during the coming season—the first in London on the range of the Ham and Petersham -Rifle Club at Twickenham on June 6 to June 14, and the second in Lincolnshire on August 4 to 9. The full programme of events for the former will be published in Our April num ber and will include an International Competition open to teams of ten from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Very probably four teams will put in an appearance, and Mr. Walter Malcolm, of Belfast, is already making preliminary arrangements for bringing over an Irish team. * * * We very much regret to report that the valuable training work of rifle shooting of the Derryheen Rifle Range is now coming to an end with the war. Colonel A. J. M. MacLaughlin, C.I.E., C.O. 3rd Volunteer Battalion, The Queen's (R.W.S.) Regiment, on the 4th anniversary of the outbreak of war addressed the following letter to Mrs. Charles Graham, of Hale End, Hook Heath, Woking " A u g u s t i g i S . " De.vr Mrs. Gk.uiam,—I should like to take this opportnnitv of convfving- to vou my sincere thanks for the very valuable services renllered by you to the Volunteers as Range Warden a n d I n s t r u c t o r o n t h e M e r r y h e e n M i n i a t u r e R i fl e R a n g e f r o m its opening, less than three weeks after the outbreak of war, till the autumn of 191/. During that period your attendance at the range twice a week, from 2 o'clock till sunset, was most regular, even in the bitterest of weather, " The instruction you gave the men in aiming, trigger pressure, firing position, care of rifle, etc., in fact musketry WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK•Taxuary, 1919. Sonernlly was excellent,, showing- a thorough knowledge of the subject on your part. " I appreciate the good range discipline kept by you. there never was the slighest accident during the three years vou were responsible. In the first year of the war over one hundred men who were regular attendants at the Derryheen Range joined the .yniv, nearly all of whom rapidly acquired efficiency with the .Service rihe, showing the great value of the instruction they received from you. In my opinion, moreover, vour work also stimulated recruiting for the Regular Army. • 1 " ! thank you for the great trouble you took with the Cadets, who under your instruction became excellent shots. " I need hardly add how much your work and instruction have been appreciated by the men here, or how greatly vour abseiice from the range, owing to ill-health, is regretted bv them, )ut they are all very pleased to know that you are making steady piogress towards recovery.—Yours very sincerely, ■ ' " ( S i g n e d ) A . J . : m . M A c L . t U G t i L i x . " M^. Charles Graham is the wife of the senior Captain ot he Battalion and sister of Brigadier-General George Cockeiill, C.B., M.P., who is also keenW interested in shooting. Immediately on the outbreak of war Colonel MacLaughlin built the Derryheen Rifle Range in his own grounds. That no one should be deterred from learning to shoot by its expense he supplied rifles, targets, ammunition, etc., free of charge. On its opening on August 22, 1914, its success was assured and almost overwhelming, and in order to relieve the overcrowding. Colonel IMacLaughlia built and repaired several other ranges in the neighbourhood. Eventually the Derryheen Range was allocated to the nth Platoon, C Company, Mrs. Graham putting the men through their class bring test and organising many inter esting competitions. Several hundred men were taught or coached by her and many have since written to acknowledge the value of the instruction they received. It is hoped that members will return to a happy and eaceful life and to enjoy the revival of the sporting side target shooting. THE "NEWS OF THE WORLD" COMPETITION, 1919. o f m i n k t u r e P r o p r i e t o r s o f t h e " N e w s o f t h e W o r l d " - f o r t h e e n c o u r a g e m e n t P o s t ' i f fi ' i ' i t e d t o t h e S . M . R . C . h a v i n g i t s r a n g e w i t h i n 1 5 m i l e s o f t h e G e n e r a l In addition to the Clip, which will be held for one year, the following medals will be awarded:— Winning Team, 6 Silver Medals. Second Team, 6 Bronze iMedals. E n t r a n c e F e e = = 2 s . 6 d . E N T R I E S C L O S E J A N U A R Y 2 0 t h . NATIONAL TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP, 1919, FOR THE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP CHALLENGE CUP. To be competed for by one team of six from any Club in the United Kingdom afhliated to the S.M.R.C. In addition to the Clip, which will be held by the winning Club for one year, the following medals will be awarded. Winning Team, 6 Special Gold Medals. Second Team, 6 Special Silver Medals. Third Team, 6 Special Bronze Medals. E n t r a n c e F e e = = 2 s . 6 d . E N T R I E S C L O S E F E B R U A R Y 1 s t . WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKNext >