< Previous194 T H E R I F L E M A N . April, 1919. CADET SPRING COMPETlTIONj 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 RESUL T . R.X. Barracks Boys' Brig.ade B Team (four large Silver Medals and i,ooo rounds of ammunition) 98 89 91 49 46 45 43 95 94 92 88 (four 44. 44 44 41 small 147 133 134 134 Medals 139 138 136 129 Bronze 140 136 136 129 140 13S 133 129 S. 9- 10. 11 . 12. 13- 14- 15 16. 17- iS. 19. 20. 21. 22. 2J. 24, 25- 26. 27- 28 29. 3'''' 31- P.O. Stone (14 years 5 months) P.O. Longdon (14 y. 5 m.) .■\.B. Granville (13 y. 2 m.) .A.B. Ide (13 y. 3 m.) ... 2 . W e y b r i d g e R i fl e C l u b C a d e t s ( f o u r s m a l l S i l v e r and 1,000 rounds of ammunition) H. Puttock (16 y. II m.) F. Lock (14 y. II in.) T. Glazhier (15 y. 5 m.) W. Tilley (17 y. 3 m.) 3 . 5 9 t h P e r t h s h i r e T r o o p B o y S c o u t s Medals and 1,000 rounds of ammunition) J . S t e w a r t ( 1 5 y . 7 m ) 9 4 4 6 A . S c o t t ( 1 7 y . 1 0 m . ) . . . . . . . . . 9 4 4 2 J . T a s k e r ( i 6 y . 4 m . ) 9 3 4 3 M . K e e l a n ( 1 6 y . 6 m . ) . . . 9 2 3 7 4 3rd Favershom Troop Boy Scouts A Team (1,000 rounds of ammunition) R . E l l i o t t ( 1 6 y . 6 m . ) 0 6 4 4 W . S h i e l d s ( 1 5 y . 6 m . ) . . . . . . 9 4 4 4 A . C o l l i n s ( 1 7 y . ) . . . . . . . . . 9 0 4 3 F . D a y ( 1 7 y . ) ' 9 1 3 8 ; . 1 s t C a d e t S e c t i o n 1 4 t h C o u n t y o f L o n d o n V. R . A Te a m ( 1 , 0 0 0 r o u n d s o f a m m u n i t i o n ) . . . . . . Lce.-Corpl. G. Hart (16 y. 4 m.) ... 89 40 129 Sergt. H. J. Burt (14 y. 10 m.) ... 87 41 128 C.S.M. R. Hardy (17 y. i m.) ... 83 40 123 Corpl. J. H. Graygoss (16 y. 3 m.) ... 78 41 119 R..M. Artillery Cadets (1,000 rounds of ammunition) Q.M.S. G. Childs (13 y. 5 m.) ... 02 48 140 Cadet W. L. Hamley (13 y. 2 m.) ... 96 40 136 Cadet J. Harwood (13 y. 6 m.) ... 96 37 133 C o r p l . F. B e r r y ( i i y . 1 1 m . ) 8 9 4 0 1 2 9 Latymer I'pper School B Team (1,000 rounds of ammuni tion) J . G . D a v i e s ( 1 6 y . 1 1 m . ) 9 4 4 7 1 4 1 R . E . . A d l i n g t o n ( 1 6 y . 1 1 m . ) . . . 9 4 4 6 1 4 0 H . S e l l i c k ( i 6 y . 5 m . ) . . . . . . 8 9 3 9 1 2 8 E . J . B . J e f f c o t t ( 1 7 y. 6 m . ) 9 0 3 4 1 2 4 W a n d s w o r t h T e c h n i c a l I n s t i t u t e A T e a m . . . Dundee High School Cadet Corps Luton Branch .A Team Sharpshooters' League Rich School Cadet Corps .A Team L a t y m e r U p p e r S c h o o l C Te a m D C o . 7 t h C . B . We s t Yo r k s h i r e R e g t . Tr u r o C a t h e d r a l S c h o o l . . . Chatham R..M. ist Cadet Corps ist Sector and Manchester Cadet Corps C.L.B. K.R.R.C. 3rd Faversham Troop Boy Scouts B Team ... L a t y m e r U p p e r S c h o o l A Te a m Rich School Cadet Corps B Team Tr u r o C o l l e g e C a d e t C o r p s W i m b l e d o n B o y s ' N a v a l B r i g a d e A Te a m . . . B Co. R.E. Cadet Corps Luton Branch B Team Sharpshooters' League L a t y m e r U p p e r S c h o o l D Te a m K i l b u r n G r a m m a r S c h o o l A T e a m L a t v m c r U p p e r S c h o o l E Te a m C C o . i s t C . B . K . R . R . C L e i n s t e r H o u s e C a d e t s . . M.iyfield Xaverian College Cadet Corps Te r r a N o v a S c h o o l A Te a m Wa n d s w o r t h Te c h n i c a l I n s t i t u t e B Te a m 548 I 542 541 540 539 538 533 32 3.A 34' 35- 3b 37 38 39 4 '• 41. 42 43- 44. 45- 46. 47- 48. 49. 50 51- 52- 53- 54' 55- S6. 57- SS- 59- 60. 61. 62. 63- 64. 65 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72- 73- 74- 53' 75- 530 7b- 524 77- 52" 78. 5") 5'779 5'5 5" 510 506 502 499 494 485 482 481 481 47S 476 472 471 471 462 462 .A Co. ist F.F. C.B. North Staffordshire Regt 2nd Hampstead Troop B.P. Boy Scouts West Croydon Cadet Corps Askes Hatcham School Cadet Corps Norwich High School Cadets M a n o r H o u s e S c h o o l - A Te a m F a r m S c h o o l S c o u t s . . . K i l b u r n G r a m m a r S c h o o l B T e a m Rich School C T eam Hulme Grammar School Cadet Corps D C o . i s t C . B . K . R . R . C Simon Langton School Cadet Corps A Team Battersea Grammar School Cadet Corps T e r r a N o v a S c h o o l B T e a m Credition Grammar School Cadet Corps Bisley Farm School No. I Co. 2nd R.C. Middlesex Regt No. I Co. Wedmore Cadet Corps A Team B C o . 1 s t C . B . K . R . R . C Cadet Section 5th V.B. West A'orkshire Regt. A Team ... No. I Co. Wedmore Cadet Corps B Team ... .A Co. ist V.B. 12th County of London Regt Te r r a N o v a S c h o o l C Te a m .A Co. ist C.B. Royal Fusiliers B Co. ist F.C.B. North Staffordshire Regt D e t a i l s i s t C . B . K . R . R . C Five Ways (Birmingham) King Edward Grammar School D C o . i s t C . B . R o y a l F u s i l i e r s ' Purley County Council ist Cadet Section 14th London V.R. B Team M a n o r H o u s e S c h o o l B T e a m . . . W'imbledon Boys' Naval Brigade B Team Cadet Section 4th \'.B. West Yorkshire Regt. B Team ... K i l b u r n G r a m m a r . S c h o o l . S c o u t s A C o . i s t C . B . K . R . R . C 25th City of Westminster (St. Anne's, Soho) Boy Scouts A T e a m . . . . . . Highfield School C.C. A Team E Co. ist C.B. 12th County of London Regt D Co. ist C.B. 12th County of London Regt No. I Co. W edmore C.C. C Team I2th County of London Regt. ... Bi Co. lotii London C.C. H i g h fi e l d S c h o o l C . C . B Te a m B3 Co. loth London C.C. ... ... Slough .Secondary School King's Own Royal Lancaster Regt. No. i Team 23th City of Westminster (St. Anne's, Soho) Boy Scouts B T e a m . . . . . . . . . . . . B2 Co. loth London C.C. R.N. Barracks (Devonport) Boys' Brigade A Team City of London Imperial (jadet A'eomanry A Team City of I.or.don Imperial Cadet A'eomanry B Team City of London Imperial Cadet A'eomanry C Team W a n d s w o r t h T e c h n i c a l I n s t i t u t e C T e a m . . . ■Simon Langton School C.C. B Team T . S . " A r e t h u s a " A T e a m T . S . " A r e t h u s a " B T e a m Richmond Hill Cadets Steyne School C.C. 4th C.B. Middlesex Regt. Junior R.C. St. Ann e's Stanle y K.R.R.C ist C. Section 14th County of London V.R. C Team ist C. Section 14th County of London V.R. D Team Richmond County School C.C. Cadet Section 4th V.B. West A'orks Regt. C Team No. 5 Co. 2nd T.C.B. Middlesex Regt Leiston and District B.P. Boy Scouts 459 456 455 453 452 450 449' 446 445 445. 444 442 437 437 436- 433 43(> 428 424 419 418 414 413 41 1 408- 400 395 391 380 380' 363 363 353 346. 345 342 339' 333 316 312 301 271 270 268 262 226- 216 ... 216 scratched' Vi POST FREE Ortiera for " Tho Rifleman" in quantities of more • t h a n t w o d o z e n c o p i e s w i l l b e s e n t P o s t F r e e . WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKA p r i l , 1 9 1 9 . T H E R I F L E M A N . 1 9 5 H A R M O N I S E D S I G H T S F O R T H E S O L A N O L A N D S C A P E T A R G E T . DANGER OF A TTENDANT INACCURACY . C O M PA R I S O N O F R A N G E S A N D T R A J E C T O R I E S . Discussed by L.\nce-Corpor.a.l P. F. Duncax, Sth V.B. Middlesex Reginienl, Assistant Secretary Miiswett Hitt Votiinleer R.C. AS a result of observation of various competitions on miniature rifle ranges in which tfie Solando Landscape Target has been used, with the accompanying neces sity of elevating to a degree sufficient to cause the shots to strike the upper or " shadow " portion of the target, one i s i m p r e s s e d b y t h e p r e d o m i n a n t e v i d e n c e o f g o o d grouping offset by inaccurate application. At first sight this might seem caused merely by bad recognition on the p a r t o f t h e fi r e r ( p o s s i b l y a r i s i n g f r o m m i s l e a d i n g indication), or by deviation in aim resultant of the unusual position of the rifle due to the raising of the backsight. Assuming the correctness of these suppositions, their eradication should be achieved by frequent practice. However, there also arises a further and hitherto unsuspected factor, viz., that shown by a comparison of the actual and suppositional ranges with their accom panying trajectories. When firing at ordinary targets under normal conditions on miniature ranges of 25 yards the trajectory is point-blank, and since the sighting is usually at or about zero the trajectory and line of sight are naturally parallel. But immediately the sights are raised to the extent compelled by the construction of the Solano Landscape Target, the conditions become changed. Inasmuch as the ratio between the distance actually fired (25 yards) and the distance sighted for (say 1,500 yards), has a constant detrimental effect on the accuracy of the point of impact, that is an effect on the linear projection of the axis of the rifle as distinct from the line of sight, such deviation varying with the exact firing position. For it must be borne in mind that although the sighting is advanced to, say, 1,500 yards, the actual distance on the miniature range remains unaltered. Conse quently the trajectory is still point-blank and coincident with the axis of the barrel, though no longer following a horizontal path, but that of an upwardly inclined plane. Hence it would seem that after the sight has once been harmonised any retrograde or advancing movement on the part of the firer thereby transposing the muzzle of the riHe to a position nearer to, or further from, the target, will seriously affect the course of the bullet, causing it to strike above or below the mark, although the line of sight following a constant horizontal plane provided for by the raising of the backsight will nevertheless remain true. At this point it is of interest to take the case of a man firing on an actual 1,500 yards range. Supposing that, having set his sights for this distance, he then advances 20 yards ; it will now be necessary for him to aim down slightly in order to prevent his shot going high. Making use of the ratio of the ranges previously selected (1,500 yds. ; 25yds. : ; 60 : i), it is to be found that an error of the extent produced by a change in position of 20 yards on the open range wall be incurred by a move of only 12 inches in the miniature range. Such error would perfectly account for a shot group being an inch above the point aimed at on the Solano Target, and this is in nowise due to faulty recognition or incorrect aim. It therefore seems fair to suppose that in order to ensure accurate shooting a line should be drawn when the rifle is first harmonised marking the position either of the firer's elbows or the muzzle of the rifle, all subsequent firing to be effected from this limiting mark. This as opposed to present haphazard conditions, when the spot from which the sighting shots are fired and the subsequent firing point, are not necessarily coincident or equi-distant from the target. H.M. The King has graciously accepted a copy of this book. NOW READY.—In I.arge Crown 8vo.. Pp. i.-sii. and 136, with Frontis piece and Hi illustrations. P r i c e - - 5 s . N e t , p l u s p o s t a g e . T H E T H E O R Y O F T H E R I F L E AXD R I F L E S H O O T I N G . A n E l e m e n t a r y Tr e a t i s e o n t h e S c i e n t i fi c P r i n c i p l e s o f t h e S m a l t - A r m a n d i t s F u n c t i o n s . B y J O H N W. H I C K S , F. R . A . S . 2 V B U I D G E D C o n t e n t s I n t r o d u c l o r j - — I n t e r i o r B a l l i s t i c s : P r o s s t i r e Velocity, and Time up the Barrel—Interior Ihillistics; Empirical Formnlm —E.xterior Ballistics : Causes aU'ecting Flight of Bullet—Determination of Jump—Recoil—Kesistance of the Air—Practical Determination of Muzzl© Velo cit y, an d M ax im um Pre ss ur e —E le m en t s o f t he Ti - a je ct o r j - —Bal li st ic Tables and their Uses—Rifle Fire against Aerial Targets—Vertical Fire— lire at High Angles—Altitude .Factor—Ef fect of Wind—RiJle Sights— Accuracy of Rifle Fire—Testing Ammunition or Rifle—Designing of Match Targets—The Six-point Rest—Negative Angle Sight—Tables—Index. TRI-LINGUAL ARTILLERY DICTIONARY. B y E D W A R D S . H O D G S O N . With Introdxiction by Col. J. H. Mansell, R.A. (ret.) P r i c e 5 s . n e t b a c h V o l u m e , p l u s p o s t a g e . Vo l . 1 . Vo l . 2 . Vo l . 3 . English. French. Italian. French. Italian. French. Italian. English. English. "... This Book contains many modern terms which are in everyday use in the branch of learning of which it treats, and which are not to be found in general dictionaries. It should prove a valuable addition to the works of roforeiice of those interested in Field Artilleiy Eqnipnients,' Proceedings: of the Royal Artillery institute, LONDON: CHARLES CRIFFIM & CO., LTD., EXETER STREET, STRAND, W.C.2. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK196 CLUB REPORTS. Uekfield Rifle Club. The fourteenth annual general meeting of the above club was held on Thursday, March 27th, when the Balance Sheet for last year was read, giving a surplus of 4s. old. The Club has 71 members, 13 of whom have given donations. In accordance with the rule ob taining amongst rifle clubs, the Club placed its range, rifles and targets at the disposal of the military and those training for home defence. Mr Popley, of High Street, presented a handsome siU'cr gilt spoon for competition. It was shot for during August under sealed handicap conditions and was won by Lieut. T. Prince. The Club added medals as second and third prizes. There were spoon shoots in June, July, August, and September. The Thomas Cup was won by a team captained bv A. Dendy and com posed of A. Dendy, B. Ser geant. F. A. C. Thomas, and AV. F u l l e r . The Donegal Badge was won by Lieut. T. Prince; the Bell Medal bv Lieut. T. Prince ; the " D a i l v ' M a i l " C e r t i fi c a t e b y Lieut.'T. Prince; the "Daily Telegraph " Certificate by Lieut. T. P r i n c e ; " D a i l y E x p r e s s " Medal by \V. Bi Sergeant. The Club has given prizes to the Grammar School boys shoot ing during the season. The Committee again thank all subscribers for their continued support and Mr. Popley for his generous gift of the handsome silver gilt spoon. The President kindly placed the indoor range at the disposal of the Club, and, although the cost of ammunition has been doubled, it was extensively used by its members. Hampton and Hampton Hill Rifle Club. The twelfth annual general meeting of the Club was held on Saturday, March 15th, at the Red Lion Hotel, Hampton, and was followed by a smoking concert arranged by Lieut. \V. B. Home- Gall. The' President, T. Foster Knowles, was in the chair, and was supported by Mr, N. D. Allbless, C.C., Mr. A. \A". Mat- ton, -Mr. H. T. Mason (Chairman of Committee), and Lieut. W. B. Home-Gall (Captain). About 50 members and friends were pre- . s e n t . S i r P h i l i p E . P i l d i t c h . .M.P.. arrived late and addressed the meeting. The Committee's report was read, in which it was slated that the membership was now 78 as against 56 last year, b u t a n u m b e r o f o l d m e i n b e r s were now returning from military service, so that the numbers would probably be greatly in creased this season. In spite of all the difficulties experienced in carrying on the Club, the Com mittee were glad to report a balance in hand of nearly ^^3, while the excess of assets over liabilities was over .;^30. The Committee hoped to carry out some improvements upon the ranges this year, and if the sup port e.xpected were forthcoming, to hold an open meeting for all clubs affiliated to the S..M.R.C. w i t h i n a r a d i u s o f 1 0 m i l e s o n -August Bank Holiday. "The re port was adopted and the officers for the present season were then elected. In proposing a vote of thanks to the President for taking the chair at this meeting, Mr. N. D. .Allbless, C.C., said that he h i m s e l f w a s a n o l d m e m b e r o f the Club and had always taken grpat interest in the rifle club m o v e m e n t . H e w a s e s p e c i a l l y interested in the training of lads and young men in the use of the ntle and thought that it was to the interest of the Government to see that Scout troops. Cadet Corps and such organisations were never short of "funds. If t h i s w e r e d o n e h e w a s s u r e t h e bogey of conscription would soon disappear from the country. Sir Philip E. Pilditch, M.P., in addressing the meeting, said that he was especially interested i n r i fl e c l u b s a n d h a d b e e n t h e founder and first Captain of the W ' e y b r i d g e C l u b . T h i s w a s started at the time of the South .African War, so that it was some five or six years older than the Hampton Club. He congratu lated the club on the report of the last year, and was c.specially interested in the remark that 150 m e m b e r s h a d s e r v e d w i t h t h e C o l o u r s a n d t h a t i t w a s i n t e n d e d to draw up a record of their m i l i t a r y c a r e e r s a n d f o r t u n e s . .Such a record would prove most interesting and he would like to s e e s u c h a r e c o r d f o r a l l r i fl e clubs. He pointed out the dual aspect of rifle shooting in which r e . s p e c t i t w a s s u p e r i o r t o cricket and football. While training the eyes, muscles and nerves and fitting one to be ready to sei-ve one's country in time of need, it was in itself a grand sport. He wished the Club every success in the coming sea son. Mr. S. G. Mason (V ice- President) said that Sir Philip had referred to this Club being y o u n g e r t h a n t h e W e y b r i d g e Club, but he thought the Club had rendered a good account of it.self m the past and challenged th-; VA'eybridge Club to meet them in matches this year, both at Hampton and Weybridge. Sir Philip Pilditch accepted the chal lenge, which he would forward to those now in charge of the AVeybridge Club, and said he personally felt a little difficulty in his own position, for he in tended to join the Hampton Club in some subsidiary capacity and would not know how to divide his sympathies in such a match. The Captain (AV. B. Home- Gall) said he could not allow s u c h a n o p e n i n g t o p a s s u n noticed, and proposed that Sir Philip Pilditch be elected a A'ice- P r e s i d e n t o f t h e C l u b . T h i s w a s seconded by the President (Mr. T Foster Knowles) and carried with acclamation. .At the close of the meeting, the Captain (W. B. Home-Gall) said he was pleased to see so many of the younger members present, because these were the members who were going to be the marksmen of the Club in the future. He would impress upon them that the only way t o b e c o m e m a r k s m e n w a s t o practice assiduously. He wished t h e m t o k n o w t h a t M r . G . H . S a l m o n s h a d p r o m i s e d t h e ' C o m mittee a AA'ar Savings Certificate as a prize in a competition for t h e y o u n g e r m e m b e r s , a n d i t was also hoped to give a rifle as a prize in another competition s h o r t l y. H e h o p e d t h e y w o u l d all practice and enter for these competitions. A f t e r a v o t e o f t h a n k s t o t h e l a n d l o r d f o r t h e u s e o f t h e r o o m and to those who had contributed t o t h e i r e n t e r t a i n m e n t , a v e r y successful gathering terminated. " E l e c t r i c a l R e v i e w " R i fl e Club. The Committee have arranged the following programme of e v e n t s f o r t h e s e c o n d h a l f - season ;— Competition \o. i.—^Monthly Handicap (Individual). March : One 5-bull target. Two shots on each carton. One 3-bull ( g r e e n ) t a r g e t t ( d e l i b e r a t e ) . Highest gun score: Lord Roberts' Medal (1918), holders excepted. May : One lo-bull tar get. One shot on each carton. One 3-bull (green) target-f (time- limit, 90 sees.). Highest gun score, " Daily Express " Medal (191S), holders excepted. June; One 3-bull target. Two shots on each carton. One 3-bull ( g r e e n ) t a r g e t t ( d e l i b e r a t e ) . H i g h e s t g u n s c o r e , " D a i l y Mail " Certificate (1918), holders excepted. July: One to-bull tar get, two shots on each carton. One 3-bull (green) targett (time- limit, 90 sees.). Highest gun score, " Daily Telegraph " Cer tificate (1918), holders excepted. M e d a l s a n d c e r t i fi c a t e s a r e given by the S.M.R.C. for com petition by members of affiliated clubs, entitling the registered holders to free entry in competi tions named). No. i (monthly) prizes: ist, 2/6; 2nd. 1/6. P e n a l t i e s f o r w i n n e r s : i s t , i point; 2nd, I point, each time. To encourage entries the Club will give a Silver Spoon for the highest aggregate handicap score for above four sets of targets. Competition -No 4.'^—.Annual Handicap (April). One 3-bulUar- get, two shots on each ca'jton. One lo-bull target, one sbot on each carton. One 3-bull (green) targett (deliberate). Highest gun score. Bell Medal (igiS), holders excepted. Prizes: 1st, 2nd, 3rd. Donations will be welcomed to Prize Fund, to which I OS. will be added by the Club—divisible by Committee. Competition No. 5.—Pool Handicap (unlimited). Open f r o m . A l a r c h t o J u l y. i d . p e r target (collected monthly). One 5-bull target, one shot on each carton. Points added per Monthly Handicap. Highest handicap score, winner . Pool will be divided into three prizes—divisible by Committee. Competition No. 7,— .Septem ber. Suggestions invited. A l l s h o t s o n a n y c a r t o n i n e x cess of the number indicated will b e d e d u c t e d o n e p o i n t . F o r e . x - cess shots beyond the stipulated number on targets, ten points will b e d e d u c t e d f o r e a c h . E d g e scoring (to gauge). Rang closed during August. Competition No. 6.—Mr. Gate house's rille. AA'inner: Highest aggregate gun scores (previous winners excepted) in competition during the season marked ■*■. .All targets must be signed and winiessed by (preferably) another member of the Club or Range O f t i c e r a n d m u s t b e fi r e d o n range at Cripplegate Institute. M e m b e r s s h o u l d t a k e a d v a n t a g e of each other's pre.sence to fire their competition targets. Glen Conway M.R.C. The victory dance and .social held bv the above Club proved a s u c c e s s . - A i r. A A " . H . C o a t e s w a s dance M.C. and Mr . Ellison whist M.C. The excellent catering was in the able hands o f . A l i s s B e b b . . A n i n t e r e s t i n g musical programme was carried out, among those who took part b e i n g A l i s s G i l l , A l i s s E v a n s , Mr. D. AA'illiams, Mr. D. Evans, Air. T. Jones, Mr. Austin, and Mr. AA". 'F. Davies. Great credit is due to Mr. J. Henshaw, the Hon. Secretary, for the able way in which he carried out the whole programme. Great regret was felt that the A'ice-Captain, who was expected home from India, did not arrive in time to take part in the enjoyment. He was ■f Rut more llmii four shots on any carton. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKApril, 1919. T H E R I F L E M A N . 197 lliL' fir.st in the village to voKin- t e e r i n A u g u s t , i Q i ^ , a n d h a s b e e n o n a c t i v e s e r v i c e e v e r s i n c e . We s t C r o y d o n C a d e t C o r p s . 'I'lie Wc.st Croydon Cadet Corps is tichieving a very u.se- fid S(u-vicc .amongst a section of the youth of the borough. The Cor])s, which is afliliated to the 4 th Battalion of the Queen's (Roy.al West Surrey) Regiment, provides a training inclusive of Tiiany things conducive to dis cipline—physical e.xercisc, rifle dri'l, semaphore signalling, and s h ( ) t i n g — s o c i a l e v e n i n g s a r c arriuiged in the winter and camps i n t h e s u m m e r . T h u s i t i s n o t surprising to learn that the Corps has contributed 30 excellent re c r u i t s t o H i s M a j e s t y ' s F o r c e s during the war. Capt. G. Lewis C \ilcs is in charge of the Corps .and he receives great assistance f r o m L i e u t . H . J . Ta y l o r. .•\ haitpy evening was spent by the voting men and their friends at the Free Christian Church H.all, Wellcsley Road, on Friday ■ cvenin'g of last week, when " The .Sunravs," a clever troupe assum ing aii oriental garb, gave a very cnjovablc entertainment. The |)artv consists of Mr. and IMrs. I'acjx Mr. and Mrs. Fawcett. .Miss Peters, Miss Yates, Miss Evans, and Mr. Duflield, and in concerted numbers and individual vocal items they obl;ained a hearty reception. During an interval in the pro g r a m m e r e f r e s h m e n t s w e r e served, after which Lieut.-Col. ■Chance, of the Bedfordshire Regiment, distributed prizes at; follows (won in connection with tbc sever.al shooting competi- " Medals awarded by Mr. W. J. Ellis to cadets who made the highest score for January: i, C^rpl. C. L. S. Chiles; 2, Sergt. W. S. Ellis ; 3, Lce.-Corpl. Sptir- rowe. . . , Winner of spoon given tiy Sergt.-iM.-ijor Sparrowe for Cadet who made three highest scores in February:—Corpl C. I>. b. Chiles. Special prize for recruits for rapid improvement in shooting: •—-Pte. .Stimson. Medals and certificates for highest scores in Cadet .Autumn Competition:—Leo.-Corpl. L. 1'-. .Sibley ^Roberts' .Medal) : Pte. F. W. Stutchbury ("Daily I ele- graph " Certificate) ; and Sergt. ■\V. S. Ellis (" Daily Mail " Cer tificate). The following qualified lor bandsmen's badges:—Corpl. C. I.. S. Chiles (two); Pte. h. W. .Stutchbury and Pte. R. Jarvis. .\ few words of encouragement t o t h e m e m b e r s o f t h e C o r p s were made by lite Colonel, who also nuidc an appeal to the public t o e x h i b i t k e e n e r i n t e r e s t i n Cadet Corps generally in the borough, and especially the AA est Croydon Corps. The Croydon Corporation, he remarked, had been sadly lacking in their con sideration of the Corps in the past, but at a meeting of the Surrcv Territorial .Association re cently (when the question of amalgamating the Corps with o t h e r s c h o o l C a d e t C o r p s w a s considered), the Town Clerk (Dr. Newnham) said he would see if something could not be done by the Corporation just as they did for the Borough Cadets. It had been decided to leave the West Croydon Cadet Corp.s in its pre sent position, the chief reason being that its members were more advanced in training than other corps in the locality. I-ieut.-Col. Ch.'ince stated that the Corps was not intended to be a m i l i t . Ti - v m o v e m e n t ; i t r y a s merely' a centre for assisting voting men to become physically 'fit and to keep them front those attr.-ictions which were likely, to prove less useful. T h e C o l o n e l w a s t h a n k e d f o r his attendance by Capt. G. Lewis Chiles, and the musical portion of the programme was resumed. Norton Rifle Club. The fifteenth annual meeting of the Norton Rifle Club was held at the .Abbev Hotel, AVood- seats, ShclTteld, last night, when Mr. .Albert Davidson. C.B.E., presided. The financial statement showed a balance of £10 us. lod. in hand. . The Secretarv, in his annual report, niado sympathetic ■reference to the loss the club had sustained through the death of Capt. Adam Kerr, who would be irreatly missed. The Secre tarv Aciit on to refer to the aclivitics of the Club during iqiS, "and although they h.ad had so few active members during the season, thcv had been " runners up " in nearlv every competition in which they had competed. Mr Davidson said he had no idea that they h.-id such a re sponsible club, but he had only t.i look round those present to find that they meant business. The following olViccrs were re- elected :-Col. B. A. Firth Presi dent, the Rev. G. AA. Hall and Alessrs. A. K. Gale, J. P. Collier, :„„1 1-. C. AVild, A-ice-Presidcnts; Mr. George V. Marshall on. Secretary, Mr. S J. Hunt Hon. Tr e a s u r e r, a n d Hon. Captain of the Club. South London Oddfellows' - Rifle Club. The Headtpiarlers of I he (Add- f( Hows' Aliilelic Association, 80, AA'alworth [■ioad, S.E., presented an animated appearance on Satur day, March S, on the occasion of the visit of the District OlVicers of the Manchester Unity, the Provincial Grand Master, A. E. Stoncr, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, J. AAA Saver, and the I.P .P .G.M., F . A V . D. Gilbert. The Captain of the rifle club, Mr. H. Paul, said, in welcoming the District Officers, that he was very pleased indeed to know that the principals of the district con tinued to take an interest in their doings, as evidenced by their presence that evening. The Hon. Secretary, Mr. F. J. Barrell, in seconding the wel come, gave a brief summary of the past year's work. Starting the year with a balance of 15s. od., thev had finished up with 3s. 'qjd. on the right side, this in spite of the heavy expenses of the year, including the purchase of a silver cup, and the increased cost of everything that pertains to the successful running of a rifle club. The membership had continued to in crease, and they were now mak ing a bold bid for feminine sup port from the various Ladies' Lodges. Owing to serious illness, their President (Lieut. Commander J. . A . D a w e s , M . P. ) c o u l d n o t a t tend the meeting, and very sym pathetic references were made to him. On behalf of the Rifle Club, Mr. Barrell then asked the Pro v i n c i a l G r a n d M a s t e r t o p r e s e n t the' prizes won by the various members of the Rifle Section. Mr. Stoner, in a happy speech, gave credit to those at the head of affairs for having succeeded beyond expectations in keeping the Club so well together through a trying period. He agreed with the previous speakers that the Club should be open to the ladies, who, with proper tuition, ought to make excellent shots. i-Io was also very .glad indeed to see the fine old veteran, Mr. ,R. AAA Smith, at the meeting, and sincerely hoped that he would keep on shooting with effect for a good many years to come. He then proceeded to present the prizes:—The Shield, pre sented by the President (Lieut. Commander Dawes), was won tor the year by the Raglan Lodge Team (H. Paul, A. A. Cook, A. G. Paul); the second team, who r e c e i v e d s i l v e r m e d a l s , b e i n g from the George (iliesler I.odge (R. AA'. .Smith, A. C. Bccson, A. Blackney). Mr. R. AAA Smith, in thanking the Grand Master for presenting the medals, assured the holders of the Shield they would have to go all out to retain the .Sha-ld this year. Mr. Becsun replied to (he same elTcct, also .giving a hearty welcome to the ladies who wcro. jtiiniiig" llic Club. The Championship Cup (prc- .sented by Dr. J. F. AVilliams) was won by H. Paul ; the runner up, A. C." Beeson, receiving a silver medal presented by the Club. The Club Championship Cup was won by .-A. C. Beeson ; A. G. Paul, second, receiving a s i l v e r m e d a l p r e . s e n t e d b y t h e Club. " Dailv Express " Medal, A. G. Paul; " Daily Telegraph " Certificate, J. AA'. Sayer; Bell Medal, J. AAA Sayer; " Daily Mail " Certificate, H, J*. AA'est: S.M.R.C. Medal, H. Paul: two best 5-bull cards. Silver Medal, .A. G. Paul : Subscription Com petitions, -A. G. Paul and H. J. AA'est. Mr. J. AA'. Sayer and Mr. Gil bert also responded, as also did Mr . AA". R. Nelthropp, who, humorously saying he hardly kncw^ which was the proper end of the rifle to hold, added he was more than pleased to see the Section in such a flourishing con dition, and promised he wouia give all the help he could. Interspersed with the presenta tion and the speeches was some excellent harmony, and our best t h a n k s a r e d u e t o M i s s N e l l i e Blundell, Mrs. fx. Burrows, Miss \V. IGmpton, Miss E. AA'right, .Airs. F. AYalker, Mr. R. Bent- lev Johnson and Mr. John Hib- bert for helping to make a very pleasant evening. A l d e r l e y E d g e M . R . C . T h e a b o v e C l u b h a s f o r w a r d e d to us a copy of their statement of a c c o u n t s f o r t h e y e a r e n d i n g D e c e m b e r 3 1 s t , 1 9 1 8 , a n d w e t a k e t h i s o p p o r t u n i t y o f c o n - gratulatin.g them upon coming through the year under such s t r e n u o u s c i r c u m s t a n c e s , w i t h a surplus balance of £66 19s. 5d. T h i s s h o u l d e n c o u r a g e t h e m t o m a k e p r o g r e s s i n t h e c u r r e n t year, and end it with a still belter surplus now the war is over . Guildford and District R.C. " Your Committee are pleased to be able to congratulate the Club upon its sound financial condition, due to the very generous support of the Presi dent, Aticc-Prcsidcnts, and Hon. M e m b e r s , t o w h o m t h e C l u b i s deeply indebted. As in the pre vious year, owing to most of the m e m b e r s b e i n g w i t h H i s I Majesty's Forces, the .-ittendancc at the range has shown a falling off. On the other hand, several m u n i t i o n w o r k e r s w e r e g l a d t o a v a i l t h e m s e l v e s o f t h e o p p o r tunity of being able to put in some' rifle practice. It is hoped that during the coming season the Club tnay again be able to resume the several competitions and inter-club matches, as well as targi-t practice 011 the full- charge range at Bisley. Special thanks are due to the President for his liberal help, and to laeut.- Col. Godwin-Austen for the tise of the Salford Road Range." So ran the Committee's report submitted to ihe annual meeting WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK198 T H E R I F L E M A N . APBiii, 1919. —the twentieth— of the Guild ford and District Rifie Club, at the Institute on Mondav, when members gleaned, from the state ment of accounts, that the finances improved during the year by £28. the credit balance increasing from ;^45 to The President (the Duke of Sutlierland), Vice - Presidents, h o n . s u b s c r i b e r s , a n d d o n o r s c o n tributed £7S 14s-, aii'J -ordinary members subscribed ;^i3 lys. Sir Edmond Elles, who pre sided, remarked that the range had been a decided advantage", in that a large number of men had been trained on it. - M r. W. P. ' I ' e n c h w a s r e elected Hon. T reasurer, Mr. Stanley Ellis Hon'. Secretary, and Mr. H. Fentum Phillips and Mr. A. Clayton Hon. Auditors. Messrs. A. \V. Bullen, W. G. Ricketts, and L. C. E. Currie were re-elected to the Committee, and Mr. Savage, a former mem b e r , w a s a d d e d t h e r e t o . S i r E d m o n d E l l e s p a i d a t r i b u t e t o t h e v a l u e d w o r k o f Mr. Stanley Ellis, to whom, he remarked, the satisfactory posi tion of the Club was primarily d u e . M r . E l l i s f e l t t h a t i t w a s gratifying to realise that the C l u b w a s o n e o f t h e f e w r i fl e dubs which had kept its head above water during the war. It w a s s t a t e d t h a t t h e r e w a s l i t t l e likelihood of rifie club shooting a t B i s l e y t h i s y e a r. Lincoln Notes. After a keen competition for premier honours in the Winter I'ostal Competition, Grimsby Central (last year's winners) and Ruston .Aircraft finished with an equal number of points. In the tie shoot Grimsby Central ran out easy winners with a score of 578 as against Aircraft 561. The annual general meeting of the County Association, held a t L i n c o l n , p r e s i d e d o v e r b y Capt. F. B. Potter, was well attended. The Hon. Secretary presented the annual report, making reference to the trying l i m e a i l a s s o c i a t i o n s h a d h a d during the past four years, but it was a pleasure to be able to state this Association had kept its organisation intact, and the re v i v a l o f c l u b s w a s n o w t h e i m m e d i a t e w o r k t o b e t a k e n i n hand. The usual Postal Competition had been run and the Summer Competition had drawn a larger entry than had been obtained in the preceding year. This com petition was run in two divisions, the winners being: Division I., Ruston Aircraft; Division 11., Grimsby Corporation (B). The Astor Cup Competition only drew a small entry, and this trophy was again secured by the holders, Grimsby Central. Not quite such a large entry. as the preceding was made in the Winter Postal Competition, but good shooting was main tained. T h e u l t i m a t e w i n n e r s o f t h e trophies were as follows:—Divi sion I., Grimsby Central; Divi sion II., Limber; Division III., Blankney; Division IV., Surfleet. The county again competed in the final for the Queen Alexan dra Cup, and considering the c o n d i t i o n s u n d e r w h i c h t h e fi n a l was shot a really good score was made, and the county team secured second place. During the year still further l a u r e l s w e r e a d d e d t o t h e A s s o ciation's records by Grimsby Central winning in open com petition the Burroughes and Watts Challenge Trophy. The financial condition of the Association is still very satis factory, the receipts for the year, together with a balance in hand of :6'>9 5s. sd., having been £71 9s. 4d., and the expenses £a3 Ss. 3d., leaving a balance in the general account of £26 4s. id. Now that more normal con ditions have been reached, it has been decided to accept the offer of the .Society of Miniature Rifle C l u b s t o h o l d a n A l l - C o m e r s a n d County Prize Meeting at Clee- thorpes on August 6th, 7th, 8th, a n d 9 t h , a n d i t i s h o p e d t h e county clubs will see that a record entry is attained. The report con c l u d e d w i t h t h e t h a n k s o f t h e Association to the patrons for their generous support which had enabled the Association to keep ■in existence. The report and balance sheet wei;e unanimously adopted. Before the election of officers took place the Secretary announced that the T reasurer , .Mr. A. H. Leslie Melville wished t o b e r e l i e v e d o f t h i s o f fi c e . M r. . M e l v i l l e h a d v e r y k i n d l y k e p t in office until the termination of the war, and the Secretary made reference to the good work Mr. M e l v i l l e h a d d o n e f o r t h e A s s o ciation. It was resolved to place on the minutes the Association's^ appreciation of Mr. Melville's services. The officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows:— President, the Right Hon. the Earl Brownlow ; Hon. T reasurer , M a j o r G . L . B e n n e t t , W e s t - lands, Grimsby; Hon. Secretary, Mr. C. Laywood, Cleethorpes. P a t r o n s t o s e r v e i n E x e c u t i v e C o m m i t t e e , M a j o r H . D . M a r shall, Gainsboro': Mr . C. T umor , Stoke Rochford ; Mr. A. A. Pad- ley, Market Rasen. The three retiring members of the Execu tive Committee, the Rev. H. Larken, Rev. A. R. McDougall, and Mr. F. Finch, were unani mously re-elected. Mr. C. Laywood was elected as the Association's representa t i v e o n t h e A d v i s o r v C o m m i t t e e of the S.M.R.C. The general discussion for the county meeting programme took place and it was decided to leave- the drafting of the programme to the Executive Committee. After the usual business had been transacted the Chairman presented the trophies won in the Winter Competition to the sue- cessful clubs. T h e D e n n i s R . C . The above club held its first annual supper and " social " in the club house on Saturday. I hanks to the arrangements of .Mr. F. G. Chittleburgh, Hon. Secretary, a very enjoyable even ing was spent. Songs were ren dered by .Messrs. Martin, Rad- don. House, Gunner, Greaves, and Ben West. There was danc ing at intervals. Mr. Gordon Hill was at the piano. Mr. Brown, Works Manager, pre sented the prizes to the winners f o r t h e y e a r a s f o l l o w s W o r k s Shield and Medals.—No. 7 shop team (.Messrs. F. Chittleburgh, A, Butt, F. Hewett, H. Denyer). Shrapnell Smith Cup.—Mr. H. Clacey. Donegal Badge.—Mr. W. Star. Bell Medal.—Mr. H. Denyer. S..M.R.C. Medal.-^Mr. H. t'lacey. " Express " Medal. —.Mr. E. Chittleburgh. " Daily Mail " Certificate.—Mr. L. Hard ing. " Daily Telegraph " Certi ficate.—Mr. F. Gunner. Ladies' M e d a l . — M i s s H e a t h . CHALLENGES. Inserted free of charge. Post Matches wanted. Finch- ley Special Constabulary, 25 yards range, 8 to shoot, all to count; first team, average 96; second team, average 90.—E. G. Hammond, 23, Sq-iiires Lane, Church End, Finchley N.3. Post Matches wanted, 10 to shoot, 8 to count; aperture sights and slings ; to extend throughout week. Southgate R.C.—W. H. Last, 41, Warwick Road, New Southgate, N.ii. W a n t e d P o s t M a t c h e s f o r both First and Second T eams (averages 96 and 93), 8 or 10 a-side (latter preferred), 7 or 8 to count. Open dates for 1919.—• Replies to A. E. Rasell, Asso ciated Equipment R.C., Black- horse Lane, Walthamstow, E. 17. Endon R.C. would like to ar range Post Matches, 25 yards' range (outdoor), aperture sights, 8 to shoot, 6 to count; average 9 2 . A l s o L a d i e s ' t e a m w i s h t o arrange Post Matches, 25 yards, 6 to shoot, 4 to count, aperture sights, single bull. Matches to extend throughout week.—J. T. Robinson, Florence Terrace, Endon, Stoke-on-Trent. W i m b l e d o n P a r k R i fl e C l u b would like to arrange post matches, 8 or 10 a side, all to count, 25 yards, aperture sights, S M R.C. match targets. Aver age of first team 97. second team o- D S. Oakey, 202, Revel- stoke Road, London, S \V.,8. North Britisn Loco. Company Rifle Clubs, combined team of 12 nen, 10 to count, wish shoulder to shoulder matches, home or away, within 40 miles radius of Gbis- Tow Clubs can have same ar- ran-^ed bv applying to John Sin^son, 67. Courlay Street, Springburn, Glasgow. Matches wanted, Saturd.ay afternoons, .May to September, 2, yards, outdoor, 12 to 20 aside. (Open sights, no .slings.) 50 vards, S.M.R.C. target. Special Constabulary and Volunteers speciallv invited. Also match team to to shoot 8 to count, 5-buli S. .M. R. C. (aperture, slings). Special invitation to Police teams.—W. L. Josephs, Hon. Sec., Call Office, 44, Hans Crescent, S.M'. RIFLEMEN'S SALES and exchange. Advertisements in this column will be inserted at the rote of i,i. per word per insertion for private A d v e r t i s e m e n t s a n d I d . p e r w o r d for Trade Announcements if pre-, paid. In consequence of the o r d e r r e c e n t l y i s s u e d u n d e r the Defence of the Realm R e g t u l a t i o n s i t i s n e c e s s a r y f o r b o t h b u y e r a n d s e l l e r t o obtain a special permit to purchase and sell respec t i v e l y b e f o r e a n y . 2 2 o r . 3 0 3 r i fl e s c a n b o d i s p o s e d o f b y m e m b e r s o f R i fl e C l u b s . S u c h p e r m i t s m u s t b e o b t a i n e d f r o m t h e C o m p e t e n t M i l i t a r y A u t h o r i t y f o r t h e d i s t r i c t . W a r O f fi c e M i n i a t u r e a n d S h o r t L e e - E n fi e l d R i fl e s w a n t e d i n a n y c o n d i t i o n b y A . G , Parker & Co., Ltd., Bisley Wo r k s , W h i t t a l l S t r e e t , B i r mingham. , F o r S a l e . — S e c o n d - h a n d W i n chester Musket, barrel in per fect condition, £^ 5s. C. A., c/o S.M.R.C. W e h a v e i n s t o c k a n u m b e r o f secondhand converted Martini r i fl e s fi t t e d w i t h L . S . A , 1 9 1 2 back sights, these are in very good condition, also a few B,S..A. b a c k s i g h t s s u i t a b l e f o r L . E . b o l t a c t i o n r i fl e s . P r i c e s u p o n application. For sale.—Ian Hamilton Range Apparatus, Disappearing Targets, Targets brought back to firing point. Bought from the S.M.R.C., cost £12, very little used. What o f f e r s ? — - W o o d c h e s t c r R i f l e Club, Glos. Wanted by A. G, Parker & Co., Ltd., Whittall Street, Birming ham, shot-out converted Martini and War Office Miniature Rifles, WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKMay, 1919. 199 "DOMINION" BRAND. T H E B E S T BRITISH AMMUNITION FOR BRITISH MARKSMEN. NOBEL'S EXPLOSIVES COMPANY, LTD., G L A S G O W « S L O N D O N . ONE^ HUNDRED improved . ■ i CARTI^GES^ii LUBRICA TED AND ESPECIALL Y LOADED FOR T ARGET AND MA TCH SHOOTING WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK•200 t M E f t i r L E M A N . May, 1919. NOW READY S.M.R.e. 1919 HANDBOOK. CONTENTS: F U L L R E P O R T S O F 1 9 1 8 C O M P E T I T I O N S , S U G G E S T E D R U L E S F O R C L U B S , H I N T S O N B U I L D I N G M I N I A T U R E R I F L E R A N G E S , L I S T O F L I F E M E M B E R S , Etc. POST 9d. FREE. THE ti V.K." AIM TEACHER (BEGISTEEED) The "V.K." Aim Teacher consists of an enlarged back a n d f o r e s i g h t , a l s o a l e a f s h o w i n g r e s u l t s o f a c a n t e d s i g h t , a n d s e v e r a l o t h e r a i m s . a* ft* SPECIAL POINTS; 1. T eaching Coppect Aiming. 2 . H o w t o s h o w t h e p e s u i t s o f a c a n t e d sight. 3. Showing what too fuii a sight iooks I i i k e . 4. T oo fine a sight. P R I C E N E T . Postage 2d. 7'o be obtained from the ' S O C i E T Y O F M i N i A T U R E R i F L E C L U B S , Apundei House, Apundel Stpeet, London, W .C.2. mNCHBSUR :22 LONC RIFLE "LESMOK" CARTRIDGES were used successfully in the following Competitions at the S.M.R.C. Meeting, June, 1916. " D A I L Y E X P R E S S . " ^ ^ " D A I L Y T E L E G R A P H . " ^ ^ " D U K E O F W E S T M I N S T E R . " " S T E V E N S V A S E . " ^ " B E N H A M . " ^ ^ ^ ^ In all kinds of shooting they continue to excel. No matter what the make of your favourite arm is, you can bring out its possibilities to the fullest degree by using " Winchester " make of cartridges. S o l e D i s t r i b u t o r s i n t h e U n i t e d K i n g d o m : LONDON ARMOUR Y COMPANY LTD., 3 1 , B u r y S t r e e t , S t . J a m e s ' , L o n d o n , S . W. I . WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKThe Rifleman T H E O F F I C I A L O R G A N o f T H E S O C I E T Y O F M I N I AT U R E R I F L E C L U B S . Telegraphic Address : '• Rifleshot, Esirand, London." Telephone : Geriard 2952—2953. . Vo l . X V. N o . 1 0 7 ( N e w S e r i e s ) . LONDON, MA Y , 1919. Monthly , One Penny . T H E F U T U R E O F T H E V O L U N T E E R . A B S O R B E D B Y T H E R I F L E C L U B M O V E M E N T . B y " C a r t o n . " f Continued). T H E I N D O O R R A N G E A N D A U N I Q U E TA R G E T A P PA R . AT U S . GONTINUING the range question the problem of ways and means again enters into the subject when selecting a suitable site for an indoor range. If the new club cannot afford to build a range—which is extremely likely at this period—then it should endeavour to obtain facilities for shooting (i) on the range where their practice under military supervision was conducted, or (2) on the range of a neighbouring club which only occupies its quarters on certain days during the week, or in the basement of large buildings when not in use for its specific purpose. Regarding my first suggestion, I fear that facilities for shooting in quarters probably under control of the Territorial Force Association will be rather r e m o t e a s I u n d e r s t a n d t h a t t h e W a r O f fi c e h a v e a n elaborate scheme under discussion regarding the future of the various units at present scattered throughout Great Britain and the near and far East, showing us quite clearly that -the general disembodiment is but a temporary measure. In reference to my other suggestion, rc two or more clubs occupying a range, 1 notice that there are a few clubs who make use of their ranges daily and I am sure that adequate and economical arrangements may be made in which a ne\v club could obtain desirable accommodation in this respect, and so share the burden of rent and other expenses. Unfortunately, 'it is very difficult to obtain a temporary range in a hall or basement of a large building because such a place would probably command a higher figure than most clubs would be prepared to pay, and also as regards the length—ninety feet being required—because it would be very unwise to offer shooting otherwise but over the recognised orthodox distance, viz. 25 yards. However, all that is required is just four bare walls and a roof enveloping space of 30 yards by five and of sufficient height to allow the tallest member to stretch his legs when assuming the perpendicular. If a firing point platform is desired, one sufficiently large enough, say 6 feet in depth should be constructed. Firing platforms are, in my opinion, anything but essential. However solid they may be constructed there is invariably some vibration when members eject fired shells during the rapid practices which has a disturbing effect upon a com rade's aim. A few strips of cocoanut matting and a few door mats, or better still a couple of " biscuits" (army palliasses, 4ft. by 4ft.) make an excellent " point" for a firer . When deciding upon the illumination, whatever character it may be, take care that the light on each target is equal, or you will be laying up for yourself trouble in the future. An almost imperceptible difference in the light cast upon a target makes a considerable difference to the "shot" at the firing point. A very brilliant glare is not a sine qua non ; what is most essential is a steady light which illuminates the target without causing undue reflec tion from the white target. Personally I prefer overhead electric globes because the light always seems to be more equally diffused, and being placed above there is, moreover, less danger in smashing the globes, but it is generally recommended that footlights, either sunk below the level of the ground or placed on the ground level, protected by a shield of ain. or 3in. wood, backed by ^in. steel plate, be used because of the expense ifivolved m the former. Incandescent gas lamps provide a good light, subject to them being placed between the targets and not in front of them, and I am aware that it has many staunch supporters among indoor r i fl e m e n , b u t a s i n d o o r s h o o t i n g i s g e n e r a l l y c o n sidered a winter evening's pastime, frost, water, and also a possible draught, maj- cause the targets being inad equately "illuminated at a particular period when the best possible light is desired. Excellent I'esults have been obtained by either paraffin lamps or acetylene gas when used by our village clubs away off the beaten track, but both require the maximum attention of a genius to get the best and the steadiest light from either. A steel plate, three-sixteenths of an inch thick, will be found necessary for protection, and although 1 am aware " we must, per force, cut our garment according to our cloth," it is a piece of false economy to stint the width of the plate, which should be white, so as to reflect and diffuse the light upon the target. With regard to the butts I must emphasise the provision of bullet-catchers. If the new club cannot provide a substantial "fixture" similar to that recom mended in the S.M.R.C. Handbook an ingenious method of stopping the bullet may be iifiprovised by selecting a couple of steel plates a quarter of an inch thick by 2 feet in depth, and sufficiently long enough so as to comply with local conditions, and- placing them, supported by substantial posts, at an angle of 45 degrees. The bullets, after penetrating the targets, will strike the plate and skid down into the sand or sawdust which should be deposited, WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK202 T H E R I F L E M A N . MAY, 1910. say. about four inches in depth, between the lower edge of' the plate and at a point below the targets. Before the war very little attention was paid to the salving of metal. We were generally contented to shoot into any old butt, which, when holed badly, we repaired. We also smashed and splintered slabs of timber in a most extravagant fashion, but timber was cheap and it was a simple matter to hx targets on a couple of horizontal boards with draw ing pins, although we must admit that the pins were often deficient when it was our turn to-change the targets. Times have changed and ecbnomy must be practised, so I am submitting a rough design of a bullet-catcher and' an efficient target apparatus which I found very serviceable on both outdoor and indoor military ranges. The design of the bullet-catcher explains itself while I think the simplicity of the target '' fix" should appeal to all who want something where the acme of economy and efficiency is suggested. In section-diagram 2, " B " represents a strip of fender plate wliich may be of any depth desired providing that it. at least, protects "A"'—the target appar atus which is screwed to a shelf. Diagram 3 represents the apparatus in four parts, which, if made from half-inch oak, will last a number of years. Each part should be screwed to shelf as shown, while the band " F " will keep the loose wedge "A" in place. A groove may be cut in the reverse side of '• A" and a screw so placed in the shelf as to ensure the wedge being drawil out half-way only. When the wedge "A" is withdrawn half-way "D" may be moved towards "E" so as to admit the foot of the target. The appearance of the target at the butts is of course slightly concave, but this is not noticeable at the firing point. I have experimented with all patterns of targets in apparata of i8in. in length and am convinced that the system is not only very efficient but also enables targets to be expeditiously adjusted. With a strong wind prevailing the target on an outdoor range remains in an upright position the whole time it is being fired at. At the present market prices, the materials required for three bullet-catchers to carry three targets each may be pur chased for \;^9. But this amount, it should be noted, does not include cost of labour, which is a large dtem to-day. The plank at the top is recommended for fixing target numbers, while the fender plate should be whitewashed occasionally. If an elaborate contrivance is desired I cannot do better than recommend the system adopted by the S.M.R.C. which they employ at all their open meetings. Each target is practically framed, while at a few inches to its rear there is a plain duplicate of each in a correspond ing position. Now the target and its fellow from behind when placed together show the bullet holes correspond ingly, but when a stray shot is fired upon a target from a Hank position—"side-tracking" as it is euphemistically called—the bullet holes of the trespassing shot will not correspond. By means of this contrivance the offending rifleman is detected and the correct score registered for the owner of the target. Again, if a mechanical device is desired so that a frame of targets may be carried to and from the bullet-catcher the apparata suggested may be employed with every satisfaction. I cannot close this subject of range fixtures without condemning all methods of marking or signalling by members situated in a bullet proof recess at the butt end of the range. It is always a source of danger for a marker to emerge for the purpose -of examining a target, so anything constructed to serve the purpose of a shelter is to be strongly discountenanced. A W O R D A B O U T T H E C L U B R I F L E . Clubs will find it necessary to provide rifles for the use of members, and these should invariably be equipped with orthoptic or peep-sights of one of the patterns used by the average club member. The Mark I. Government <D T- / 0 1 issued sight is of no use. There is no reason why good marksmanship should not be obtained with the oft- despised rack-rifle, providing that the member who was last to use it cleaned the barrel before jilacing it in the rack, that is, if there is not a range steward appointed for that purpose. Club guns should never be left to the executive officers to clean, as is often the case ; their labours in finance and other departments are quite heavy enough without having this additional burden placed on their shoulders. Members who attest their enthusiasm by pur- WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK203 chasing rifles should be encouraged, and the club rules should be drawn up so as not to exclude any rifle which individual choice may prefer, providing it is of a similar calibre as the club rifles. Within reasonable, bounds, there should be no economy in either targets or rifles, although each of the former should have the customary number of shots fired at it., Both are revenue builders a n d t h e c o m m i t t e e m u s t r e a l i s e f r o m t h e fi r s t t h a t t h e i r principal source of income may be, and should be, the sale of ammunition. A rifle for every target placed in position at one time is an ideal arrangement, but alas, how seldom a r e w e a b l e t o r e a l i s e o u r i d e a l s ! Good weapons are obtainable even at this unsettled stage of the particular industry, and before many months have elapsed models de luxe will be placed on the market a s b e f o r e t h e w a r . H o w e v e r t h e S . M . R . C . h a v e m a n y fine rifles for disposal to their affiliated clubs and I have no hesitation in. recommending their converted Martini, being . convinced that with this weapon, fitted wfith a Greener orthoptic sight, highest possible scores maj* be obtained. A simple co-operative scheme maj- assist members obtaining their own rifles, similar to one which I know proved successful to the extent that no less than 40 mem bers obtained their own weapons in a very short time. Each member who desired to purchase a rifle subscribed to a fund and immediately sufficient cash accumulated a rifle was purchased, the members subsequently drawing for its possession. By this scheme many members were encouraged to possess rifles who would have hesitated were they compelled to remit the total cost before possess ing a weapon. ^A word or so about targets, ammunition, handicaps and competitions will appear in subsequent articles. To b e c o n l i n n e d . o T H E L O N D O N M E E T I N G . W I L L B E H E t L D O N T H E H A M A N D P E T E R S H A M R A N G E (By kind permission of Lord Sudetey and the Committee of the Club), JUNE 6th TO JUNE 14th. 1919 (Sunday, June 8lh, excepted). Commencing at 10 o'clock each day. COMl^ETITIOIVS. F I N A L S T A G E O F Q U E E N A L E X A N D R A ' S C U P . T o b o s h o t f o r b y t h e f o u r C o u n t y T e a m s o f s i x w h o h a v e q u a l i fi e d i n the preliminary stages on Saturday, June 14th, commencing at 11 o'clock. Conditions. ( a ) 2 0 s h o t s p e r m a n d e l i b e r a t e a t 2 5 y a r d s . T w o S . M . R . C . " M a t c h " targets. ( b ) 2 0 s h o t s a t 2 5 y a r d s . T w o S . M . R . C . " T i m e - L i m i t " t a r g e t s , e a c h in 90 seconds. ( c ) O n e m i n u t e ' s fi r i n g a t a s e p a r a t e S k i r m i s h e r t a r g e t a t 2 5 y a r d s , e a c h hit on the figure to count one point, b u t n o m o r e t h a n f o u r h i t s a l l o w e d o n a n y o n e fi g u r e . S i g h t i n g , s h o t s n o t a l l o w e d . The following awards will be made : — T o t h e w i n n i n g C o u n t y — Q u e e n Alexandra's Cup (to be deposited on e x l i i b i t i o n i n s o m e p u b l i c p l a c e a s m a y b e s e l e c t e d b y t h e L o r d - L i e u tenant of the County). A gold medal a n d ^ 1 t o e a c h m e m b e r o f t h e t e a m . A s i l v e r m e d a l a n d T 1 t o e a c h m e m b e r o f e a c h o f t h e o t h e r c o u n t y teams. FINAL ROUND OF THE N A T I O N A L T E A M C H A M P I O N S H I P F O R T H E N A T I O N A L T E A M C H A L L E N G E C U P , T o b e c o m p e t e d f o r b y t h e f o u r t e a m s o f s i x w h o h a v e q u a l i fi e d i n t h e p r e l i m i n a r y s t a g e s o n S a t u r d a y , J u n e 14th, commencing about 2 p.m. Conditions. 1 0 s h o t s e a c h c o m p e t i t o r d e l i b e r a t e a t 2 5 y a r d s , S . M . R . C ? . " M a t c h " t a r get. T h e c u p w i l l b e h e l d f o r o n e y e a r b y t h e w i n n i n g c l u b . S i x S . M . R . C . g o l d m e d a l s w i l l b e awarded to the winning team. S i x S . M . R . C . s i l v e r m e d a l s w i l l b e awarded to the second team. S i x S . M . R . C . b r q p z e m e d a l s w i l l b e awarded to the third and fourth teams. F I N A L S T A G E O F T H E " N E W S O F T H E W O R L D " C U P . T o b e c o m p e t e d f o r b y t h e f o u r t e a i u s o f s i x w h o h a v e q u a l i fi e d i n t h e preliminary stages on Saturday, June 14th, commencing about 1 p.m. Conditions. 1 0 s h o t s e a c h d e l i b e r a t e a t 2 5 y a r d s . S . M . R . C . " M a t c h " t a r g e t . 1 0 s h o t s e a c h i n 9 0 s e c o n d s a t 2 5 y a r d s . S . M . R . C . " T i m e - L i m i t " t a r get. T h e c u p . w i l l b e h e l d f o r o n e y e a r by the winning club. S i l v e r m e d a l s w i l l b e a w a r d e d t o e a c h m e m b e r o f t h e w i n n i n g t e a m , b r o n z e m e d a l s t o e a c h m e m b e r o f t h e second team. F I N A L S T A G E O F T H E MACKWOR TH PRAED CUP . T o b e c o m p e t e d f o r b y t h e t w o t e a m s o f e i g h t w h o h a v e q u a l i fi e d i n t h e p r e l i m i n a r y s t a g e s o n S a t u r d a y , June 14th, commencing about 2.30 p.m. Conditions. 1 0 s h o t s e a c h d e l i b e r a t e a t 2 5 y a r d s . S . M . R . C d o u b l e 2 5 y a r d s d e c i m a l ( B . S . A . ) t a r g e t . The cup will be held for one year b y t h e w i n n i n g e i g h t . £ 8 a n d e i g h t s i l v e r m e d a l s w i l l b e awarded to the winning team. £ 4 a n d e i g h t b r o n z e m e d a l s w i l l b e awarded to the second team. T H E " D A I L Y E X P R E S S " C U P . O p e n t o m e m b e r s - o f c l u b s a f fi l i a t e d to the S.M.R.C. who have won the " E x p r e s s " M e d a l . S i n g l e e n t r y S q u a d d e d c o m p e t i t i o n . R u l e N o . 1 0 e x c e p t e d i n t h i s c o m petition. -• 3 0 s h o t s d e l i b e r a t e — 1 0 a t 2 5 y a r d s , 10 at 50 yards, and 10 at 100 yards. S.M.R.C. " Match " targets. 1st prize, the cup, gold medal and .. £10 0 0 2 n d p r i z e , s i l v e r m e d a l and .., .. 3 0 0 - 3 r d p r i z e , s i l v e r m e d a l and ... .. 2 0 0 4 t h a n d 5 t h , s i l v e r m e d a l and £1 each .. 2 0 0 6th to 9th, bronze medal and 12s. 6d. each .. 2 10 0 lOth to 20th, bronze medal and lOs. each .. .. 5 10 0 2 0 p r i z e s £ 2 5 0 0 N o e n t r a n c e f e e . b u t h o l d e r s o f t h e " E x p r e s s " M e d a l m u s t s e e t h a t t h e i r n a m e s a r e r e g i s t e r e d , a n d m u s t n o t i f y o n t h e e n t r y f o r m t h e i r i n t e n t i o n t o compete. T h i s c o m p e t i t i o n w i l l c l o s e o n . F r i d a y evening. June 13th. A l l t h e m e d a l s a n d m o n e y p r i z e s i n t h i s c o m p e t i t i o n h a v e b e e n v e r y k i n d l y p r e s e n t e d b y t h e p r o p r i e t o r s o f t h e " D a i l y E x p r e s s . " T H E " D A I L Y T E L E G R A P H " C H A L L E N G E B O W L . O p e n t o m e m b e r s o f c l u b s a f fi l i a t e d to the S.M.R C. who have won the " Daily Telegraph " Certificate. S i n g l e e n t r y S q u a d d e d c o m p e t i t i o n . R u l e N o . 1 0 e x c e p t e d f o r t h i s c o m petition. 3 0 s h o t s p e r m a n d e l i b e r a t e — 1 0 a t 25 yards, 10 at 50 yards. 10 at 100 y a r d s S . M . R . C " M a t c h " t a r g e t s . 1st prize, the bowl, gold medal and .. ..£400 2 u d p r i z e , s i l v e r m e d a l and 3 0 0 3 r d p r i z e , s i l v e r m e d a l and 2 0 0 4th to 7th prizes, silver medal and £1 each .. 4 0 0 8th to 11th prizes, bronze medal and 12s. 6d. each 2 10 0 12th to 20th prizes, bronze medal and lOs. each.. 4 10 0 2 0 p r i z e s £ 2 0 0 0 N o e n t r a n c e f e e , b u t h o l d e r s o f t h e " D a i l y T e l e g r a p h " C e r t i fi c a t e m u s t s e e t h a t t h e i r n a m e s a r e r e g i s t e r e d a n d m u s t n o t i f y o n t h e e n t r y f o r m t h e i r i n t e n t i o n t o c o m p e t e . T h i s c o m p e t i t i o n w i l l c l o s e o n F r i d a y evening, June ISth. A l l t h e m o n e y p r i z e s i n t h i s c o m p e t i t i o n h a v e b e e n v e r y k i n d l y p r e s e n t e d b y t h e p r o p r i e t o r s o f t h e " D a i l y Te l e g r a p h . " THE ■ DAIL Y MAIL' CUP . CHALLENGE O p e n t o m e m b e r s o f c l u b s a f fi l i a t e d to the S.M.R.C. who have won the " Daily Mail " Certificate. Single entry. Squadded competitipn. R u l e N o . 1 0 e x c e p t e d f o r t h i s c o m petition. 3 0 s h o t s d e l i b e r a t e — 1 0 e a c h a t 2 5 . 50 and 100 yards. S.M.R.C. "Match" targets. 1st prize, the cup. silver medal, replica of cup and £50 0 2 n d p r i z e , s i l v e r m e d a l 30 0 3 r d p r i z e , s i l v e r m e d a l and200 4 t h t o 1 0 t h , s i l v e r m e d a l and £1 each ..7 o" 0 11 t h t o 1 4 t h , b r o n z e medal and 123. fid. each2 1 0 0 WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKNext >