A round was then fired from the best barrel of a common double gun, at 26 sheets nearly double the size of the above. No. of grains in first sheet. Ditto through 26th sheet. 8 Then a reputed good single gun. 9 0 0 We then stuck up a very large open sheet of brown paper, in order to try the difference at 40 yards, with No. 1 shot. Result One barrel of great gun Ditto of single gun 690 50 80 [N. B. Since this trial, we fired the barrels, at the same distance, from the punt, and on the water, where we could put the full charge of 20 ounces in each barrel; and the result was BEST MODE OF IGNITION FOR A PUNT-GUN. Most of the gunners prefer the flint to the detonater; because the recoil from the latter is so severe as to require a gun of about 120 lbs., in order to shoot a pound of shot. Whereas they can do this with a flint-gun of 80 or 90 lbs., which is the largest size that a single-handed gunner can properly manage, and comfortably "ship and unship." But a gentleman, in a two-handed punt, can have which he pleases either a light stanchion with a flint, or a heavy one with the copper primer, the only detonating ignition that I could ever depend on for large duck-guns. At page 84 will be found an engraving with an explanation of the principles of my new ignition, which repeated trials have convinced me is the best adapted for puntguns, both from the simplicity of its construction and the other advantages before enumerated. Having previously had the principle adapted to one or two large shoulderguns; by way of experiment, I determined to construct a large punt-gun on the same plan, and accordingly proceeded to Birmingham, where, under my own immediate inspection, was manufactured by the late celebrated Clive, one, of the following dimensions, an engraving of which is annexed. In the construction of this gun, the "spiral spring" was adopted, by which the recoil is checked with the barrel instead of with the stock; thereby reducing the latter to a mere nothing, instead of its being useless lumber of from 20 to 30 lbs. weight. This gun is calculcated to shoot 20 ounces of shot pleasantly, and after repeated trials answered my expectation. It was submitted for inspection at the Great Exhibition, and finally obtained the prize medal. NIGHT CARTRIDGES AND IMPROVED METHOD OF LOADING A LARGE GUN. The best method, among the old gunners, for loading their punt-guns, was to unship them; and after wiping them out, to put the powder in a wooden measure that fitted into the caliber. [Why a wooden measure?— Because if a metal one dropped overboard-good b'ye to it !] Then, to place the gun perpendicular, leaving the measure in the muzzle, in order that the powder may fall to the bottom of the breeching. Some used a powdercartridge, and pricked it through the touch-hole, like a cannon; but this could only be done with a common breeching. They wadded with loose oakum ; brown paper; pasteboard ; or old hat;—loaded with shot, in precisely the same manner as with powder;-and then added just enough oakum, or paper, to prevent the charge from getting loose. But this plan always put the shooter to the inconvenience of unshipping his gun; and was, of course, rendered impracticable where the gun was too heavy to be raised from the stanchion. What was the consequence? The powder and shot were not half rammed home; and the killing, and even the safety of the gun, became a matter of doubt. I shall now give my own plan to all my brothersportsmen; and I flatter myself that those who have sufficient confidence in my advice to try it, will say that they never loaded with so much expedition or comfort; and that their large guns never shot so strong, so close, or so regular, by the ordinary modes of loading. To the point, then, as I hate preface and prosing. Supposing your gun was from 80 to 100 lbs. in weight, and carried a pound of shot. Take the same measure of powder as of shot, which in weight would be about two ounces; and, with the gun in a horizontal position, put it all the way to the breeching with the loading-spoon A, B taking care to keep the black-painted, or flat part of the loading-rod upwards, by which you know that the open part of the cylinder must be upwards. The upper part of the rod is made flat, in order to feel it in the dark, when shooting by night. When the powder is home, elevate the muzzle as much as you can; turn round the loading-rod; and after giving it a shake, draw it out with the black, or flat, part downwards. Then reverse the rod, and work the powder well into the centre-hole, with the small end of it, C*; *C should be small enough to go well into the centre-hole, in order te clean it out, if required. On my plan of loading, the little worm B, which will go well into the centre-hole, will be quite sufficient to draw out the wadding, or anything else. The small end of this loading-rod cannot be too light; because, if heavy, it would overpower your hand, and make you spill the powder in filling it: particularly when loading afloat. |