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[Illustration: MR. F. E. BENNETT, Expert Pistol and Revolver Shot.]




  THE MODERN AMERICAN PISTOL AND REVOLVER

  INCLUDING

  A DESCRIPTION OF MODERN PISTOLS AND
  REVOLVERS OF AMERICAN MAKE; AMMUNITION
  USED IN THESE ARMS; RESULTS ACCOMPLISHED;
  AND SHOOTING-RULES FOLLOWED BY AMERICAN
  MARKSMEN


  BY A. C. GOULD
  _Editor of The Rifle_


  BOSTON
  A. C. GOULD & CO., PUBLISHERS
  1888




  Copyright, 1888
  BY A. C. GOULD & CO.

  PRESS OF
  Rockwell & Churchill,
  BOSTON.




PREFACE.


For many years the author was among the great number of persons who
believed it was impossible to do fine shooting with a pistol beyond a few
yards, and out of the question to secure much accuracy from a revolver.
With the object of learning the limit of accuracy these arms possessed, a
great many experiments were arranged and exhibitions given by the most
skilful marksmen to be found. The spirit of rivalry soon became apparent,
and, without doubt, has considerably aided in determining the
possibilities of the pistol and revolver.

The author feels that his labors have not been in vain, as he has the
testimony of manufacturers of these arms, as well as cartridge-makers,
that the results obtained within a period of three years are finer than it
was thought possible.

As we close this little volume it is apparent that revolver and pistol
shooting is about to become a very popular sport; the cavalry and
artillery of the National Guard in America are likely soon to be equipped
with and instructed in the use of the revolver. As pistol practice
increases in popularity, events herein recorded will, doubtless, be
equalled and excelled many times.

The author begs to acknowledge courtesies extended to him by Messrs. Smith
& Wesson; Colt's Patent Fire-Arms Co.; Merwin, Hulbert, & Co.; Union
Metallic Cartridge Co.; United States Cartridge Co.; Messrs. Wm. R.
Schaefer & Son; John P. Lovell Arms Co.; as well as the many professional
and amateur shots who have devoted time and money to aid in developing the
American pistol and revolver.




CONTENTS.


                                                                      PAGE

  CHAPTER I
    American Pistols and Revolvers                                       5

  CHAPTER II.
    Single-Shot Pistols--Description of Various American Patterns        9

  CHAPTER III.
    American Revolvers--Smith & Wesson's Productions                    21

  CHAPTER IV.
    The Merwin, Hulbert, & Co.'s Revolvers                              36

  CHAPTER V.
    The Colt's Revolver                                                 46

  CHAPTER VI.
    Sights for Revolvers and Pistols                                    56

  CHAPTER VII.
    Ammunition for Pistols and Revolvers                                64

  CHAPTER VIII.
    Reloading Ammunition for Pistols and Revolvers                      75

  CHAPTER IX.
    The Possibilities of the Revolver--Results of Revolver-firing
    up to Fifty Yards                                                   90

  CHAPTER X.
    Pistol and Revolver Shooting at Long Range                         116

  CHAPTER XI.
    Rules for Pistol and Revolver Shooting                             126




LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.


                                                                      PAGE

  Portrait of Mr. F. E. Bennett                             _Frontispiece_

  Stevens Target Pistol (Lord Model)                                    11

     "      "      "    (Conlin Model)                                  13

  Remington Single-Shot Pistol                                          15

  New 6-inch Barrel Stevens Pistol                                      16

  Colt's National Deringer                                              17

  Remington Vest-Pocket Pistol                                          19

  Smith & Wesson.32-calibre Single-Action Revolver                     23

  Smith & Wesson Revolver (Russian Model) Single Action                 25

  Smith & Wesson Revolver (Russian Model) Double Action                 27

  Smith & Wesson Hammerless Safety Revolver                             33

  Opening the Merwin, Hulbert, & Co. Revolver                           37

  Merwin, Hulbert, & Co.'s Revolver--Manner of Ejecting Shells          39

  Colt's Revolver,.38-calibre, Double Action                           51

    "       "      (Frontier Model)                                     53

    "       "      (Army Model)                                         53

  Sights for Revolvers and Pistols                              58, 59, 61

  Chevalier Ira A. Paine                                                60

  Winchester Reloading Tool                                             76

  Ideal Reloading Tool                                                  79

  Target made by Mr. F. E. Bennett                            84, 100, 114

  Target made by Mr. George Bird                                    92, 96

    "     "   "  Mr. Pierre Lorillard, Jr.                              94

    "     "   "  Mr. J. T. B. Collins                                   99

    "     "   "  Mr. Allen P. Kelly                                    103

    "     "   "  Chevalier Ira A. Paine                                105

    "     "   "  Mr. W. W. Bennett                                     108

    "     "   "  Mr. D. D. Davis                                       109

    "     "   "  Mr. George Bird                                       110

  Position, Mr. F. E. Bennett                                          112

     "      Chevalier Ira A. Paine                                     115

     "      Mr. W. W. Bennett                                          117

     "      Mr. B. J. Robertson                                        119

     "      Mr. Walter Winans                                          121

     "      Miss Annie Oakley                                          127

  Standard American Target                                             125

  Holsters                                                        129, 131

  Six shots with Colt's Frontier Model Revolver                        135




THE MODERN AMERICAN PISTOL AND REVOLVER.




CHAPTER I.


During the years the author has been interested in studying fire-arms, and
endeavoring to learn the greatest amount of accuracy it was possible to
secure from them, his attention has frequently been attracted to the
statements of individuals in relation to pistols and revolvers, which were
mostly in the form