



Produced by Mark C. Orton and the Online Distributed
Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
produced from images generously made available by The
Internet Archive)






Transcriber's Note:

Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note.
Irregularities and inconsistencies in the text have been retained
as printed.

Words printed in italics are noted with underscores: _italics_.




A. B. C. of SNAP SHOOTING


By HORACE FLETCHER.


SPORTING, EXHIBITION, AND MILITARY.


PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR.
SAN FRANCISCO, 1880.




PREFACE.


My object in publishing this little book is to explain a method of
teaching Snap Shooting, by using the rifle in practice, which, by its
economy, ease, quickness, and fascination, will recommend itself to
any who are desirous of becoming skillful in the use of firearms.

It is true that by this method almost any one can make himself a good
snap shot in a few weeks or months, according to the amount of
practice indulged in, and that too at very small cost.

I make no claim for it, except that having received the original idea
from Dr. Carver, I have demonstrated for myself and seen several
friends demonstrate its practicability beyond a doubt.

I submit it for what it may be worth.

HORACE FLETCHER.




SNAP SHOOTING DEFINED.


Snap shooting is the throwing of both the rear and front sights of a
gun into line between the eye and the target and pulling the trigger,
all in one motion, and is distinguished by that name from any shooting
where the aim is leisurely taken, by bringing the piece to the
shoulder, getting the sights in line, hunting the target and pulling
the trigger when the aim is most steady.


_ANOTHER DEFINITION._

In snap shooting, the eye catches the target, and the attention is
riveted on it, while the piece comes into line instinctively.

In other shooting, the attention is turned from the target to the gun
and sights, and after getting them in line, is returned to the target.

The practice of snap shooting does not interfere with aiming at
leisure, but aiming at leisure unfits one for snap shooting.

When the face is in danger, the hand comes before it instinctively to
protect it; and in the same manner when a target appears the gun
should as instinctively and quickly find its place in line between it
and the eyes.

This is necessary to the perfect _snap shot_.

  [Illustration: First Position.

  LOADING.

  After inserting the cartridge, close the breech and swing the piece
  up to the Second Position.]

  [Illustration: Second Position.

  READY.

  The piece should be cocked only in this position.]

  [Illustration: Third Position.

  AIMING.

  After firing, drop the piece immediately to the Fourth Position.]

  [Illustration: Fourth Position.

  EXTRACTING.

  Extract and re-load as quickly as possible in order to be ready to
  fire again.]




RULES OF SAFETY.


The following rules of safety should _never_ be disregarded:

1. On taking a firearm in your hands, see for yourself if it be
loaded or not, and _never_ take any one's word for it.

2. Keep the muzzle of a loaded gun above the level of the eye, and
hold a pistol at a corresponding angle.

3. Handle _all_ firearms as if loaded.

                     *      *      *      *      *

NOTE.--_The Numbers scattered through "The Outfit," and "Rules of
Practice," refer to paragraphs further on, correspondingly numbered,
which are explanatory of terms used, and give the reasons for the
suggestions offered._

_This plan relieves the pith of the book from any confusing element._




THE OUTFIT.


Three[1] persons purchase a.22[3] calibre rifle,[2] having a
shot-gun[4] stock, and buck-horn[5] or clover-leaf rear sight, a
supply of short cartridges,[6] and a Fletcher bell-ball.[7]

The place for practice should be open[8] ground, or in front of a
bulkhead,[9] at least twenty-five feet in height, and three soft pine
boards in thickness.




RULES FOR PRACTICE.


 1. Each should take his turn in the positions of FIRER, TOSSER, and
SCORER.[10]

 2. The TOSSER should stand ten[11] feet distant from the FIRER, with
his side[12] to him, and toss the bell-ball about fifteen[13] feet
high, and so that it will fall on soft ground,[15] two or three[14]
feet in front of where he (the Tosser) is standing.

 3. The FIRER should disencumber his shoulders of anything that in
any way interferes with their free action, by removing his coat, vest
and suspenders, and stand firmly[16] on his feet, holding the rifle
with the stock below his right[17] elbow, the muzzle above the level
of the eye,[18] and his left hand clasping the barrel as far out[19]
as it can reach with ease when the rifle is brought to the shoulder in
aiming.

 4. The instant[20] the ball is tossed, the rifle should be brought
to the shoulder with as quick a motion as possible, regardless of the
speed the bell seems to have.

 5. When the bell has reached its greatest[21] elevation, just see it
full[22] over the line of both[23] sights and pull the trigger.[24]

 6. The rifle should not be allowed to get[25] foul, but cleaned
before any burned powder