Pistol and Revolver Shooting

into general use. It is only recently, however, that it has developed i

ort range as weapons of defense. The single-barreled muzzle-loading pistol has, nevertheless, been part of the army and navy officer's equipment since the sixteenth century. These pistols were of large caliber, smooth-bored, heavy, and unwieldy. The load was a

the arm generally selected for duelling when that code was in vogue, the

made to devise a multishot arm with flint, wheel, and match locks, it was not until the percussion cap was invented that a practicable arm of this character was produced. This was a "revolver" invented by Colonel Colt of Hartford, Conn., in 1835, and c

ading, employing ammunition in the form of cartridges. This principle rendered the operation of loa

ine workmanship, easy to manipulate, durable, and extremely accurate. With the introduction of smokeless powders, the smoke, fouling, and noise have been

concomitants, such as gambling, coarseness, and rough and dangerous play. In order to excel, regular and temperate habits of life must be formed and ma

xpert shooting will, of course, master the art sooner than those less favored; but it has been conclusively shown that excellence is more a question of training and practice than of natural gift.

or support whatever, and is free to move in all directions. Consequently the least jar, jerk in pulling the trigger, puff of wind, or unsteadiness of the hand greatly disturbs the aim. Intelligent practice will, however, overcome these difficulties and disadvantages to such a degree that an expert shot with a pistol or revolver under favorable conditions can equal a fair s