lmost to a minimum the
spasmodic muscular vibration; again, in drawing the trigger with the
forefinger the hardness of the pull tends to depress the muzzle, while
with using the second finger as before described this depression is
almost impossible.

In rifle-shooting, as also in that of the pistol and revolver, the
ordinary method should be reversed; that is, instead of commencing at
100 yards from the target, the practice should commence at the longest
range, and the target should be gradually approached as if it were an
actual enemy.

In revolver practice I would recommend all who desire to become
thoroughly efficient to commence at say 100 yards from the target, and
to gradually reduce the range to not less than 20 yards. This would
accustom the practitioner to get a thorough knowledge of the
capabilities of the weapon, and to learn the required amount of
elevation necessary. It must be remembered that the Military Regulation
Revolver will kill at 300 yards.

I have myself shot with a 320-bore revolver, eight grains of powder,
bullet eighty grains, at a regulation target at 200 yards, and have made
very fair practice: in fact, the long range is far preferable for
practice, as being not only beneficial, but a more exciting pastime than
the ordinary range.

To those who do not possess a regulation iron target, I would recommend
one similar to that which I have sometimes used. (_Vide_ diagram.) This
target is made of a simple framework of wood, covered with canvas and
layers of paper pasted thereon. It has the double advantage of having
the Martini-Smith target in the centre, and the remaining portion,
having the exact size of a man traced thereon, has one other advantage
in at once showing the result of the practice. This target can be used
over and over again, as, after use, the perforations can be pasted over
with small pieces of paper, and when well riddled, it can be re-covered;
and the thicker it becomes the better.

No one should attempt to fire ball-cartridge anywhere but at a proper
range. Firing in small back-gardens, against brick or stone walls and
trunks of trees, should never be allowed. Bullets will rebound or go off
at a tangent, and do serious mischief.

When a bullet once leaves the muzzle of a rifle, pistol, or revolver, by
the evolution of gunpowder-gas, there is no dependence upon it as to
where it may stop, or what damage it may do, and bullets upon hitting
hard ground will ricochet; there