A.B.C. of Snap Shooting: Sporting, Exhibition, and Military E-Book

Horace Fletcher

• Herausgeber: DigiCat
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

Horace Fletcher's "A.B.C. of Snap Shooting: Sporting, Exhibition, and Military" is an essential guide that immerses readers in the intricacies of photography and the art of capturing dynamic moments. Written in a didactic yet accessible style, Fletcher's work blends practical instructions with theoretical insights, reflecting the burgeoning interest in photography during the late 19th century. He meticulously delineates the techniques and equipment needed for snap shooting—characterized by its immediacy and spontaneity—making the book a cornerstone in the educational literature of its time, relevant to both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned practitioners alike. Fletcher, known for his dedication to promoting healthy living and engagement with nature, was deeply influenced by the social and technological changes of his era. His experiences in various fields, coupled with his literary flair, enabled him to articulate the nuances of photographic practices clearly and compellingly. Drawing from both his personal pursuits and the fast-evolving landscape of photography, he offers insights that bridge the gap between the theoretical and the practical. This book is not only a manual for aspiring photographers but also a historical document capturing the zeitgeist of an industry in transformation. Recommended for photography historians, hobbyists, and professionals alike, Fletcher's work provides timeless wisdom that continues to resonate in today's visual culture.

Leseprobe

Horace Fletcher

A.B.C. of Snap Shooting: Sporting, Exhibition, and Military

 

EAN 8596547243939

DigiCat, 2022 Contact: [email protected]

Table of Contents

PREFACE.

SNAP SHOOTING DEFINED.

ANOTHER DEFINITION.

RULES OF SAFETY.

THE OUTFIT.

RULES FOR PRACTICE.

EXPLANATION.

USEFUL HINTS.

TARGET PRACTICE COMPARED WITH SNAP SHOOTING.

RULES

EXHIBITION SHOTS AT STILL OBJECTS, AND HOW TO MAKE THEM.

AT MOVING OBJECTS.

SHOTS WHICH CAN ONLY BE MADE WITH A REPEATING RIFLE.

FEATS WHICH HAVE BEEN ACCOMPLISHED WITH THE RIFLE ON MOVING OBJECTS.

OFFICIAL TIME RECORD.

FORMING CLUBS.

THE MILITARY AND SNAP SHOOTING.

PREFACE.

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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.

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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.

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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.

RULES OF SAFETY.

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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.

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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.

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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 has accumulated in the grooves.[26]

7. Practice at balls thrown straight[27] up to a uniform height should continue till tolerable proficiency, say the average hitting of 80 per cent., has been attained, when the direction should be changed gradually to that of a curve, which lengthened out sufficiently constitutes the Cross-shot.[28]

8. The Drop-shot is the following of a bell, from its summit down to within one or two[29] feet of the ground and hitting it there.

9. The Incoming-shot[30] is at a ball thrown at the firer from a distance of say 50 feet, and is the easiest of all; but unless thrown so as to go above his head, and caught by him in passing over, is not recommended, owing to the danger to the tosser. If a trap be used it is safe and good practice.

10. The Trap-shot is the most difficult, requires the quickest[31] action, and is consequently the very best practice, and is the hitting of balls thrown straight away from the firer by a spring-trap, or by hand, so that they fall not more than twenty-five feet distant.