The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-10-30


quaintance OF those most distinguished in these
matters in regions where have been so iha;
when the improvement under consideration sug-
gested itself TO my mind Immediately institu-
ted series OF experiments for the purpose oil
ascertaining The best model in the gun the best
form, fitting, and texture OF lead, and the pow
der, patch, &C., which would work with the
greatest regularity.
should be pleased to give the reader the re-
suits OF these experiments but they would oc-
cupy too much room. Suffice it to say, was
satisfied, when comparing il with what had be-
fore been attained, that the sharp-shooter could
not fail to be gratifed with such an acquisition
But being engaged in other pursuits, was oblg-
ed TO seek the aid Of some manufactured | ac-
cordingly applied 10 Edwin ,Wesson, now of
Marlborough, Mass. In point of performance,
this gentleman's rifles have reputation of the
highest order, and an uncommon elegance in ex-
ternal form and finish. Mr. Wesson has made
number OF these guns, the last of which per-
forms better than any one have ever been able
TO produce. AT one trial of this gun al the dis
lance Of 36rods or 1893 yards, twenty successive
shots were placed within paraelogram eight
inches only in length and five in breadth. This
was done with long and pointed slug, and cali
bre about 20. believe this size may be made
TO work better than larger up TO the distance of
300 yards have one target Of fifteen shots,
made with gun carrying l04 to the pound, al
the distance of 275 yards the furthest shot is
less than 10 inches from the centre, and the ave
rage of the whole is less than FIVE This was
done with long slug, and but six feet eleva-
tion In the old-fashioned rifles with large
bores, and in shooting balls this distance seven
or eight, and sometimes nine feet elevation is
required. Generally, 275 yards require just
double the elevation necessary for 200 Yards
This rule is modified, however, by the size,
form, and speed of the lead. In the various
lengths have tried, think about three feet the
best. For accurate shooting, rife should be
very strong and heavy, to prevent expansion.
We find these guns work better by giving
slight contraction in the muzZle, commencing
about two inches below, and gradually increas-
ing up to the joint, so that when the lead is a
little below the joint il passes down with little
friction.
In my experiments to ascertain the cause Of
alteration in rifle shooting, ] crooked "a barrel
about two inches from the muzzle, so as TO make
an angle of about 20 minutes or one-thrd of
degree, and although il would throw one side
about six inches in six rods, yet il was nearly as
steady as the best gun can make | have had
the same barrel when well slaughtered, in the
course Of a dozen shots, at six rods, scatter over
a space Of more than two inches, in consequence
OF slight enlargement in the muZzle. should
always prefer having gun perfectly straight
but there may be, | am satisfied, greater defects
than crooks.
would say to those who may be inclined to
doubt this arrangement is an improvement, that,
in connection with Mr. Wesson, am prepared
to contend in prize shooting against the most
skilful shooters to be found, and the best guns
Of any construction heretofore in use that can
be produced by the art of man. We congratu-
late ourselves in being able to take this stand
with assurance. Here is no chance for success
full quackery for although the art is based on
the most intricate combinations in mechanical
science, yet the results to be obtained are def
mite, and must decide the fate or fortune of this
invention.
Some of these rifles will, for the resent, be
kept by Messrs, Lane q Read nf Rnstnn. 10
specimens, ard Tor sale and as soon as conve-
nent agencies can be established, in other cities.
| would mention to purchasers that the original
cost Of one of these guns is but five dollars ex-
ira and at the cost of shilling it can be con-
verted to common rife, without leaving sin
gle trace of its ever having been any thing
else
On loading one of these guns, care should be
taken to put on the muzzle before powdering !;
otherwise the powder is liable, TO get into the
holes, and interfere with the steady pins and
before laying the gun by after using, it should be
well cleaned and oiled.
Boston, March 16, 1S41.