New-York tribune., 1907-06-30
REVOLVER LORE.
HO7o to Select One Wisely and Uss
1t Safely.
BY Emmett Campbell Hall.

1t is not likely that. under the ordinary cir.
cumstances Of life. a deadly weapon will ever
be seriously needed by the ordinary man, but
occasionally such need does arise. and then il ia
grave and immediate. That this fact is recog-
nized by the public is indicated by the annual
sale of hundreds of thousands of revoIvers-not
TO persons who intend to carry them or to use
them weapons Of offence. but to law-abidinx
citizens who desire them merely for defensive
purpOses-tO protect themselves and their prop
erty.
That the general practice of carrying con.
cealed weapons cannot be tolerated Is another
tnCOnteStable assertion. and far pOssible
revOlvers should be kept out or the hands ot
irresponsible persons Police regulations how
ever. generally cover these points. and it is not
the object Of this article To discuss any ethical
questions. but simply TO offer some suggestions
which may aid citizen in choosing and prop
erly using a revolver If he desires to own Ona
There is remarkably general lack of knowI-
edge upon the subject
The purpose or nature Of the use TO which
the revolver Is to De put Is the first point for
consideration One which would be ideal for
a ranchman would be absurd as a pocket arm
or for the simple protection Of the home from
marauders.
For an all around revolver one which Is suf
fciently small TO be carried in the pocket or In
a lady's hand satchel: which may be used with
a fair degree OF accuracy by woman. and yet
which has sufficient penetration and shocking
force. a standard size .32-calibre IS undoubtedly
superior TO any other.
An inexperienced person with revolver OF
heavier caIibre is likely 10 hit almost anything
else than the thing at which he shoots-uness
IT is an arm of considerable weight and length
of barrel-and .22-calibre has not the requisite
shocking force A man or large dog might be
hit several times by q bullet OF this size and
not be seriously injured. II has a somewhat
grim sound but there is no sense in evading the
issue-usually when you shooting revolver
you shooting to kill or to incapacitate
Only practice can make one good pistol shot,
but in so far as the average citizen is concerned
there Is no especial call for expertneSs. All his
needs will be met If he can Lit a one-foot circle
at twenty feet. few points TO remember ara
that the sights OF revolver are fne-yOu
should Just the top OF the front sight over
the rear; that the kick OF revolver viii prob
ably raise the muzzle so that the bullet will
strike considerably higher and further 70 the
left than expected. and that, on account of the
shortness of the barrel. If you sight a tenth OF
an inch TO either side OF your target the ball
will go very wide OF IL. Aim at q mans belt
Never carry a revolver in your pocket un-
protected from perspiration, as II will soon rust
II. A leather holster is inexpensive protects the
revolver and does not increase The bulk Keep
all working parts well oiled. Do not allow cart
ridges 20 remain in the cylinder until they cor
rode AS the barrel IS rifed. II must be cleaned
II much shooting Is dOne-it need not be cleaned
If only a shot now and then is fired
In purchasing revolver. see that the stock
fits your hand fairly we'll; II II IS small you
cannot get good. firm grip
Despite the fact that such a suggestion re-
Gently appeared in print. do not attempt to
steady revolver by extending the index finger
along the cylinder. unless you wish the finger
cooked. You may. however. when using the re-
volver as q single-actiOn. brace IT considerably
by catching the front OF the trigger guard with
the index finger and pulling the trigger with
the middle finger. Be careful first 10 Try It q
few times with an empty revolver With a sin
gle-shot pistol. the index finger may be extend
ed along the barrel with considerable increase
IN steadiness.
Most important OF ALL don't "fool" with re-
vOlver-it IL built for business. Do not leave Il
lying around-thoush. OF course you don't want
It so well put away that you can't get It when
you need II: and never. whether II IS loaded or
not, point II at any one unless you intend to-
would not mind X you did-kiIl him.
There IS no danger. except TO the other man.
IN revolver. when ordinary caution and CON-
mon used-The Technical World
Magazine,