Mr. Lane’s position is natural and interestingly unconventional. He has perfect poise and shoots without apparent fatigue.
Dr. Snook has a well poised and deliberate position. He shoots with his arm not fully extended and with the feet close together.
The positions of Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Dolfen are very similar. They are men of entirely different stature but almost identical in physique. Their positions are firm and business-like. Both shoot with the arm fully extended.
Note.—For photographs showing shooting positions of individuals referred to in this chapter, see illustrations facing pp. 68, 72, 76, and 78.
CHAPTER VI
TARGET-SHOOTING
In the development of firearms and ammunition, target-shooting has always occupied an important place. It is regularly and systematically practised in the army and navy, in order to maintain and improve the proficiency of the men as marksmen. Target-shooting, with many different styles of firearms, under prescribed rules and regulations, has also become extremely popular with civilians.
Target-shooting was indulged in extensively with the rifle before it became popular with the pistol and revolver. The shorter barrel, and the greater difficulty in acquiring skill with the latter weapons, were doubtless responsible for the mistaken idea, long prevalent, that these arms were extremely inaccurate. When, however, a few individuals developed sufficient skill to obtain fine shooting, their performances were considered phenomenal. Among the first to obtain a high order of skill with the muzzle-loading pistol in the United States was Captain John Travers of Missouri. He was well known as an expert pistol shot as early as 1860. In that year Captain Travers shot an interesting individual match in St. Louis at a distance of 100 feet. Fifteen china plates, nine inches in diameter, were used as targets. Captain Travers broke 11 out of 15, while his opponent broke but 9.