A. B. C.
of
Snap Shooting
By
Horace Fletcher.
SPORTING, EXHIBITION, AND MILITARY.
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR.
San Francisco, 1880.
PREFACE.
My object in publishing this little book is to explain a method ofteaching Snap Shooting, by using the rifle in practice, which, by itseconomy, ease, quickness, and fascination, will recommend itself toany 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 goodsnap shot in a few weeks or months, according to the amount ofpractice indulged in, and that too at very small cost.
I make no claim for it, except that having received the original ideafrom Dr. Carver, I have demonstrated for myself and seen severalfriends demonstrate its practicability beyond a doubt.
I submit it for what it may be worth.
Horace Fletcher.
SNAP SHOOTING DEFINED.
Snap shooting is the throwing of both the rear and front sights of agun into line between the eye and the target and pulling the trigger,all in one motion, and is distinguished by that name from any shootingwhere the aim is leisurely taken, by bringing the piece to theshoulder, getting the sights in line, hunting the target and pullingthe trigger when the aim is most steady.
ANOTHER DEFINITION.
In snap shooting, the eye catches the target, and the attention isriveted on it, while the piece comes into line instinctively.
In other shooting, the attention is turned from the target to the gunand sights, and after getting them in line, is returned to the target.
The practice of snap shooting does not interfere with aiming atleisure, but aiming at leisure unfits one for snap shooting.
When the face is in danger, the hand comes before it instinctively toprotect it; and in the same manner when a target appears the gunshould as instinctively and quickly find its place in line between itand the eyes.
This is necessary to the perfect snap shot.
RULES OF SAFETY.
The following rules of safety should never be disregarded:
1. On taking a firearm in your hands, see for yourself if it beloaded 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, correspondinglynumbered, which are explanatory of terms used, and give the reasonsfor the suggestions offered.
This plan relieves the pith of the book from any confusingelement.
THE OUTFIT.
Three[1] persons purchase a .22[3] calibre rifle,[2] having ashot-gun[4] stock, and buck-horn[5] or clover-leaf rear sight, asupply of short cartridges,[6] and a Fletcher bell-ball.[7]
The place for practice should be open[8] ground, or in front of abulkhead,[9] at le