The rifle; its theory and practice

by Arthur Walker

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1864 ...care being taken that the main tube stands horizontally, and it will be found that a current of wind or air, pressing on the silk vane at C, immediately forces it forward, the amount of such force or pressure being indicated by the pointer on the ivory divided scale attached to the tube. The vane readily presents its surface to the current from the fact of the centre on which the whole apparatus turns being placed at one-third the length of the outer tube, the longer lengths being towards the vane, and thus the end B points to the quarter from whence the wind blows. In America streamers or long pennants are suspended on high poles alongside the range, and by the angles at which the wind keeps them both its force and direction are estimated. Elaborate or intricate appliances would never do for the practical soldier; but, as it is obviously unfair to compare results obtained under different conditions, it might be worth while to consider whether a record of the wind's pressure should not be kept by means of an anemometer while the shooting is being performed; and whether in regiments shooting should not be discontinued when the wind attains a certain maximum of force. After all, the most marked effect of the wind is on the soldier himself, in preventing him from holding his piece steadily. It would therefore be impossible to lay down any fixed rules as to the abatement to be made for wind in shooting, or the distance to "aim off" the target in order to hit it. To be able thus to aim at nothing, so to speak, in order to hit something, requires, I need hardly say, much practical experience combined with nay, it requires more, it demands a certain amount of moral courage, far greater than that for shaving in the dark. Our returns exhibit the ...

88 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2012

About the author

Arthur H. Walker is an American writer, artist, and game designer. He spent his childhood wandering the wilds of his home State of Idaho. Encouraged to be creative by mentors and circumstance, he filled many composition books with stories and doodles. After college, he took a job at a glass company to help his wife attend college, acquire an advanced degree, and chase her dreams. Task complete, he reconnected with childhood friends to produce games and novels.