The Argosy, September 1915 — page 234: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE SPORT ALLURING With a Few Suggestions as to How to Select and Use the Implements Necessary to the Enjoyment of One of the Most Attractive Outdoor Recreations. sO the gun fan, it seems incredi- ble that there might be a man who doesn’t own a gun, but it is a sad commentary that brings to light the fact that only about Bs four million men in the United States owned guns last year—by guns we of course mean shotguns— and of these three and one-half millions took out licenses to shoot during 1914. Few sports offer the rugged recreation en- joyed by the wild fowl and upland game hunter, while to the man or woman who cares not for the trips, and climbs and en- joyable hardships of the live bird and game shooter, the delightful pastime of trap shoot- ing brings us back to the “ sport alluring.” Some have been kept from indulging in in- animate pigeon shooting through the im- pression that its cost was prohibitive. Noth- ing could be further from the fact. For although it is more expensive than tiddle- de-winks, it is less expensive in proportion to the pleasure, health, and charm found in it. A single barrel shotgun can be purchased as low as $6.00, and although I should not recommend so cheap a gun, it would in a pinch—do to begin with. At from $17 to $25 a good gun may be had, while of course from the latter price up to a thousand dol- lars, the most finicky can be fitted. Gun clubs generally charge only nominal dues, for which they furnish trap boys and pullers. Targets cost a cent each at these clubs, while shells will cost about 65c. per box of 25. The tyro should limit himself to twenty-five targets an afternoon, thus al- lowing a Saturday afternoon’s recreation at a cost of about $1.00. One of the most important features of trap shooting is the fact that it is an “‘ all- year-round ” sport. When the snow and ice make it more enjoyable indoors for the golfer, when the ball fan has to take his exercise through reading of the doings of the Giants at Marlin, Texas, and the tennis player uses his time planning improvements of the courts for next season, the clay target smasher stands outside his warm clubhouse and shoots away to his heart’s content, no weather being too severe for the “ sport al- luring.” For the man or woman not within reaching distance of a gun club or who wants to shoot on days not scheduled for club shoots, the recently introduced hand trap brings the club to him or her. This little device eliminates the necessity for a trap boy or puller! Anyone can operate the hand trap, and incidentally it will give the ‘“ upper register ” shooter some targets that will make him stand up and take aim. It throws either an extremely difficult target or an easy one, such as Mr. Beginner would like. The cost of the thing is negligible and it fits in a suitcase. Trap shooting has become exceedingly popular among women, there now being a dozen clubs comprised entirely of the fair sex. The 16 and 20 gauge are somewhat more suitable for women because of less weight and lighter charge; however, a num- ber of the best women shooters stick to the I2-gauge. Few sports are as scientific as trap shoot- ing. The rapid calculation of lead, eleva- tion, angle, time, etc., the instant action and nice decision, quicken the eye and hand and develop qualities helpful in every-day busi- ness life. For the brain worker, trap shoot- ing offers relaxation and relief from brain fag because it requires intense concentration on an enjoyable occupation, minus physical exhaustion. Trap shooting soon will be the leading outdoor recreation, so if you do not belong to a gun club, join one now. If there is no club in vour locality, start one. The following pointers will help you to select a gun and become easily proficient in scatter gun shooting. CHoosInc A GuN. The first step is the choice of a gun—not so much its make, but its fitness for the work it will have to do. Clay targets are small objects to aim at, and unlike game birds and animals, have no wing bones or COMMICLOOOkKS (C@