THE PRIZE FIRING.

Press, Volume XVI, Issue 2187, 22 April 1870, Page 3

THE PRIZE FIRING.

TO THE EDITOB OF THE PKESB. Sib—With regard to the supposed difference between tho [power of tho "Henry" barrel, with which I fired in the contests of the Canterbury Rifle Association, and the medium Enfield, I would beg to make a few remarks. Because my rifle is a " Henry " it seems to be presumed that it is all that a " Henry " can be. This however is not the case. In no instance have I ever seen a small bore match contested with a rifle of the Bame pattern. One great advantage in the use of a small bore is the arrangement of the sights whereby the " laying of the rifle" incorrectly is rendered nearly impossible, provision being made for different degrees of light and angles of reflection. My " Henry "is merely a military pattern rifle, with the same backsight as an Enfield, and with a fore-sight only a degree finer than those generally in use yesterday. The " pull" is of course lighter, but that is more a matter of practice, many persons preferring a pretty strong pull. At 300 yards, in tho "All Comers Cup," two competitors scored more than I did ; at 500 yards one competitor scored within a point of mc ; and at 600 yards one competitor equalled mc. At 400 yards, in the " Association Cup," one competitor made 18, or within two points of highest score, and another scored four consecutive bull's eyes. At the late competition for the Prince's Cup, the winner made the highest possible score at 200 yards from the shoulder, and yet it is said that my rifle can afford to give points ! ! It can, — provided you reduce the 'size of the bull's eye. one half or shoot at distances over COO yards. While my bull's eyes upon a favorable day might be within a square foot —the bull's eye at the longer ranges is two feet square ; thus giving a greater field to the Enfield, and very materially reducing the difference between tho two rifles. I havo never scored much with an Enfield here, especially at the longer ranges, simply because I don't possess a first-class weapon — either as to barrel or sights. My Henry is a well-made rifle, well-sighted, and well kept, but I don't think T could give points to a medium Enfield equally well made, sighted, and kept, unless at smaller marks. Yours, &c, JNO. THOMSON.