THE "FLASH-SPOTTER"

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 60, 12 March 1927, Page 20

THE "FLASH-SPOTTER"

SHOOTING WITH A SPOT OF LIGHT.

The '"FJash-spotter" is the name of an ingonious devico which promises greatly to facilitate tho elementary courses in anti-aircraft coast defence and field gunnery. Service and miniature riflo-shootiug, practice with the shot gun, the revolver, and pistol: In view of this wide range of interest, the "Flash-spotter" is regarded by the Army authorities as an instrument which should be in the handa of both gunnery aud muskotry instructors, states tho "Morning Post." ■ This new weapon, in its present form consists of a riflo of tho usual miniature size and appearance, which in the breech contains a small electric lamp a lens, an air buffer, and electrical contact apparatus worked by the trigger After cocking aud pressing tho trigger the rifle projects a small round bright spot of light (about the size of the end of an ordinary pencil) on to the exact point of aim on the target. This spot is projected instantaneously and is "dead accurate." The invention is also beiug made up as an attachment to field,and anti-aircraft »uns for use on miniature ranges, and "will eventually appear as n sporting and toy model. '

The first mod-l produ-ed was taken bj the Small Arms School, at Hvthe and an attachment for a Q.R <mn has been supplied to the Coast Artillery School, bhooburyness. A larger and more powerful attachment is now bein.r made for the Anti-Aircraft School at Biggin Hill. The rifle has been perfected, and is now being manufactured in large quantities to moot the demand for it Ter ritorial Battalions in London and t.lio Provinces and some of the Public School Cadet Corps, are alrcuilv equip, ped with it. .' -if As a "musketry instructor" it j s held to be invaluable since the "man behind the gun" can see for himself to off. -t of his "lire" on the tai W t The spot or electric light disc 4n Iron, one-half to a second, the lircican see the light move if he "pulls off, 'bobs," or "wobbles." Mi.rooyer, he acquires the habit of keepiim his eye on the target after he hv pressed the trigger in order to see tl'u signalling of the shot. The "flash-spot ter does all that the old sub-tar^, did, is more efficient, and costs considerably less. •?he new instrument has been patented by Brigadier-General J. F. Lament the well-known racehorse owner, and formerly C.E.A. of the "Ith Division Interested with him in the.manufacture are three other gunners—Colonel A JI Balfour, Colonel E. C. Sandars, and Cot onel D. Howards Gill. Colonel Gill was until recently the Brigade Commander of the 26th London Air De fence Brigade. The present device is obviously, an elaboration of an old principle.