Strange Rifles at Bisley.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLI, Issue 9, 26 August 1908, Page 10

Strange Rifles at Bisley.

In the 300 metres match at Bisley competitors were allowed to use any rifle, and some of the strangest firearms seen at that famous place were used. Those of the Finlanders were wonderful contrivances. The stocks were carved and fitted in the most original manner. One man had a little bit of wood jutting out for his right thumb to rest against. Another had the left side of liis stock carved so as to fit bis cheek. Another, instead of gripping his rifle with the left hand, had a kind of wooden corkscrew handle slicking out beneath, which he planted across the palm of his hand, and held between his thumb and little finger. Most of the Finns bad iron shoulderpieces with curved ends to fit round the shoulder. They were the most childlike and bland riflemen on the ground, with gentle smiles for everyone, and black powder for their rifles. One of them wore u pretty white pork-pie cap with a black Velvet band. If they ran short of cartridges they squatted down, took out a powder flask, and made them on the spot. For picturesqueness the Greeks led the field, in the traditional short skirts of their land. The Canadians ran them close, in trim khaki, with hats turned up at the side and clasped with metal maplo leaves and the word “Canada.” But this takes no account of the dusky, stalwart Sikhs, in turbans and puttees, or the bronzed Britons from the West Indies, who ar.e both here for the Kolapore Cup next week.