Notations in the Order Books regarding patterns are usually mostly verbal (e.g., "RB pattern 'open'; LB 'close' or 'extra tight." One such very memorable notation for a late 8 ga. steel barreled gun read, "Both barrels extra close for buckshot for deer, bear and wolves." The Stock Books contain detailed patterning information for each gun, including the size and weight of shot, in some cases the brand of the shot and powder used(e.g., Tatham, E.C.), and the number of pellets in a circle of given diameter at a given range (not always 30" @ 40 yds.). The number of pellets striking within the circle is noted as a fraction of the original total shot charge, such as 186/230. Percentage patterns are thus quickly and easily converted from these figures, and of course were always specified with crucial interest by trap and pigeon shooters when ordering a gun.
|
Hybrid Mode