A NEW TARGET.

Temuka Leader, Issue 324, 2 December 1880, Page 2

A NEW TARGET.

In connection with the forthcoming meeting of the 'Jew Zealand Rifle Association the N. Z Times is informed that a target on an entirely new plan is to bo adopted. At Wiaibledon, the celebrated "Swiss" targets are used ; after many trials and experiments with all kinds of material, it has been found that the most serviceable and economical target is a simple "screen of the required dimensions made »>f a 4 x 1 wooden frame with canvas stretched over it, upon which is a paper covering." The shot strikes and goes away into the butt, thus avoiding all splashes and recoils so dangerous to markers. A', the Wimbledon meeting 'hese tarkets work like a pair of windo-v sashes. The lower being the "dummy." and covered with wir.; netting When a shot is fired and strikes the target, a disc showing where the bullet has struck is booked on the netting, ihe "dummy" is raised out of the marker's butt, and the target lowered, when a small square of paper is pasted over the hole. The " dummy "is then lowered, and the target raised ready for another shot. This target requires an elaborate framework with balance weights &c. But we think, from the descr'ption we now «;ive of the new target, that it bids fair to surpass even the Wimbledon system. The targets are madj like the Wimbledon, but are in pairs attached by a central beam, in fact like two sails ot a wind-mill. These work on a pivot; wh,en one target is above ground the other is of course below. The method of working is—When a shot strikes, the marker swings the target round into the trench below in which he stands, then points with a disc on the new target where the shot has struck, and covers the shot hole in"the target, whicli is at his feet, with a paper patch. Anotlter shot and the target is again swung round, and repaired, and so on. This pair of targets are attached by a screw pivot to a post sunk below the level of the ground, and should they require changing at any time, the nut of the bolt is unscrewed, and the two targets lifted off and replaced with now ones. The ta»gets thus constructed are simple, light and efficient, and above all in these times of economy, very inerpensive. The credit of this invention is due to Mr Christie, tho Government armourer who is well-known at the prize meeting at Nelson as having had charge i of the range and targets on 'those occa- j eions.