Hints on the Use and Handling of Firearms Generally, and the Revolver in Particular Informative Summary

Overview:

This 1885 treatise, “Hints on the Use and Handling of Firearms Generally, and the Revolver in Particular,” by Lieutenant H. Onslow Curling, offers a comprehensive guide to the safe and effective use of firearms, primarily focusing on the revolver. Curling, writing during a time of significant technological advancements in firearms, aims to educate readers on the proper handling, maintenance, and shooting techniques of firearms, particularly for those entering the world of sportsmanship and military service.

The text begins by acknowledging the rise of the revolver as a practical tool for both self-defense and sport. Curling emphasizes the importance of responsible firearm ownership, advocating for the safe storage and handling of loaded weapons, particularly to prevent accidents involving children or inexperienced adults. He then delves into the mechanics and intricacies of various firearms, outlining their historical development from the flintlock to the breech-loader, highlighting their advantages and drawbacks.

Key Findings:

Emphasis on responsible firearm ownership: Curling strongly emphasizes the importance of safe storage, particularly keeping firearms unloaded and ammunition securely locked away.
The dangers of carelessness: Curling details numerous accidents that have occurred due to negligence, underscoring the need for meticulous handling and safety precautions.
Proper handling and etiquette: Curling provides a detailed guide on how to safely and gracefully carry firearms in various settings, including the field and while shooting. He also outlines etiquette rules for responsible shooting, emphasizing safety over speed and emphasizing the need to avoid accidents at all costs.
The importance of proper aiming techniques: Curling advocates for the use of both eyes when aiming, as well as utilizing the second finger to draw the trigger for stability and accuracy. He debunks the reliance on the back-sight for elevation, encouraging the development of a personal scale of elevation based on distance and practice.

Learning:

The evolution of firearms: The text provides a concise timeline of advancements in firearm technology, from the flintlock to the breech-loader, highlighting the significant improvements in accuracy, range, and ease of use.
The importance of safe handling: Curling’s numerous anecdotes and warnings illustrate the severe consequences of careless firearm handling, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance and cautiousness.
Proper shooting techniques: The text provides detailed guidance on various aspects of firearm use, including the proper way to carry and present firearms, aiming techniques, and the importance of maintaining a safe shooting environment.
The value of practice: Curling stresses the importance of regular practice to improve skills and develop a keen understanding of the weapons used. He encourages a structured approach to shooting practice, starting with longer ranges and gradually reducing the distance, allowing the shooter to master both distance and accuracy.
The ethical considerations of firearms: Curling raises ethical considerations related to the use of firearms, particularly emphasizing the importance of safety, responsible ownership, and the potential consequences of careless actions.

Historical Context:

This text was written in 1885, a period of rapid technological advancement in firearms, including the introduction of the breech-loading system and the increasing popularity of the revolver. This era saw the emergence of sportsmanship and military training, highlighting the need for practical guides like Curling’s to navigate the changing landscape of firearm technology and ethics.

Facts:

Flintlocks were the dominant firearm in the 18th century: The flintlock system was the primary method of ignition for firearms for over 150 years, used in numerous important battles including Waterloo.
Brown Bess rifles were the standard for the British military: The Brown Bess, a flintlock musket, played a significant role in numerous battles and remained in service for over 100 years.
The breech-loading system revolutionized firearms: The introduction of breech-loading allowed for faster reloading and improved accuracy, significantly impacting military and civilian use of firearms.
The Martini-Henry rifle was a marvel of modern ingenuity: This rifle, introduced in the late 19th century, represented a significant advancement in range, accuracy, and ease of use, becoming a standard for the British military.
The military revolver was a powerful weapon: Curling emphasizes the revolver’s lethal capabilities, noting its ability to kill at a range of 300 yards.
The use of the pistol and revolver was standard in the Royal Navy: British naval forces have long recognized the value of handguns for close-quarters combat and boarding operations.
The National Rifle Association played a key role in promoting revolver practice: The NRA recognized the importance of revolver skills in the 19th century, contributing to the rise of recreational shooting and military preparedness.
The Snider artillery carbine was a highly accurate weapon: The Snider, known for its range and accuracy, was a significant improvement over earlier military carbines.
Bullets can ricochet off hard surfaces: Curling warns of the dangers of ricocheting bullets, highlighting the need for responsible shooting practices in safe environments.
The majority of bullets fired in combat miss their targets: Curling notes the significant amount of ammunition wasted in combat due to poor aim or improper elevation.
The use of the back-sight for elevation is not always necessary: Curling advocates for the development of a personal scale of elevation based on practice and experience, arguing that the back-sight can hinder quick adjustments in dynamic situations.
Volunteer riflemen were skilled marksmen: Curling praises the proficiency of volunteer riflemen, attributing their success to their passion, dedication, and meticulous training.
Crippling an enemy is often sufficient: Curling emphasizes the importance of disabling an enemy, rather than necessarily aiming for a kill, acknowledging the brutality of war and the importance of effective but humane tactics.
Practice makes perfect: Curling repeatedly emphasizes the importance of continuous practice, encouraging shooters to refine their skills and develop a deep understanding of their weapons.
Careless handling of firearms can result in tragic accidents: Curling provides multiple examples of accidents caused by negligence, illustrating the importance of always remaining vigilant and prioritizing safety.
The proper finger to use for the trigger is the second finger: Curling argues for the use of the second finger over the index finger, noting its benefits for stability and accuracy in shooting.
The weight of the revolver can affect accuracy: Curling acknowledges the challenges of handling a heavy weapon like the military revolver, highlighting the importance of proper technique and trigger control.
The French military held their revolvers muzzle up: Curling describes the French technique of presenting their weapons, noting its advantages and drawbacks in comparison to other methods.
Shooting at longer ranges is beneficial for practice: Curling recommends starting practice at the longest practical range, gradually reducing the distance to build skills in both accuracy and judging distance.
A good sportsman takes pride in his weapons: Curling stresses the importance of caring for firearms, emphasizing their value and the need for responsible maintenance.

Statistics:

The military revolver weighs 2 lbs. 8 oz.: This weight, combined with the trigger pull, requires a strong and stable hand for accurate shooting.
The trigger pull of the military revolver is 5 lbs.: This resistance requires a steady hand and controlled pressure to avoid jerky movements and inaccurate shots.
The military revolver can kill at 300 yards: This range highlights the importance of understanding distance and elevation when using a revolver.
The Snider artillery carbine has a range of 1800 yards: This impressive range underscores the advancements in firearm technology during this period.
The Martini-Henry rifle has a range of 3000 yards: This exceptional range, exceeding that of the Snider, further illustrates the impressive capabilities of modern firearms.
Approximately two-thirds of bullets fired in combat miss their targets: This startling statistic illustrates the challenges of accurate shooting in dynamic combat situations, highlighting the need for improved training and tactics.
The average man presents a large target at close range: Curling notes that even an inexperienced shooter can hit a person at short distances due to the size of the target.

Terms:

Breech-loader: A firearm where the cartridge is loaded into the rear of the barrel, known for faster reloading and improved accuracy.
Muzzle-loader: A firearm where the cartridge is loaded through the front of the barrel, requiring a separate process for each shot.
Martini-Smith target: A standard target used for rifle practice, consisting of a circular bullseye within a square frame.
Full-cock: The fully cocked position of a firearm, ready to fire.
Half-cock: A partially cocked position of a firearm, making it safe from accidental discharge.
Point-blank range: The maximum distance a firearm can be fired without requiring any elevation adjustments.
Ricochet: The deflection of a bullet off a hard surface, potentially altering its trajectory and posing a danger to unintended targets.
Échelon: A staggered formation used in shooting to ensure that all members of the group can fire safely without risking accidental shots.
Hang fire: A delayed detonation of a cartridge, requiring caution as the firearm might fire unexpectedly.
Bull’s-eye: The center of the target, typically the area that receives the highest score in shooting competitions.

Examples:

The story of Speke’s accidental death: Curling recounts the tragic death of explorer John Hanning Speke, emphasizing the importance of safe handling even for experienced individuals.
The anecdote of the military funeral: Curling describes an accident during a military funeral where a member of the firing party accidentally shot his comrade, highlighting the potential dangers of careless handling even in seemingly safe environments.
The story of the eccentric gentleman: Curling reveals his own experience with a volatile friend who kept a loaded revolver in his dressing room, underscoring the potential dangers of accessible firearms and the importance of responsible ownership.
The example of the professional burglar: Curling notes the accuracy of professional burglars using revolvers against police, attributing their success to their use of small, easily-wielded weapons and their preference for close-range shots.
The contrast between volunteer and regular army marksmanship: Curling attributes the superior marksmanship of volunteer riflemen to their passion, dedication, and meticulous training, highlighting the importance of motivation in developing skills.
The example of the old farmers who prefer flintlock fowling pieces: Curling highlights the persistence of traditional practices in some circles, even in the face of modern technological advancements.
The recommendation of a target with both a bullseye and a man silhouette: Curling suggests a target that provides both traditional practice and the realistic simulation of shooting at a human target, promoting practical skill development.
The description of the military practice of keeping weapons at full-cock: Curling emphasizes the inherent danger of this practice, advocating for the use of half-cock for safety, particularly when moving through rough terrain.
The example of the nervous shooter: Curling acknowledges the natural anxiety some individuals experience during ball practice, suggesting that inexperienced shooters should be left to their own devices to avoid distractions and potential accidents.
The scenario of a shooter being forced to rejoin his comrades after loading: Curling outlines a detailed procedure for safely returning to a group after loading a weapon, ensuring the firearm is properly secured and the others are made aware of the potential danger.

Conclusion:

Lieutenant H. Onslow Curling’s “Hints on the Use and Handling of Firearms Generally, and the Revolver in Particular” offers a valuable historical glimpse into the world of firearms in the 19th century. The text emphasizes the importance of responsible ownership, safe handling, and meticulous practice for both sportsmen and those involved in military service. Curling’s detailed guidance on firearm handling, safety precautions, and proper aiming techniques provides practical advice relevant even today, underscoring the enduring principles of responsible firearm use. His clear and concise writing, coupled with his own personal anecdotes, makes the text both informative and engaging, offering a timeless lesson on the respect and caution required when handling firearms.

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