FOR WANT OF ONE MORE ROUND

LIGHT GUNSMITHING

- Gil Sengel

Many hunters today use single shots and even classic doubles in the pursuit of non-dangerous big game. These folks consider such rifles entirely adequate and much easier on the eye than modern designs.

Despite this knowledge, some hunters use spandex gadgets stretched over the buttstock that hold an extra couple of rounds. Others have been known to carry spare cartridges between the fingers of their forward hand, or clinched in their teeth just in case. This seems a bit silly when in 99 percent of hunting situations involving non-dangerous game, there is only time to fire one or maybe two rounds.

Surprisingly, some people who hunt with bolt guns also feel the need for more ammunition readily at hand. This should be easy. Just buy a new rifle with detachable tin or plastic magazines. While these are available holding all the rounds we will likely fire in a lifetime of big-game hunting, they are not the solution. What is really wanted is just “one more round.”