Scloppetaria: or Considerations of the Nature and Use of Rifled Barrel Guns, with Reference to Their Forming the Basis of a Permanent System of National Defence, Agreeable to the Genius of the Country

London: Printed by C. Roworth, Bell-yard, Temple-Bar, for T. Egerton, Military Library, Near Whitehall, 1812. Morocco. Fine. Second Edition of the first book in English on target rifle shooting (the Latinized title means The Militiaman) and attempts to increase the accuracy of long-barreled firearms. Tall 8vo: xxiv,251,[7]pp, including errata sheet, with nine numbered engraved plates, three target plates showing the accuracy of various rifle bores, and two tables; fourth folding target illustration, in manuscript, bound in. Recently quarter-bound in blue straight-grained morocco and marbled paper, spine in six compartments, title stamped gilt to second, edges untrimmed. Finely preserved example, all but pristine. Quite scarce; World Cat lists only two copies, both in the British Library. Riling 350. Originally published in 1808, with chapters on projectiles, the theory of spiral motion, qualities of the rifle, history of the rifle, construction and perfection of the rifle, appendages (gun powder, balls, patch and stopple, target), and mode of use (loading, taking aim, cleaning). "The English military conducted research on various rifles from 1800, especially emphasizing long-range shooting at targets at more than 550 metres. When early in the 1850s volunteer rifle brigades for [target rifle] shooting were formed, they attracted some of the finest shots in the United Kingdom, and long-range shooting became so popular that at the first prize meeting in 1860 of the National Rifle Association, Queen Victoria fired the first shot." (Britannica) N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).