Batswana & Firearms (2)

We had previously observed that modern conical bullets, along with percussion caps and improved rifles came to Botswana as then cutting edge technology in the 1840s with the appearance of state-of-the-art hunting rifles. Designed to accurately and swiftly take down big game from a safe distance, the new generation guns were tools of the regional ivory trade.

Amongst the technological pioneers in the region was George Nicholson who is known to have experimented at the beginning of the decade with conical shot from America, it being reported by a fellow traveller through eastern Botswana that he had brought down a Blue Wildebeest at over 300 yards with ‘an American rifle 22 bore, with iron points’.

In 1842 the American gun maker Edwin Wesson, had incorporated ballistics advance made by his fellow countryman, Alvin Clark to produce a conical shot rifle that is credited with marking the beginning of the end for smooth bores and ball shot. In the decade that followed commercial production of advanced ballistic designs happened on both sides of the Atlantic.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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