Holy smoke! Found it...
re: Native marksmanship standards circa 1709.....
Our Indian having this Day kill'd good Store of Provision with his Gun, he always shot with a single Ball, missing but two Shoots in above forty; they being curious Artifts in managing a Gun, to make it carry either Ball, or Shot, true.
When they have bought a Piece,and find it to shoot any Ways crooked,they take the Barrel out of the Stock, cutting a Notch in a Tree, wherein they set it streight, sometimes shooting away above 100 Loads of Ammunition, before they bring the Gun to shoot according to their Mind.
A New Voyage to Carolina, John Lawson , 1709
Note... modern BP smoothbore shooters STILL do this today, tho' this is the earliest mention I am aware of.
Birdwatcher
