Hello, children. Hello.

Your Mandarin received this interesting letter in the post this morning.

That’s funny! But actually, you ask a very good question.

Indeed, the Mandarin is a very big fan of the scout rifle concept, and there are a few that appeal to me for all the reasons you stipulate. However, it can be very difficult to find a scout rifle that meets all of Col. Cooper’s specifications, and as a result many of the rifles you see marketed as “scout” rifles don’t really qualify. Having said that, I don’t think you should be so dismissive of carbines. Yes, many of these are pistol calibers, but the longer barrel permits these to have higher velocities: a 9mm carbine, for example, can deliver a massive punch compared to a pistol; further, because the carbine is shorter than a rifle, it can be very useful for in-home defense situations.

You asked for my advice, and you probably will not be surprised when your Mandarin instructs you to try a couple of each, if you can find them at a range. There’s a good chance you will find one you like, but an even better probability that you will fall in love with all of them, making final selection very difficult indeed.

Thanks for writing in. Don’t forget to obey me.

The Mandarin

The Mandarin, whose real name is 吏恆, joined the order in 1309, and introduced the Gormogons into England during the 18th Century.

The Mandarin enjoys spending time with his pet manticore, Βάρἰκος, or Barry (who can be found in the Bestiary). When not in the Castle…well, frankly, nobody is quite sure where he goes.

The Mandarin popularized the fine art of “gut booting,” by which he delivers a powerful kick to the stomach of anyone that annoys him. Although nearly universal today, the act of gut booting or threatening someone or something with a gut boot is solely due to him.