Improved Sportsman ("Sportsman")

The Improved Sportsman, designed by Cliff Dumble and manufactured by O.D. Jennings and Company starting January 1935, is a refined version of the earlier 'Sportsman' payout machine. As an electro-mechanical (EM) payout machine, it built on the standard version with specific physical improvements.

One of the key features that set the Improved Sportsman apart from its predecessor is its combination of 10 balls for just 5 cents with physical improvements including aluminum castings and a positive-action pull handle on the side of the cabinet. These changes were meant to eliminate missed payouts, providing a more reliable payout experience for players.

The Improved Sportsman was later reissued with a fishing theme (as 'Improved Sportsman ("Huck Finn")'), which led to this original hunting-themed version becoming known as the "Sportsman" variant, distinguished by playfield artwork of a man holding a rifle rather than a depiction of Mark Twain's Huck Finn. It featured round legs attached to the cabinet sides — according to the book Pinball 1, these round legs were reportedly popular with police who confiscated the machines, as they made good-sized billy clubs.