Document text
FM 23-10
BASIC FIELD MANUAL
WASHINGTON : 1940
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C-
Price 25 cents
TABLE OP CONTENTS
Chapter I. Mechanical Training:
Section I. Description
II. Care and cleaning..
Paragraphs Pages
Functioning-
Individual safety precautions.
Instruments.
Marksmanship — Known - 1
ectionl. General
II. Preparatory marksmanship train-
ing
jualification courses
,ange practice 37-39
Equipment; known-distance tar-
gets and ranges, and range pre-
cautions
VI. Small-bore practice
Marksmanship — Moving Ground
Moving
safety p
Marksmanshi:
targets, ranges, and
>recautions
-Air Targets :
VT. Ranges, targets, and equipment
5. Technique of Rifle Fire:
ion I. General
II. Range estimation.
ILT. Target desit
IV. Rifle fire and its effect —
VI. Landscape-target firing
VII. Field-target firing
VIII. Fire exercises
Chapter 6. Advice to Instructors:
Section I. General
II. Mechanical training
III. Marksmanship — known-distance
targets
IV. Marksmanship — air targets
16-23
16-19
24-31
19-64
32-36
64-71
37-39
71-91
40-43
92-101
44-47
101-106
48-49
107-108
50-52
108-109
53-54
109-110
55-56
110-112
57-58
113
59-63
114-117
64-68
117-126
69-72
127-130
73-77
130-133
78-83
133-142
84-86
143-144
87-91
144-148
92-98
148-156
99-105
156-159
106-113
159-165
114-121
165-171
122-128
171-176
129-131
176-179
132
180
133
180
134-148
181-198
149-153
198-204
154-160
204-208
m
IV
TABLE OP CONTENTS
Paragraphs Pages
Appendix I. Ammunition:
General 1 209
Classification 2 209
Ammunition lot number 3 210
Grade 4 210
Care, handling, and preservation 5 211
Cartridge, ball, caliber .30, M2 and Ml 6 211
Precautions in firing blank ammunition 7 212
Appendix II. List of references 213
Index 215
FM 23-10
BASIC FIELD MANUAL
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
(The matter contained herein supersedes chapter 1, part one,
Basic Field Manual, volume III, January 3, 1938; chapter 6, part
one, Basic Field Manual, volume ni, March 1, 1932 (including C 1,
January 2, 1936, and C 2, January 3, 1939); chapter 2, part five,
Basic Field Manual, volume III, May 26, 1932; chapter 1, part six,
Basic Field Manual, volume III, May 26, 1936; and chapter 2, part
six, Basic Field Manual, volume III, July 15, 1937.)
CHAPTER 1
MECHANICAL TRAINING
ion I. Description
II. Care and cleaning 6-12
HI. Functioning 13
IV. Individual safety precautions 14
V. Instruments
Section I
DESCRIPTION
(vl. — The United States rifle, caliber
breech-loading magazine rifle of the bol 1
ef erred to as the Springfield rifle.
2. Principal Dimensions, Weights, and M* t :&rw
Data.
Weight, without bayo
Weight, with bayonet-
Length, without bay
Length, with bayor
Diameter of bore-
Trigger pull, minimum-
Rifling:
Number of grooves
Twist, uniform, right, one turn in inches.
Magazine capacity rounds.
4
10
5
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
3
■ 3. Rear Sight. — The rear sight is adjustable for windage,
and the drift of the bullet to the right is offset automatically
by the construction of the rear sight leaf. The leaf is
graduated from 100 to 2,850 yards. The lines extending
across one or both branches of the leaf are 100-yard divi-
sions, the longer of the short lines 50-yard and the shorter
The drift slide, which may be moved
up or down on the leaf, has notches called open sights and a
circular hole called the peep sight. With the leaf raised to the
vertical position the lines on either side of the peep sight, and
the lower notch, enable the drift slide to be set accurately at
any desired graduation on the leaf. With the leaf down and
using the battle sight notch in the slide cap the sights are set
for 547 yards for the down position of the slide.
3
3-7
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
The rear end of the rear sight movable base is marked
with wind-gage graduations, each point of which corresponds
to a lateral deviation in the point of impact of the bullet
of 4 inches for each 100 yards of range to the target.
■ 4. Rate of Fire and Effective Range. — The maximum
rate of accurate fire with this weapon depends upon the skill
and the position of the operator and the visibility of the
target. It varies from 10 to 15 shots per minute. The
effectiveness of rifle fire during combat decreases as the
range to the target increases. Its use at ranges greater
than 600 yards is unusual.
■ 5. Nomenclature and References. — a. Nomenclature. —
The soldier need be familiar with the names of only those
parts of the rifle which are frequently referred to in
and range practice.
b. References. — (1) Safety precautions for observance
troops are complete in this manual. References to AR 750-
are necessary for range officers, the officer in charge of firing,
and the commander responsible for the location of ranges and
conduct of firing thereon.
(2) See appendix I for data on ammunition for use in the
U. S. rifle, caliber .30, M1903.
(3) Other information in regard to the rifle necessary
supply and administrative purposes by company and
higher headquarters is found in the references listed i:
appendix II
ction II
■ 6. Importance. — The care and cleaning of the
important duty to be performed by all soldiers ar
this weapon, and the subject merits the serious consideration
of all officers. Experience has shown that the majority of
rifles become unserviceable not through shooting but through
the lack of intelligent and proper care. In cleaning, the use
of abrasives or other harmful materials is forbidden.
■ 7. Inspections. — At all inspections, unless otherwise
ordered, the rifles will be clean, the bore of the rifle pro-
4
TJ. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
7-8
tected with a thin film of medium rust -preventive compound,
the mechanism of the rifle lubricated with thin oil (sperm
oil) , and the oiler filled with oil. When the inspector wishes
to inspect the rifles minutely he may order that all grease
and oil be removed from them; but in such cases the grease
and oil will be applied again immediately after the inspec-
tion, and the inspector should allot a specific time for so
doing.
■ 8. Disassembling for Cleaning. — a. Parts to be removed. —
Only the following parts of the rifle may be removed by the
individual soldier for the purpose of cleaning: Front sight
cover, floor plate and follower, gun sling, oiler and the
case, and the bolt.
. To remove the floor plate and follower. — Insert the
it of a cartridge through the hole in the floor plate and
A
press on the floor plate catch. This releases the floor plate
which may then be removed together with the magazine
spring and follower. Raise the rear end of the magazine
spring high enough to clear the lug on the floor plate and
draw it out of its mortise; in the same manner separate the
magazine spring from the follower. To assemble, proceed
in reverse order.
c. To remove and disassemble the bolt. — Place the cut-off
at the center notch; cock the piece by raising and lowering
the bolt handle; turn the safety lock to the vertical position;
raise the bolt handle and draw out the bolt to the rear.
5
8
TT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
(See fig. 3.) Press the sleeve lock In with the thumb
to unlock the sleeve from the bolt; unscrew the sleeve by
turning to the left and remove it. (See fig. 4.) Hold the
sleeve between the forefinger and thumb of the left hand;
draw the cocking piece back slightly with the middle finger
and thumb of the right hand; turn the safety lock down
to the left with the forefinger of the right hand and allow
the cocking piece to move forward in the sleeve. This
partially relieves the tension of the mainspring. With the
cocking piece against the breast, draw back the firing pin
sleeve with the forefinger and thumb of the right hand and
hold it in this position while removing the striker with the
left hand. (See fig. 5.) Remove the firing pin sleeve and
mainspring; pull the firing pin out of the sleeve. Turn the
extractor to the right, forcing its tongue out of its groove
in the front of the bolt, and force the extractor forward and
off the bolt. (See fig. 6.)
d. To assemble and replace the bolt mechanism. — Turn the
extractor collar until its lug is on line with the safety lug on
the bolt; insert the lug on the collar in the undercuts in the
extractor by pushing the extractor to the rear until its tongue
comes in contact with the face of the bolt ; turn the extractor
to the right until it is over the right lug; press the hook of
6
TT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
8
the extractor against some rigid object until the tongue on
the extractor enters its groove in the bolt. (See fig. 7.)
(See fig. 5.) Hold the cocking piece between the thumb and
forefinger of the left hand, and by pressing the striker against
some object, not hard enough to injure it, force the cocking
7
8-9
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
piece back until the safety lock can be turned to the vertical
position with the right hand; Insert the firing pin in the bolt
and screw up the sleeve until the sleeve lock enters its notch
on the bolt. Pull the cocking piece back and turn the safety
lock to the vertical position. Place the cut-off at the center
notch; hold the piece under the floor plate in the fingers of
the left hand, the thumb extending over the left side of the
receiver; take the bolt in the right hand with the safety lock
in a vertical position and safety lug up; press the rear end
of the follower down with the left thumb and push the bolt
into the receiver; lower the bolt handle; turn the safety lock
cut-off down to the left.
/ /
BOLT /EXTRACTOR /
EXTRACTOR COLLAR SAFETY LUG
Figure 7.
Care and Cleaning in Garrison. — a. Care and cleanir
rison include the ordinary care of the rifle to preserve
its condition and appearance in garrisons, posts, and camps
during those periods when no firing is done.
b. Damp air and sweaty hands induce rust. The rifle should
be cleaned and protected after every drill. Special precau-
tions are necessary when the rifles have been used on rainy
days and after tours of guard duty.
c. The barrack cleaning rod should be used. The use of
the thong and brush will be confined to occasions when the
barrack cleaning rod is not available. To avoid possible in-
jury to the rifling at the muzzle, rifles will be cleaned from
the breech, the bolt being removed for this purpose.
8
TT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
9-10
d. Care should be exercised that the chamber of the rifle
is cleaned as thoroughly as is the bore. A roughened cham-
ber may cause shells to stick.
e. To clean the rifle, rub it with a rag which has been
slightly oiled, and then wipe it with a dry rag. Swab the
bore with an oiled flannel patch and then with a dry one.
Dust out all screw heads and crevices with a small, clean
brush.
/. Immediately after cleaning, to protect the rifle, swab the
bore thoroughly with a flannel patch saturated with medium
rust -preventive compound; wipe over all metal parts, includ-
ing the bolt mechanism and magazine, with an oiled rag;
apply a few drops of light oil to all cams and working surfaces
of the mechanism. Occasionally place a teaspoonful of lin-
seed oil in the palm of the hand and polish the stock well.
g. After cleaning and protecting the rifle, place it in the
gun rack without any covering whatever. The use of canvas
or similar covers for the rifle is prohibited, as they collect
moisture and rust the metal parts. When the barracks are
being swept, gun racks will be covered to protect the rifles
from dust.
■ 10. Care and Cleaning After Firing. — a. When a rifle has
been fired, the bore and chamber must be cleaned thoroughly
not later than the evening of the day on which it is fired.
To clean the bore after firing, insert the muzzle in a vessel
containing hot water and issue soap, hot water alone, or
cold water; the cleaning rod with a cloth patch assembled is
inserted in the breech and moved forward and back for
about 1 m nute, pumping the water in and out of the bore.
While the bore is wet a brass or bronze wire brush, if avail-
able, should be run all the way through, then all the way
back, three or four times. Water should again be pumped
through the bore. Then wipe the cleaning rod dry, remove
barrel from water, and using dry, clean flannel patches
thoroughly swab the bore until it is perfectly dry and clean,
being careful that the chamber is also dried and cleaned.
Hold the breech of the barrel pointed toward the sky and
examine the bore carefully for metal fouling. The bore
must be similarly cleaned and regreased each day for the
next succeeding 3 days to insure that no trace of fouling
9
10-13
17. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, Ml 903
remains. Oil will not free the bore of powder fouling — only
water or solutions containing water will do this.
b. If no metal fouling is present, saturate a clean flannel
patch with medium rust-preventive compound or the oil
issued for this purpose, and swab the bore and chamber
thoroughly, making certain that the bore and all metal
parts of the rifle are covered with a thin coating of grease
or oil.
c. Small flakes or lumps on the surface of the bore indi-
cate the presence of metal fouling. Should such fouling
occur, the rifle should be turned over to the Ordnance
Department. New types of ammunition rarely produc
metal fouling.
■ 11. Care and Cleaning in the Field. — The rifle is cared fo:
in the field in a manner similar to that described in para-
graphs 9 and 10. When the barrack cleaning rod is not
available, the contents of the oiler and thong case, carried
in the butt of the stock, may be used. In cleaning the bore
by means of the thong the brush or rag should be drawn
from the breech toward the muzzle. To prevent noise while
arrying, the oiler should always be inserted into the stock
o that the leather-tipped cap will be next
; to the butt plate
r ipe cut the bore
12. Rules When on the Range. — a. Wipe
d chamber with a clean cloth patch befor
ch day.
b. Always clean at the end of each day's shooting.
c. Never leave a patch, cily rag, cork, or other ibstruction
in the bore.
d. It is essential for the proper working of all cams that
they be kept lubricated.
PUNC
■ 13. Operation. — a. To load. — To load the magazine, turn the
cut-off up, showing "on"; draw the bolt fully to the rear and
insert the cartridges from a clip, or singly from the hand.
To load from a clip, place one end of a loaded clip into its
10
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
13
seat in the receiver, and with the fingers of the right hand
under the rifle against the floor plate, and the base of the
thumb on the powder space of the top cartridge near the
clip, press the cartridges down with the thumb into the maga-
zine with a firm, steady push until the top cartridge is caught
by the right edge of the receiver. The empty clip is removed
with the right hand. After loading the magazine, to place
a round in the chamber, close the bolt. As the bolt is closed
the top cartridge in the magazine is pushed forward into the
chamber. When the rifle is used as a i
are inserted directly into the chambe
cut-off being turned down.
b. Extraction. — Extraction of the
chamber by the extractor is started during the rotation of
the bolt and is completed as the bolt is drawn to the rear.
c. Ejection. — When the bolt is drawn fully to the rear the
head of the case strikes against the ejector point and the case
is ejected from the receiver.
d. Cut-off. — When the cut-off is up and the bolt fully
the rear, the top cartridge in the magazine is forced up into
e path of the bolt by the magazine spring. When the
t-off is turned down the magazine is "off." The bolt can-
not be drawn fully back, and its front end, projecting over
the rear end of the upper cartridge, holds the latter down in
the magazine below the action of the bolt. The magazine
mechanism then remains inoperative, and the rifle can
used as a single loader with the cartridges in the magazi:
held in reserve.
e. Follower. — In magazine fire, after the last cartrid
been fired and the bolt drawn fully to the rear, the follower
rises and blocks the path of the bolt, thus showing that th
magazine is empty. A new clip may then be inserted and
the magazine refilled, or the bolt may be closed without re-
loading by first forcing the follower down until it is below
the path of the bolt.
/. To unload. — With the cut-off up, move the bolt forward
d back until no cartridges remain in the magazine
chamber.
g. Safety device. — To set at safe, which can only be done
when the piece is cocked, turn the safety lock to the right.
11
13-14
TT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, Ml 903
This locks the firing pin in position and the piece cannot be
fired. To set at ready, turn the safety lock to the left.
h. Cocking. — The piece may be cocked either by raising
the bolt handle until it strikes the left side of the receiver
and then turning it down, or by pulling the cocking piece
directly to the rear.
Section IV
IND
n 14. rules-
have examined it and proved it to be unloaded. Ne
your memory as to its condition in this respect.
b. Never point the rifle at anyone you do not intend to
shoot, nor in a direction where an accidental discharge may
do harm.
c. Always unload the rifle if it is to be left where someone
else may handle it.
d. Always point the rifle up when snapping the trigger
after examination.
e. If it is desired to carry the piece cocked with a cartridge
in the chamber, the bolt mechanism should be secured by
turning the safety lock to the right.
/. Under no circumstances should the firing pin be let
own by hand on a cartridge in the chamber.
Never fire a rifle with any grease, cleaning patch, d
, mud, snow, or other obstruction in the bore. To d
may burst the barrel.
h. Never grease or oil the ammunition or the walls
rifle chamber. This creates a hazardous pressure on
rifle bolt.
i. See that the ammunition is clean and dry. Examine all
live and dummy ammunition. Turn in all cartridges with
loose bullets or which appear to be otherwise defective.
j. Do not allow the ammunition to be exposed to the direct
rays of the sun for any length of time. This creates haz-
ardous chamber pressures.
12
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
15
Section V
INSTRUMENTS
■ 15. Field Glass, Type EE. — The field glass, type EE
(fig. 8), complete, consists of the field glass with its carrying
case.
(1) The field glass consists of two com-
pes (5) pivoted about a common hinge
permits adjustment for interpupillary distances.
A scale (3), graduated every 2 millimeters from 56 to 74,
permits the observer rapidly to set the telescope to suit his
eye distance when the spacing of his eyes is known. The
eyepiece (1) can be focused independently for each eye by
screwing in or out. Each is provided with a diopter scale
(2) for rapid setting when the observer knows the correction
for his eye. The zero graduations indicate the settings for
lormal eyes.
(2) The left telescope is fitted with a glass reticle (fig. 9)
upon which are etched a vertical mil scale, a horizontal mil
scale, and a stadia graduated similarly to the sight leaf
graduation on the service rifle.
b. Use. — The field glass is used for observations
measurement of small horizontal and vertical angle
cal stadia scale (inverted sight leaf) is i
ry aiming marks in direct laying and
troop safety for overhead fire.
c. Preliminary adjustments; interpupillary distances. — To
adjust the glass so that the eyepieces are the same distance
apart as the pupils of the observer's eyes, point the
and open or close the hinged joint until the field
es to be two overlapping circles and appears
be one sharply defined circle. Note the reading on the
cale (3) , which indicates the spacing of the observer's eyes.
The similar setting of any other field glass will then
accommodate his eyes.
d. Focus of the eyepiece. — Look through the glasses, both
eyes open, at an object several hundred yards away. Place
the hand over the front of one telescope and screw the eye-
piece of the other in or out until the object is sharply de-
fined. Repeat this operation for the other eye and note the
197334°— 40 2 13
14
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
15
Figure 9. — Reticle graduations, field glass, type EE.
reading on the diopter scale. The similar setting of any
other field glass will accommodate the eyes.
e. Operation. — (1) In using the glass it should be held in
both hands and pressed lightly to the eyes so as to keep the
relation with the eyes constant without transmitting tremors
from the body. The bent thumbs should fit into the outer
edges of the eye sockets in such a manner as to prevent light
from entering in rear of the eyepieces. When possible it is
best to use a rest for the glass or elbows.
(2) The mil scales are seen when locking through the
glass, and by superimposing them upon the required objects
the horizontal and vertical angles may be read between
these objects.
/. Care. — The field glass is a rugged, serviceable instru-
ment but should not be abused or roughly handled.
15
CHAPTER 2
MARKSMANSHIP— KNOWN-DISTANCE TARGETS
Paragraphs
Section I. General 16-23
II. Preparatory marksmanship training 24-31
Jualification courses. 32-36
T. Range practice 37-39
Equipment; known-distance targets and
ranges; range precautions 40-43
3mali-bore practice 44-47
Section I
GENERAL
■ 16. Purpose. — The purpose of this chapter is to provide a
thorough and uniform method of training individuals to be
good rifle shots and of testing their proficiency in firing
known-distance targets.
■ 17. Necessity for Training. — a. Without proper training
a man instinctively does the wrong thing in firing the rifle.
He gives the trigger a sudden pressure which causes flinching.
However, if he is thoroughly instructed and drilled in the
of correct shooting, and is then carefully and
coached when he begins firing, he rapidly acquires
it shooting habits. It is much easier to develop into
lent shot a man who has never fired a rifle, than i
is to correct the errors of a man who has done a good deal
of shooting under improper supervision.
b. Rifle firing is a mechanical operation which anyone who
is physically and mentally fit to be a soldier can learn to do
well if properly instructed. The methods of instruction are
the same as those used in teaching any mechanical operation.
The training is divided into steps which must be taught in
proper sequence. The soldier is carefully coached and is
corrected whenever he starts to make a mistake.
16
TJ. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
18-20
; unt:
il
■ 18. Fundamentals. — To become a good rifle shot the sol-
dier must be thoroughly trained in the following essentials
of good shooting :
a. Correct sighting and aiming.
b. Correct positions.
c. Correct trigger squeeze.
d. Correct application of rapid Are principles.
e. Knowledge of proper sight
■ 19. Phases of Training. — a. Maris
divided into the following phases:
(1) Preparatory marksmanship trail
b. No individual' should, be given range •>•„' ._«> ai
has had a thorough course in preparatory training.
c. The soldier should be proficient in mechanical training
before he receives instruction in marksmanship training.
d. Every man who is to fire on the range will be put through
the entire preparatory course. No distinction will be
etween recruits and men who have had range practice,
eir previous qualification. Some part of
preparatory instruction may have escaped them in previous
years; it is certain that some of it has been forgotten, and ir
any case it will be helpful to go over it again and refresh
mind on the subject.
e. When necessary and when time permits, all of the non-
commissioned officers of the company should be put throu
a course of instruction and required to pass a rigid test
the period . of preparatory training for the
gins.
■ 20. Practice Seasons. — a. Regular. — (1) Under ordinary
conditions the regular practice season for the Regular Army
will cover a period of not more than 3 weeks for each organiza-
tion. A period of 1 week should be devoted to preparatory
exercises and 2 weeks to range practice. When unforeseen cir-
cumstances are such as to cause a delay during the period of
instruction, the time may be extended by the post commander.
(2) The regular practice season for units of the National
Guard and other components of the Army will be of such
duration and ordered at such times as may be best suited for
effective training.
17
20-23
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
(3) It is advisable that battalions or smaller units be
relieved from routine garrison duty during the period of
preparatory training and range practice.
(4) In order that officers and enlisted men of the Regular
Army, National Guard, and Organized Reserves may be famil-
iar with their exact duties of marksmanship training during
mobilization, organizations should not exceed the number of
hours set forth in model schedules (par. 141) . Under no con-
ditions will any man be given range practice until he has
had a thorough course in the preparatory exercises.
b. Supplementary. — Supplementary practice is not neces-
regular practice season has been efficiently
in cases where a large number of unquali-
fied men join the organization after the regular practice sea-
son. The supplementary practice season is usually placed
as late in the fall as is consistent with efficient instruction.
However, this practice may be held at any time when circum-
stances make it advisable.
sary when the
conducted, exo
■ 21. Continuous Practice. — Rifle practice is not limited to
a particular season. Subject to ammunition allowances, com-
manding officers will adopt such measures as may be neces-
sary to maintain a high state of excellence in rifle firm
throughout the year. The particular measures adopted wil
depend upon the facilities near the post or station,
measures taken may provide for competitions betweer
viduals or organizations or the encouragement of
rifle teams.
-As part of their recruit
nig,, an i^iuuo aim™ vvjth the rifle will be thoroug
structed in mechanical training and in the funda
elements of rifle marksmanship — sighting and aiming, posi-
tions, trigger squeeze, and rapid fire. They will be given a
final examination and should fire one of the small-bore quali-
fication courses outlined in paragraph 47. Instruction in
rifle marksmanship will commence with the initial instruction
of the recruit and will continue throughout the period of
recruit training.
■ 23. Leaders and Commanders; Duties and Equipment. — a.
Duties. — (1) Squad leader. — (a) Organizes the work in his
18
TT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
23-24
p:
(
P
o;
squad so that each man is occupied during the preparatory
period in the prescribed form of training for target practice.
(b) Examines each man in his squad at the end of the
training on each preparatory step and assigns him a mark in
the proper place on the blank form showing state of training.
(c) Sees that each man takes proper care of his rifle and
that he cleans it at the end of each day's firing.
(d) Enforces correct aiming, position, and trigger squeeze
when fire is simulated in drills and maneuvers.
(2) Platoon leader. — Supervises and directs the squad
leader in training his squad; personally checks each man in
his platoon on the points enumerated on the blank form; and
examines each man along the lines outlined in paragraph 31.
(3) Company commander. — Requires the prescribed meth
ods of instruction and coaching to be carried out carefully
and in detail; supervises and directs the squad and platoon
leaders; in companies of less than 60 men, performs the duties
pre:cribed for platoon leaders in (2) above.
(4) Battalion commander. — Requires the officers and non-
ommissioned officers to be familiar with and understand the
described methods of instruction and coaching; supervises
he instruction within his battalion and requires the com-
panies to follow out the preparatory exercises and methods
of coaching carefully and in detail.
b. Equipment j — All equipment used in the preparatory exer-
cises must be accurate and be carefully made. One of the
objects of these exercises is to cultivate a sense of exactness
and carefulness in the minds of the men undergoing in-
struction. They cannot be exact with inexact instruments,
and they will not be careful when working with equipment
sing w
154).
that is carelessly made (see pars. 40 and
Section II
PREPARATORY MARKSMANS!
■ 24. General. — a. The purpose of prepa
ship training is to teach the soldier the essentials of good
shooting, and to develop fixed and correct shooting habits
before he undertakes range practice.
19
24
V. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
b. Preparatory marksmanship training is divided into six
steps, as follows, and should be concentrated in the period
of time allotted:
(1) Sighting and aiming exercises.
(2) Position exercises.
(3) Trigger-squeeze exercises.
(4) Rapid-fire exercises.
(5) Instruction in the effect of wind, sight changes, and
use of the score book.
(6) Examination of men before starting range practice.
c. The first four steps listed above are given in the se-
quence listed; each succeeding step involves the use of tec!
nique lea
in preceding steps. Instruction in the effec
f wind, sight changes, and the use of the score book
not a training step that need be given in any particula:
sequence, but will be given before the examination which
is the final step prior to range practice; these subjects can
be taught indoors during inclement weather.
d. Each of the first four steps starts with a lecture by the
instructor to the assembled group. This lecture includes
Lonstration by a squad which the instructor puts throui
exercises that are to constitute the day's work. Hi
shows exactly how to do the exercises that are to be taken
up and explains why they are done and their application to
rifle shooting. He shows how the squad leader organizes
the work so that no men are idle, and how they coach each
other when they are not under instruction by an officer or
amissioned officer. These talks and demonstrations
sential part of the training. If properly given they
terest and enthusiasm of the whole com-
ma for the work and give an exact knowledge of how each
step is to be carried on — something that men cannot get
from reading a description, no matter how accurate and de-
tailed that description may be. The instructor who gives
these talks and demonstrations may be the platoon leader
of his platoon, the company commander of his company; or
the battalion commander of his battalion; or he may be a
specially qualified officer who has been detailed as officer
in charge of rifle instruction. (See note.) The instructors
who apply the demonstrated exercises to the men of the
h-
5Ct
,i 5
20
TJ. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
24
command are the officers and noncommissioned officers of
the units undergoing instruction.
Note. — The terms "company" and "battalion" are used in ac-
cordance with the definitions contained In AR 245-5, and 240-5,
respectively. For instance these terms may refer to a troop or
squadron.
The blank form shown below should be kept by each
each platoon leader independently of
dws at a glance how
X
Fair:
Good:
x I
X Excellent:
— I
Excellent
X
and has
X
X
instruc-
X
X
tional
X X
ability :
/. The instruction must be thorough
Each n
dividual
able to
and it must be in-
must understand every point and be
explain each one in his own words. He must be
brought to as high a state of proficiency on all of the enu-
merated points as the time allowed for preparatory work will
21
24-25
TT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
O
a
12
i man is in
permit. The company commander will carefully supervise
the work. He should pick out men at random through the
different platoons from time to time and put them through
a test to see if the instruction is thorough and is progressing
satisfactorily.
fir. Interest and enthusiasm must be sustained and every-
thing possible should be done to stimulate them. As soon
as these exercises deteriorate into a perfunctory performance
of physical exercise they do more harm than good.
h. Careful attention will be paid to the essential points as
shown in the form of questions and answers in paragraph 31.
This will be consulted by the instructor during each step
of the preparatory work. Each man should be tested
horoughly before he is allowed to Are.
i. During the preparatory exercises, whenever a :
a firing position, the coach-and-pupil system is used. The
men are grouped in pairs and take turns in coaching each
other. The man undergoing instruction is called the pupil.
The man giving instruction is called the coach. When the
men of a pair change places the pupil becomes the coach
d the coach becomes the pupil.
Correct shooting habits should be acquired during the
preparatory training period. All errors must be noted,
brought to the attention of the pupil, and corrective action
taken. Each individual must be impressed with the impor-
tance of exactness in every detail. For example, there is no
such thing as an aim that is about right; it is either pel
or it is incorrect.
k. Practice
the prep
raunitic
involving aiming, and in all range firing, both sights of the
rifle should be blackened. Before blackening, the sights
should be cleaned and all traces of oil removed. The blacken-
ing is done by holding each sight for a few seconds in the
point of a small flame which is of such a nature that a uni-
form coating of lampblack will be deposited on the metal.
Materials commonly used for this purpose are carbide lamp,
22
TJ. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
25-26
cylinder of carbide gas, kerosene lamp, candles, small pine
sticks, and shoe paste. Carbide gas from a cylinder or a
lamp is the most satisfactory of the materials named.
■ 26. First Step — Sighting and Aiming (fig. 10). — a. First
exercise. — The instructor displays a sighting bar before his
group and explains its use as follows:
(1) The front and rear sights on the sighting bar repre-
sent enlarged rifle sights.
(2) The sighting bar is used in the first sighting and
aiming exercise because with it small errors can be seen
easily and explained to the pupil.
(3) The eyepiece requires the pupil to place his eye in
such position that he sees the sights in exactly the same
as seen by the coach.
(4) There is no eyepiece on the rifle, but the pupil lear
by use of the sighting bar how to aline the sights pror.
when using the rifle.
(5) The removable target attached to the end of the
sighting bar is a simple method of readily alining the sights
on a bull's-eye.
(6) The instructor explains the open and the peep sight
the assembled group, showing each man the illustrations
of a correct sight alinement (fig. 11 © © © and ®).
(7) First with the peep sight and then with the open
sight the instructor adjusts the sights of the sighting bar,
with target removed, to illustrate a correct alinement of the
sights. Each man of the assembled group looks through the
eyepiece at each of the sight adjustments.
23
26
V. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
(8) He adjusts the sights of the sighting bar with various
small errors in sight alinement and has each man of the
assembled group endeavor to detect the error.
(9) The instructor describes a correct aim, showing the
illustration to each man. He explains that the top of the
front sight is seen through the middle of the circle and
just touches the bottom of the bull's-eye, so that all of the
bull's-eye can be clearly seen (fig. 11® and©).
(10) The eye should be focused on the bull's-eye in aim-
ing, and the instructor assures himself by questioning the
men that each understands what is meant by focusing the
eye on the bull's-eye.
(11) The instructor adjusts the sights of
the removable target so as to illustrate a correct
quires each man of the group to look th:
yepiece to observe this correct aim.
(12) He adjusts the sights and the removable target of
the sighting bar so as to illustrate various small errors
and requires each man in the group to attempt to detect
the error.
(13) The exercise described above having been completed
the squad leader or other instructor, the men are placed
pairs and repeat the exercise by the co
ethod.
(14) As soon as a pupil is considered proficient in the
first sighting and aiming exercise, he is put through the
second and third sighting and aiming exercises by the in-
structor. Such pupils are then placed in pairs to instruct
each other in these two exercises by the coach-and-p
method.
mpt to detect
5en completed
:en are placed
ach-and-pupil
placed
mount
rest, the
upil
d is
erase. — (1) A rifle with sights blackened
rest and pointed at a blank sheet of paper
dox (fig. 12). Without touching rifle or rifle
coach takes the position illustrated and looks
through the sights. The coach directs the marker by com-
mand or improvised signal to move the small disk until the
bottom of the bull's-eye is in correct alinement with the
sights (fig. 11 ® and © ) and then commands; HOLD, to the
marker. The coach moves away from the rifle and directs
the pupil to look through the sights in order to observe the
correct aim.
24
26
V. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
(2) The marker moves the disk out of alinement. The
pupil takes position and directs the marker to move the disk
until the bottom of the bull's-eye is in correct alinement with
the sights. The coach then looks through the sights to see
if the alinement is correct.
(3) The coach alines the sights on the bull's-eye with
various slight errors to determine whether or not the . pupil
can detect them.
c. Third exercise. — (1) The object of this exercise is to
show the importance of uniform and correct aiming, and to
instill into the mind a sense of exactness. At 50 feet and
with a small bull's-eye a man should be able to place
lace all
ion for second sighting and aiming exercise.
larks so that they could be covered by the unsharp-
ened end of a lead pencil. (Pig. 12.)
(2) This exercise is conducted as follows: The rifle with
the sights blackened is placed in a rifle rest and pointed at
a blank sheet of paper mounted on a box. The pupil takes
the position illustrated and looks through the sights without
touching the rifle or rifle rest. The pupil directs the marker,
by command or improvised signal, to move the disk until the
bottom of the bull's-eye is in correct alinement with the
sights, and then commands: HOLD, to the marker. The
coach then looks through the sights to see if the alinement
is correct. Then without saying anything to the pupil, he
26
V. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
26
commands: MARK, to the marker. The marker without
moving the disk makes a dot on the paper with a sharp-
pointed pencil inserted through the hole in the center of
the bull's-eye. The marker then moves the disk to change
the alinement. The pupil and coach, without touching the
rifle or rifle rest, repeat this operation until three dots, num-
bered 1, 2, 3, respectively, have been made. These dots then
outline the shot group and the pupil's name is written under
it. The size and shape of the shot group will be discussed
and the errors pointed out. This exercise will be repeated
until proficiency is attained. (Kg. 12.)
Figure 13. — Position for third sighting and aiming exercise
on long ranges.
(3) This exercise should also be held, during the peric
of the preparatory training, at 200 yards on a 10-inch mov-
able bull's-eye (fig. 13), and if time permits at 500 yards
sn a 20-inch movable bull's-eye. These long-range shot
roup exercises teach the men to aim accurately at a distant
bull's-eye the outlines of which are indistinct. If the ex-
ercise is properly handled, it helps greatly to sustain interest
in the work. At 200 yards a man should be able to make a
shot group that can be covered with a silver dollar, and at
500 yards a shot group whii
diameter.
(4) Tissue paper may be used to copy off each pupil's
shot group at long range. The name of the pupil is written
27
26-27
0. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, Ml 903
on the tissue paper under the shot group he made. These
tracings are sent back to the firing line so that the pupil
can see what he has done.
(5) The third sighting and aiming exercise, especially the
200-yard shot group work, will be carried on during the time
devoted to the second and third preparatory steps. The
purpose of continuing these exercises is to bring backward
men up to; the proper state of proficiency and to assist in
keeping the men interested.
(6) Competition between the individuals of a squad to
see which can make the smallest shot group is of value in
creating interest in this exercise.
■ 27. Second Step — Positions. — a. General. — Instruction in
positions includes the use of the gun sling, taking up the
slack in the trigger, holding the breath while aiming, ai:
and the use of the aiming device.
b. Gun sling. — (1) The gun sling, properly adjusted, is of
eat assistance in shooting in that it helps to steady the
Hi
n
he sling should be adjusted to give firm support witno
discomfort to the soldier. The gun sling is readjusted for
drill purposes by means of the lower loop without changing
the adjustment of the upper loop.
(2) There are two authorized adjustments — the loop sling
and the hasty sling. The hasty sling is more rapidly
justed than the loop sling, but it gives less support in
tions other than the standing position,
(a) Loop adjustment (fli
:n the lower loop.
2. Insert the left arm through upper loop from right
to left, so that the upper loop is near the shoulder
and well above the biceps muscle.
3. Pull the keepers and hook close against the arm to
keep the upper loop in place.
hand over the top of the sling and
near the lower band
,he
Each man will be assisted by the instructor in secur-
rect adjustment for his sling. In a firing position
art without
eft
grasp tne rifle near tne lower band swivel so as
to cause the sling to lie smoothly along the hand
and wrist. The lower loop, not used in this ad-
justment, should be so loose as to prevent any
28
V. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
27
pull upon it. Neither end will be removed from
either swivel,
(b) Hasty sling adjustment (fig. 15) .
1. Loosen the lower loop.
2. Grasp the rifle just in rear of the lower band swivel
3. Throw the sling to the left and catch it above the
elbow and high on the arm.
4. Remove the left hand from the rifle, pass the left
hand under the sling, then over the sling, and
197334° — 40 3 29
27
V. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
regrasp the rifle with the left hand so as to cause
the sling to lie along the hand and wrist. The
sling may be given one-half turn to the left and
then adjusted. This twisting causes the sling to
lie smoothly along the hand and wrist.
which takes place when light pressure is applied is called
talcing up the slack. It is part of the position exercise because
this play must be taken up by the finger as soon as the correct
position is assumed and before careful aiming is begun. The
30
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
27
entire amount of slack in the trigger is taken up by one
positive movement of the finger.
d. Holding the breath. — (1) Holding the breath in the
proper manner while aiming is very important. It will be
found that a large proportion of men in any group under-
going instruction in rifle practice do not know how to hold the
breath in the proper manner. Each man must be carefully
instructed and tested on this point. The correct manner of
holding the breath must be practiced at all times during
position and trigger-squeeze exercises and whenever firing or
simulating Are.
(2) To hold the breath properly draw into the lung;
little more air than is used in an ordinary breath. Let out
a little of this air and stop the remainder by closing the throat
so that the air remaining in the lungs will press against the
closed throat. Do not hold the breath with the throat open
or by the muscular action of the diaphragm as if attempt 1
to draw in more air. The important point is to be c
fortable and steady while aiming and squeezing the trigge
!. Aiming. — The rifle is carefully aimed at a target each
le a firing position is assumed. The aiming device may
be used by the coach to check the aim.
/. General rules for positions. — The general rules which
follow are common to the prone, sitting, kneeling, and stand-
ing positions. The exact details of a position for any
ticular individual will depend on the conformation of
To
;he r:
assume any position, half face to tl
ssume the position.
(2) Upon assuming any position there is some point to
which the rifle points naturally and without effort. If this
point is not the center of the target, the whole body must
be shifted so as to bring the rifle into proper alinement.
Otherwise the flrer will be firing under a strain because he
will be pulling the rifle toward the target by muscu
for each shot.
(3) The right hand grasps the small of the stock. The
right thumb may be either around the small of the stock
or along the right side of the stock.
31
27
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
(4) The left hand is against or near the lower band
swivel, wrist straight, rifle placed in the crotch formed by
the thumb and index finger and resting on the heel of the
hand.
(5) The left elbow will be as nearly under the rifle as it
can be placed without appreciable effort.
(6) Ordinarily the second joint of the index finger con-
tacts the trigger. The first joint may be used by men the
length of whose arm or the size of whose hand is su<
to make it difficult to reach the trigger with the second
or to whom the first joint of the finger seems more
en the
nch as
tatural
Figote 16. — Prone position.
(7) The cheek is pressed firmly against the stock and
laced as far forward as possible without strain to bring thi
near the rear sight.
J) The butt of the rifle is held firmly against the should*
(9) The rifle should not be canted.
(10) Left-handed men who have difficulty with the right-
hand position will be allowed to use the left-hand position.
g. Prone position (fig. 16). — (1) Body lying at an angle of
about 45° to the line of aim with the spine straight; legs well
apart; inside of the feet flat on the ground, or as nearly so as
is possible without strain; elbows well under the body so as to
raise the chest off the ground; right hand grasping the small
of the stock; left hand near the lower band swivel, wrist
nd
he
32
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
27
straight, rifle placed in the crotch formed by the thumb and
index finger and resting on the heel of the hand; cheek
pressed firmly against the stock with the eye as near the
cocking piece as it can be placed without straining; gun
sling properly adjusted and tight enough to give firm sup-
port, butt of the rifle pressed firmly against the shoulder.
(2) The elbows should not be unduly spread apart be-
cause such separation results in an unsteady position and
brings the chest so near the ground that the neck has to be
strained backward in order to see through the sights. This
strained position of the neck interferes with good vision and
tends to make the firer unsteady. The exact angle of the
arms to the ground will depend upon the conformation of the
man. The right elbow should be so placed that the right
upper arm will not form an angle of less than 45° with the
ground.
(3) The exact position of the left hand will depend on the
length of arm and width of chest of the individual. It shou
be as near the lower band swivel as the conformation of t)
man will permit.
h. Sandbag rest position (fig. 17). — (1) The sandbag re
position conforms in every detail to the normal prone position
described above, with the addition of a sandbag which sup-
ports the left forearm, wrist, and hand.
(2) The bag is a little more than half full and tied near
the top so* as to leave considerable free space above the sand.
It is important that the sandbag be high enough to
taking of the normal prone position. The natural
have a low rest and to be very flat on the ground
Oows spread apart. This is a faulty position which
causes lower scores than if no rest at all were used. The
sandbag when properly adjusted is a great help. When it is
not properly adjusted it is a handicap.
(4) The sandbag rest position is used in the first stages
of a pupil's training, not to teach steadiness of holding but
to teach the correct trigger squeeze. By using the sandbag the
slight unsteadiness of the hold is avoided, and the temptation
to try to snap in the shot at the instant the sights touch the
bull's-eye is eliminated.
33
27 U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
(5) The coach will adjust the sandbag as follows:
(a) Have the pupil assume the prone position and aim at
the target.
(b) Set the sandbag on its bottom and arrange the sand
so that it is slightly higher than the back of the pupil's left
hand.
(c) Pacing the pupil, straddle the rifle barrel, and slide the
sandbag against the pupil's left forearm, so that the narrow
34
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
27
side of the bag supports his forearm and wrist and the back
of his hand rests on top.
(ct) Lower the sandbag to the proper height by pounding
it with the hand.
i. Sitting position (fig. 18). — (1) The firer sits half -faced
to the right; feet well apart and well braced on the heels,
forward from the hips with back straight; both arms resting
inside the legs and well supported; cheek pressed firmly
against the stock and placed as far forward as possible
without straining; left hand near the lower band swivel,
wrist straight, rifle placed in the crotch formed by the thumb
and index finger and resting on the heel of the hand.
35
27
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
(2) The sitting position is used in the field when firing
from ground that slopes downward to the front. In prac-
ticing this position the feet may be slightly lower than the
ground upon which the pupil sits. Sitting on a low sandbag
is authorized.
Figure 19. — Kneeling position.
(3) In the event the conformation of a man is such that
he cannot assume the prescribed normal position, such
changes as may be necessary to secure a steady, comfortable
position are authorized.
36
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
27
j. Kneeling position (fig. 19) . — The flrer kneels half -faced
to the right on the right knee, sitting on the right heel;
the left knee bent so that the left lower leg is vertical (as
seen from the front) ; left arm well under the rifle and
resting on the left knee with the point of the elbow beyond
faced to the right; feet from 1 foot to 2 feet apart; body
erect and well balanced; left elbow well under the rifle;
left hand in front of the balance, wrist straight, rifle placed
in the crotch formed by the thumb and index finger and
resting on the heel of the hand; butt of the piece high up
on the shoulder and firmly held; right elbow approximately
37
27
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
at the height of the shoulder; cheek pressed against the
stock and placed as far forward as possible without strain.
A position with the left hand against or under the trigger
guard and with the left upper arm supported against the
body is not a practical field position and is prohibited.
I. Procedure in conducting position exercises. — (1) Small
bull's-eyes are used as aiming points. These bull's-eyes
should be placed at a range of 1,000 inches and at different
will be nearly horizontal, or standard known-distance targets
may be installed at distances used on the known-i
range.
(2) Before taking up each phase of the position e:
the instructor assembles his squad or group, and —
(a) Shows them the proper method of blackening the
front and rear sights of the rifle, and has each pupil blacken
his sights.
) Explains and demonstrates the hasty sling adjustme:
assists each pupil to adjust his sling. He explains t;
loop sling adjustment and assists each pupil to adjust h
sling.
(c) Explains and demonstrates the proper manner of
taking up the slack and has each pupil practice it.
(d) Explains and demonstrates the proper man:
holding the breath and has each pupil practice it
(e) Explains and demonstrates the use of the aiming di
(/) Explains the general rules which apply to all
(g) Explains and demonstrates the different positii
(3) Following explanations and demonstrations the in-
struction becomes individual by the coach-and-pupil method.
Each pupil, after seeing that his sights are blackened, ad-
justs his sling, takes position, takes up the slack, aims care-
fully, and holds his breath while aiming. As soon as his aim
becomes unsteady the exercise ceases. After a short rest the
pupil repeats the exercise without further command. The
trigger is not squeezed in the position exercises. Exercises
are conducted in all positions.
(4) Duties of the coach. — In the position exercises the
coach sees that —
(a) The sights are blackened.
38
tT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
27-28
(b) The gun sling is properly adjusted, is tight enough to
give support, and is high up on the arm.
(c) The proper position is taken.
(d) The slack is taken up promptly.
(e) The pupil aims.
(/) The breath is held while aiming.
The coach checks the pupil's manner of holding his breath
by watching his back. The pupil's aim may be checked oc-
casionally by means of the aiming device.
■ 28. Third Step — Trigger Squeeze. — a. Importance of trig-
ger squeeze. — (1) The most important item in rifle shooting
is to squeeze the trigger in such a way as to fire the rifle
without affecting the aim. Misses and poor shots are due
to spoiling the aim just before the discharge takes place.
This is done by jerking the trigger and flinching'. The
t be squeezed so steadily that the flrer cannot
stant the piece will be fired. If a man squeezes
the trigger so steadily that he cannot know when the dis-
charge will take place, he does not spoil his aim and he will
not flinch, because he does not know when to flinch.
(2) No good shot attempts to discharge the piece instantly
on alining his sights on the mark. He holds his aim
tely alined on the mark as possible and main
y increasing pressure upon the trigger until tl
i. This method of squeezing the trigger must
out in all simulated firing or the value of the pr;
lost.
(3) There is only one correct method of squeezing the
trigger — a steady increase of pressure so that the flrer doe
not know when the discharge will take place.
(4) Expert shots are men who through training have
learned to increase the pressure only when the sights are in
correct alinement with the bull's-eye. When the sights be-
come slightly out of alinement, they hold what they have
with the finger and only continue the increase of pressure
when the sights again become properly alined.
(5) The difference between poor shots and good shots is
measured in their ability to squeeze the trigger properly.
Any man with fair eyesight and strength can aline the sights
on the target and hold them there for an appreciable length
39
28
V. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, Ml 903
of time. When he has acquired sufficient will power and
self-control to forget that there is to be an explosion and
a shock, and squeezes the trigger with a steady increase of
pressure until the rifle is fired, he has become a good shot,
and not until then. This squeeze of the trigger applies to
rapid Are as well as slow fire. The increase of pressure is
faster in rapid fire but the process is the same.
b. Calling the shot. — The pupil must always notice where
the sights are pointed at the instant the rifle is fired, and
call out at once where he thinks the bullet will hit. Shots
are called even when simulating fire at a mark, so as to
acquire the habit and to develop a closer hold. No man
can become a good shot until he is able to call his shot
before it is marked. Inability to call a shot indicates the
firer did not know where the sights were pointing at the
time the rifle was fired; in other words, he shut his eyes
first and fired afterward.
c. Trigger-squeeze exercise. — (1) General. — (a) The in-
structor explains to the assembled squad or group the impor-
tance of correct trigger squeeze. He assures himself by ques-
tions that each pupil understands what is meant by a steady
increase of pressure; that is, that the increase is only applied
when the aim is correct and then by a steady increase am
not by a sudden pressure. The instructor explains the nei
sity for calling the shot. The above points having
explained, the instruction becomes individual by
coach-and-pupil method supervised by the instructor
(b) The pupil is first taught the trigger squeeze in the
prone position with the sandbag rest. In this position he can
hold steadily and has not the temptation to snap the shot the
instant the front sight touches the bull's-eye, as he has in a
less steady position. After he has learned the principles of
correct trigger squeeze with the sandbag rest, he is instructed
in the other positions, but for the first half day at least he is
not allowed to squeeze the trigger except in the prone position,
first with, and then without, the sandbag rest.
(c) A great deal of trigger-squeeze exercise is .necessary,
but it must be carefully watched and coached. Trigger
squeeze exercise that is not along the right lines is worse
than none.
40
TJ. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
28-29
(d)
(e)
(d) Soldiers should not be allowed to simulate fire until
they have been thoroughly instructed in trigger squeeze, and
then in all drills and field exercises where fire is simulated
they should be cautioned to aim at definite objects and to
carry out the correct principles of aiming, squeezing the trig-
ger, and calling the shot.
(2) Procedure. — The instruction is individual by the coach-
and-pupil method. Aiming targets similar to those men-
tioned for the position exercises are used. The exercise is
conducted at will in a manner as outlined for the position
the coach. — In the trigger-squeeze exercises
nsures that —
sights are blackened.
(b) The gun sling is properly adjusted, is
give support, and is high up on the arm.
(c) The proper position is taken.
The slack is taken up promptly.
The pupil aims, checking occasionally by
device.
he breath is held while aiming. He checks th
eathing by watching the back of the pu
(g) The trigger is squeezed properly.
(h) The pupil calls the shot.
. Fourth Step — Rapid Fire. — a. General prindples.-
he points learned in slow fire are applied in rapid
It is especially important that the men understand that the
aim and the trigger squeeze are the same as in slow fire.
Time is gained by taking position rapidly, by working the bolt
rapidly, by reloading the magazine quickly and without fum-
bling, and by keeping the eye on the target while working
the bolt.
(2) The importance of correct rapid-fire training
be too strongly emphasized. This is a phase of instruction
that is often neglected. In rapid fire, accuracy is not sac-
rificed for rapidity. Through training, accurate fire becomes
more and more rapid until the ability to fire from 10 to 15
accurate shots per minute is acquired, but no man will be
permitted to attempt to fire more than 10 shots per minute
until he has had long training on the rifle range and has be-
41
29
V. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
come a seasoned shot. Recruits having target practice for
the first time should not be admonished for failing to fire the
prescribed number of rounds in the stated time limit. It is
advisable to extend the time 10 or 15 seconds when they first
begin rapid-fire practice on the range.
(3) Careful coaching is essential to prevent acquiring the
habit of looking into the chamber while working the bolt.
The man who looks into the chamber works the bolt slowly.
He loses time in finding his own target again and often fires
on the wrong target. The application in war is apparent;
a soldier who takes his eye off an indistinct target to look into
the chamber while working the bolt may be unable to locate
his target again.
b. Bolt-operation exercise. — (1) General. — (a) This exer-
se is held for the purpose of acquiring a smooth and rapid
operation. The trigger is tied back to the trigger guard
irder to cause the bolt action to be the same as it is
when the trigger is pressed. If the trigger is not thus
tied, the piece will remain cocked when the bolt is closed, and
the amount of force necessary to raise the bolt again will be
less than when actually firing or simulating firing. Cam sur-
faces on the bolt should be lubricated to avoid undue wear
uri:
g these exercises.
Practice in bolt-operation exercise should be held
positions, and no pupil will be considered proficient un
an operate the bolt at least 20 times in 20 seconds wt
in the prone position. The first hour of rap
should be devoted to bolt-operation exer
each pupil should be given additional practice from time
time until he is considered proficient.
(2) Procedure. — The exercise is conducted by the coach-
and-pupil method. The instructor explains and demonstrates
that the bolt is jerked fully back and forced home with prac-
tically one motion, instead of by four distinct motions as men
are inclined to do at first; that the elbows and the butt of
the rifle remain in place; that the muzzle is allowed to drop
down and to the right as the bolt is opened, and returned
to the horizontal as the bolt is closed. Emphasis is placed
upon the detailed duties of the coach as listed in (3) below.
Exercises should not be continued longer than about 20 sec-
42
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
29
onds at a time. Frequent changes of coach and pupil are
necessary to prevent undue fatigue. After requiring the pu-
pils to assume a firing position, the instructor commands: 1.
BOLT-OPERATION EXERCISE, READY, 2. EXERCISE, 3. CEASE
FIRING, 4. REST.
(3) Duties of the coach. — In the
the coach insures that —
(a) The bolt is operated properly a:
(c) The right hand is brought to the sn
the rifle to a horizontal position, and the cheek placed aga
the stock each time the bolt is closed.
id) The butt of the rifle is kept against the shoulder,
(e) The elbows are kept on the ground if in the prone
position, or between the legs if in the sitting position.
(/) No attempt is made to aim or press the trigger,
c. Taking positions rapidly. — (1) Prone position. — (
21 ®.) — The movement is described by the numbers
purpose of instruction in the sequence of the mov
After this sequence is learned the position will be
one motion.
Being at the ready, sling adjusted, points selected
at which right and left elbows are to rest when
in the prone position, and the point on tr.
ground just below the butt of the rifle whe
the firing position marked, the rifle grasped
the left hand just below the lower band and
right hand at the heel of the stock, bend
knees to the ground.
Place the butt of the rifle on the ground at
point marked.
Place the left elbow on the ground.
Place the butt of the rifle against the right shoulder
with the right hand, at the same time spreading
the feet apart.
5. Grasp the small of the stock with the right hand
and place the right elbow on the ground.
(b) (Fig. 21©.) — The movement is described by the num-
bers for the purpose of instruction in the sequence of move-
ment. After this sequence is learned the position will be
3.
4-
43
29
IT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
taken as one motion. These movements will bring the firer
into his normal position with the rifle pointing at the target.
Care should be taken to place the butt of the rifle on the
ground without jar and to place the elbows on the ground in
the same manner. With practice this position can be as-
being placed on the shoulder, and the left elbow will come
to the ground at almost the same time that the backward
movement of the body is completed.
44
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
29
1. Being at the ready, sling adjusted, points selected
at which right and left elbows are to rest when in
the prone position, throw the right foot well back
and bend the left knee as low as possible, placing
the butt of the rifle on the ground 4 or 5 inches
to the left, and slightly in front of the spot where
the right elbow is to rest. The grip of the rifle
is retained with both hands.
197334°— 40 4 45
29
IT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
2. Place the right elbow on the ground.
3. Place the left leg back near the right one, feet
apart, and slide well back while lying on the belly.
4. Take the butt of the rifle off the ground and place
it against the right shoulder.
5. Lower the left elbow to the ground.
(2) Rushing. — (a) Being in the prone position with the
rifle loaded and locked and with the sight leaf laid down,
loop sling adjusted on the left arm, the
! command is: 1.
PREPARE TO RUSH
(b)
prepare to rush, 2. UP. At the command
Draw the arms in until the hands are opposite the
chin, elbows down and away from the body. At
the command UP —
Raise the body by straightening the arms.
Shift the weight of the body to the right leg and
arm and bring the left leg forward with the
ully bent.
ing forward and run to the firing point. G
,he rifle with both hands, left hand just be!
the lower band and the right hand at the si
of the stock.
Upon arrival at the firing point —
1. Advance the left foot, turning it across the front
of the body.
2. Drop forward on the outside of the left knee and
at the same time extend the rifle, grasped in
both hands and held vertically, so that the butt
strikes the ground at full arm's length directly
in front of the left knee.
3. Pivoting on the left knee and the butt of the rifle,
roll forward on to the left elbow and left side.
4. With the right hand raise the sight leaf, unlock
the piece, and place the butt of the rifle on the
right shoulder.
5. Grasp the small of the stock with the right hand
and place the right elbow on the ground.
(c) If the hasty sling is used (fig. 22) it will be necessary
to modify the steps in taking the prone position described
in (b) 3 and 4 above, respectively, as follows:
46
29
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
Pivoting on the left knee and the butt of the rifle,
roll forward on the right elbow and right side.
Throw the sling to the left and catch it above the
elbow and high on the arm. Remove the left
hand from the rifle, pass the left hand under the
sling and then over the sling, and regrasp the
rifle just below the lower band with the left hand.
Place the left elbow on the ground.
(3) Sitting position, — (a) To assume the sittini
rapidly, break the fall by placing the right hand on
ground slightly to the right rear of the spot on which to si
(b) In practicing for range firing, first sit down and aim
at the target in the normal sitting position. Then mark
the position of the heels and the spot on which to sit. Then
at the command ready on the firing line, stand with the
in the places made for them. As the target appears,
lown on the spot marked, breaking the fall with the
t hand, place the butt of the rifle on the shoulder with
it hand, grasp the small of the stock with the right
and assume the aiming position.
(4) Kneeling position. — To assume the kneeling position
rapidly —
(a) From standing. — First kneel and aim at the tar;
the normal kneeling position. Then mark the posi'
the feet and the right knee. At the command ready
:ng line, stand with the feet in the places marke<
them. As the target appears, kneel with the right kn
on the spot marked, place the butt of the rifle on th
shoulder with the right hand, grasp the small of the stock
with the right hand and assume the aiming position.
(b) After a rush. — Upon arrival at the firing point, kneel
on the right knee, with the right hand raise the sight leaf,
unlock the piece, and place the butt of the rifle against the
right shoulder. Grasp the small of the stock with the right
hand and assume the aiming position.
(5) Practice required. — Taking positions rapidly from the
standing position and after a run should be practiced at will,
using the coach-and-pupil system.
d. Rapid-fire exercise. — (1) General. — The instructor as-
sembles his squad or group and explains and demonstrates —
48
XT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
29
(a) The correct method of loading a clip of ammunition
into the magazine, using dummy cartridges for the demon-
stration (par. 13a).
(b) The working of the bolt while in the prone and sitting
positions.
(c) The disadvantage of looking into the chamber while
working the bolt and of looking into the magazine to see if
there are any more cartridges left.
(d) That the follower holds the bolt back when the maga-
zine is empty. W jl
,e) That the butt of the rifle is never taken from the
oulder when working the bolt.
(/) That a quick, confident movement of the hand in
taking the clip from the belt and placing it in the clip slot
is more rapid than a hurried movement.
(2) Procedure. — In conducting rapid-fire exercises, the
group under instruction is paired off, coach and pupil, and
placed on line. Full-sized targets are placed at 200 and 300
yards from the men under instruction, with some simple ar-
ngement permitting the target to be exposed to view for
e prescribed period of time. Rapid-fire exercises ma
conducted at shorter ranges using targets proportionately
reduced in size. Sights are set to correspond to the range
being used. The commands and procedure are exactly the
same as rapid fire on the rifle range except that practice
dummy ammunition is used. For example, the pupil stands
with sights properly set and blackened, sling adjusted on his
arm, and with two clips of practice dummy cartridges in his
position to be used, commands, 1. with dummy cartridges,
LOAD, 2. READY ON THE RIGHT, 3. READY ON THE LEFT, 4. READY ON
the firing line, 5. CEASE FIRING, 6. UNLOAD. At the
first command the rifles are loaded and locked. At the fourth
command rifles are unlocked. When the target is exposed
pupils take position rapidly and attempt to simulate firing
10 rounds, reloading from the belt. Upon completion of the
exercise any cartridges remaining in the rifle are removed and
the bolts left open. The sight leaf is immediately laid.
During simulated firing the soldier should never take his
eye from the target except to reload. He should count his
]
49
29-30
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
shots as he fires in order to know when the magazine is
empty and thus avoid the loss of time incident to the effort
of shoving the bolt forward when the follower blocks the
bolt. The exercise is conducted from the standing position
to the prone, sitting, and kneeling positions, and from the
prone position rushing forward to the prone and kneeling
positions.
e. Duties of the coach. — In a rapid-fire exercise the coach
n sling is properly adjusted.
(3) The correct position is taken.
(4) The slack is taken up promptly.
(5) The breath is held while aiming.
(6) The trigger is squeezed properly.
(7) The bolt is worked rapidly.
(8) The eye is kept on the target, the elbows kept in place
butt of the rifle kept to the shoulder while worki:
(9) The magazine is reloaded quickly and without fumblin
0. Fifth Step — Effect of Wind; Sight Changes;
re Book. — a. Wind. — (1) In firing at 600 yards or undi
the effect of the weather conditions (except that of the wind)
on the bullet can be disregarded. The influence of wind
must be carefully studied.
(2) The horizontal clock system is used in describing the
direction of the wind. The firing point is considered the
center of the clock and the target is at 12 o'clock. A 3
lock wind comes directly from the right. A 6 o'clock
d comes straight from the rear. A 9 o'clock wind comes
ectly from the left. A wind that is constantly changing
its direction back and forth is called a fishtail wind.
(3) The force of the wind is described in miles per hour.
The force of the wind is estimated by throwing up light,
dry grass, dust, or light paper and watching how fast it
travels, by observing the danger flags, and by the mirage.
In general, a light breeze is a 5 to 8 mile wind; a fairly
strong breeze is a 10 to 12 mile wind. Wind blowing 20
miles an hour is very strong.
50
V. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
30
(4) Wind from either side blows the bullet out of its
path. This must be allowed for by moving the rear sight
toward the wind by means of the wind gage. The worst
kind of a wind in which to shoot is a fishtail wind at 12 or
6 o'clock. The amount the bullet will be blown from its
path depends on the force and direction of the wind and on
the distance to the target.
(5) The amount of windage to allow for the first shot is
shown in the wind-gage diagram in the score book. It can
be found approximately by applying the wind rule.
(6) After the first shot is marked the correction necessary
in windage is found by referring to the ruled targets in
the score book showing the windage correction for each
range. Windage corrections can also be estimated by ap-
plying the wind-gage rule given in c below.
b. Wind rule. — (1) The range (expressed in hundreds of
yards) multiplied by the velocity of the wind and divided by
10 equals the number of quarter points to allow for a 3
clock or 9 o'clock wind. (M1906 ammunition.)
Example: At 500 yards the wind is blowing 8 miles per
5 Y8
hour at 3 o'clock; equals 4 quarter points or 1 point
of windage. The sight should have 1 point of right wini
for the first shot.
(2) As the direction of the wind gets nearer and nearer to
12 or 6 o'clock the amount of windage necessary becomes
less and less. Winds 1 hour away from 3 and 9 o'clock re-
quire only slightly less windage. Winds 1 hour away from
12 and 6 o'clock require almost half as much windage as
ilock winds.
) Winds that are at 12 o'clock require no windage, but
is a very rare thing to have a steady wind from either
12 or 6 o'clock. Strong winds from 12 o'clock tend to re-
tard the bullet a little, and winds from 6 o'clock tend to
accelerate it, but the amount is so slight that a correction
in elevation is very seldom necessary. At the most this
allowance is very small.
c. Wind-gage rule. — (1) One point of windage moves the
point of impact of the bullet 4 inches for each 100 yards
of range. Thus 1 point of windage will move the hits 8
dage
51
30
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
inches at 200 yards, 12 inches at 300 yards, and 20 inches at
500 yards. This rule is not exact but is near enough for all
practical purposes.
(2) The point of impact of the bullet will move in the
same direction as the rear sight is moved. For example, if it
is desired to move the hits to the left, the rear sight must
be moved to the left; if it is desired to make the hits strike
lower and to the right, the rear sight must be moved down
and to the right.
d. Mirage. — (1) Heat waves that can be seen near the
ground are called mirage. The direction in which thes'
waves are blowing and their speed are watched by good
riflemen in judging the direction and velocity of the wind.
The mirage is of assistance in judging the wind principally
on bright days when there is a light, variable breeze.
(2) In a moderate wind the waves seem to race across the
ange and to lie close to the ground. In a light wind th
s do not lie so close to the ground and appear to mov<
slowly. In strong winds the mirage cannot be seen.
(3) When there is no wind or when the wind is at 12
or 6 o'clock the mirage seems to boil. The boiling of the
mirage signifies that the wind is changing direction. The
firer should wait until the mirage begins a steady flow from
one side or the other before firing.
(4) Mirage can be seen much better with a field gl;
telescope than with the eye alone.
e. Elevation rule. — (1) Changing the elevation
at any range will give a change on the target,
equal to the square of the range (expressed in hundreds of
yards) .
Example: At 200 yards, changing the elevation 100 yards
makes 4 inches change on the target; at 300 yards, 9
inches; at 500 yards, 25 inches; at 600 yards, 36 inches.
This rule is not exact but is near enough for all practical
purposes.
(2) The horizontal lines in the model targets in the score
book also show how much change to make in the elevation
at each range. When a change in elevation is necessary
it is best to consult the model target in the score book before
deciding how much of a change to make.
52
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
30
/. Light. — (1) Light has no effect on the bullet but does
affect the aim. The effect of changes of light is very slight
with most riflemen. The correction for variations in light
does not exceed 25 yards in elevation at any range. The
effect of changes of light is not uniform in its effect upon
the aim of all riflemen.
(2) As a general rule men unconsciously aim a little lower
in a poor light than in good light, and consequently need
more elevation when the light is poor. This lowering of
the aim is due to the fact that the outline of the bull's-eye
is not distinct in a poor light; therefore men cannot hold
as close to the bull's-eye and still- be sure of their aim. As
lights exist on dark days when there is a haze
on very bright, warm days, when there is a
age; and when the sun is back of the target.
;ht for shooting is when the sky is uniformly
overcast and there is sufficient light to see the target clearly.
(3) Sunlight from one side has the same effect with most
men as wind from that side. This is because the side of
the front sight toward the sun is more clearly defined and
(consciously held under the center of the bull's-eye. Such
lding places the bullet on the opposite side of the bull's-
e from the sun. The allowance of windage for sunli
varies from zero to almost one-half a point. In mak
this allowance the sight is moved toward the sun.
fir. Zero of a rifle. — (1) The zero of a rifle for each range is
the point at which the rear sight must be placed for both
elevation and windage in order to hit the center of the bull's-
eye on a normal day when, there is no wind. This zero may
not conform to the marks on the sight leaf and the wind gage.
The zero of any one rifle may differ with different men, owing
to the difference in their way of holding the rifle or of
aiming.
(2) Each man must determine the zero of his own rifle for
each range. He does this by studying the data which he has
written in his score book concerning sight settings, sight
changes, light, and the direction and velocity of the wind.
The zero of a rifle is best ascertained on a day with an over-
cast sky when there is no wind. Having learned the zero of
his rifle the rifleman computes all his windage and elevation
53
30
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
allowances for the first shot from this zero and not from the
zero marked on the rifle sight, unless the two correspond.
h. Shooting up or down hill. — In shooting either up or
down hill, less elevation is needed than when shooting on the
level. The steeper the hill the less elevation is needed, so
that when firing vertically up or down no elevation at all is
needed, no matter how distant the target. Slight slopes that
may be found on target ranges have no appreciable effect
upon the elevation used and require no correction.
i. Sight-setting and sight-changing exercises. — In these
exercises the instructor uses the full-sized A, B, and D t
gets, with spotters to indicate the position of the hits.
(1) The instructor assembles his squad or group, each pupil
having his rifle, score book, and pencil and conducts the exer-
cise as follows :
(a) Points out the wind gage and explains that each line
• division represents one point of windage.
(6) Points out the graduations on the sight leaf and
lins that the line directly under the number represe
le range.
(c) Explains the effect of wind and cautions the class to
disregard all atmospheric influences except wind.
(<Z) Explains the wind-gage diagram in the score book,
(e) Reads over and explains the wind rule, wind-gage ru
and the elevation rule. By asking questions he
lself that these rules are understood.
(/) Explains the horizontal and vertical lines i
targets in the score book and assures himself that
understands the use of this diagram.
(.g) Shows the pupils how to draw the elevation and wind-
age lines for each range on the blank targets of the score book
upon which they are to plot their shots during range firing.
Having explained the foregoing points to the assembled
group, the pupils are placed in pairs, and the instructor tests
the ability of the members of the class to set the sights
for the first shot by use of the wind rule or the wind-gage
diagram. Every time the sights are set each pupil examines
the sight of the pupil paired with him and tells the instructor,
when called upon, the sight setting used.
onto
iiat ea<
54
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, 111903
30
(1) Instructor tests ability to change sights intelligently
after first shot by referring to the horizontal and vertical
lines on the model target.
(2) Examples of sight-setting exercises.
(a) "You are at 500 yards and estimate the wind to be 10
miles at 3 o'clock; set your sights for the first shot. Jones,
what does Smith's sight read? Robinson, what should the
sight read? Each man whose teammate did not set his
sight at VA points right windage, hold up his ham
instructor, by questions and explanations, assi
who have made mistakes.
(b) "You are at 600 yards and estimate the wind
10 miles at 9 o'clock; set your sights for the first shot.
Suppose you fired and the spotter marked the hit here
(placing a spotter in the 4 space near the bull's-eye, at 3
o'clock) and you were sure your hold and trigger squeeze
were good; change your sights to bring the next shot into
the center of the bull's-eye. Johnson, what does Williaj
sight read? Snider, what should the sight read? Each
ate did not have his sight set at 2 points left
indage, hold up his hand." The instructor assists those
men who have made decided errors. Differences of less
than one-fourth point are matters of opinion in applying
the rules and are unimportant.
(3) The instructor gives a number of examples with the
at different angles and velocities and at the various
until the class thoroughly understands the use of
gage.
tor puts the class through similar exercises which
require changes in elevation.
(5) The instructor gives a number of examples which re-
quire changes in both windage and elevation until the prin-
ciples of sight changing are well understood by the class.
(6) Assuming the zero of the rifles to be away from the
normal both as to windage and elevation, the instructor
repeats the exercises.
(7) Examples of other sight-setting exercises.
(a) "Set your sight at 625 yards with 1% points of left
windage. Suppose you fire four shots hitting here (place
55
30
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
four spotters in the bull's-eye) , and your fifth shot goes here
(place spotter on 3 space at 11 o'clock). Jones, what are
you going to do now? Jenkins, what are you going to do?
You should not do anything to the sight. It is practically
certain that you squeezed the trigger improperly and
flinched. Not even a very sudden and violent change in
cause nearly that much of a
Its by changing
the weather or light could
difference. Don't try t>
the sights around."
(&) "For your first score
it at the si
have set your sight
you used in slow fir
fire. Suppose this to be 200 yards elevation
and zero windage and your group goes here (putting 10
spotters low and to the left) . Set your sight to bring the
next score into the figure. Miller, what does Wright's sight
read?"
(8) A group in rapid fire should strike the same place as
in slow Are. Rapid-fire groups that vary in position fr
slow-fire groups are due to imperfect trigger squeeze in rapi
iequently these groups are more scattered. Mei
Id endeavor to squeeze the trigger so that the rapid-fire
sight settings will be the same. But if there is a constant
variation in the two sight settings, each man should note it
in his score book and set his sight in rapid fire so as to make
the groups count as much as possible. Groups that ar
scattered all over the target cannot be corrected by chani
the sight.
j. Use of the score book. — (1) Each man must
book in which he records not only the value of the hits but
the location of each hit, the sight setting and sight changes,
the force and direction of wind, the kind of light, the hour,
the date, and such other data as may be of use in the future.
Spaces for these notes are provided on the score sheets of
the score book.
(2) The use of the score book on the range is important
for the following reasons:
(a) The plotting of the shots shows the firer the location
of his group.
(b) The wind-gage diagram indicates the windage to take
for the first shot. The model target shows by means of ver-
as
m
nust keep i
56
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
30
tical and horizontal lines the change in elevation and windage
necessary to place the group in the center of the target.
(c) Plotting the shots and recording the data as to light
and wind help the soldier to learn the zero of his rifle.
(d) The data written down as to sight settings and weather
conditions while firing at any range are of great assistance
in setting the sight correctly when again firing at that range.
recorded, the
scores fired
Where a number of scores have beer,
firer should get his sight settings fr
on days that were similar as to ligh
(3) The score book will be kept
firing. The coach assists him when nec
to write down, but the coach will neither plot
enter any data.
k. Score-book exercises. — The squad or larger group is as-
sembled in front of a full-sized B target, each man with score
lencil, and rifle. The class is divided into pairs. Each
cts as coach for the other man of his pair.
The instructor states the light and weather conditio
nd the range. He then indicates 10 successive ,
arget by means of a spotter and requires each man to plot
each shot as it is indicated, write down the data given from
time to time, and make the actual sight settings and cor-
rections on his rifle. Weather and light conditions assumed
by the instructor and changes announced during the exercise
should be such as are likely to occur on the rifle range.
(2) The pupils are told by the instructor to open the
score books at the first blank page and plot the shots an
write in the data as given to them. They are further in-
structed to write lightly so that erasures may be made allow-
ing the same page to be reused. The example as given will
be substantially as follows :
(a) "You are at 600 yards on the rifle range. You are get-
ting ready to fire a slow-fire score. There is bright sunlight.
The wind varies from 8 to 12 miles an hour in velocity and
from 1 to 3 o'clock in direction. When you are in position
ready to fire the first shot, the wind seems steady at 3 o'clock
and blowing about 8 miles an hour. Write in your data and
set your sights. Jones, where has Robinson set his sight?
57
30
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
Williams, where has Smith set his sight? You should have
a scant 1 Va points of right windage."
(b) "You fire your first shot and the spotter marks it here
(put spotter a close 4 at 7 o'clock). Decide what you are
going to do and set your sights. Dodd, what does McLean's
sight read? You should have moved your sight about one-
fourth a point to the right and raised it 25 yards so that
your sight should read 625 yards and a scant 1 V 2 or a strong
iy 4 of right wind
(c) "Your secc
cond shot goes here (spotter near center of
bull's-eye) ; your third shot goes here (spotter in bull's-eye
near the top) ; your fourth shot goes here (spotter in bull's-
eye near the bottom) ; your fifth shot goes here (close 4 at 9
o'clock) . The wind seems to be a little stronger, but you are
not sure. Your hold was all right. Johnson, what are you
r going to do? I would take half the correction called for by
the model target. Set your sight accordingly. You should
have about 1% points of right windage now. Your sixth shot
goes here (a bull's-eye near the edge at 3 o'clock) . Malone,
what are you going to do? The four on the fifth shot must
have been due to an error in aim or trigger squeeze, so put
your sight back to where it was before (\ x h points) .
d) "Before you fire your seventh shot you notice
has shifted to about 1 o'clock but is st
same rate. Wilson, where has Simpson set
Billings, what does the book say about a 1 o'clock wind?
You need almost half as much windage as for a 3 o'clock
wind. You should now have almost % point of right wind-
age. Set your sight there.
(e) "Your next shot goes here (a wide 4 at 6 o'clock) . Col-
lins, what correction has Brown made for his eighth shot?
You should have made no change in your sight. Your wind-
age is apparently correct and there has been no change in
the conditions. Your low shot was due to a poor aim or a
poor trigger squeeze. Do not try to correct your personal
errors by moving your sight around. Your eighth shot goes
here (bull's-eye) ; your ninth shot here (bull's-eye) ; your
tenth shot goes here (bull's-eye). Write in your notes and
exchange books with your teammate. Smith, has Williams
58
V. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
30-31
plotted all the shots correctly? Read the notes he has written
in his book."
(3) The instructor corrects errors and mistaken ideas and
makes a note of the pupils needing additional instruction.
their
on
■ 31. Sixth Step — Examination of Men Before Starting
Range Practice. — (The answers given herein are merely
examples. Men should be required to expla
own words.)
Q. What is this (drawing
paper) ? A. A circle.
Q. Where is the center of it? A. Here (pcintir
center) .
Q. Suppose that circle represents a peep sight through
which you are looking and that you are told to bring tl
of the front sight to the center of it; where would tl
of the front sight be? A. Here (pointing to the cent
the circle).
Q. Make a mark in the circle to represent the front sight.
Make a small circle to represent the bull's-eye. Is the bull's-
eye in the center of the peep sight? A. No; the bottom edge
tf it is in the center.
\4. Why? A. Because the top of the front sight is in
center and just touches the bottom edge of the bull's-es
Q. Should the front sight be held up into the botto:
the bull's-eye? A. No; it just touches the bottom edge of
the bull's-eye, so that all of the bull's-eye can still be clearly
seen.
Q. What is this (indicating sighting bar) ? A. Sighting
bar.
Q. What is it for? A. To teach me how to aim.
Q. Why is it better than a rifle for this purpose?
cause the sights on it are much larger and slight error;
be more easily seen and pointed out.
Q. What does this represent? A. The front sight.
Q. And this? A. The rear sight.
Q. What is this? A. The eyepiece.
Q. What is the eyepiece for? A. To cause me to place
my eye in such a position as to see the sights in the same
alinement as that set by the coach.
59
31
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
jU
ad
co:
po
JUL dKJL-
Q. Is there any eyepiece on the rifle? A. No; I learn by
the sighting bar how the sights look when properly alined,
and I must hold my head so as to see the sights the same
way when aiming a rifle.
Q. How do you hold your head steadily in this position
when aiming a rifle? A. By pressing my cheek firmly
against the side of the stock.
Q. Where do you focus your eye when aiming a rifle? A.
On the bull's-eye.
Q. Tell me what is wrong with these sights. (The in-
structor now adjusts the sights of the bar, making various
slight errors; first, to show the correct and incorrect ad
stments of the sights, and then, with the sights pn
isted, he sights on the small bull's-eye to demon:
correct and incorrect adjustments, requiring the man to
point out any errors.)
Q. What is the difference between the way you aim with
peep sight and the way you aim with an open sight? A.
There is no difference. In both, the top of the front sight
ght to the center of the circle. With the
top half of the circle is omitted, making i
top half of the circle had been cut cff and removed,
take this sighting bar and adjust the sights prop
(Verified by the instructor.)
Q. Now that the sights are properly adjusted, have the
small bull's-eye moved until the sights are properly aim
at it.
Q. How do you breathe while aiming? A. After I get m;
sights lined up on the bull's-eye, I draw in a little more than
an ordinary breath and let out a little, and hold the re-
mainder while aiming and squeezing the trigger.
Q. Take the prone position, aim and simulate firing a
shot at that mark. (The instructor must assure himself
that the man knows how to hold his breath properly while
aiming. Many men have great difficulty in learning to do
this correctly.)
Q. What is this? A. An aiming device.
Q. What is it used for? A. To show the instructor how
a man is aiming.
open
t look
nnupH
60
TJ. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
31
Q. Now, I will take this rifle, and with the aid of the sand-
bag rest to hold the rifle steady, I will aim at the bull's-eye,
and you will watch the sights through the aiming device and
tell me when my aim is right and when it is wrong, and
what the error is when wrong. (The instructor now aims
so as to illustrate the common faults and the man must
observe and call attention to them.)
Q. I will now simulate firing at a bull's-eye a few times
and you will watch through the aiming device and call
where the shots would have hit.
take this rifle and, using the sandbag rest, aim
the bull's-eye, and I will watch you through the aiming
device. (The instructor satisfies himself that the man
understands sighting and aiming, and requires him to simu-
late firing a few times and to call his shots.)
Q. I will take the rifle and assume the kneeling, sitting,
and prone positions, and position with sandbag rest, and
1 tell me whether the position is correct or incorrect
each case. (The gun sling is adjusted in all these tests.)
Q. Take this rifle and show me your kneeling, sitting, a
prone positions, and position with sandbag rest.
Q. Now show me how you take the sitting and prone po-
tions rapidly from a standing position.
Q. How do you squeeze the trigger? A. I squeeze the
trigger with such a steady increase of pressure that I
know just when the rifle will go off.
do you know while you are squeezing the tr
>w that the sights are lined upon the bull's-ey-
Q. If the sights are slightly out of alinement, what do
you do? A. I hold the pressure I have on the trigger and
only resume the increase of pressure when the sights be-
come lined upon the bull's-eye again.
Q. If you do this, can your shot be a bad one? A. No.
Q. Why? A. Because I cannot flinch, for I do not know
when to flinch, and the sights will always be lined up with
the bull's-eye when the rifle goes off, because I never in-
crease the pressure on the trigger, except when they are
properly lined up.
197334°— 40 5
61
31
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
OW1
c
Q. Is it necessary to take a long time to press the trigger
in this way? A. No. The method of squeezing the trigger
is slow at first but rapidity is developed by practice.
Q. How do you squeeze the trigger in rapid fire? A. I
squeeze it the same way as in slow fire, with such a steady
increase of pressure as not to know when the rifle will fire.
Q. In rapid fire how do you gain time so as not to be
compelled to hurry in aiming and squeezing the trigger?
A. I gain time by taking the position rapidly, working the
bolt rapidly, and by keeping my eye on the target while
working the bolt.
Q. How does keeping your eye on the target help you to
gain time? A. A man who looks into the chamber while
working the bolt always works it slowly so as to see the
cartridges enter the barrel and he loses time in finding his
own target again.
Q. What other fault, in rapid Are, comes from looking
o tne chamber while working the bolt?
ong target.
Q. Show me how you work the bolt i
sitting, and kneeling.
Q. Now show me how you load a clip
tion into the magazine.
Q. Is it important to get into the correct position before
beginning to shoot in rapid fire? A. Yes; even though
takes more time, I should always get into the correct positio
before beginning to shoot.
Q. What is meant by calling the shot? A.
you think the bullet hit as soon as you shoo
shot is marked.
Q. How can you do this? A. By noticing
the sights point when the rifle goes off.
Q. If a man cannot call his shot properly, what does it
usually indicate? A. That he did not squeeze the trigger
properly and did not know where the sights pointed at the
time the rifle went off.
Q. What is this? A. A score book.
Q. What are these lines for (indicating the horizontal
lines in the model target) ? A. To show the amount of
elevation necessary to bring the shot to the middle line.
62
TJ. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
31
Q. What are these lines for (indicating the vertical lines
on the model target) ? A. To show the amount of change
in windage necessary to bring the shot to the middle line.
Q. If a shot hits here (indicating), what change in your
sight would you make to bring the next shot to the center
of the bull's-eye?
Q. What effect does moving your rear sight have on the
shot? A. It moves it in the same direction as the rear
sight moves.
Q. If you want to make a shot hit higher, what do you do?
A. I increase my elevation.
Q. If you want to make your shots hit more to the right,
what do you do? A. I move my rear sight to the right
Q. If you move your rear sight one point of windage, how
much will it move the point struck by the bullet?
inches for each 100 yards of range.
Q. Explain what you mean by that.
Q. I will place this spotter on this target (full size 500-yar
target) to represent a shot properly fired by you at 500 ya:
with zero windage and sight set at 500 yards. Take your
rifle and move your sight to bring the next shot to the center
of the bull's-eye. (Instructor now tests in various ways the
man's ability to make proper sight corrections.)
Q. What are the three principal uses of the score book?
A. To show me where my shot group is located, to indicate
how much change in the sight is necessary, to move a shot
or group of shots to the center of the target, and to maki
record of the sight settings of my rifle for the differ
ranges under various weather conditions so that I will know
where to set my sight when starting to shoot at each range
under different weather conditions.
Q. Tell me what effect different light and weather condi-
tions have on a man's shooting.
Q. In firing at ranges up to and including 600 yards, what
is the only weather condition for which you make slight cor-
ctions? A. Wind.
,ge, how
00-yard
)0 yards
Q. What three things do you do in cleaning a rifle after it
has been fired? A. I first remove the powder fouling from
the bore. I then dry the bore thoroughly of the liquid used
63
31-33
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
in removing the fouling. After this is done I grease the bore
to protect it from rust.
Q. How do you remove the powder fouling from the bore?
A. By swabbing it thoroughly two or more times with clean-
ing patches saturated with water.
Q. How do you dry the bore? A. By running clean patch
through the bore until it is thoroughly dry.
Q. How do you protect the bore from rust? A. By swabbing
it thoroughly with a cleaning patch saturated with medium
rust-preventive compound or oil issued for this purpose.
ag
Section III
QUALIFICATION COURSES
General. — See AR 775-10 for informatii
fire the several courses, individual classif
cation, ammunition allowances, etc.
■See par. 38c (2).
64
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
Table III. — Slow fire
33
PJ.S
Time
| Shots
Target
Position
Sling
200
300
No limit. .
...do
5
5
A
Prone. Sandbag optional. _.
do
Loop.
Do.
A
500
...do
5
B
Do.
Table VI. — Rapid fire
Range
(yards)
Time
(seconds)
j Shots
Target
Position
S,ing
200
300
60
i 5
[ 5
D
Kneeling from standing
Loop or hasty.
Do.
70
D
Prone from standing- .. _ .
Table VII.-
a?
p c
W >>
Time
(seconds)
Jhots
Target
Position
Sling
200...
300...
70
i 5
i 5
D
Kneeling from prone, run-
ning 25 yards.
Prone from prone, running
25 yards.
Loop or hasty.
Do.
80
D
' See par. 38c (2).
65
33-34
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
b. Record practice.
Table VIII.— Slow fire
Range
(yards)
Time
Shots
Target
Position
Sling
200...
600...
No limit.
...do
10
A
B
5 standing, 5 kneeling ._
Prone
Hasty.
Loop.
Table IX. — Rapid fire
Time
(seconds)
Target
Position
Sling
Prone from standing .
Loop.
Table X. — Rapid fire
Range
(yards)
Time
(seconds)
Shots
Target
Position
200...
70
80
10
10
D
D
Kneeling from prone, run-
ning 25 yards.
Prone from prone, running
25 yards.
Note. — When a distance of 25 yards is not available, a shorter
' , reducing the time 2 seconds for each 5 yards.
truction practu
•Slow fire
Range
(inches)
Time
Shots
Target
Position
Sling
1,000.
No limit
5
A 1,000-inch.
do
Prone. Sandbag optional.. _
Loop.
Loop or hasty.
1,000.
1,000.
-..do
...do
...do
5
5
do
do
do
sitting _ ... . . ..
Kneeling... _ .. .
Standing--. . -.-
Do.
Do.
Do.
66
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
Table II. — Rapid fire
34
1 See par. 38c (2)
§"H
Time
i Shots
Target
Position
Sling
200...
300...
No limit.
...do
5
5
A
Prone. Sandbag optional.
do
Loop.
A
i CO
o'S
o3 53
Time
(seconds)
Shots
Target
Position
Sling
200...
300...
70
l 5
i 5
D
Prone from prone, running
25 yards.
do
Loop or hasty.
Do.
80
D
'See par. 38c (2).
67
34-35 IT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
b. Record practice.
Table VII.— Slow fire
Range
(yards)
Time
Shots
Target
Position
Sling
200...
No limit.
5
A
Standing.. _ _ . . _.
Hasty.
Loop or hasty.
300
...do
10
A
B 5
300.
03 03
200-.
300..
Table VIII. — Rapid fire
Time
(seconds)
70.
Target
Position
Prone from standing.
Table IX. — Rapid fire
Time
(seconds)
Target
Position
Prone from prone, running
25 yards.
do
Note. — When a distance of 25 yards is not available, a shorter
used, reducing the time 2 seconds for each 5 yards.
35. Cotjrse C-
x. Instruction practice.
Table I. — Slow fire
1, 000.
1, 000.
1,000.
1,000.
1,000.
Time
No limit.
...do
..do
—do
..do
Target
A 1, 000-inch.
do
do
do
....do
Position
Prone, sandbag optional
Prone
Sitting __
Kneeling
Standing..
Loop.
Loop or hasty.
Do.
Do.
Do.
68
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
Table II. — Rapid fire
35
1, 000.
1, 000.
Time
(seconds)
Target
D 1,000-inch.
do
Position
Prone from standing
Sitting or kneeling from
standing.
Sling
Loop or hasty.
Do.
■ See par. 38c (2).
Range
(yards)
Time
| Shots
Target
Position
Sling
200.-
200
No limit. .
—do
5
5
a -T7...
Kneeling ...
Loop or hasty.
Hasty.
A
Standing
69
35-36
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
Table VI. — Rapid fire
Range
(yards)
Time
(seconds)
Shots
Target
Position
Sling
200. ..
60
10
10
D
Kneeling from standing
Loop or hasty.
Do.
D
Prone from prone, running
25 yards.
200.-.
70 -
Note. — When a distance of 25 yards is not available, a shorter distance may be
used, reducing the time 2 seconds for each 5 yards.
36. Course D-
x. Instruction practice.
Table I. — Slow fire
Si
1, 000.
1, 000.
1, 000.
00
Time
No limit
..-.do—.
....do.—
.— d<
Target
A 1,000-inch.
do
do
do
do
Position
Prone. Sandbag optional. ..
Prone
Sitting
Kneeling
Standing
'able IT. — Rapid fire
Time
(seconds)
Target
D 1,000-inch-
do
.do-
Position
!>. Record practice.
Table III.— Slow fire
Prone from standing
Sitting or kneeling from
stauding.
Prone fro:
25 yards.
c 12
K§
Time
Shots
Target
Position
Sling
1,000-
1, 000-
No limit.
— -do
5
5
A 1,000-inch.
do
Kneeling.. ...
Loop or hasty.
Hasty.
Standing.. . —
70
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
36-37
Table IV. — Rapid fire
Range
(inches)
Time
(seconds)
Shots
Target
Position
Sling
1,000.
1,000.
60
10.
D 1,000-inch.
do
Kneeling from standing
Loop.
Loop or hasty.
70
10
Prone from prone, running
25 yards.
mi
Jm
re<
Section IV
RANGE PRACTICE
37. General.— a. Phases. — Range practice is initiated im-
mediately after completion of the preparatory training.
Range practice is divided into two parts — instruction prac-
tice and record practice.
b. Sequence of practice. — The practice season ope
instruction practice. Each person will complete instruct
practice before he proceeds with record practice. When
record practice is once begun by an individual it is com-
pleted before any other practice is permitted. As a rule,
record practice will not be fired by any rifleman on the
same day that he fires any part of instruction practice.
However, when the time allotted to range practice is very
limited, the officer in charge of firing may authorize record
day. Instruction
<e conducted simx
ranges where the firing points are in echelon or where the
two types of practice are conducted on different parts of the
same range.
c. Range personnel. — (1) Officer in charge of firing. — An
officer in charge of firing will be designated by the respon-
sible commander. It is desirable that he be the senior officer
of the largest organization occupying the range. The officer
in charge of firing, or his deputy, will be present during all
firing and will be in charge of the practice and safety pre-
cautions on the range.
(2) Range officer. — The range officer is appointed by the
post commander and is responsible to the latter for main-
firing on the same
practice will not be
nd record
except on
71
37
TT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
taining and assigning ranges, for designating danger zones,
and for closing roads leading into danger zones. The range
officer makes timely arrangements for material and labor to
place the ranges in proper condition for range practice. He
directs and supervises all necessary repairs to shelters, butts,
targets, firing points, and telephone lines. He provides for
the safety of the markers, and when necessary he provides
range guards and instructs them in the methods to be
used for the protection of life and property within the danger
area. He assists the officer in charge of firing by using the
ary to provide efficient service from the main-
onnel of the ranges.
,e noncommissioned officer. — A noncommissioned
such assistants as the post commander may deem
necessary will be detailed permanently during the range
practice season as assistant to the range officer. He is
responsible to the range officer that the target and pit
equipment is kept in a serviceable condition; that the desired
targets are ready for use at the appointed time; and tha
target and pit details are provided with the proper flags
irking disks, pasters, and spotters.
(4) Pit details. — Commanders of organizations firing will
provide such detail of officers, noncommissioned officers, and
privates as may be necessary to supervise, operate, mark, and
score the targets used by their respective organizations.
(Sf
pract
mane
(See par. 38 g.)
Uniform. — The
uniform to be worn during instructic
actice and record practice will be prescribed by the con
iding officer.
e. Pads. — Men will be required to wear pads on the shoulder
and, if the ground is hard, on the elbows for the first 3 or 4
days at least. A pad can easily be improvised by putting a
pair of woolen socks under the shirt so as to protect the
shoulder and the upper muscles of the arm. After a few days
of firing the muscles become hardened so that the pads are
not essential. (See par. 39 h(10).)
f. Cartridge belt. — The cartridge belt will be worn during
instruction practice and record firing.
g. Safety precautions. — (1) Bolts of rifles in rear of the
firing line will be kept open.
72
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
37-38
(2) Rifles will not be loaded in rear of the firing line.
(3) In rapid fire preceded by a run rifles will not be un-
locked until the firer reaches the firing point and is in the
prescribed firing position. (See par. 39 /(3) .)
(4) Loaded rifles will always be pointed in the general
direction of the targets.
(5) On open 1,000-inch ranges having no danger area be-
hind the backstop, all loading and unloading will be executed
with the muzzle directed toward the target, and in rapid fire
rifles will not be unlocked until the firer is in the prescribed
firing position.
(6) Ammunition at the firing point should be protect
from the direct rays of the sun.
(7) At the com
ompletion of each day's firini
before leaving the range, organization commanders should
cause all rifles and personnel to be inspected to insure that
rifles are clear of ammunition and that no ammunition is
in the possession of individuals.
(8) See AR 45-30 for regulations covering report of acci-
dent involving ordnance materiel.
■ 38. Instruction Practice. — a. General. — Instruction prac-
tice represents the application with service ammunition of the
iples taught in the preparatory training. The instru
n practice outlined for each course described in par
o 36, inclusive, is designed to serve as a i
general plan of beginning the practice at all ranges wit
the sandbag rest need be followed. Within authorized am-
munition allowances the number of shots to be fired at each
range is discretionary with the organization commander. The
amount of instruction practice is not limited to that outlined
in the tables. Such additional practice as time and ammuni-
tion allowances permit should be given.
b. Slow fire. — The first few shots fired on the range by
beginners will be slow fire from the prone position with the
sandbag rest; following this, slow fire from other positions is
conducted. The sandbag rest is used at the beginning of
the course, not to teach steadiness of hold but to facilitate
instruction in the proper method of squeezing the trigger.
The sandbag assures such a steady hold that the temptation
of the beginner to snap in his shot at the instant the sight
73
38
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
touches or drifts past the bull's-eye, which is the cause of
nearly all poor shooting, is eliminated. With the sandbag
rest the sights can be held fixed at the bottom of the bull's-
eye while the firer squeezes the trigger with such a" steady
pressure as not to know exactly when the rifle will fire, which
is the basis of all good shooting. The habit of the correct
trigger squeeze having been acquired by firing with a sandbag
rest will in all probability be retained while firing prone and
in the more unsteady positions — sitting, kneeling, and
standing.
Rapid fire. — (1) During rapid fire the tendency to jerk
ger, and consequently to flinch, is very strong. This
lust be corrected before it can become a fixed
habit.
(2) The tendency to flinch is eliminated by using clips
in which half the cartridges are range dummy. The dummy
and live cartridges are put into the clips by the coach in
such a way that the pupil cannot know which will go off and
which will not. Then, if he is not squeezing the trigger
h a steady pressure he will flinch or shove the shoulder
he shock, when there is a dummy in the
chamber and no shock occurs. The flinch is then apparent
to the coach and to everyone in the vicinity, including the
man doing the flinching. The result is that he makes a
determined effort to squeeze the trigger with a steady pres-
sure for all shots, so as not to appear foolish both to the
and to himself. During this kind of practice
watch the firer closely to see that
into the chamber while working the bolt, the value of the
practice is lost and a very bad shooting habit is acquired.
(3) Range dummy cartridges, very similar in appearance
to the service ammunition, are issued by the Ordnance De-
partment for this purpose. They are issued to use on the
rifle range with loaded. cartridges, and this is the only use
of them which is permitted. Practice dummy cartridges of
such shape and color as to be readily distinguished from the
service cartridge must be used in all other exercises re-
quiring the use of dummy cartridges.
74
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
38
(4) It is advisable to have each order, when it comes
to the firing point, simulate a score of rapid fire, using
dummy cartridges or having the cut-off turned down.
d. Coaching. — (1) General. — During instruction practice
the soldier works under the supervision of a coach. This
does not mean that each man must have an experienced
shot beside him. Any man of intelligence who has been
properly instructed in the preparatory work and who has
been given instruction in coaching methods can be used with
good results and should be used when more experienced
not available. It is good practice to have expert
in charge of one or more targets, usually on a flank,
lich particularly difficult pupils are sent for special
hing. Great patience should be exercised by the coach
not to excite or confuse the firer
Figure 23. — Position of the coach
(2) Position of the coach. — On the firing line the coach
will take a position similar to that of the man who is firing —
sitting, kneeling, or standing — so as to be able to
trigger finger and his eye. In the later stages
f instruction firing, the coach may be withdrawn from the
'ng line to observe his pupil from a point in rear; this
affords him an opportunity to observe the pupil's perform-
ance while the latter is working alone, as will be the case
in record practice. The pupil's errors should be noted and
brought to his attention at the completion of the score. In
exercises involving a rush, the coach follows his pupil to
the firing line.
(3) Watching the eye. — Errors in trigger squeeze, which
are the most serious and the hardest to correct, can be de-
75
38
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
tected by watching the pupil's eye. If his eye can be seen
to close as the rifle goes off, it is because he knew when it was
going off and consequently was not squeezing the trigger
properly. The explosion and the shock will cause a man to
wink, but this wink cannot be seen, due to the sudden move-
ment of the head that takes place at the same time. If the
flrer can be seen to wink it is because he winked first and
jerked the trigger afterward.
(4) Use of dummy cartridges in slow fire. — If the pupil is
seen to be flinching, or if he is doing poor or mediocre shoot-
ing, the coach first checks his aim by the aiming device.
Having assured himself that the pupil is aiming correctly,
the coach has him turn his head aside while he, the coach,
puts in a cartridge and shoves the bolt home. Occasionally
the coach loads in a dummy cartridge instead of a live one
it letting the pupil know what he has done. Then t
Figure 24. — Coach squeezing trigger.
flinch, indicated by the shoulder being shoved forward at the
same time that the trigger is pressed, will be evident even to
the firer himself. The coach then proves to him by squeez
tag the trigger a few times, as explained in (5) below, that h;
poor shooting is due to faulty trigger squeeze.
(5) Coach squeezing the trigger. — (a) To squeeze the trig
ger for the firer, the coach lies with his right elbow on the
ground to steady his hand, places his thumb against the trig-
ger, and his first finger against the back of the trigger guard.
In this way he can apply pressure to the trigger by a pinching
action of his thumb and first finger.
(6) The coach then watches the firer's back, and between
5 and 10 seconds after the firer begins to hold his breath he
applies enough pressure to discharge the piece. Shots fired
76
V. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
38
in this way are almost always accurately placed. After dis-
charging the piece a few times the coach lets the flrer try a
few shots alone, to see if he can press the trigger the same
way the coach pressed it, so as not to know just when the
rifle will go off. Sometimes it is necessary to repeat this
exercise, but the majority of beginners can be permanently
cured of the tendency to flinch by a few minutes of this kind
of coaching. Old shots who are flinchers require more time
and patience.
(6) Duties of coach in slow fire. — (a) The coach observes
ind corrects all errors. He pays particv
e sights are blackened and tha
at the correct range.
That the ammunition is free from dirt.
That the pupil has the correct position, gun sling
properly adjusted, body at the proper angle, el
bows correctly placed, and the cheek presse
firmly against the stock.
4. That the magazine is loaded from a clip in
correct manner.
That the slack is taken up promptly.
Whether or not the pupil flinches (by watching his
eye) .
7. That the pupil calls his shot each time he fires.
That the pupil keeps his score book correctly.
9. That the pupil is holding his breath properly (
watching his back occasionally)
81-
ed
he
10. That tt
the
(b) When necessary, the coach applies
methods described in (4) and (5) above.
(7) Duties of the coach in rapid fire. — (a) The coach
observes the pupil carefully and corrects all errors. He pays
particular attention to see —
1. That the sights are blackened and that they are
set at the proper range.
2. That the gun sling is properly adjusted.
3. That the pupil assumes the correct position.
4. That he takes up the slack promptly.
197334° — 40 6
77
38
TT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
5. Whether or not the pupil flinches (by watching
his eye).
6. That he works the bolt rapidly.
7. That while working the bolt the pupil keeps his
eye on the target, the rifle to his shoulder, and
his elbows in place.
8. That he reloads the magazine from, a clip properly
and quickly.
(b) These operations follow each other, and the coach
can watch each in turn. The coach will also at times
the pupil's back to see if he holds his br
each shot.
(c) Any lack of a smooth and rapid bolt operation indi-
cates that the preparatory training has not been sufficient,
and additional preparatory rapid-fire practice will be given.
e. Individual precautions. — (1) Slow fire. — The"— ' — ,J
take the following precautions during every slo-
(a) Be sure that both the front and rear
(b) Be sure that the rear sight is properly
first shot.
(c) Take the score book to the firing point.
(d) Fire the first shot very carefully and then, if neces
sary, change the sights to bring the second shot into the
bull's-eye.
(e) Aim at the bottom edge of the bull's-'
(/) Plot each shot in the score book.
lU's-eye for every shot.
hit closer to the bull's-eye
o by changing the setting
(g) Never try to m
by changing the aimi
of the rear sight.
(h) Before changing the sight setting, note the setting on
the sights and determine the amount of change required from
a study of the shots plotted in the score book. Record the
corrected sight setting.
(t) Do not change the sights unnecessarily. If a bad shot
make a bullet h
ling point; do si
the sight se
; the amoum
sited in the
is made closely following several good shots it is almost cer-
tain to be the fault of the firer.
(2) Rapid fire. — In rapid-fire practice the pupil should
insure that his sights are blackened and properly set. Upon
completion of a score he should carefully plot each shot in the
78
TJ. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
38-39
score book and promptly record any changes in sight setting
that may be necessary to center the group in the bull's-eye.
/. Use of instruments. — The use of field glasses, telescopes,
sight-setting instruments, and instruments or devices for de-
termining the force and direction of the wind is authorized
and encouraged during instruction practice.
g. Procedure prescribed in paragraph 39 for record practice
is applicable to instruction practice with the following excep-
tions :
(1) Scores are not required to be kept in the p
(2) Only such officers and noncommissioned officers are
duty in the pit as are necessary to preserve order and insure
efficient pit service.
(3) The manner in which the scores are kept on the firing
line is. discretionary with the organization commander.
■ 39. Record Practice. — a. General. — (1) The purpose of
record practice is to test the soldier's skill as a rifleman and
to determine his qualification. The qualification courses are
prescribed in section III.
(2) The sequence in which the scores are fired in recor
practice is discretionary with the officer
(3) Whenever practicable during reco
cers as may be required for duty in th
from troops not firing.
b. Organisation of the firing line. — (1) General. — The fir-
ing line will be organized so as to insure the safe and orderly
conduct, and to facilitate supervision, of the firing, by the
harge of firing and his assistants. The distances
elow should be used as a guide only and may
e discretion of the officer in charge of firing
ditions.
(2) Establishments. — (a) Scorers stationed in rear of the
firing line and close to the soldier being scored.
(b) Starting line 25 yards in rear of the firing point; a
shorter distance may be used if 25 yards are not available.
(c) Telephone operators 5 yards in rear of the starting line.
(d) Soldiers awaiting their turn to fire (ready line), 5
yards in rear of the line of telephone operators.
(e) Rifle rests and cleaning racks 10 yards in rear of the
ready line.
79
officer i:
speciflei
be mod:
to meet
39
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
3, n
offi
Th
tO <
offl
(3) During firing which does not involve the 25-yard run,
the lines mentioned in (c), (d), and (e) above should be
moved forward so that the line of telephone operators is
about 10 yards in rear of the firing line.
(4) Individuals who are to fire will be assigned targets
and the order in which they will take turn in firing the several
scores, i. e., 1st order, 2d order, etc.
c. Pit details. — The details for the supervision, operation,
oring of targets during reco
ommissioned officers, and privates, as id.
(1) One commissioned officer assigned to each two targets.
When it is impracticable to detail one officer to each two
targets in the pit, an officer will be assigned to supervise
the marking and scoring of not to exceed four targets. In
this case the pit scores will be kept by the noncommissioned
officer in charge of each target, who will sign the score
The officer will take up and sign each score card as soo
score is recorded.
(2) One noncommissioned officer assigned to each target
to direct and supervise the markers. This noncommissioned
officer will be selected from a company or other organization
other than the one firing on the target which he supervises.
If this is not possible the officer assigned to the target will
exercise special care to insure correct scoring.
(3) One or two privates assigned to operate and mark e;
get. These privates may be selected from the organizatio:
on the target to which they are assigned.
core cards and scoring. — (1) Two score cards will be
kept, one at the firing point (W. D., A. G. O. Form No. 83) and
one in the pit (W. D., A. G. O. Form No. 83-1) .
(2) Entries on all score cards will be made in ink or with
indelible pencil. No alteration or correction will be made on
the card except by the organization commander, who will
initial each alteration or correction made.
(3) The scores at each firing point will be kept by a non-
commissioned officer of some organization other than that
firing on the target to which he is assigned. If this is not
possible company officers will exercise special care to insure
correct scoring. As soon as a score is completed the score
card will be signed by the scorer, taken up and signed by the
will
ach
tion
80
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
39
will
officer supervising the scoring, and turned over to the or-
ganization commander. Except when required for entering
new scores on the range, score cards will be retained in the
personal possession of the organization commander.
(4) In the pit the officer keeps the scores for the targets
to which he is assigned. As soon as a score is completed he
signs the score card. He turns these cards over to the organi-
zation commander at the end of the day's firing. The or-
ganization commander will check the pit records against the
firing line records. In case of discrepancy between the two
records the provisions of paragraph lb, AR 345-1000
apply.
(5) Upon completion of record firing and after the quali-
fication order is issued, the pit score cards of each man will be
attached to his official score card kept at the firing
For records and reports of qualification see AR 345-1000.
e. Marking. — (1) Slow fire. — (a) The value of the shot
is indicated as follows:
1. A bull's-eye, with a white disk.
2. A four, with a red disk.
3. A three, with a black and white
4. A two, with a black disk.
5. A miss or a ricochet hit, by
" "
ng point.
1000.
t
lite disk.
>y waving a red flag
across the front of the target.
indicated by placing
(b) The exact location of the hit is indicated by placing
in the shot hole a spotter of size appropriate to the dis
tance from the firing point. The center of the marking
disk is placed over the spotter in signaling hits. No spot
are required on 1,000-incl
(2) Rapid fire on tari
ta:
disks are us
re.
shot holes before the
indicate the value of h:
(b) Spotters are place
target is run up for marking.
(c) The marking begins with the hits of highest value,
the center of the disk being placed over the spotter, then
swung off the target and back again to the next spotter,
care being taken each time to show only the face of the
disk indicating the value of the shot being marked. The
marking will be slow enough to avoid confusing the scorer
at the firing point. When one spotter covers more than
tters
us
the
81
39
f, S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
annou
by th(
one shot hole the disk is placed over it the required number
of times. Misses and ricochet hits are indicated by slowly
waving the red flag across the face of the target one time
for each miss or ricochet hit.
/. Procedure. — (1) Slow fire. — (a) On the firing line.
1. One person only will be assigned to a target in each
order.
2. The scorer, as the value of each shot is signaled,
announces in a tone sufficiently loud to be heard
the firer the name of the firer, the number
shot, and the value of the hit, and records
value of the hit on the score card of the
individual who is firing.
3. Whenever a target is marked without the indi-
vidual assigned to that target having fired, as will
occur when someone fires on the wrong target,
the scorer will notify the officer in charge, who
will notify the officer assigned to that target in
the pit to disregard the shot. This precaution
is necessary to prevent errors in the pit record.
4. When an individual fires on the w
will not be scored a miss until the target to
which he is assigned has been pulled down and
the miss signaled from the pit.
5. If the target is not half masked at the completion
of a score on that target, or if it is half masked
at the wrong time, the officer in charge of that
firing point will adjust the matter at or
the telephone. This precaution is necei
prevent the error from being carried -
the scores that follow.
(b) In the pit.
1. The target is withdrawn and marked after each
shot, except that on 1,000-inch ranges the targets
are marked and removed after each 5 or 10 shots
and replaced with new targets.
2. When a shot is fired at a target it is pulled down.
The noncommissioned officer makes a pencil
mark across the shot hole and indicates the
location of the hit to the officer. The officer an-
82
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
39
nounces its value and records it on the score
card. A spotter is then placed in the shot hole.
The previous shot hole, if any, is pasted, and the
target is run up and marked. The noncommis-
sioned officer supervises the marking of each
shot. The officer also exercises general supervi-
sion over the marking.
3. When the pit score card indicates that a score has
been completed, the target is half masked for
about 30 seconds as a signal of such completion
e firing line. At the end of the 30 seconds
target is pulled fully down, the spotter re-
moved, the shot hole pasted, and the target rui
up for the begininng of a new score.
When a target frame is used as a counterweight for
a double sliding target, the blank side of such
frame will be toward the firing line.
Rapid fire on target D. — (a) On the firing line.
1. One person only will be assigned to a target in each
order. The loop or hasty sling as required
e adjusted on the arm prior to the start of t!
exercise.
2. When all is ready in the pit a red flag is displayed
at the center target. At that signal the officer
in charge of the firing line commands: LOAD.
The rifles are loaded and locked,
e officer in charge of the firing line then calls
o that all may hear, "Ready on the right?"
"Ready on the left?" Anyone who is not ready
calls out, "Not ready on No. — ."
4. All being ready on the firing line, the officer in
charge commands: READY ON THE FIRING
LINE. Rifles are unlocked and the position of
ready assumed. The telephone orderly notifies
the pit, "Ready on the firing line."
5. The flag at the center target is waved and then
withdrawn. Five seconds after the flag is with-
drawn the targets appear, remain fully exposed
for the prescribed period of time, and are then
withdrawn. The flrer takes the prescribed posi-
83
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
tion as soon as the targets appear and fires or
attempts to fire 10 shots, reloading from a full
clip taken from the belt. If any individual fails
to fire at all he will be given another opportunity.
6. As soon as the targets are withdrawn the officer in
charge commands: UNLOAD. All unfired car-
tridges are removed from the rifle and the bolts
are left open. The men remain in position on
the firing line until they are ordered off by the
officer in charge.
h shot is signaled it is announced as follows:
arget No. — , 1 five, 2 fives, 3 fives, 1 four,
2 fours, 3 fours, 4 fours, 1 three, 1 miss, 2 misses."
The scorer notes these values on a pad and
watches the target as he calls the shot. After
the marking is finished he counts the number of
shots marked and if more or less than 10 calls
Re-mark No. — ." If 10 shots have been mar!
e then enters the score on the soldier's sci
card and totals it as follows: 555444430
equals 34.
(b) In the pit.
1. The time is regulated in the pit by the officer in
charge.
When all is ready in the pit the targets are fully
withdrawn and a red flag is displayed at the
line
is ready, the red flag at the center target is
waved and withdrawn and the command ready
'is given to the pit details.
4. Five seconds after the red flag is withdrawn the
targets, by command or signal, are run up, left
fully exposed for the prescribed period of time,
and then withdrawn.
5. The officers in the pit examine each of their targets
in turn, announce the score, and record it on the
pit score card. Spotters are then placed in the
shot holes and the targets run up and marked.
The noncommissioned officer supervises the
!
^Ci
e<
center target.
. When the message is received that the firing
84
V. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
39
marking of each shot. The officer exercises gen-
eral supervision over the marking.
The targets are left up for about 1 minute after
being marked and are then withdrawn, pasted,
and made ready for another score. They may
be left up until ordered pasted by the officer in
charge of the firing line.
If more than 10 hits are found on any target it
will not be marked unless all of the hits have the
same value. The officer in charge of the firing
line will be notified of the fact by telephone.
d fire (preceded by a run). — (a) On the firing
One person only will be assigned to a target in each
order. The order will be at the starting line
with sight leaf down, loop or hasty sling, as de-
sired, adjusted.
When all is ready in the pit a red flag is displayed
at the center target. At that signal the officer
in charge of the firing line commands: load.
The rifles are loaded and locked. The officer in
charge of the firing line commands: lie down.
e officer in charge of the firing line then calls
so that all may hear, "Ready on the right?
Ready on the left?" Anyone who is not ready
calls out. "Not ready on No. — ."
All being ready on the firing line, the officer in
charge commands: ready on the firing line.
The telephone orderly notifies the pit, "Ready on
the firing line'."
ag at the center target is waved and then
drawn. The officer in charge of the firing
line commands: prepare to rush. Five seconds
after the flag is withdrawn the targets appear
and the officer in charge of the firing line com-
mands: up. The flrers move forward at a run
and upon arrival at the firing point assume the
firing position and fire or attempt to fire 10
shots, reloading from a full clip taken from the
belt. The targets remain fully exposed for the
85
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
prescribed period of time and are then with-
drawn. If any individual fails to fire at all, he
will be given another opportunity, but if he fires
any shots the score must stand as his record.
He will not be permitted to repeat his score on
the claim that he was not ready. (See h (21)
and (23) below.)
As soon as the targets are withdrawn the officer
in charge commands: unload. All unfired
cartridges are removed from the rifle and the
bolts are left open. The men remain in position
on the firing line until they are ordered off by the
officer in charge.
As each shot is signaled it is announced as follows:
Target No. — , 1 five, 2 fives, 3 fives, 4 fives, 5 fives,
6 fives, 7 fives, 8 fives, 2 misses. The scorer notes
these values on a pad and watches the target as he
lis the shot. After the marking is finished he
the;
call
counts the number of shots marked and
than 10 calls "Re-mark No.
been marked he then enters
dier's score card and totals it
5 5 5 5 equals 40
In the pit.
1. The time is regulated in the pit by the officer in
charge.
2. When all is ready in the pit a red flag is displayed
at the center target.
3. When the message is received that the firing line is
ready, the red flag at the center target is waved
and withdrawn and the command ready is given
to the pit details.
4. Five seconds after the red flag is withdrawn, the
targets by command or signal are raised, left fully
exposed for the prescribed period of time, and
then withdrawn.
5. The officers in the pit examine each of their targets
in turn, announce the score, and record it on the
pit score card. The targets are then raised and
marked. The noncommissioned officer supervises
86
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
39
inch range. — (a)
the marking of each shot. The officer exercises
general supervision over the marking.
6. After being marked, the targets are lowered, pasted,
and made ready for another score. They may be
left up until ordered pasted by the officer in charge
of the firing line.
7. If more than 10 hits are found on any target the
officer in charge of the firing line will be notified
of the fact by telephone. (See h (24) below.)
Rapid fire on target D (rifb
<e with target pit.
fire from standing position to prone, sitting,
and kneeling will be conducted in the same man-
ner as prescribed for target D, except that the
miniature targets will be removed and
with new targets after marking.
2. Rapid fire preceded by a run will be conducted
the same manner as prescribed in (3) above, e:
cept that the miniature targets will be removed
and replaced with new targets after marki:
(b) When 1,000-inch range has no target pit, the f<
irovisions will govern:
1. If the targets are covered by a curtain
opened to expose the face of the target and closed
again to conceal it, or if the targets operate on
a pivot, the rapid fire will be conducted as closely
as practicable in conformity with the method set
forth above for 1,000-inch range with target pit.
ed all the
will be conduc
commands: 1. li
2. COMMENCE
the officer
DOWN (KNEEL
FIRING, 3. CEASE FIRING.
Time is taken from the first command.
If the targets are exposed all the time, rapid Are pre-
ceded by a run will be conducted by the officer in
charge who commands: 1. prepare to rush,
2. UP, 3. CEASE FIRING. Time is taken from
the command up.
87
39
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
4. After the command unload and all unfired cart-
ridges are removed from the rifle and the bolts are
open, the officer in charge will direct the target
detail to mark, remove, and replace the targets.
g. Use of telephones. — (1) Telephones will be used for offi-
cial communication only.
(2) No one will ask over the telephone for information as
to the name or organization of any person firing on any par-
ticular target, and no information of this nature will be
transmitted.
(3) The following expressions will be used over the te.
phone in the cases enumerated:
• (a) When a shot has been fired and the target has not been
withdrawn from the firing position, "Mark No.
(6) When a shot has been fired and the target with
from the firing position but not marked, "Disk No. — ."
(c) When the target has been withdrawn from the firin
sition and marked, but the value of the shot has not
ierstood, "Redisk No. — ."
(d) When the firing line is ready for rapid fire, "Ready or
the firing line."
(e) When a shot is marked on a target and the person
assigned thereto has not fired, "Disregard the last shot on
No. — ."
h. Miscellaneous rules governing record practice. — (l
Identity of firer to he unknown to personnel in pit. — Offic
and men in the pit should not know who is firing on an;
ticular target, and will not attempt to obtain this i:
tion; likewise, other officers and me:
information to personnel in the pit.
(2) Coaching prohibited. — Coaching of any nature, after
the firer takes his place on the firing point, is prohibited.
No person will render or attempt to render the firer any
assistance whatever while he is taking his position or after
he has taken his position at the firing point. Each firer must
indicated by
hits
as
the
observe the location of his own
marking disk or spotters.
(3) Use of instruments. — (a) The use of field glasses, tele-
scopes, and sight-setting instruments is authorized and
encouraged.
88
V. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
39
will i
(b) The use of instruments or devices for determining the
force and direction of the wind is prohibited during record
practice.
(4) Shelter for firer. — Sheds or shelter for the firer will
not be permitted at any range.
(5) Restrictions as to the rifle. — Troops will use the rifle
with which they are armed. The rifle will be used as issued
by the Ordnance Department. The use of additional appli-
ances, such as temporary shades for the sights, spirit levels,
and orthoptic eyepieces, is prohibited. The sights may be
blackened. Any authorized size of peep sight issued by
Ordnance Department may be used. Small arms and appi:
s issued by the Ordnance Department for test and repor
not be used for determining classification.
(6) Trigger pull. — The trigger pull will be at least 3 pounds
and before record firing will be tested (with the barrel ver-
tical) by an officer.
) Ammunition^ — The ammunition used will be the se
dge as issued by the Ordnance Department
;e of other ammunition is authorized.
. — Cleaning will be permitted only oetw
scores.
(9) Use of gun sling. — The gun sling will be used in con-
nection with one arm only. For the purpose of adjustment
for shooting, neither end will be removed from either sling
swivel. No knot will be tied in the sling and the sling itself
neither be added to nor modified in any manner. When
oop sling is authorized it may be adjusted (secured)
rm prior to the start of the exercise.
(10) Pads and gloves. — (a) To reduce the shock of recoil,
to prevent bruising the elbows, and to prevent irritation of
the upper arm by the gun sling, pads of moderate size and
thickness may be worn on either shoulder, on both elbows,
and on either upper arm. Pads of such size, thickness, or
construction as to form artificial support for the rifle are
prohibited. Shoulder pads so designed by meai is oi exces-
sive size or thickness, quilting, rolls, ridges, or other devices
as to aid materially in retaining the rifle butt in the firing
position against the shoulder are prohibited. The use of
a hook, small roll, or ridge on the sleeve of the shooting
89
39
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
coat or shirt to keep the sling in place on the arm is
prohibited.
(Z>) A glove may be worn on either hand provided it is
not used to form an artificial support for the rifle.
(11) Loading pieces. — Pieces will not be loaded except by
command or until position for firing has been taken.
(12) Warming or fouling shots. — No warming or fouling
shots will be allowed.
(13) Action in case of disabled rifle. — Should a breakage
occur the rifle will be repaired or a different rifle substi-
tuted. If a different rifle is substituted the firer will be
allowed to zero the substituted rifle and then retire the
exercise.
(14) Shots cutting the edge of bull's-eye or line. — Any
shot cutting the edge of the figure or bull's-eye will be sig-
naled and recorded as a hit in the figure or the bull's-eye.
Because the limiting line of each division of the target is
th
di 1
corded as a hit in the higher division.
(15) Slow-fire score interrupted. — If a slow-fire score is
interrupted through no fault of the person firing, the unfired
shots necessary to complete the score will be fired at the first
opportunity thereafter. (See (13) above.)
(16) Misses. — In all firing, before any miss is signaled, tl
target will be withdrawn from the firing
carefully examined by an officer, if an officer is on duty i:
the pit. Whenever the target is run up and a miss is sig-
naled, it will be presumed that this examination has been
thoroughly made. No challenge of the value signaled will
be entertained or resignaling of the shot allowed.
(17) Accidental discharges. — All shots fired by the soldier
after he has taken his place at the firing point (and it is his
turn to fire, the target being ready) will be considered in
the outer edge of the line separating it from the exterior
division, a shot touching this line will be signaled and re-
his score even if his piece was not directed toward the
target or is accidentally discharged.
(18) Firing on wrong target. — Shots fired upon the wrong
target will be entered as a miss upon the score of the man
firing, no matter what the value of the hit upon the wrong
90
XT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
39
target may be. In rapid fire the soldier at fault is credited
with only such hits as he may have made on his own target.
(19) Two shots on same target. — In slow fire, if two shots
strike a target at the same time or nearly the same time,
both will be signaled; if one of these shots was fired from
the firing point assigned to that target, the hit having
the highest of the two values signaled will be entered on
the soldier's score and no record made of the other hit.
(20) Withdrawing target prematurely. — In slow fire, if the
target is withdrawn from the firing position just as the
ot is fired, the scorer at that firing point will at
report the fact to the officer in charge of the scorir
arget. That officer will investigate to see if the case
,s represented. Being satisfied that such is the case,
he will direct that the shot be not considered and that the
man fire another shot.
(21) Misfires in rapid fire. — In the case of a misfire the
soldier will cease firing immediately, the target will not be
marked, and the score will be repeated.
(22) Unfired cartridges in rapid fire. — Each unfired car-
tridge will be recorded as a miss. In case the number of
hits marked exceeds the number of rounds fired the soldier
firing on that target will be credited with the hits of highest
value corresponding to the number of rounds fired.
(23) Disabled rifle in rapid fire. — If, during the firing of
a rapid-fire score, the rifle becomes disabled through no
fault of the soldier, the pit officer will be directed to dis-
regard the score, the target will not be marked, and the
ing will not entitle the soldier to another sci
(24) More than 10 hits in rapid fire. — When a targe
ore than 10 hits in rapid fire, the target will noi
marked, and the soldier firing on that target will repeat his
score; except when all the hits on target D or on target D
(rifle) 1,000-inch range have the same value, when the
target will be marked and he will be given that value for
.each shot fired by him.
aoad-
3t be
91
40
T7. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
Section V
EQUIPMENT; KNOWN-DISTANCE TARGETS
RANGES; RANGE PRECAUTIONS
AND
for al]
Eg
On
blank paper
H 40. Equipment. — a. Equipment for preparatory marks-
manship training. — (1) General. — The use during prepara-
tory marksmanship training of complicated apparatus which
cannot be readily improvised from materials at hand is
prohibited. The simple apparatus des
for all purposes.
quipment for each four men.
ne sighting bar, complete.
One rifle rest.
One small sighting disk.
Two small aiming targets (targets
1,000-inch range are suitable).
One 10-inch sighting disk.
all box, approximately the
box.
One frame covere
triangles.
Two sandbags.
One pencil.
Twenty rounds practice dummy an
Four score books (one per man) .
One form showing state of training, j
Four feet of twine for tying triggers
Material for blackening sights.
(3) Equipment for general use.
One rapid-fire target with curtain for each three
squads.
One each A, B, and D targets on frames for score-book
exercises.
Cleaning and preserving materials.
One aiming device for each squad.
(4) Preparation of equipment. — (a) Sighting bar.
1. Provide a bar of wood about 1 by 2 inches and 4y 2 '
feet long. Cut two thin slots 1 inch deep across
the edge. Place one slot 5V 2 inches from the end
92
IT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
40
and the other 26 inches from the same end of the
bar (fig. 25 ©).
2. Make a front sight of thin metal y 2 by 3 inches
bent in the shape of an L and tack it to the edge
of the bar between the two slots and Vz inch from
the slot nearest the end (fig. 25 © (d) and (g) ) .
Have the leg of the L project above the bar to
tie of the long edg
3. Make an eyepiece from a piece of tin or zinc 3 by
7 inches (fig. 25 © (c) , (/) , and (ft) ) . Cut along
the dotted lines to form a shape shown in figure.
Tack this eyepiece to the end of the bar farthest
from the slots so that the top of the eyepiece ex-
tends 1 inch above the top of the bar '* e r -
lake a round hole 0.03 inch in dia;
liddle of the eyepiece Vz inch abovi
Make a peep rear sight of thin metal or cardboard
3 by 3 inches and cut a round hole % inch in
diameter in its center (fig. 25 ® (b) ) .
Cut an open rear sight of thin metal or cardboard
IV2 by 3 inches with a semicircular
inch wide in the middle of on
(fig. 25 © (e) ) .
6. Cut a piece of thin metal or car
painted white, and have a
inch in diameter painted or
(fig. 25 ® (a) ) .
7. Place two pieces of tin 1 inch wide and 3 inches long
in each slot. Fold the loose ends away from each
other and tack them to the sides of the bar (fig.
25 ®).
8. Blacken the eyepiece, the front sight, the rear sights,
and the top of the bar.
(b) Rifle rest. — An empty ammunition box or any other
well-made box of suitable size, with notches cut in the ends
to fit the rifle closely, makes a good rifle rest. The rifle is
placed in these notches with the trigger guard close to and
outside of one end. The sling is loosened and pulled to one
side. The box may be half filled with earth or sand to make
it more stationary.
by 3 inches,
U's-eye V2
ce
197334° — 10 7 93
40
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
Target
Front Sight painted blach
Rear SiahT-Peep orOpen
painted blacK
Eyepiece
pairpcd blacK
Figure 25. — Construction of sighting bar.
Wooden bar — 1 by 2 inches by 4 feet 6 inches (approximate) .
Eyepiece — Thin metal, 3 by 7 inches; hole, 0.03-inch diameter.
Rear sight — Thin metal or cardboard, 3 by 3 inches; hole in
center, %-inch diameter.
Front sight — Thin metal, y 2 by 3 inches, bent L shape.
Target — Thin metal, or cardboard, 3 by 3 inches, painted
white — Black bull's-eye, %-inch diameter in center.
Slits — 1 inch deep, may be lined with thin metal strips.
94
40-41
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, Ml 903
(c) Sighting disks. — Sighting disks are of three sizes. The
disk to be used at a distance of 50 feet is about 3 inches in
diameter. The disk is made of tin or cardboard and mounted
on a handle as shown in figure 26. The bull's-eye will be
mounted on a background of clean white paper. The disks to
be used at 200 and 500 yards are, respectively, 10 and 20 inches
in diameter. These disks are painted black and mounted on
white handles which are 4 or 5 feet long. All bull's-eyes will
be black and circular and will have a hole in the center large
enough to admit the point of a pencil.
6. Range equipment. — (1) Used at firing point.
Cleaning racks,
ers' tables,
glasses (1 per target),
cards,
board.
Cleaning and preserving materials.
Material for blackening sights.
Score books.
Indelible pencils.
Containers for empty cartridge cases.
Telephones
2) U.
sed in pit.
Pit record cards.
Indelible pencils.
Telephones.
Ten 3 -inch spotters per target.
One 6-inch spotter per target,
red flag per target,
g disks.
hit
or marksmanship targets,
in their divisions, are as
a. Target A, the short-range target, used for 200 and 300
yards, is a rectangle 6 feet high, 4 feet wide, black circular
bull's-eye, 10 inches in diameter, value of hit, 5; center ring,
26 inches in diameter, value of hit, 4; inner ring, 46 inches
96
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
41-42
in diameter, value of hit, 3; outer, remainder of target,
value of hit, 2.
b. Target B, the midrange target, used for 500 yards,
is a square 6 feet on a side, black circular bull's-eye, 20
inches in diameter; center ring, 37 inches in diameter; inner
ring, 53 inches in diameter; outer, remainder of target.
Value of hits, same as on target A.
c. Target D, the rapid-fire target, is a square 6 feet on
a side and has in its middle a black silhouette representing
a soldier in the prone position. Value of hits in the figure,
5; in the space immediately outside the figure, 4; in the
space immediately outside the 4 space, 3; remainder of the
target, 2.
d. Target A (rifle) 1,000-inch range and target D (rifle)
-inch range are a reduction of targets A and D, re-
ively, from 200 yards to 1,000 inches. Values of the
reduced targets are the same as fo
n-Distance Target Ranges. — a. General.-
classes of ranges: class A ranges, which are more
limited in extent and are equipped for known-dis-
tance practice; and class B ranges, which are of extended
area and diversified terrain and are used for combat firing.
The following subparagraphs refer to class A ranges only.
Rules for selection. — As the nature and extent of tl
nd available for target practice and also the genet-
ic conditions are often widely dissimilar for differi
itary posts, it is not possible to prescribe any partic
rules governing the selection of ranges, but only to express
certain general conditions to which ranges should be made
to conform. In view of the range and penetration of the
bullet of the United States rifle, M1903, it will be found
necessary in the case of many posts to have target practice
conducted at a distance of several miles from the post, a
condition which necessitates the establishment of a camp
on or near the range. The target practice can then be
conducted without the interference of post duties.
c. Security necessity. — For posts situated in the thickly
settled localities where the extent of the military reserva-
tion is limited, the first condition to be fulfilled is that of
97
42
XT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
secunity for those living or laboring near or passing by the
range. This requirement can be secured for class A ranges
by selecting ground where a natural butt is available or by
making an artificial butt sufficiently extensive to stop wild
shots. See paragraph ^d, AR 750-10, for information con-
cerning danger areas.
d. Direction of the range. — If possible, a range should be
so located that the firing is toward or slightly to the east of
north. Such location gives a good light on the face of the
targets during the greater part of the day. However,
security and suitable ground are more important th
direction.
e. Best ground for class A range. — Smooth, I
or ground with only a very moderate slope is best
for a range. The targets should be on the same level with
the firer or only slightly above him. Firing downhill should
be avoided.
/. Size of range. — The size of the range is determined by
its plan and by the number of troops that will fire over it
at a time. There are two general plans used in range con
struction; one with a single target pit and firing points fo
h range, the other with firing points on one continuou
line, the target pits for the various ranges being in echelo
The latter type requires more ground and is less suitab
for training troops.
g. 1,000-inch range. — There are two classes of 1,000-inch
ranges — those requiring a danger area behind the back stop
and those which do not. Where possible, open 1,000-inch
ranges requiring no danger area behind back stop for use
in cities will be so sited that sparsely settled territory is
behind the back stop and so located that the range will not
be a noise nuisance; 1,000-inch ranges requiring a danger
area behind back stop must meet the same security require-
ments as class A ranges.
h. Principles governing construction. — (1) Intervals be-
tween targets. — To reduce to a minimum the amount of
required in preparing the range, the targets should
farther apart than is necessary to obviate the probability of
a shot being fired on the wrong target. As a general rule,
the intervals between targets are equal to the width of the
its
at :
stn
eac
line
98
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
42
ao
as
so<
hi!
bu
na
on
targets themselves; that is, at short and midrange, 6 feet;
at long range, 12 feet. Where the necessity exists for as
many targets as possible in a limited space, this interval
may be reduced one-half without materially affecting the
value of the instruction.
(2) Protection for markers. — (a) On all ranges, protection
must be provided for the pit details. This is done by excavat-
ing a pit for the targets or by constructing a parapet in front
of them, or by a combination of these methods.
(b) Where there are several targets in a row, the shelter
should be continuous. It must be high enough to protect the
markers. The parapet may be of earth, with a timber or con-
tinent, of sufficient thickness to stop bullei
to 8 feet high above the ground or platform
he markers stand.
(3) Artificial butts. — If an artificial butt is construe
a bullet stop, it should be of earth not less than 30 feet high
and with a slope of not less than 45°. It should be extended
about 5 yards beyond the outside targets and should be placed
as close behind the targets as possible. The slopes should be
lodded.
(4) Hills as butts. — A natural hill to form an effective butt
have a slope of not less than 45°; if originally mi
gradual, it should be cut into steps, the face of each
having that slope. As a temporary expedient, the face of
hill may be plowed perpendicularly to the range, but as
bullets soon cut down the furrows this measure must be fre
uently repeated to prevent the danger of ricochets.
(5) Numbering of targets. — Each target should be desig-
nated by a number. The numbers for ranges up to 600 yards
ould be at least 6 feet in height and should be painted black
a white background. Arabic numerals of the size sug-
gested will always be quickly recognized. They should be
placed on the butt behind each target or on the parapet in
front, and not so far above or below as to prevent the flrer
seeing the number when aiming at the target.
(6) Measuring the range. — The range should be carefully
measured and marked with stakes at the firing points in front
of each target. These stakes should be about 12 inches above
the ground and painted white. They should have in black
99
42
IT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
r should D
figures the number of the corresponding target and its dis-
tance. Particular care should be taken that each stake thus
placed is parallel to the face of its own target.
(7) Ranges parallel. — The different ranges for the same
distance should all be parallel, so that similar conditions with
respect to wind and light may exist. It is not essential, how-
ever, that the ranges employed for long-distance shooting
should be parallel to those used for the ordinary company
practice.
(8) Firing mounds. — If it becomes necessary to raise a firing
point on account of low ground, a low mound of earth no
higher than absolutely required should be made. The mound
should be level, sodded, and not less than 12 feet square. If
e firing line is raised, the firing mound should be level,
and not less than 12 feet wide on top.
Pit shed. — A small house or shed should be built in or
near the target pit, in which the marking disks and signal
flags and spare parts of the target frames for making immedi-
ate repairs should be stored. It should be sufficiently large
to afford a shelter for the markers in case of a sudden storm,
(10) Danger signals. — A socket for the staff of the danger
nals should be placed on the markers' shelter in f:
:h target and so inclined that the flag will always fall clei
of the staff and be readily seen. This flag will always be
displayed when the target is in place and not in use. In addi-
tion to the danger signals at the targets, a scarlet streamer
will be displayed from a prominent point on all ranges and at
times during firing to warn passers-by when firing is i
is. These signals will not be placed in such a positl
streamers for judging wind on the range. The;
I on the roads or on the crest of the hill, where
-an be seen plainly by those passing.
(11) Range house. — On large ranges where competitive
firing is held, a house containing a storeroom and several
office rooms should be erected in some central place off the
range but in its immediate vicinity. Such facilities as will
enable visitors to witness the firing satisfactorily should also
be provided.
(12) Telephone service. — Ranges should be equipped with
a telephone system connecting the target pit with each firing
100
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
42-44
point, the range house, and the post. The number of tele-
phones should not be less than one to each 10 targets.
(13) Electric bells. — On large ranges the installation for
each five targets of an electric bell that can be controlled
from a central point in the pit adds materially to the celerity
and uniformity of target manipulation for rapid fire.
(14) Covered ways between pits. — Where the pits are in
echelon, covered ways or tunnels should be provided between
the various pits. This construction will allow the pit details
to be shifted with safety without interrupting the firing.
(15) 1,000-inch range. — An open 1,000-inch range requiring
no danger area behind backstop must meet the following
minimum requirements:
(a) Vertical bulletproof backstop and wing walls (natural
or artificial) not less than 30 feet high. Wing walls must
cover at least 15° on each flank. In case of artificial wing
walls, they should be set at an angle of 15° with the backstop
toward the firing points.
(b) Ricochet pit in front of firing points providing at least
a 4° slope downward from the normal line of fire from a
prone position and extending to within 30 feet of the backstop
wing walls. If a vertical cliff or wall over 40 feet high
able, no ricochet pit need be provided.
Precautions. — See AR 750-:
Section VI
SMALL-BORE PRA
■ 44. Object. — The object of small-bore
vide a form of marksmanship training v,
rifle and ammunition which represents the application of
the principles taught in the preparatory exercises. Small-
bore practice provides an excellent means of improving the
shooting of organizations and sustaining interest in marks-
manship throughout the year. The firing of this course
enables the company commander to visualize the state of
training of his command and to concentrate his efforts on the
training of those who are most deficient.
101
45-47
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
■ 45. Value. — The chief value of small-bore practice lies in
the fact that it is convenient, interest sustaining, and eco-
nomical. It does not have the full value of caliber .30 prac-
tice because of the absence of recoil, but on account of its
convenience and saving in the cost of ammunition organiza-
tion commanders will find that small-bore practice is a
valuable step in marksmanship training.
■ 46. Continuous Small-bore Practice. — Small-bore prac-
tice may be carried on throughout the year, subject to such
limitations as may be imposed by the allowance of ammuni-
tion. All persons who have never been properly instructed
in shooting methods prescribed herein will be givi
thorough course of preparatory instruction before
permitted to fire on the small-bore r:
practice will be properly organized and sut<erv f 3ed in a
ance with the methods o:
manual.
■ 47. Courses. — a. When ammunition allow;
facilities available permit, organizations mi
the small-bore courses outlined below.
(1) Course E. — (a) Instruction practice
1. Short range.
Table I. — Slow fire (to zero rifle)
Time
Shots
Targets
SB-A-2.
SB-A-2.
SB-A-2
Position
Prone or prone with sand
bag.
Sitting
Kneeling
Standing..
Sling
Loop.
Do.
Do.
Hasty.
Table II. — Slow fire
Range
(feet)
Time
Shots
Targets
Position
Sling
50
50
50
Nolimit-.
...do
ooo
SB-A-2...
SB-A-3
Standing. _ _ _
5 kneeling; 5 sitting ...
Hasty.
Loop.
Do.
...do
SB-B-5.
102
XT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
Table m. — Rapid fire
47
(feet)
Time
(seconds)
Shots
Targets
SB-D-2..
SB-D-3..
Standing to kneeling.
Standing to prone
Sling
Loop.
Do.
Note.— When desired, tables I, II, and III may be tired at 1,000 inches by sub-
stituting target A, 1,000-inch, for targets SB-A-2 and A-3; target B, 1,000-inch, for
target SB-B-5; and target D, 1,000-inch, for targets SB-D-2 and D-3.
2. Intermediate range.
Table IV. — Slow fire
Range
(yards)
Time
Shots
Targets
Position
Sling
Loop.
Do.
Do.
,0
No limit.
...do
—do.
10
10
10
SB-50 yards,
. A target.
do
SB-50 yards,
D target.
Prone. _ ... ...
SO
SO
5 Kneeling; 5 sitting
Prone to kneeling, rush 25
yards.
Table V-
-Rapid fire
Range
(yards)
Time
(seconds)
Shots
Targets
Position
Sling
SO
75
10
10
10
SB-50 yards,
D target.
do
do
Standing to prone.. ..
Loop.
* 'hl 1
SO
75
75...
Prone to prone, rush 25
yards.
Prone to kneeling, rush 25
yards.
Notes. — The firing included in tables IV and V is optional. If no 50-yard range is
available, tables IV and V will be fired at 100 yards on the SB-100 yards, D target.
This note applies only to the E cou
When a distance of 25 yards is not available, a shorter
distance may be used, reducing the time 2 seconds for each
5 yards.
103
47
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
3. Long range.
Table VI. — Slow fire
Eange
(yards)
Time
Shots
Targets
Position
Sling
J 00
100
100
200
No limit.
_..do
10
10
10
10
SB-100 yards,
Prone __ _ _ .
Loop.
Do.
Do.
Do.
A target.
do
5 Kneeling; 5 sitting. ... _.
___do
SB-100 yards,
D target.
SB-200 yards,
A target.
—do.
do
Table VII. — Rapid fire
Range
(yards)
Time
(seconds)
Shots
Targets
SB-100 yards,
D target.
do
Standing to prone
Prone to prone, rush 25
yards.
(b) Record practice.
Table VIII. — Slow fire
Eange
(yards)
Time
Shots
Targets
Position
Sling
100
No limit.
10
SB-100 yards.
Kneeling. ...
Loop.
A target.
200
...do
10
SB-200 yards,
Prone... . _ _
Do.
fire
Eange
(yards)
Time
(seconds)
Shots
Targets
Position
Sling
100
80
10
SB-100 yards,
Standing to prone _ _
Loop.
Do.
100
100.
10
D target.
do
Prone to prone, rush 25 yards.
Note. — When a distance of 25 yards is not available, a shorter distance may be
used, reducing the time 2 seconds for each 5 yards.
104
TT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
47
(2) Course F. — (a) Instruction practice.
1. Short range. — Fire tables I, II, III, IV, and V of
course E.
2. Long range.
Table X. — Slow fire
Range
(yards)
Time
Shots
Position
Sling
100
No limit .
10
SB-100 yards.
Loop.
A target.
100
...do _
10
SB-100 yards,
Do.
D target.
wm
Table XI. — Rapid fire
Range
(yards)
Time
(seconds)
Shots
Targets
Position
Sling
100
100
80.
10
10
SB-100 yards,
D target.
do
Standing to prone _
Loop.
Do.
100
Prone to prone, rush 25 yards.
(b) Record practice.
Table XI
1.— Slow fire
Range
(yards)
Time
Shots
Targets
Position
50
100
No limit.
— do
10
10
SB-50 yards,
A target.
SB-100 yards,
A target.
Kneeling.. _ .
Loop.
Do.
Prone.. . .. - _
Table
apid fire
Range
(yards)
Time
(seconds)
Shots
Targets
Position
Sling
50
75
10
SB-50 yards,
Prone to kneeling, rush 25
Loop.
100
100
10
D target.
SB-100 yards,
D target.
yards.
Prone to prone, rush 25
yards.
Do.
Note.— When a distance of 25 yards is not available, a shorter distance may be
used, reducing the time 2 seconds for each 5 yards.
105
47
IT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
(3) Course G. — (a) Instruction practice.
Short range. — Fire tables I, II, and III of course E.
Table XIV. — Rapid fire
Range
(feet)
Time
(seconds)
Shots
Targets
Position
Sling
50
75
10
SB-D-3
Prone to kneeling, rush 25
yards.
Prone to prone, rush 25
yards.
Loop.
Do.
50
75
10
do
aeetT Time Snots
50 No limit. 10
f+ 50 do.... 10
-Slow fire
Range
(feet)
Time
Shots
Targets
Position
Sling
50
50
No limit.
do....
10
10
SB-A-3
Kneeling... _
SB-B-5
Prone _ „.
Table XVI. — Rapid fire
Shots
Targets
SB-D-3.
do.__.
Prone to kneeling, rush 25
yards.
Prone to prone, rush 25
yards.
Note.— When a distance of 25 yards is not available, a sh<
used, reducing the time 2 seconds for each 5 yards.
b. The amount of ammunition for each cour,
qualification scores are as follows:
Course
Ammu-
nition
Possible
score
Expert
Sharp-
shooter
Marks-
man
Unqualified
E
230
200
180
160
130
Less than 130.
F
210
200
180
160
130
Less than 130.
G
130
200
180
160
130
Less than 130.
106
CHAPTER 3
MARKSMANSHIP— MOVING GROUND TARGETS
Paragraphs
48-49
II. Moving vehicles 50-52
III. Moving, personnel 53-54
IV. Moving targets, ranges, and safety pre-
cautions ^5-56
Section I
GENERAL
Scope of Training. — Rifle units will be trained
at moving targets, such as tanks, armored vehicles, trucks,
and personnel at appropriate ranges. Rifle fire may be em-
ployed to repulse or harass unarmored vehicles and motor-
zed troops. Rifle units will be trained to meet a tank
ttack by taking cover, standing their ground, and deliver -
ng the maximum possible aimed fire with armor-pierc'
r ball ammunition at the enemy tanks and hostile f
roops which may accompany them. To this er
e trained in the technique of such fire.
9. Basic Principles. — The principles of shooting as pr„
sented in this chapter apply to firing at moving targets. In
applying these principles the firer must adjust his aim and
trigger squeeze to conform to the movement of the target.
a. Effective range. — While under ideal conditions moving
argets may be engaged at ranges above 600 yards, effective
esults beyond that range are considered to be exceptional,
or this reason training in the technique of Are is normally
mited to ranges of 600 yards or less.
b. Sights to be used. — Moving targets are seldom exposed
for long periods and can be expected to move at maximum
speed during periods of exposure. Accurate correction of
sight setting is often impracticable, therefore instruction in
technique should favor the use of the battle sight. Correc-
tions for range are made by adjustment of the aiming
107
49-50
TJ. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
point on the target. The peep sight is habitually set at
300 yards and is immediately available for use against mov-
ing targets at close range when appropriate.
c. Leads. — Targets which cross the line of sight at any
angle are classified as crossing targets. In firing at such
targets the firer must aim ahead of the target so that the
paths of the target and bullet will meet. The distance
ahead of the target is called the lead. Targets which ap-
proach directly toward the firer or recede directly from the
firer will for all practical purposes require no lead.
le
tl„
dirt
Mo-
its
400
Section II
MOVING VEHICLES
50. Determination and Application op Leads. — o. The
lead necessary to hit a moving vehicle is dependent upon
the speed of the target, the range to the target, and the
direction of movement with respect to the line of sight.
Moving at 10 miles an hour a vehicle moves approximately
own length of 5 yards in 1 second. A rifle bullet move~
ds in about M> second and 600 yards
second. Therefore to hit a vehicle moving at 10 miles an
hour at ranges of 400 yards and 600 yards, the leads should
be 2V 2 yards and 5 yards, respectively. At a speed of 20
miles an hour the leads should be 5 yards and 10 yards,
respectively.
ds are applied by using the length of the
ears to the firer as the unit of measure,
he necessity for corrections due to
e target crosses the line of sight, be
more acute the angle the smaller the target
the less lateral speed it attains,
c. The following lead tat
Targi
Miles per
hour
400 yards or
less
400-600
yards
10
20
1
1
2
108
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
51-53
■ 51. Technique op Fire. — The following technique is sug-
gested for firing at rapidly moving targets, using battle
sight:
a. Approaching or receding targets. — The firer holds his
aim on the center of such target and squeezes off his shot.
b. Crossing targets. — (1) At ranges less than 600 yards. —
The firer alines his sights on the bottom of the target at
its rearmost point, and swings straight across it to the
estimated lead. The rifle is kept swinging and the shot
squeezed off as the prop
(2) At ranges of 600 or more yards. — The firer proceeds
as in (1) above except that he swings his point of aim
across the top of the target,
c. Fire is executed as rapidly as proper ain
■ 52. Place in Training. — The technique of firing at moving
vehicles with service ammunition properly follows individual
training in known-distance firing. When time and ammu-
nition allowances permit, 1,000-inch and caliber .22 firing
may be added as preliminary instruction.
tic
Section in
MOVING PERSONNEL
:
r:
ti
53. Technique. — a. Sight to be used. — Under field condi-
tions, moving personnel presents a fleeting target, and one
more difficult to hit than a moving vehicle. This fact
makes the use of the peep sight desirable for greater ac-
curacy. However, the use of battle sight may be necessary
when targets appear suddenly, allowing no time for sight
tnent. It is therefore desirable that the individual
rifleman be trained in the employment of both sights in
this type of firing.
b. Method of aiming. — An elaborate system of calculating
leads is neither necessary nor desirable. The following gen-
eral rule forms the basis for estimating the proper leads.
When firing at a man walking across or at right angles
to the line of fire, the points of aiming at the various ranges
are as follows:
(1) At 100 yards, aim at forward half of body.
(2) At 200 yards, aim at forward edge of body.
197334° — 40 8 109
53-55
TJ. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
(3) At 300 yards, lead him one-half the width of his body.
(4) At 400 yards, lead him the width of his body.
Proficiency in this type of firing depends largely upon the
amount of time devoted to it by the individual in the prac-
tice of aiming, squeezing the trigger, and leading with ap-
propriate speed.
H 54. Place in Training. — As in the case of practice in
firing at moving vehicles, instruction in this type of firing
should f
should
instruction in known-distance firing and
«ly precede the training of the squad in
e (musketry) when practicable.
Section IV
MOVING TARGETS, RANGES, AND SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
5. General. — a. Instruction in firing at moving targets
mportant phase of training in the technique
hould be given this instruction whenever til
cilities permit.
b. Moving vehicles. — A suggested target for representing
moving vehicle is shown in figure 27.
g targets
le of fire,
time and
Figtdke 27. — Skeleton sled target.
This target has the advantage of a low center of gravity,
which prevents upsetting on rough ground and in making
changes of direction. It is simple to construct and suitable.
The method of operating is shown in figure 28. Other types
of targets may be improvised.
110
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
55-56
c. Moving personnel. — Any class A range is suitable for
this type of instruction. E targets on sticks carried by
men working in the pits are sufficient.
, Target
ot be permitt
carefully check
define clearly the
■ 56. Safety Precautions.—
herein will be rigidly adher
b. Firing at moving targe
range until the safety angles
and markers have been placed
right and left limits of fire.
c. Personnel of the towing trucks will operate at such
distance from the line of fire as to afford protection not
only from direct hits but from ricochets.
d. Trucks replacing targets on the course, or personnel
effecting repairs on the course, will be equipped with red
flags.
Ill
56
TT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
e. Target personnel will not leave the designated safety
area until the signal or command to do so has been given.
/. The officer in charge of firing will be responsible that —
(1) Rifles are not pointed in such a direction that the
target detail will be endangered.
(2) Rifles are not pointed in such a direction that the
fire will extend outside the prescribed limits outlined on the
range.
(3) Firing ceases immediately upon the command cease
FIRING.
(4) Rifles are clear and bolts open before permitting the
112
CHAPTER 4
>n I. Nature of air targets fo;
II. Technique of fire
III. Antiaircraft marksmanship-
IV. Miniature range practice
V. Towed-target firing
VI. Ranges, targets, and equipmen
NATUE
s. All low-flying
rifle fire. These
Section I
r RE OP AIR TARGETS FO.
B 57. Air Targets Suitable for Rifle Fire. — Combat arms
take the necessary measures for their own immediate pro-
ction against low-flying hostile aircraft. Therefore all
fantry troops must be fully trained and imbued with the
termination to protect themselves against hostile aerial
tacks without reliance upon other arms,
ostile airplanes are suitable targets for
targets consist of aircraft on reconnoitering missions, maneu-
vering to take photographs, spotting for artillery, diving
or hedge-hopping to attack ground troops, and installations.
H 58. Classification of Air Targets. — Prom the poii
view of the rifleman air targets may be classified as —
a. Overhead — those which pass over or nearly over the
rifleman; or nonoverhead — those which do not pass over
or nearly over the rifleman. Either of these types may be
flying at a constant altitude or may be decreasing or gaining
in altitude.
b. Direct diving— those which dive directly toward a rifle-
man; or direct climbing — those which climb directly away
from a rifleman.
113
59-60
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
Section II
TECHNIQUE OF FIRE
■ 59. General. — Airplanes which are suitable targets for
rifle fire present very fleeting targets. They must be engaged
promptly by all available weapons. Riflemen must be
taught a simple method of firing on hostile low-flying air-
planes. This section on the technique of Are deals entirely
with actual fire on hostile airplanes. Details of antiaircraft
marksmanship training are contained in sections III, IV,
and V of this chapter.
IS 60. Leads. — a. General. — In order to hit a target, such as
an airplane in flight, it is necessary to aim an appropriate
distance ahead of it and on its projected path of flight so
that the target and the bullet will meet. This distance-
ahead of the airplane is called "lead." A lead must be
applied in all firing except when the target is at extremely
close range (100 feet), when it is diving direc
firer, or flying directly from him. W-<&
b. Determination of leads. — (1) The lead necessary t
engage any target depends upon —
(a) The speed of the target.
) The range to the target.
e time of flight of the bullet,
e direction of flight of the targ
e of Are.
(2) When a target appears, it is impossible for riflemen
or leaders of rifle units to consider all of the factors contained
in (1) above and compute accurately the lead required for
firing. Therefore leads are computed and placed in lead
tables for use of leaders in training their units. (See par.
153 c.)
c. Application of leads. — Although leads are originally com-
puted in feet or yards, they are given in lead tables as target
lengths. It is very difficult for a rifleman to estimate, with
The
The
any degree of accuracy, a lead such as 40 or 50 yards at ranges
from 600 to 100 yards. Therefore, the length of the target as
it appears to the firer is used as the unit of measure for apply-
ing leads. The rifleman is trained to apply the length of
114
TT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
60-62
the target, as it appears to him, along the projected path of
the target to determine the aiming point for each shot. The
number of times he applies this unit of measure will be an-
nounced in a fire order or as explained in paragraph 62.
■ 61. Target Designation. — a. Aerial target designation may
be given as routine training in training areas long before the
area of probable hostile air attack is reached. Aerial targets
for a single unit will be clearly visible and few in number.
b. Attacking aviation will usually fly in a V-shaped forma-
tion of three airplanes each or will operate individually.
Should all the fire of a rifle unit be directed at one airplane,
the normal dispersion will result in effective interdiction of
the remaining airplanes of the formation. Therefore th
1 method of target designation is to assign each of thi
three airplanes to an element of the rifle platoon during- the
raining period. For example, the first squad may be assigned
the leading airplane, the second squad the right airplane, and
the third squad the left airplane. In case less than three
airplanes attack, the units not having a target assigned fire on
he leading airplane. The assignment is not changed except
der unusual circumstances.
>f
e
d
d
c. The normal assignment of a target extends from
itial appearance until it passes beyond range. The i
Its
leader, seeing a succession of groups of hostile airplanes will
cause his unit to cease Are at one group in time to bring Are on
the following groups as they approach within effective ra
■ 62. Fire Distribution. — a. The fire of rifle units must be
distributed along the path of flight of the target as long as
the target is within effective range. This is done as follows:
(1) For all targets except direct diving or direct climbing
aim and fire each shot with four target-length leads.
(2) For all direct diving or direct climbing targets aim and
fire each shot at the target.
b. This method of fire distribution is based upon the fact
that as the target is approaching or receding the range and
the leads are constantly changing. The lead used is the
average of all leads necessary to engage a target between the
extreme effective range of 600 yards and a minimum range of
yards.
115
62-63
IT. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
c. The target considered in determining the lead of four
target lengths is a 30-foot airplane. In using this method for
towed-target firing the lead will have to be changed in
accordance with the length of the sleeve target.
d. It is impracticable for men to estimate airplane speeds
with any degree of accuracy; therefore the speed of present
day attack airplanes, which is approximately 200 miles per
hour, is used. For speeds considerably greater or less than 200
miles per hour the lead should be changed proportionately.
The speed of the target may be slightly more or less than 200
miles an hour; however, the lead if computed on approximate
data and the lead estimates of all riflemen are approximations
at best. Experience has shown that this method of distribu-
tion gives results equal to or better than more accurate and
more complicated methods.
■ 63. Delivery of Fire. — a. Range. — (1) The maximum
fective range of rifle Are at air targets is approximately
yards. However, riflemen should take the firing position as
n as possible after receiving the warning of the approach
of hostile airplanes and track the target until it comes withi
range.
(2) Training in estimating ranges of air targets is con
ducted by having individuals observe airplanes flying
known ranges. The individual bases his estimate on t
appearance of the airplane at key ranges. The followi
ranges and parts of airplane visible at those ranges are base
on an 0-46 airplane.
b. Rate. — The rate of fire at aerial targets is about the same
as the rapid-fire rate at ground targets. Everything must be
done to increase the rate of Are without affecting its accuracy.
Repeated tests have proved that rifle Are delivered faster than •
is consistent with, proper aim and trigger squeeze results in
waste of ammunition. Each shot must be aimed and squeezed.
A well-trained rifleman can fire one shot in 3 or 4 seconds. A
Range (yards)
General outline 1,000
Wheels, rudder, wing struts, tail skid 700
Antenna and small projections from fuselage 500
Symbols, numbers*, letters 200
116
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
63-64
faster rate is possible if the rifleman does not aim and squeeze
the trigger. This should not be permitted.
e. Sight used. — Battle sight is used in all firing at aerial
targets. It Is impossible to use the peep sight and see the
target, while aiming at the estimated lead.
d. Accuracy. — Firing in time of peace indicates that the
antiaircraft fire of trained riflemen is effective and should
cause substantial losses to hostile air units.
e. Effect of caliber .30 fire on, the airplane. — (1) There are
ing parts are likely to stop an engine immediately. A hit
through the metal propeller is also serious, since it throws the
engine out of balance. Unless the bombs carried by the air-
plane are bulletproof, hits by armor-piercing small-arms
bullets will detonate them. Of course the pilot is especially
vulnerable.
(2) There are also many lesser ways in which infantry
an damage an airplane. Holes through the crank case may
cause the oil to drain out and the engine to "freeze" before
the airplane returns to friendly territory. Hits of any kind,
in fact, require varying degrees of repair, if they do not cause
' the airplane.
Section III
ANTIAIRCRAFT MARKSMANK
Object of instruction. — The object of
lanship instruction is to train the rifle-
ily moving aerial
>TERAL.-
craft marK
man in the te
targets.
b. Basis of instruction.-
aircraft marksmanship
course of training in
quired the fundamental;
good antiaircraft marksmar
fundamentals of target practice to firing at rapidly moving
targets and to perform the following operations with ac-
curacy and precision:
Prior to instruction in anti-
should have completed a
manship and thereby ac-
shooting. To become a
e must be able to apply the
117
64-65
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
(a) Apply the length of the target as a unit of measure
in measuring the required lead.
(b) Aline the sights of the rifle on the required lead
rapidly.
(c) Swing the rifle with a smooth, uniform motion so as
to maintain the aim on the required lead while getting off
the shot.
(d) Properly apply the trigger squeeze so as to fire in
im.
four operations
ion when firing
targets is th
d. Personnel
whose primary
minimum of time and
(2) The correct
combined into one continuous smooth
any direction at rapidly moving aerial
for the course of training outlined herein.
c. Sequence of training. — Antiaircraft rifle marksman-
ship is divided into preparatory exercises, miniature range
practice, and towed-target firing.
el to receive training. — All personnel of units
y weapon is the rifle should receive antiair-
craft marksmanship training consistent with the time avail-
able and ammunition allowances,
■ 65. Preparatory Exercises. — a. General. — (1
tion. — The preparatory exercises are designed to teach
soldier the correct method of performing each of the funda-
mentals of antiaircraft rifle marksmanship and to drill him
therein until the correct procedure becomes a fixed habit,
addition to a brief explanation of the technique of anti
t rifle fire the preparatory exercises consist
three distinct steps which should be compl
e targets described hereafter prior to
(a) Position exercise.
(b) Aiming and leading exercise.
(c) Trigger-squeeze exercise.
(2) Methods. — A conference by the instructor should pre-
cede each exercise. This conference should include an ex-
planation of the necessity of the exercise, and demonstra-
tions by the instructor and a qualified squad. In order to
awaken interest and to stimulate the soldier's enthusiasm
the preliminary instruction should be individual and
118
V. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
65-66
thorough. Each man should understand and be able to
explain each point.
(3) Coaching. — During all preparatory exercises and
miniature range firing when a man is in a firing position,
he should have a coach whose duty it is to watch him and
to point out errors. For this purpose the soldiers should
be grouped in pairs and take turns in acting as coach and
pupil. Unit leaders are the instructors and should super-
vise and prompt the coaches.
b. Organization. — With the targets and target ranges de-
scribed hereinafter (pars. 78 to 83, incl.), a group of 32
men per target is the most economical training unit. For
the preparatory exercises this will permit 16 men to per-
form the exercises on each type of target while the remain-
ing 16 men act as coaches. (See fig. 29.) Each group
should complete all preparatory training and instruction
firing on its assigned target. Groups should then change
places. The preparatory training and instruction firing
should then be undertaken on the new type of target. This
procedure should be followed until each man of each group
has completed his instruction on each of the four types of
targets.
■ 66. First Step — Position Exercises. — a. General. — The
positions used in antiaircraft firing are those which can be
assumed rapidly, afford the maximum flexibility to the body
for the manipulation of the rifle, and do not require undue
119
66-67
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, Ml 90 3
exposure of the firer. These positions will usually be either
kneeling or standing. The kneeling position best meets the
requirements listed above, as it is less vulnerable than the
standing position.
b. Firing positions. — (1) Antiaircraft firing positions differ
from those used in ground target firing in that —
(a) The sling is not used.
(6) The arms are not supported but move freely in any
direction with the body.
(c) The hands grasp the piece firmly, the left hand near
the lower band.
(d) The butt of the rifle is pressed firmly against the
shoulder with the right hand and the cheek is pressed
against the stock.
(e) In the kneeling position the buttock does not rest on
the heel, and the left foot is well advanced to the left front.
The weight is slightly forward. (Fig. 30.)
(2) The positions must be such that the rifle, the body
from the waist up, the arms, and the head are as one fixed
unit.
(3) When leading a target the rifle must be swung with
a smooth, uniform motion. This is accomplished by pivoting
at the waist. There should be no independer
ement of the arms, the shoulders, the head, or the rifle.
) The instructor explains and demonstrates the position,
and points out that if the rifle is pulled or pushed in the
desired direction by means of the left hand and arm, the
rifle will move with a jerky motion, thereby increasing the
possibility of jerking the trigger, or the front sight may be
pulled or pushed out of alinement with the rear sight and
the eye.
(5) Position exercises should be conducted so that the
soldier will become proficient in rapidly assuming positions
for firing at hostile aircraft moving in any direction.
■ 67. Second Step — Aiming and Leading Exercises. — a. Gen-
eral. — (1) Purpose. — The purpose of the aiming and leading
exercises is to teach the correct method of aiming and to
develop skill in swinging the rifle with a smooth, uniform
motion so as to maintain the aim on aerial targets.
on,
120
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
67
(2) Method.— ia) In the case of the groups assigned to the
nonoverhead targets, the pupils in the standing ready position
67
V. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
are placed in one line at about 1 Vz yards' interval, 500 inches
from and facing the assigned target. The coaches take posi-
tions that enable them to observe the pupils. The commands
for the exercise are: 1. aiming and leading exercise, 2. one
4«"
® Overhead.
Figtjbe 31. — Aiming and leading targets.
122
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
67-68
(TWO OR THREE) TARGET-LENGTH LEADS, 3. TARGETS. At the
command targets, the targets are operated at a speed of from
15 to 20 feet per second; the pupils assume the kneeling firing
position rapidly, aline the sights on the spotter indicating the
proper lead, and take up the slack in the trigger; then swing
the rifle with a smooth, uniform motion by pivoting the body
at the waist, and maintain the aim on the proper lead during
the travel of the target. The operation is repeated as the
target is moved in the opposite direction. The exercise is
continued until the target has been moved five times in each
direction. The coach and pupil then change places and the
exercise is continued until all men have acquired some skill
in aiming and leading with one, two, and three target-length
leads, both from right to left and left to right.
(b) In the case of the group assigned to the overhead target,
the line is formed perpendicular to and facing the line of
flight of the target. The procedure is the same except
one or two target-length leads only are used. (£
,s used.)
Importance of correct position. — The ir
correct position and of swinging the rifle with a smooth, uni-
form motion by pivoting the body at the waist should be
constantly emphasized.
b. Duties of the coach. — In the aiming and leading exercise
the coach insures that the —
(1) Proper position is taken.
Slack is taken up promptly and firmly.
Rifle is swung with a smooth motion.
Rifle is swung by pivoting the body at the waist.
Arms, shoulders, rifle, and head move as a unit with
the rifle.
68. Third Step — Trigger-Squeeze Exercises. — a. Impor-
tance. — (1) Correct trigger squeeze is the most important
operation to be performed in firing the rifle. The rifleman
should be trained to squeeze the trigger exactly as when firing
rapid fire at stationary targets except that the rifle is kept
in motion during the trigger squeeze, the firing of the shot,
and momentarily after the firing of the shot.
(2) In firing at a rapidly moving target the untrained man
has a tendency to permit the rifle to come to rest momen-
123
68
U. S. RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1903
tarily while applying the final squeeze. This results in the
shot passing behind the target. Another fault of the untrained
man is that of pulling the trigger quickly the instant the aim
is on the required lead. This causes the firer to flinch because
he knows when the cartridge
…[truncated]