25

H—l9

The range is taken by mekometer and made known to the men. As men improve, the exposure of fatigue-men should be reduced from 6 to 4 seconds, and the distance gradually increased from 200 to 600 yards. Firing Instbuction. - The instructor, while allowing no slackness in performing the preliminary motions of any firing position, should not unduly labour such details, but rather devote his energies to the essential points of each position. He should train men to assume any firing position quickly and accurately. Such faults as undue constraint, finger or trigger in loading position, lack of grip with either hand, eye near cocking-piece, or contact of face and right hand, should not be overlooked. A brief explanation, accompanied by demonstration with the rifle on the part of the instructor, followed by practice in assuming the position by the men, should be the method employed. During pieliminary exercises no commands are necessary, men are told to carry on the motions independently immediately after explanation by the instructor. Special attention must be directed to the working of the safety catch, to guard against accidents. The Standing Position: Loading. The instructor comes to the correct position and gives reasons for different motions in so doing, the object of turning half right and carrying out the left foot, and explain the following points about the position of the rifle : (a.) Muzzle pointing vp —for safety and convenience in loading and adjusting the sights; butt well forward —to admit of the rifle being brought easily and quickly to the aiming position, (b.) The position of the left hand —for control at the point of balance, (c.) Position of left elbow —for support when loading and adjusting sights. Order further practice in assuming the loading position until the soldier is proficient. During " rest " men should be warned against carrying the right shoulder too much to the rear in assuming the loading position, as it leads to the following faults when aiming : (a) Placing the butt on the biceps instead of in the hollow of the shoulder —results in gun-shyness; (6) the eye is brought too near the cocking-piece, causing a blurred and consequently inaccurate aim; (c) the nose and mouth are brought near to the fingers and thumb of right hand—result, a blow at each round, causing gun-shyness. Watch for any tendency to place the finger on the trigger, a common fault in loading. Illustrate the correct method of loading, pointing out that jambs frequently occur through (a) failing to push the last cartridge out of the charger into the magazine; (b) on finding the bolt does not go home freely, men draw it back for an extra push, thus engaging the bolt-head behind the rim of the next cartridge in the magazine; (c) failing to draw back the bolt to its fullest extent. Increase the men's proficiency in rapid fire by practice in loading and unloading with dummy cartridges, and in manipulation of the bolt, with the butt at the shoulder; constant practice with the eye-disc to develop rapidity of aim; timed snapping practice to acquire quick and smooth, let-off, and by muscle practice. " Rapid fire " does not mean getting off so-many rounds a minute, but rather a man's best rate, consistent with reasonable accuracy. The Aiming Position. It is found that the best results are obtained by dividing the instruction in the aiming position into two stages : — (1.) The instructor will show, after loading, how the rifle is held in the shoulder without lowering the cheek on the butt, at the same time pointing out (a) the correct position of the butt, (b) the position of the left hand and elbow, (c) the position of the right shoulder, (d) the position of the forefinger on the trigger and grip of remaining fingers and thumb of right hand —all as laid down in the Regulations. Cause men to bring rifle to shoulder luithout aiming until above points are mastered. (2.) The instructor will next show the position when aiming, pointing out (a) the position of the aiming-eye—well back from cocking-piece; (6) the position of the head —not inclined sideways; (c) the need for restraining the breathing. The squad should now combine (1) and (2) until proficient. Trigger- pressing. The mode of pressing the trigger makes all the difference between a third-class shot and a marksman. The forefinger is used because it is more readily placed on the trigger; the first joint is used because it is the most sensitive; the.bottom of the trigger gives bigger leverage; a good grip of the small of the butt prevents jerking and pulling. The instructor should demonstrate how the trigger should be squeezed by placing his hand over recruit's. Declaration of point of aim is most important always. Retaining the aim after pressing and constant snapping are the greatest aids to a smooth let-off. Lying Position: Loading. As this position will be mostly used on service, particular care must be taken to see that it is correctly done, pointing out that (a) the firer lies obliquely to line of fire to allow him to get his left elbow under rifle for support when firing; (6) the rifle and left forearm rest on ground for convenience in loading, well forward to allow rifle coming quickly and readily to the shoulder, and without undue movement. Load and unload as for standing. Adjustment of sights is the same as for standing, except that the rifle is drawn back through the left hand, with as little movement of head and body as possible, until the sights can be seen.

4—H. 19.