UC-NRLF 3 MANUAi;- SMALL ARMS INSTRUCTORS MANUAL iii^^iiiiiiiliii w^^^^^^BMimimmm ■r>- at< a '^i^c-'tti^-'iii^sr-^SiiutSi !^tj'^;^«S^^<^^^^; 'm:£ KNOWN DISTANCE PRACTICE. A Typical Firing Line on the New Jersey State Rifle Range during a National Competition at Sea Girt, N. J. SMALL ARMS INSTRUCTORS MANUAL AN INTENSIVE COURSE INCLUDING OFFICIAL "C SPECIAL COURSE"; U. S. RIFLE, MODEL I9I7; U. S. RIFLE, MODEL 1903 {SPRINGFIELD}] U. S. RIFLE, MODEL l%()^ {kraag)\ AUTOMATIC PISTOL, MODEL I9II; REVOLVERS, CAL's. .45 AND .38; OFFICIAL FIRING COURSES; DESIGNATION OF TARGETS t FIRE DIRECTION AND control; USE of cover Compiled by the SMALL ARMS INSTRUCTION CORPS REGINALD H. SAYRE, Capt. Res. N.G.N.Y. STOWE PHELPS, Ex-Capt. N.G.N.Y. GERARD P. HERRICK, Ex-Ord. Serg't N.G.N.Y. Executive Committee WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY CAPTAIN C. C. GRIFFITH, C.A.C., U.S.A. 1918 E. P. BUTTON & COMPANY NEW YORK Copyright, igi; By E. p. DUTTON & COMPANY o^ EDITORS^ NOTE This book is not expected to take the place of the War Department Documents and reguhir courses, which are so perfectly and fully laid out in various volumes, except in the present emergency. But there is no abbre- viated and yet complete basic course in one volume such as is made necessary and desirable to meet present con- ditions efficiently. Under supervision of officers of the Regular Army we have therefore gathered the government data to- gether in concise form, also taking into account Entente documents based on experience in the present war, plac- ing in one handy pamphlet the essentials of present requirements in the use of Small Arms, as an intensive course to save time and obtain uniformity in the elemen- tary work. Small Arms Instruction Corps Reginald H. Sayre, Captain, Reserve, N.G.N.Y. Stowe Phelps, Ex-Captain, Squadron ''A,'' N.G.N.Y. Gerard P. Herrick, Ex-Ord. Sergeant, Squadron "A," N.G.N.Y. Executive Committee. October ist, 1917. 30 West 44th Street, N. Y. City. 369538 LETTER (Extract from a Letter to the Editors.) From the standpoint of a former guardsman, gradu- ate of Plattsburg, and Captain in the National Army, I feel confident that the book will be a great time saver and help to the officers in the basic training of the New Army in the use of small arms. In view of this fact, I shall strongly recommend it to the serious consideration of my fellow officers, and am only too glad to have been of some assistance. Alfred Roelker, Captain Cavalry, N. A. Camp Upton, Long Island, N. Y. Oct. 4th, 1917. INTRODUCTION This volume on Small Arms has aimed at a standard- ized, basic and intensive course of instruction which it is believed will produce in the briefest possible time that quality of proficiency demanded by the present crisis. Several of the most experienced shots and coaches in the United States, working in conjunction with some of the Regular Army Instructors at the first Officers' Training Camp at Plattsburg, N. Y., have compiled from twenty or more works on Small Arms and Mus- ketry, the parts vitally applicable to the present situa- tion. The U. S. Army Manual of Small Arms Firing has supplied the framework of the book to which have been added many helpful suggestions from modern foreign works, notes from the Schools of Musketry, Ordnance Pamphlets, et cetera. This matter has been selected, con- densed, simplified and formulated for purposes of in- tensive instruction. Advantage has been taken of the experience gained at the Officers' Training Camps and the time saving qualities of standardization have been ap- plied. It is hoped that the effort and time spent by com- petent riflemen and Army Instructors in compiling this book will prove of assistance to the officers of the New Army, and will help them to proceed to put their knowl- edge in form for the most efficient instruction in the ix X INTRODUCTION present emergency, without the loss of time whi h would otherwise be necessary. In following this work, the instructor can feel confident that he is conforming absolutely to the latest approved methods used and taught in the U. S. Army. C. C. Griffith, Captain, C. A. C, U. S. A. Plattsburg, N. Y. Sept. lo, 1 91 7. CONTENTS AND SCHEME OF INSTRUCTION FOR INTENSIVE COURSE PAGE General Note xxi Special Precautions xxii Hints to Instructors xxiii PART I THE RIFLE CHAPTER I (Prepares for Official Test I. See Chapter IX) NOMENCLATURE OF THE RIFLE, MODEL 1903 SECTION FIG. PAGE 1. Parts 1&2 3 2. Barrel 3 3. Receiver 3 4. Bolt Mechanism . 3 5. Magazine 3 6. Trigger 3 7. Sights 4 8. Stock 4 9. Ammunition . 4 CHAPTER II (Prepares for Official Test II) OPERATION OF THE RIFLE, MODEL 1903 SECTION FIG. PAGE 10. Bolt Mechanism 5 11. Magazine Mechanism 6 12. To Load the Magazine 6 13. To Unload 7 xi CONTENTS SECTION 14. Cut-off 15. Jams 16. To Remove Bolt 17. To Dismount Bolt Mechanism 18. To Assemble Bolt Mechanism . 19. To Dismount Magazine Mechanism 20. To Assemble Magazine Mechanism 21. Use of Rifle Sling in Firing . . Fi PAGE 7 7 8 8 9 10 10 10 CHAPTER III (Prepares for Official Test I) NOMENCLATURE OF THE RIFLE, MODEL 1917 SECTION FIG. 22. Parts 3a 23. Barrel 24. Receiver 25. Bolt Mechanism 26. Magazine 27. Trigger . 28. Sights 29. Stock 30. Ammunition CHAPTER IV (Prepares for Official Test II) OPERATION OF THE RIFLE, MODEL 1917 SECTION FI< 31. Bolt Mechanism 32. Magazine Mechanism 33. To Load Magazine 34. To Unload 35. Jams 36. To Remove the Bolt ....... 37. To Replace the Bolt 38. To Dismount Bolt Mechanism .... 39. To Assemble Bolt Mechanism 40. To Dismount Magazine Mechanism . 41. To Assemble Magazine Mechanism . 42. The Use of the Rifle Sling in Firmg . . . PAGE 13 13 13 13 13 13 14 14 14 PAGE 15 16 16 16 17 17 17 17 18 19 19 19 CONTENTS xiii CHAPTER V (Prepares for Official Test III) CARE OF THE RIFLE (AND PISTOL) SECTION FIG. PAGE 43. Importance of Cleaning 20 44. To Clean Action ana Exterior 20 45. Object of Cleaning the Bore 20 46. To Clean Bore with Thong 20 47. To Clean Bore with Rod 21 48. To Clean the Pistol 22 49. Important Points 22 CHAPTER VI 23 (Prepares for Official Tests VII and VIII) SIGHTING EXERCISES SECTION FIG. PAGE 50. Trajectory 4 23 51. Line of Sight 5 24 52. Pointof Aim 6&6a 24 53. Normal Sight . 6 26 54. Battle Sight 26 55. Important Points 27 56. Sighting Apparatus 27 Sighting Bar 7 28 Target Machine ........ 28 Aiming Rod Device (Hollifield) .... 29 Belgian Aiming Device 29 57. First Sighting Exercise (Sighting Bar, Normal Sight) 29 58. Second and Third Sighting Exercises (Com- bined) Rifle, Fixed Rest, Triangle of Sighting 30 59. Fourth Sightmg Exercise — Canting ... 30 60. Allowance Exercise, for Elevation and Wind by Aiming 32 CONTENTS CHAPTER VII (Prepares for Official Tests V, VI, and IX) POSITION AND AIMING DRILLS SECTION 61. To Load 62. Exercise — ^Loading Magazine from Belt 63. To Unload 64. Position Exercise — Standing 65. Muscle Exercises No. 1 and No. 2 66. Aiming Exercise 67. Trigger Squeeze Exercise . 68. Rapid Fire Exercise 69. Position and Aiming Drill, Kneeling 70. Position and Aiming Drill, Sitting Down 71. Position and Aiming Drill, Prone . 72. Position and Aiming Drill from Cover CHAPTER VIII (Prepares for Official Test IV) DEFLECTION AND ELEVATION CORRECTION DRILLS FIG. PAGE 8,9&9a 34 37 37 10 37 39 10 39 41 43 11 45 47 12 48 13 51 FIG. SECTION 73. Elevation 74. Windage (Model 1903) 76. Rule for Elevation 14, 15, 16, 17 76. Rule for Windage (Model 1903) .... 14, 15, 16, 17 77. Blacking Sights 78. Adjusting Sights 79. Exercise (Effect of Wind) 18 CHAPTER IX OFFICLAL TESTS AND KNOWN DISTANCE FIRING OF " C. SPECLU. COURSE" SECTION 80. Test I — Nomenclature 81. Test II — Assemblmg and Dissembling of Rifle 82. Test III— Care of Rifle ....... 83. Test IV— Sight Setting 84. Test V — Firing Positions 85. Test VI— Loading from Belt ..... PAGE 52 53 53 55 58 58 58 FIG. IZZ PAGE 61 61 61 61 61 62 CONTENTS XV SECTION FIG. PAGE 86. Test VII— Sighting 62 87. Test VIII — Aiming Combined with Trigger Squeeze 62 88. Test IX — Rapid Loading, Aiming and Firing 62 89. Test X— Flinching 63 90. Known Distance Practice Ammunition Allow- ance 63 91. Short Range Practice Conditions .... 63 92. Instruction Practice 14, 19 & 19a 63 93. Record Practice 67 94. Mid Range Practice 16 67 95. Practice with Telescopic Sights .... 68 96. Combat Practice 68 97. Targets 14, 19 & 19a 69 CHAPTER X GALLERY PRACTICE SECTION FIG. PAGE 98. Rifle 70 99. Ammunition 70 100. Slow Fire Course (prescribed for organized militia) 70 Qualifications, Slow Fire Aiming Bull 20 101. Rapid Fire Course (adapted from C. S. A. F. M. 6) 72 Method for Rapid Fire Qualifications, Rapid Fire PART II AUTOMATIC PISTOL, CALIBER .45 CHAPTER I NOMENCLATURE AND CARE OF THE PISTOL SECTION FIG. PAGE 102. Parts 21 77 (1) Receiver (4) Slide (2) Magazme (5) Grip Safety (3) Barrel (6) Safety Lock 103. Ammunition for Automatic Pistol ... 78 104. Care of Pistol 78 xvi CONTENTS CHAPTER II OPERATION OF THE PISTOL SECTION FIG. 105. Method of Operation 106. To Dismount and Assemble Pistol . 107. Safety Devices 108. Important Points CHAPTER III NEW MANUAL OF THE PISTOL SECTION FIG. 109. When the Lanyard Is Used 110. Pistol Being in Holster, to Raise Pistol . . 22 111. Lower Pistol 112. To Withdraw Magazine 113. To Open Chamber 114. To Close Chamber * 115. To Insert Magazine 116. To Return Pistol, Being at Raise Pistol . 117. ToLoad 118. To Unload 119. To Inspect Pistol 120. Precaution 121. The Pistol Is Habitually Carried .... 122. When Action Seems Imminent .... 123. Recruits Are First Taught 124. Pistol Assumed Loaded CHAPTER IV MUSCLE EXERCISES SECTION 125. In Order to Shoot Well 126. Fiirst Exercise 127. Second Exercise 128. Third Exercise CONTENTS xvii CHAPTER V POSITION INSTRUCTION SECTION FIG. PAGE 129. Position Dismounted 93 130. The Grip 93 131. The Trigger-squeeze 94 132. Aiming 23 94 133. Sighting-rest 24 96 134. How to Cock the Pistol 96 135. Position and Aiming Drills, Dismounted . 96 Trigger-squeeze Exercise 97 Remarks 98 Quick Fire Exercise 99 To Draw and Fire Quickly — Snap-Shooting 99 To Fire to Right and Left Front ... 99 CHAPTER VI RANGE PRACTICE SECTION FIG. PAGE 136. Slow Fire 101 137. Quick Fire 101 138. Automatic Fire 102 139. Trench Fire 102 140. Score 102 141. Dismounted Course 103 PART III USE OF THE RIFLE SECTION 142. General Military Vocabulary 143. Terraine Vocabulary Cover — Eminences, Land, Profile, Railroads, Roads, Skyline, Verdure. 144. Firing Vocabulary Definitions 145. Classes of Fire by Rate 146. Classes of Fire by Direction 147. Classes of Fire by Result FIG. PAGE 24a 107 111 113 113 114 is 114 115 CONTENTS CHAPTER I LOADING AND FIRING COMMANDS SECTION . FIG. 148. To Load . , , . , 149. To Unload 150. To Set the Sight ........ 151. Firmg Commands: — (1) To Fire by Volley (2) To Fire at Will (3) To Fire by Clip (4) To Suspend Firing (5) To Cease Firing * (6) Complete Fi ing Command, Including Designation of Target 152. Firing Commands by Arm Signals . . CHAPTER II ESTIMATING DISTANCE SECTION FIG. 153. By the Eye 154. By Front Sight Method 26 & 26a 155. By Results of Fire 156. By Range Cards 27-28 157. By Marking Ranges 158. Mil System 29-29a PAGE 117 117 117 117 117 118 118 118 118 119 119 PAGE 121 124 125 126 126 127 CHAPTER ni DESIGNATION AND RECOGNITION OF TARGETS SECTION 159. Feature of the Ground System 160. Horizontal Clock-face System 161. Vertical Clock-face System 162. Mil (Sight or Finger) System 163. Combined Systems 164. Auxiliary Aiming Point 165. Instruction Practice Study and Description of Ground Marking Down Enemy Discernment and Description of Targets FIG. PAGE 30 131 31 132 32 132 53-33a 134 136 34 136 138 35 138 138 138 CONTENTS xix CHAPTER IV FIRE DIRECTION AND CONTROL SECTION FIG. PAGE 166. Important Elements 140 167. Duties of Fire Commander 140 168. Duties of Platoon Guides 142 169. Duties of Fire-Unit Commander .... 142 170. Duties of the Private 144 171. Fire Discipline 146 CHAPTER V NIGHT FIRING SECTION FIG. PAGE 172. Instinctive Alignment of Rifles .... 148 173. Fixed Rifle Rests 148 174. Illuminating Marks 148 175. Firing at Flashes 148 CHAPTER VI TACTICAL USE OF RIFLE FIRE SECTION FIG. PAGE 176. Immediate Object 149 177. Superiority of Fire 149 178. Opening Fire 149 CHAPTER VII THE USE OF COVER SECTION FIG PAGE 179. General Remarks 150 180. Firing from Cover 150 181. Selecting Cover 150 182. Changing Cover 150 183. Good Cover 151 184. Poor Cover 152 XX CONTENTS APPENDIX U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL 1898 (KRAAG) SECTION 185. Nomenclature 186. Assembled Parts and Their Operation . . 187. Dismounting and Assembling by Soldier . 188. Precautions U. S. REVOLVER, CALIBER .45 SECTION 189. Nomenclature 190. Care 191. Important Points 192. Operation 193. To Dismount and Assemble Revolver . . 194. How to Cock the Revolver 195. Self Cockmg Action 196. Double Action 197. Manual of the Revolver 198. Firing 199. Muscle Exercises 200. Position Instruction SECTION FIG. PAGE 201. NEW MODEL CLIP-LOADING DOUBLE- ACTION REVOLVER CHAMBERED FOR AUTOMATIC PISTOL AMMUNITION . 202. U. S. REVOLVER, CALIBER .38 ... . 203. RANGE PRECAUTIONS FIG. PAGE 36 155 37 155 162 164 FIG. PAGE 38 165 167 167 168 168 169 169 170 171 172 174 174 39 174 40 176 177 SMALL ARMS INSTRUCTORS MANUAL INTRODUCTORY SMALL ARMS INTENSIVE COURSE I GENERAL NOTE The conditions, training and development to become a good shot are: First of all it is necessary for one to develop the muscles used in firing. After skill in aiming and sight- ing is acquired, the muscle development must go on in combination with practice in aiming. The soldier will soon acquire proficiency in holding the rifle aimed upon the mark and squeezing the trigger, without losing the aim. At this stage, much has already been accomplished toward ultimate proficiency. Indoor or outdoor range practice will then show how well the ground work has iDcen laid. In the later stages the soldier must learn the influence of wind, light, mirage, etc., with the knowledge and ability to adjust his sights accordingly. This will include estimating the velocity of wind and the effect of the same velocity from the various angles. It is of the utmost importance that the riHe he kept in perfect con- dition so that results can be depended upon. xxii INTRODUCTORY II SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS Do not point a weapon, loaded or unloaded, in any direction where an accidental discharge might do harm. When first picking up either a rifle or a pistol, see that it is not loaded. With the rifle, pull back the bolt smartly, see that there is no cartridge in the breech (if necessary, insert- ing the little finger). Also see that the magazine is empty. With the pistol, take out the magazine, draw back the slide and see that there is no cartridge in the breech or in the magazine. Insert the magazine. When the rifle or pistol is carried loaded, the safety lock should be at "safe." Under no circumstances should the firing pin be let down by hand on a cartridge. When loading from the magazine, to obtain positive ejection, and to insure the bolt catching the top cartridge in the magazine, the bolt must be drawn fully to the rear. It is essential for the proper working and protection of all cams that they be kept well cleaned and lubri- cated. See that the cartridges are kept free from grit or dust and do not corrode in the clips. Never leave a rag in the barrel. In case of a misfire, it is unsafe to raise the bolt handle immediately, as it may be a case of hang fire. In such cases, wait a few seconds, when the bolt may be opened with perfect safety. INTRODUCTORY xxUi III HINTS TO INSTRUCTORS The purpose in the fire training of a company should be to produce uniform proficiency rather than expert- ness on the part of a few. The attention of the instructor should be concen- trated on the poorer shots and he should be particular to avoid discouraging them. Be careful to refrain from any form of comment that may dishearten the recruit. Faults must not, however, be overlooked or allowed to become formed habits. The instructor should avoid keeping the squad in tiring positions while making explanations or correcting errors. Until the soldier has heard a thing at least three times he will not remember it. In the early part of the training, unless for some spe- cial reason, squads will not consist of more than seven men who will be assembled around the instructor in a semicircle. The key notes of instruction are 1. Explain 2. Illustrate 3. Get imitation 4. Test Explanations are necessary, but they should be lim- ited to short explicit statements. Chief reliance how- ever should be placed upon practical demonstration. xxiv INTRODUCTORY Formal commands are seldom required except in col- lective firing instruction ; the motions of firing* being usually performed independently, and eventually each man will be required to use his own judgment. Accuracy should be emphasized at all stages of train- ing before rapidity. The essential points of the firing positions are to be insisted upon from the beginning as the foundations of fire discipline. The importance of Sighting, and Position and AiiJling Drills cannot be too persistently impressed upon the sol- dier. If these exercises are carefully practiced, the sol- dier, before firing a shot at a target, will have learned to aim his piece correctly, to hold his rifle steadily, to squeeze the trigger properly, to assume the position best adapted to the particular conformation of his body, and will have acquired the quickness in manual dexterity re- quired for handling the piece in rapid fire. This knowl- edge cannot be so successfully acquired upon the target ground. PART I THE RIFLE Note — Chapters I to VIII inclusive prepare for the Intensive Course or new *'C SPECIAL COURSE," pre- scribed by the War Department to be used for the Na- tional Army, which is designated as ''Changes^' to be added to Appendix II, S.A.F.M., 1913, and given in Chapter IX. "This course will be prescribed for the quick training of troops in rifle practice, when time or facilities for the regular courses are not available. "Success cannot be expected, nor can proficiency in rifle practice be attained by a company in this course, unless it has been thoroughly instructed and each man should satis- factorily pass the prescribed tests (given in Chapter IX) be- fore he fires a shot on the range. Without this thorough , preliminary course, and satisfactorily passing these tests, it is a waste of ammunition to let the soldier fire ball cartridges on the range." CHAPTER I (Prepares for Official Test L See Chap. IX) NOMENCLATURE OF THE RIFLE, MODEL 1903 U. S. Rifle, Caliber .30, Model 1903, for 1906 Ammunitioii (Figs. 1 and 2.) (See War Document, No, ip2j, for fuller description) 1. PARTS. The Rifle consists of 93 parts, of which the chief are : 2. BARREL. Muzzle, Breech, Chamber, Bore (.30), Lands, Grooves. 3. RECEIVER. Magazine Opening and Cut-off, Clip-slots, Bolt-stop, Ejector. 4. BOLT MECHANISM. Bolt, Handle, Locking-lugs, Safety-lug, Sleeve, Sleeve-lock, Firing-pin, Firing-pin- sleeve, Striker, Main-spring, Cocking-piece, Extractor, Extractor-collar, Safety-lock. 5. MAGAZINE. Floor-plate, Magazine-spring, Fol- lower. 6. TRIGGER. The lever used to release the Firing- pin and fire the rifle. 3 4 WOMElsrCLATyRE QF RIFLE, MODEL 1903 7. SIGHTS. The Front Sight. The Kear Sight consists principally of: A Movable Base with a Windage Screw and a Hinged Leaf with Open Battle Sight for use when the Leaf is down. When vertical, the Leaf exposes the Drift Slide (or Elevation Slide) with a Peep-hole, a Field View or tri- angle open-sight just above, and another open sight above that, all three located in the movable Drift Slide for altering Elevation. The Leaf is graduated from 100 to 2,850 yards. The lines just below the numbers are 100 yard divisions, the longer of the short lines are 50 yard, and the shorter, 25 yard divisions. 8. STOCK. Butt, Small of Stock, Balance and Hand- guard ; two Sling Swivels and a Leather Sling ; a Stack- ing Swivel near the muzzle; Butt Plate with receptacle for Oiler arid Thong Case or 'Tull-through" Container. This oil is for lubricating working parts only. 9. AMMUNITION. Model 1906, Caliber .30, Ball Cartridge, consisting of Case, Primer, Charge of smoke- less powder and Bullet. Muzzle velocity 2700 feet per second. CHAPTER II {Prepares for OMcial Test II) OPERATION OF THE RIFLE, MODEL 1903 10. BOLT MECHAinSM:. The bolt mechanism moves backward and forward and rotates in the well of the receiver. When the rifle is used as a single loader, the bolt carries a cartridge, placed by the hand in front of it, into the chamber. When used for magazine fire, the effect of drawing the bolt all the way to the rear and forcing it forward, is to cock the piece, eject a car- tridge, and place another cartridge in the chamber. The piece being loaded and cocked, is ready to be fired, if the Safety-lock is turned to the left showing Ready. To prevent the piece from being fired, turn the Safety-lock all the way to the right showing the word Safe. This can be done only when the piece is cocked. Also, while the Safety-lock is in a vertical position, the rifle cannot be fired. The bolt mechanism operates as follows: To open the bolt, raise the handle as far as possible and pull directly to the rear until it is stopped. To close the bolt, push the handle vigorously straight forward as far as it will go, and turn the handle down, being careful not to jam the bolt by lateral -pressure. 6 OPERATION OF THE RIFLE, MODEL 1903 The piece may be cocked either by raising the bolt handle and then immediately turning it- down, or by pulling the cocking-piece directly to the rear until it catches. The bolt-handle must be turned all the way down before firing. The opening and closing of the bolt should each be done by one continuous motion and practiced frequently for rapid firing. 11. MAGAZINE MECHANISM. The magazine mechanism includes the Floor-plate, Follower, Magazine- spring, Cut-off. . The magazine will contain as many as 5 cartridges and feed them, one by one, as wanted, to the barrel chamber. 12. TO LOAD THE MAGAZINE. See that the cut- off is up, showing On^ and draw the bolt fully to the rear. Place either end of the loaded clip in the clip slot in the receiver, and with the thumb of the right hand near the base of the cartridge, press smartly down into the magazine until the top cartridge is caught by the right edge of the receiver. The magazine can be filled, if empty or partly filled, by inserting cartridges one by one. Pushing the bolt forward, after loading the maga- zine, ejects the clip and puts one cartridge into the cham- ber, leaving four only in the magazine. To Put Five Cartridges in the Magazine and One in the Barrel. Proceed as in paragraph 'To Load the Magazine," but remove clip by hand; then push down and hold top cartridge with thumb of the left hand while advancing the bolt about half an inch, and turn magazine cut-off Off; then with the right hand, insert another cartridge in the barrel and close bolt. OPERATION OF THE RIFLE, MODEL 1903 7 13. TO UNLOAD. See that the magazine cut-off Thumb-piece is up, which puts the magazine On. Turn Safety up and move bolt alternately backward and for- ward until all the cartridges are ejected. After the last cartridge is ejected, the follower rises and holds the bolt open to show that the magazine is empty, the chamber is then closed by pressing the fol- lower down as the bolt is pushed forward, to free the bolt, and thrusting the bolt home. The Safety is turned to Ready and the trigger is pulled. 14. CTJT-OFF. When the cut-off is turned down, the magazine is Off, and the rifle converted into a single loader, whether the magazine is full or empty. When the cut-off is turned up, the magazine is On (the bolt, can be drawn fully to the rear, permitting the top cartridge to rise high enough to be caught in its forward movement). As the bolt is closed, this car- tridge is pushed forward into the chamber, being held up during its passage by the pressure of those below. The last one in the magazine is held up by the follower, the rib on which directs it into the chamber. When the bolt is closed, the cut-off may be turned up or down. Wlien the bolt is in its rearmost position, to pass from the Loading from the Magazine to Single Loading, it is necessary to force the top cartridge or fol- lower below the reach of the bolt, to push the bolt slightly forward and to turn the cut-off down, showing Off. 15. JAMS. If cartridges jam, take out magazine, as described hereafter under "To Dismount Magazine Mechanism.'' 8 OPERATION OF THE RIFLE, MODEL 1903 16. TO EEJVTOVE THE BOLT. Place the cut-off at the center notch ; cock the arm and turn the safety lock to a vertical position, raise the bolt handle and draw out the bolt. 17. TO DISMOUNT BOLT MECHANISM. To take bolt apart proceed as follows : Hold bolt in the left hand, press sleeve lock with the STBOER. Fig. 3.- -Disconnecting Striker and Firing Pin, Model 1903. thumb of right hand to unlock sleeve from bolt, and unscrew sleeve by turning to the left. Hold sleeve in left hand and draw cocking-piece back OPERATION OF THE RIFLE, MODEL 1903 9 with middle finger and thumb of right hand, turn safety lock down to the left with the forefinger of the right liand in order to allow the cocking piece to move forward in sleeve, thus partially relievingnhe tension of main spring. With the cocking piece against the breast, draw back the firing pin sleeve with the forefinger and thumb of right hand and hold it in this position (Fig. 3), while removing the striker with the left hand ; remove firing pin sleeve and mainspring; pull firing pin out of sleeve. Pick up bolt, 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 with the thumb of the right hand. 18. TO ASSEMBLE BOLT MECHANISM. Grasp with the left hand the rear of the bolt, handle up, and turn the extractor collar with the thumb and forefinger of the right hand until its lug is on a line with the safety lug on the bolt; take the extractor in the right hand and insert the lug on the collar in the undercuts in the ex- tractor by pushing the extractor to the rear until its tongue comes in contact with the rim on the face of the bolt (a slight pressure with the left thumb on the top of the rear part of the extractor assists in this opera- tion) ; turn the extractor to the right until it is over the right lug; take the bolt in the right hand and press the hook of the extractor against the butt plate or some rigid object, until the tongue on the extractor enters its groove in the bolt. With the safety lock turned down to the left to per- mit the firing pin to enter the sleeve as far as possible, assemble the sleeve and firing pin, place the cocking piece against the breast and put on main spring, firing-pin- 10 OPERATION OF THE RIFLE, MODEL 1903 sleeve, and striker. Hold the cocking piece between the thumb and forefinger of the left hand, and by pressing the striker point against some substance not hard enough to injure it, force tUfe cocking 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 (by turning it to the right) until the sleeve lock enters its notch on the bolt. See that the cut-off is at the center notch; hold the piece under floor plate in the fingers of the left hand, the thumb extending over the left side of the receiver ; take bolt in right hand with safety lock in a vertical position and safety lug up ; press rear end of follower down with left thumb and push bolt into the receiver; lower bolt handle; turn safety lock and cut-off down to the left with right hand. 19. TO DISMOUNT MAGAZINE MECHANISM. With the bullet end of a cartridge press on the floor plate catch (through the hole in the floor plate), at the same time drawing the bullet to the rear; this releases the floor plate. If it sticks, strike it toward the butt with the flat of the hand. 20. TO ASSEMBLE MAGAZINE MECHANISM. Re- verse operation of dismounting. 21. THE USE or THE RIFLE SLING IN FIRING. The gun sling may be used to steady the aim in the va- rious positions but is seldom used in field service. It is adjusted as follows: Release the outside hook and fasten it in the holes nearest to the butt swivel. Re- lease the other hook (of the other strap) and readjust it near the end so that the loop will be about opposite the OPERATION OF THE RIFLE, MODEL 1903 11 comb of the stock. The length must be adjusted to the arm. Holding the rifle in the right hand at the small of the stock, pass the left arm through the upper loop beyond the elbow; then pass the left hand under the stock, grasping the stock with the left hand in front of the trigger guard, the straps passing to the right of the wrist. Take up slack in the sling by drawing back the left arm and pressing the wrist to the right. Be careful to exert the same pressure for each shot. Adjust position to one of ease, firmness and steadiness. . ^b» I 12 CHAPTER III {Prepares for Official Test I. See Chapter IX) NOMENCLATURE OF THE RIFLE, MODEL 1917 U. S. Rifle, Caliber .30, Model 1917, for 1906 Ammunition (Fig. 3a.) 22. PAETS. The Rifle consists of 86 parts of which the chief are : 23. BARREL. Muzzle, Breech, Chamber, Bore (.30), Lands, Grooves. (Lands and grooves, 5 in num- ber, are of equal width and make one turn in 10" left handed.) 24. RECEIVER. Magazine-opening, Clip-slots, Bolt- stop (attached to left rear end of the receiver). Ejector, Safety-lock (attached to right and rear end of receiver). 25. BOLT MECHANISM. Bolt, Handle, Locking- lugs, Sleeve, Striker, Main-spring, Cocking-piece witl? Dismounting-hook, Extractor, Extractor-collar. 26. MAGAZINE. Floor-plate, Magazine-spring, Fol- lower. 27. TRIGGER. The lever used to release the Striker and fire the rifle — (Sear, Sear-spring and Safety-stud are actuated by trigger). 13 14 NOMENCLATURE OF RIFLE, MODEL 1917 28. SIGHTS. The Front Sight. The Rear Sight has no allowance for drift nor adjust- ment for wind but consists of a Hinged Leaf with a Slide, with a "Peep" in it. The slide is latched by a Spring Catch in adjustable positions on the leaf for dif- ferent ranges. The ranges on the leaf are from 200 to 1600 yards, with notches for each hundred yard "set- ting." The "setting" for the range is read from the lines in the beveled opening near the top of the slide, which are aligned with lines on the leaf opposite the numbers designating the hundreds of yards. The leaf carries a Battle Sight which is a "peep" formed on the leaf and which is in position when the leaf is laid down. The fixed sighted range of this Battle Sight is 400 yards. 29. STOCK. Butt, Small of Stock, Pistol Grip, Bal- ance and Hand Guard ; two Sling Swivels and a Leather Sling; a Stacking Swivel near the muzzle. Butt Plate with receptacle for Oiler and Thong (or "Pull- Through") container. This oil is for lubricating work- ing parts only. 30. AMMUNITION. Model 1906, Caliber .30, Ball Cartridge, consisting of Case, Primer, Charge of smoke- less powder and Bullet. Standard muzzle velocity about 2700 feet per second. CHAPTER IV (Prepares for Official Test II) OPERATION OF THE RIFLE, MODEL 1917 31. BOLT MECHANISM. The bolt mechanism moves backward and forward and rotates in the well of the Receiver when the magazine is full. The effect of drawing the bolt all the way to the rear and then forc- ing it forward, and the handle down, is to eject a car- tridge and place another cartridge in the chamber and cock the piece. The piece when loaded and cocked is ready to be fired if the Safety-lock is left "forward.'* To prevent the piece from being fired, turn the Safety- lock ''back" and down. This can be done only when the piece is cocked. The bolt mechanism operates as follows : To open the bolt, raise the handle as far as possible, and pull directly to the rear until it is stopped. To close the bolt, push the handle vigorously straight forward as far as it will go, and turn the handle down strongly, being careful not to jam the bolt by lateral pressure. The piece is cocked by raising the bolt handle and drawing the bolt back about i" (or until a distinct snap is heard) then forcing bolt forward and handle down into position. The bolt handle must be turned all 15 i6 OPERATION OF THE RIFLE, MODEL 1917 the way down before firing, for otherwise the safety stud on the sear will not enter the interlock slot on the bolt and the trigger cannot be pulled. 32.^ MAGAZINE MECHANISM. The magazine will contain as many as five cartridges and feed them one by one, as wanted, to the barrel chamber. 33. TO LOAD THE MAGAZINE. Draw the bolt fully to the rear. Place either end of the loaded clip in the • clip slot of the receiver and with the thumb of the right hand near the base of the cartridge, press smartly down into the magazine until the top cartridge is caught by the right edge of the receiver. The magazine can be filled, if empty or partly filled, by inserting cartridges one by one. Pushing the bolt forward, after loading the maga- zine, ejects the clip, puts one cartridge into the chamber and cocks the piece. To Put Five Cartridges in the Magazine and One in the Barrel. Proceed as in paragraph 'To Load the Magazine," but remove clip by hand, then push down top cartridge and hold it with thumb of left hand, while advancing the bolt about half an inch ; then, with the right hand, insert another cartridge in the barrel and close the bolt. 34. TO UNLOAD. Put the Safety forward and move the bolt alternately backward and forward until all the cartridges are ejected. After the last cartridge is ejected, the follower rises and holds the bolt open to show that the magazine is empty. The chamber is closed by pressing the follower down, as the bolt is pushed forward, to free the bolt, and by thrusting the bolt home ; and the trigger is pulled to leave the piece uncocked. OPERATION OF THE RIFLE, MODEL 1917 17 35. JAMS. If cartridges jam, take out magazine, as described hereafter, under ''To Dismount Magazine Mechanism.'* 36. TO REMOVE THE BOLT. (Note: See that the chamber and magazine are empty.) With the Safety in the forward position, raise the bolt handle ; then with the left, first finger and thumb, hold out the Bolt Stop and draw the bolt directly back and out. During this opera- tion the rifle may be supported on the knees or by hold- ing the butt under the right arm pit. 37. TO REPLACE THE BOLT. Reverse the opera- tions, lining up the extractor with the solid lug on the end of bolt. 38. TO DISMOUNT BOLT MECHANISM. The bolt having been removed, grip the rear end of the bolt in the right hand and with the left thumb, pressing on the extractor ring, rotate the bolt in an anti-clockwise direction until the extractor is in line with the gas escape hole. This raises the tongue on the extractor out of the groove at the front end of the bolt. The extractor can then be pushed forward and off by the right thumb. Hook a loop of string or the ''cleaning thong" on the dismounting hot)k, which is on the cocking piece lug, and, holding the bolt in the left hand and the string in the right, draw the cocking piece to the rear until the lug clears the end of the bolt. Then, by a rotary movement of the right hand counterclockwise, unscrew the sleeve from the bolt and withdraw the sleeve, cocking piece and striker from the bolt. Grasp the sleeve with the left hand, and, while holding the point of the striker against a piece of wood or a similar surface, force the i8 OPERATION OF THE RIFLE, MODEL 1917 sleeve toward the point of striker, compressing the main- spring until the lug on the cocking piece clears the lug slot in the sleeve. Then give the cocking piece a quarter turn in either direction to disengage it from the striker, and draw it off the rear. Relieve the spring from stress slowly and remove it and the sleeve from the striker. 39. TO ASSEMBLE BOLT MECHANISM. Slide the main spring over the striker. Hold the point of the striker against a piece of wood or a similar surface and, placing the sleeve against the end of the spring, with the flats in the bore registering with the flats in the striker, compress the spring by forcing the sleeve toward the point of the striker. Holding the sleeve with the spring fully compressed, replace the cocking piece on the end of the striker, locking it by a quarter turn so that its lug aligns with the lug-slot in the sleeve. Then let the sleeve return to position slowly under the action of the spring. Holding the bolt in the left hand, start the threads on the barrel of the sleeve into the threads in the end of the bolt. Holding a loop of string in the right hand as before, hook it on the dismounting hook and draw the cocking piece outwardly. Then, by a clockwise rotary movement of the right hand, screw the sleeve home on the bolt. Place the lug in the half cock notch. Slide the extractor to place in line with the gas escape holes, engaging the undercut lug on the extractor with the ears on the ring and lifting the hook so that the tongue will slide over the end of the bolt. To assist in this operation, press down on the extractor with the right thumb half way between the "Extractor Lug" and the ''Back Rest/' Turn the extractor so that it lies over the unslotted or solid lug and replace the OPERATION OF THE RIFLE, MODEL 1917 ig bolt in the receiver. Push the follower down and close and lock the bolt and pull the trigger. 40. TO DISMOUNT MAGAZINE MECHANISM. With the bullet end of a cartridge, press on the floor plate catch (through the hole in the floor plate) at the same time drawing the bullet to the rear; this releases the floor plate. If it sticks, strike it towards the butt with the flat of the hand. Pull the ends of the spring from the undercuts on the follower and floor plate. The narrower end of the spring will be found on the follower. 41. TO ASSEMBLE MAGAZINE MECHANISM. Re- verse the operation of dismounting. 42. THE USE OF THE RIFLE SLING IN FIRING. See last section in Chapter II. CHAPTER V (Prepares for Official Test III) CARE OF THE RIFLE AND PISTOL 43. IMPORTANCE OF CLEANING. The care of the rifle and pistol is of the utmost importance. Beyond or- dinary caution, it principally consists of cleaning thor- oughly after firing, as the powder gases are highly cor- rosive. They should be cleaned immediately after each day's shooting in the field, (as well as at noon,, when shooting on a range,) and daily for several days thereafter. If not possible to clean the rifle immediately, pull through an oily rag and clean at first opportunity. The worst part of the powder fouling cannot be seen, nor be removed by oil. 44. TO CLEAN THE ACTION AND EXTERIOR OF THE RIFLE. Clean bolt, magazine and exterior with any oily rag, wiping off surplus. 45. OBJECT OF CLEANING THE BORE. To re- move the fouling to get a chemically clean surface, and then cover this surface with a film of oil to prevent rusting. 46. TO CLEAN THE BORE WITH WEIGHT, THONG AND BRUSH OR GAUZE. First Method (Pozvder 20 CARE OF THE RIFLE AND PISTOL 21 Fouling) : If possible, plug bore at breech and fill with soda solution and leave to soak for twenty minutes to remove powder fouling, then wash out with clean water, or Second Method: With well oiled brush or gauze, drop the weight through from breech and pull through three or four times. Wipe dry with cloth patch of a size to pass snugly but easily through the bore. Then, either swab out three or four times with patches soaked in "Hoppe No. 9" solution, or pour through from the breech five or six pints of very hot or soapy water, being careful not to get it into the mechanism. After either method, dry thoroughly until patches come out "clean,'' or continue to come out with a bluish green stain. By ''clean" is meant not absolutely free from discoloration, but free from evidence of powder or metal fouling. If these dry patches come out clean, run through an oily rag, or If these dry patches do not come out clean, but continue to come out with a bluish green stain, this shows Metal Fouling from the bullet, then pull through an oily rag and take the rifle to the armorer at the first opportunity. The ammonia or other special solutions for removing Metal Folding should only be used by experienced men. 47. TO CLEAN THE BORE WITH A ROD INSTEAD OF THONG. Proceed as above except that the liquids can be pumped up into the barrel with the rod and a rag from a can, and the bore scrubbed. Always insert the rod from the breech after removing the bolt, so as to avoid wear or injury to rifle at the muzzle. 22 CARE OF THE RIFLE AND PISTOL After firing, clean the rifle daily for several days and until, after the oil is wiped out, the first dry patch comes out clean, 48. TO CLEAN THE PISTOL. The above principles apply also for the Automatic Pistol. Also clean the chamber of the pistol, using the soda solution. 49. IMPORTANT POINTS. Never leave rag or other plug in. the barrel to avoid blowing up the piece or caus- ing rust by holding moisture between the oily rag and the bore. Keep sight lowered when not in use. Keep piece uncocked except when loaded. For trouble with trigger pull, take rifle to the armorer. Cartridges are kept in magazine only when necessary. Bolts are not to be exchanged except to try and extract a stuck cartridge. If necessary in muddy or dusty country, cover muzzle and mechanism with a cloth or old sock but never put a plug in the muzzle. In dusty country, do not keep mechanism oily, but dry and clean. The bayonet must be wiped before returning to scab- bard, after it has been oiled or the rifle has been fired with the bayonet fixed. Keep ammunition dry and clean and out of extreme temperatures. Misfire: (a) From defective ammunition; try again or in another rifle; (b) from defective rifle; take rifle to armorer. Examine sights and loading mechanism and ''fix'' or try bayonet before going into action. CHAPTER VI (Prepares for Official Tests VII and VIII) SIGHTING EXERCISES 50. TRAJECTORY (Fig. 4.) The bullet, in traveling from the barrel to the mark, does not go in a straight line but in a curve like a baseball and is influenced by — (i.) Gravity (3.) Bullet Drift to right (2.) Wind (4.) Rifle jump to left In the Model 1903, Jump and Drift are automatically corrected by the angle at which the drift slide rises in 14.42 ^ IC 4-1 "~-^ v. ..r:::^. .. ^, ^ 5 -^C^ •• ~ 4 96 ^^ — ,^^ ^^ V ^ ^ ^ \ \, u ^ ^,^> -^ W=^^^ -^-ttJ HH HH ;^^ -■ 1 ^^-^ fc^n^^^ ;5 — N — \ 100 200 300 400 500 (o(^Q jOO 800 9OO lOOO-f^-^' Fig. 4. — Curves of Trajectories of Rifle Bullets for Different Ranges. For Model 1903. In the Model 191 7, there is no such taking elevation, correction. The rear sight Elevation is for counteracting the in- fluence of gravity. In the Model 1903, the windgauge 23 24 SIGHTING EXERCISES is used to counteract the influence of the wind. In the Model 19 1 7, there is no windga age, but corrections, when necessary, are made by aiming off. The bullet describes a vertical curve which is con- stantly changing and becoming more pronounced as it approaches the end of its flight, due to the decrease in the forward velocity, caused by the resistance of the air, and the increase of the downward velocity caused by gravity. Gravity is counteracted by elevating the line of the barrel above the Line of Sight enough to compen- sate for the distance through v/hich the bullet will fall. This is done by raising the slide in the rear sight. Fig. 5. — Line of Sight. 51. LINE OF SIGHT is the line of vision from the eye, through the middle of the rear sight notch, at its top, (or the center of the peep), touching the top of the front sight and thence continuing to the mark. (Fig. 5.) 52. POINT or AIM. (Figs. 6 and 6a.) To give the greatest uniformity, a point just below the mark, and not the mark, is preferable as the Point of Aim, as a more definite sight can be taken with the contrast which a line of light or different color, between the front sight and the mark or bull's-eye, gives. As it is impossible Fig. 6. — Normal Sight, Showing Point of Aim Fig. 6a. — Peep Sight, Showing Point of Aim. 25 26 SIGHTING EXERCISES to always know, if touching the mark with the top of front sight, how much of front sight is seen, the term "on the mark or bull's-eye" will be understood to mean an aim, taken: just below the mark, showing a fine line of light between the mark and the top of the front sight. 53. NOEMAL SIGHT. The top of the front sight should be level with the top of the open rear sight and in the middle of its notch (Fig. 6) for Model 1903. The corresponding position for the peep sight in either Model 1903 or 1917 is when the middle of the top of the front sight is in the center of the peep (Fig. 6a). Always take the same amount of front sight, as this is essential for good shooting. To raise the line of fire, either Increase the elevation of the rear sight or Aim at a higher point on the target. The first method is much the better when possible. Always put the top of the front sight, not the bull's-eye or mark, in the center of the peep hole, otherwise the Normal Sight will not be obtained and there will be no uniformity in sighting. 54. BATTLE SIGHT. The ^Battle Sight on the Model 1903 Rifle is the open notch on top of the leaf slide when the leaf is down. In the Model 1917, it is a ''peep'' sight. This sight is provided so that the soldier will have a reasonable mean elevation for use at close ranges, when he has not time, or neglects, to change the sight eleva- SIGHTING EXERCISES 27 tion. It might therefore be regarded as an "Instinctive Sight/' 55. IMPORTANT POINTSo Never cant the piece. Always take the same amount of front sight, more will shoot higher, less will shoot lower. Always have front sight in the middle of rear sight; with front sight to the left, the rifle shoots to the left; and to the right, it shoots to the right. 56. SIGHTING APPARATUS, (i.) Sighting Bar (See Fig. 7). (a) A bar of wood about i by 2 inches by 4 feet with a thin slot one inch deep cut across the edge about 20 inches from one end; (b) A front sight of tin or cardboard ^X3 inches tacked to the end nearer the slot and projecting i inch above bar; (c) An eye piece of tin or cardboard 1x3 inches tacked to the other end of, and projecting i inch above, the bar, with a very small hole (0.03 inch) one half inch from top of part projecting from the bar; (d) An open rear sight of tin or cardboard 15^x3 inches, with a U shaped notch ^ inch wide, cut in the middle of one of the long edges. This is placed in the slot on the bar. (A slight bend of the part of the tin fitting in the slot will give enough friction to hold the sight in any part of slot in which it is placed) ; (e) A peep rear sight of tin or cardboard 3x3 inches, with a peep hole ^ inch in diameter cut in the center. This replaces the open sight, when the peep sight is . used. Carefully blacken all pieces of tin and cardboard and the top of the bar. Nail the bar to a box about I foot 28 SIGHTING EXERCISES high and place on the ground, table, or other suitable place. Then adjust the open (or peep) rear sight in the slot and direct the bar upon a bulFs-eye (preferably an X or Y target) placed about 5 yards from the bar. No Fig. 7. — Sighting Bar. other than the sight desired can be seen. Errors, etc., are shown by manipulating the open and peep rear sights. (2.) Target Machine consists of a mounting for a miniature target and jointed arms on which a service rifle is mounted, such that moving the rifle to the line of sight in aiming at an aiming target situated some 20 SIGHTING EXERCISES 29 feet away, moves a pin in unison with it, which points at a miniature target exactly as the line of sight on the rifle points at the aiming target. When the trigger is pulled, the miniature target impales itself upon the pin in the same relative position as a bullet would have hit the aiming target. (3.) Aiming Eod Device (Hollifield). This is a de- vice often used for practice in aiming and trigger squeeze in both slow and rapid fire. It consists of a mechanical arrangement in the rifle and a miniature target whereby pulling the trigger of the rifle marks the point of aim on the target. This apparatus has been officially adopted by the United States Army and can be obtained on requisition^ or can be purchased direct from the Hollifield Target Practice Company, Middletown, N. Y. (4.) Belgian Aiming Device, consists of a reflector cage on the rifle by which the instructor can see the re- flection of both sights and the object aimed at, so as to judge of the accuracy and steadiness of the soldier's aim. The device is placed just back of the rear sight. 57. FIRST SIGHTING EXERCISE. Sighting Bar. Using the Sighting Bar, represent the normal open sight and the normal peep sight and require each man in the squad to look at them. Using the Sighting Bar, describe and represent the usual errors of sighting and require each man in the squad to look at them, such as (a.) Front sight too high or too low (b.) Front sight to right or left of middle of notch or peep (c.) Canting 30 SIGHTING EXERCISES 58. SECOND AND THIED SIGHTING EXERCISES, COMBINED. Triangle of sighting. A soldier acting as marker is provided with a pencil and a small rod, bearing a disk of white cardboard about 3 inches in diameter, with a black bull's-eye (a black paster is best) placed in the center with a hole just large enough to admit the point of a lead pencil. The soldier sighting, with a fixed sighting bar or rifle on a fixed rest, and using the peep sight, directs the marker to move the disk to the right, left, higher, lower, until the Line of Aim is established, when he commands ''Mark/' At the command ''Mark/' being careful not to move the disk, the marker records through the hole in its center the position of the disk and then withdraws it. Then being careful not to disturb the sights, repeat the operation until three marks have been made. Join the three points as determined as above, by straight lines, mark with the soldier's name, and call his attention to the triangle thus formed. The shape and size of this triangle will indicate the nature and the variations made in aiming. 59. FOURTH SIGHTING EXERCISE. Canting. This exercise is a demonstration of the effect of cant- ing the piece. The soldier must be impressed with the necessity of keeping the sights vertical when aiming, and not canting the piece to the right or left. Explain to the soldier that if the piece is canted to the right, the bullet will strike to the right and below the point aimed at, even though the rifle be otherwise correctly aimed and the sights correctly set. Similarly, if the piece is canted to the left, the bullet will strike to the left and low. This can be explained by showing that the elevation fixes SIGHTING EXERCISES 31 the height of the point where the bullet will hit the tar- get, and that windage fixes the point to the right or left; i. e., the elevation gives vertical effects and wind- age horizontal effects. Let a pencil (or rod) held verti- cal represent the elevation ; now, if the pencil is turned to the right 90 degrees, or horizontal, all of the eleva- tion has been taken off, causing the shot to strike low and changed into windage, causing the shot to strike to the right. This effect may be demonstrated as follows : Use the sighting rest with the rifle firmly held in the notches, the bolt removed. Paste a black paster near the center Ci the bottom line of the target. Sight the rifle on this mark, using about 1,600 yards elevation, then, being careful not to move the rifle, look through the bore and direct the marker to move the disk until the bull's-eye is in the center of the field of view and command ''Mark/' Next turn the rest with the rifle on its right side, and with the same elevation sight on the same paster as above, then being careful not to move the rifle, look through the bore and again direct the marker to move the disk until the bull's-eye is in the center of the field of view and command ''Markf' Not considering the fall of the bullet, the first mark represents the point struck with the sight vertical, the second mark represents the point struck, low and to the right, using the same elevation and the same point of aim, when the piece is canted 90 degrees to the right. Different degrees of canting the piece can be repre- sented by drawing an arc of a circle through the two marks with the paster as a center. The second mark will be at a point on this arc corresponding to the degrees 32 SIGHTING EXERCISES of canting the piece. Emphasis will be laid upon the fact that this effect of canting increases with the distance from the target. 60. ALLOWANCE EXERCISE. Aiming Down for Change of Elevation. With the enemy at over 550 yards, there is time to alter elevation of sights. When raising or lowering sights in firing up to 550 yards is inadvisable, in the field, the battle sight is used and allowance is made by aiming down as follows : (a) At an approaching upright, or kneeling, enemy, aim at his feet. (b) At a prone enemy, aim a full foot below. Aiming Off for Wind. Altering the wind gauge is not the usual means for allowing for wind in many cases in the field, and cannot be done with Model 1917. Against close formations neglect windage. When aiming off for the wind, re- member that a man's breadth, when facing you, is about two feet wide. Make windage allowance in one breadth, two breadths, etc., of a man, as in following rough table: Bough Table for Right Angle Winds. Range Velocity of Wind in Miles per Hour Mild, 10 Miles Fresh, 20 Miles Strong, 30 Miles 500 800 1000 1200 2 ft. 5 ft. 8 ft. 12 ft. 4 ft. 10 ft. 17 ft. 24 ft. 6 ft. 15 ft. 25 ft. 36 ft. SIGHTING EXERCISES 33 Example: Assuming a range of 800 yards and a mild wind of 10 miles per hour, the table shows that a bullet is blown 5 feet off the mark. Therefore, with such a wind from the. left, the soldier should aim to the left 5 feet or 2j4 ''breadths'' of a man at that distance. Aiming Off for Enemy Moving At Right Angles. (a) Ranges up to 500 yards, aim About I ft. in front per 100 yds. at a man walking About 2 ft. in front per 100 yds. at a man at "double time" About 3 ft. in front per 100 yds. at a horseman trotting About 6 ft. in front per 100 yds. at a horseman galloping (b) Range over 500 yards, aim At the head of a column of troops moving to either flank. About 6 lengths ahead of Airplanes. At the nose of the envelope of Airships. Exercice fcr Battle Sight of Model 1903. Aiming down to counteract Battle Sight, or long range elevation, for short ranges : With an adjustable rest for rifle, the ''Sighter" is in- structed to estimate and sight and set rifle some multiple, such as one-half the zvidth of hulVs-eye below the bull's- eye. When done, the instructor looks through the sights and directs marker, with disk bull's-eye, to ''mark" when disk is in normal position to sights. The distance thus measured is compared and corrected, the Sighter looking through the sights at the new correct point. In the same way, ''Mark'' the estimated aim, once the width and then twice the zvidth of bull's-eye below mark. Note. If practice in "Aiming Oft*" is desired, left and right estimated aims can be taken and corrected as in "Aiming Down Exercise," preceding. CHAPTER VII (Prepares for Official Tests V, VI and IX) POSITION AND AIMING DRILLS 61. TO LOAD. Being in line or skirmish line at halt. I. With dummy (blank or bail) cartridges, 2. Load. At the command load each trooper faces half right and carries the right foot to the right, about i foot, to Fig. 8. — To !oa 34 POSITION AND AIMING DRILLS 35 such position as will insure the greatest firmness and steadiness of the body, raises or lowers the rifle and drops it into the left hand at the balance, left thumb extended along the stock, muzzle at the height of the Fig. 9. — Position of "Load/ breast, and, in Model 1903, turns the cut-off up. With the right hand he turns and draws the bolt back, takes a loaded clip (Fig. 8) and inserts the end in the clip slots, places the thumb well back on the powder space of the top cartridge, the fingers extending around the rifle and tips resting on the magazine floor-plate; forces the cartridges into the magazine by pressing down with the thumb ; without removing the clip thrusts the bolt 36 POSITION AND AIMING DRILLS home, turning down the handle ; turns the safety lock to the "Safe''; and carries, the hand to the small of the stock. (Fig. 9.) A skirmish line may load while moving, the rifle being held as nearly as practicable in the position of load. If kneeling or sitting, the position of the piece is sim- ilar ; if kneeling, the left forearm rests on the left thigh; if sitting, the elbows are supported by the knees; if lying down, the left hand steadies and supports the piece at the balance, the toe of the butt resting on the ground, the muzzle off the ground. For reference, these positions (standing, kneeling and lying down) are designated as that of Load. For instruction in loading: i. Simulate, 2. Load. With the Model 1903, this is executed as above de- scribed, without cartridges, except that the Cut-off re- mains ''off" and the handling of cartridges is simulated. .With the Model 1917, it can be executed as above described, without cartridges, if the Follower is held down by the Follower Depressor, issued for this purpose. n/VGfRWTCH ro rAC/urATt CONCAVr 7VPPLAT£ f/fEM OVAL^O M MAGAZ//^£ w/y(PS TO emAGe WE fvuoifl^£:R> Fig. 9a. — Follower Depressor ior Model 19 17. Follower Depressor. The Depressor is to be used only in Exercises. (Fig. 9a.) Its object is to hold the Follower down clear of the bolt. POSITION AND AIMING DRILLS 37 The Depressor is inserted into the Magazine edgewise, forcing the Magazine Follower down and is then turned laterally into normal position and allowed to rise with the Follower. The edges of the Depressor engage the sides of the Magazine opening in the Receiver and since the top plate of the Depressor is troughed, sufficient clearance for the movement of the Bolt is afforded. The recruits are first taught to simulate loading and firing. After a few lessons dummy cartridges may be used. -Later, blank cartridges may be used. 62. EXERCISE— LOADING MAGAZINE FEOM BELT. The soldier will be exercised in loading from the belt, pockets fastened, with a clip of dummy car- tridges, in position of Standing, Kneeling, Sitting, Prone. 63. TO UNLOAD. Take the Position of Load, turn the safety lock up and move bolt alternately back and forward until all the cartridges are ejected, taking care to do this slowly to avoid scattering or injuring the car- tridges. After the last cartridge is ejected, the chamber is closed by first thrusting the bolt slightly forward to free it from the stud holding it in place when the cham- ber is open, pressing the follower down and back to en- gage it under the bolt, and then, thrusting the bolt home, the safety lock is turned to ready, and the trigger is pulled. The cartridges are then picked up, cleaned and returned to the belt, and the rifle is brought to the order. The position of Ready is the same as the Position of Load except that the safety is turned to Ready. 64. POSITION EXERCISE, STANDING. The squad being in the Position of Load, the instructor commands : I. Position, 2. Exercise, At the last command, without 38 POSITION AND AIMING DRILLS moving the body or eyes, raise the rifle smartly to the front of the right shoulder to the full extent of the left arm, elbow inclined downward, the barrel nearly horizontal, muzzle slightly depressed, heel of the butt on a line with the top of the shoulder. Fig. io. — Position of Aiming, Standing. Two. Bring the piece smartly against the hollow of the shoulder, without permitting the shoulder to give way, and press the rifle against it, mainly with the right hand, only slightly with the left, the forefinger (second joint) of the right hand resting lightly against the trig- ger, the rifle inclined neither to the right nor left. At the same time bring the left elbow well under the rifle; right elbow as high as the shoulder. (Fig. lo.) POSITION AND AIMING DRILLS 39 Three. Resume the position of Ready, Remarks. The instructor should endeavor to give to each man an easy and natural position The butt of the piece must be pressed firmly, but not too tightly, into the hollow of the shoulder and not against the muscles of the upper arm. If held too tightly, the pulsations of the body will be communicated to the piece ; if too loosely, the recoil will bruise the shoulder. If only the heel or toe touches the hollow of the shoulder, the recoil may throw the muzzle down or up, affecting the position of the hit. While both arms are used to press the piece to the shoulder, the left arm should be used to direct the piece and the right forefinger must be left free to squeeze the trigger. 65. MUSCLE EXEECISE. Note— Men must not be unduly fatigued by the exercises or exercised when tired. First Exercise. One. Move rifle from position of Ready to Aim (Pressing smartly against the shoulder). Two. Return to Ready. Note. Interval between One and Two, will be pro- gressively increased until rifle can be held at shoulder for two minutes without fatigue. Second Exercise. One. Bring rifle to Aim. Two. Drop right hand. Three. Replace right hand and drop left hand. Note. The commands Two and Three should be given at intervals of about lo seconds. 66. AIMING exercise'. The instructor will first 40 POSITION AND AIMING DRILLS direct the sights to be adjusted for the lowest elevation, and subsequently for the different longer ranges. The instructor commands: i. Aiming. 2. Exercise. At the last command, execute the first and second mo- tion of the Position Exercise. (Par. 64.) (Fig. 10.) Two. Bend the head a little to the right, the cheek resting snugly against the stock to assist the ''hold" and avoid bruising the jaw ; the left eye closed, the right eye looking through the rear sight at a point slightly below the mark. Three. Draw a moderately long breath, let a portion of it escape, then, with the lungs in a state of rest, slowly raise the rifle with the left hand, being careful not to incline the sight to either side, until the line of sight is directly on the mark; hold the rifle steadily directed on the mark for a moment (7 to 10 seconds) ; then, with- out command, and just before the power to hold the rifle steadily is lost, drop the rifle to the position of Ready and resume the breathing. Remarks. Some riflemen prefer to extend the left arm. Such a position gives greater control over the rifle when firing in a strong wind or at moving objects. It also possesses advantages when a rapid as well as accurate delivery of fire is desired. Whatever the posi- tion, whether standing, kneeling, sitting or prone, the piece should rest on the palm of the left hand, never on the tips of the fingers, and should be firmly grasped by all the fingers and the thumb. Lowering the head too far to the front, to bring the eye into the Line of Sight, brings it near the right hand, which grasps the stock. When the piece is discharged, this hand is carried by the recoil to the rear and, when POSITION AND AIMING DRILLS 41 the head is in this position, may strike against the nose or mouth. This often happens in practice, and, as a re- sult of this blow often repeated, many men become gun-shy or flinch, or close their eye at the moment of firing. Much bad shooting, ascribed to other causes, is really due to this fault. Raising the right elbow at right angles to the body elevates the right shoulder, and lifts the piece so that it is no longer necessary to incline the head materially to the front in order to look along the sights. As changes in the elevation of the rear sight will ne- cessitate a corresponding change in the position of the soldier's head when aiming, the exercise should not be held with the sight adjusted for the longer ranges until the men have been practiced with the sights as they would generally be adjusted for off hand firing. The soldier must be cautioned that, while raising the line of sight to the mark, he must fix his eye on the mark and not on the front sight. If this plan be not fol- lowed, when firing is held on the range at long distances the mark will generally appear blurred and indistinct. The rifle must be raised slowly, without jerk, and its motion stopped gradually. In retaining it directed at the mark, care must be taken not to continue the aim after steadiness is lost; this period will probably be found to be short at first, but will quickly lengthen with practice. No effort should be made to prolong it beyond the time that- breathing can be easily restrained. Each soldier will determine for himself the proper time for dismount- ing the aim. 67. TRIGGER SQUEEZE EXERCISE. The trigger should be squeezed, not pulled, the hand being closed 42 POSITION AND AIMING DRILLS upon itself as a sponge is squeezed, the forefinger shar- ing in this movement. The forefinger should be placed as far around the trigger as to press it with the second joint. By practice the soldier becomes familiar with the trigger squeeze of his rifle, and knowing this, he is able to judge at any time, within limits, what additional pres- sure is required for its discharge. By constant repeti- tion of this exercise he should be able finally to squeeze the trigger to a certain point beyond which the slightest , movement will release the sear. Having squeezed the trigger to this point, the aim is corrected and the addi- tional pressure is applied and the discharge follows. Exercise. The instructor commands: i. Trigger Squeeze. 2. Exercise. At the command Exercise, the soldier will execute the first motion of the Aiming Ex- ercise. (Par. 66.) Two. The second motion of the Aiming Exercise. Three. Draw a moderately long breath, let a por- tion of it escape, hold the breath and slowly raise the rifle with the left hand, until the line of sight is on the mark, being careful not to incline the sights to either side. Contract the trigger finger gradually, slozvly and stead- ily, increasing the pressure on the trigger while the aim is being perfected. In most trigger pulls there are two distinct stages: i. The Slack; 2. The Creep or Drag ending at the Critical Point. After the slack is taken out and the creep begins, continue the gradual increase of pressure required to release the point of the ^ear which should be done almost insensibly, the pull sliding along through the creep without causing any deflection of the rifle. After one has shot a rifle a few times, he will get to know how long the creep is, and so, when POSITION AND AIMING DRILLS 43 the critical point is approaching. This will enable him to make the release of the firing pin and the perfection of the aim take place at the same time, which is impor- tant in firing in a heavy side wind or at a movable mark, where the aim cannot be held steadily. Continue the aim for a moment after release of the firing pin, and observe if any change has been made in the direc- tion of the line of sight to note errors of sight due to pulling or flinching. Remarks. By frequent practice in this exercise, each man may come to know the exact instant his firing pin will be released. He must be taught to hold the breath, bring the sights to bear upon the mark, and squeeze the trigger all at the same time. A good test of proper trigger squeezing is to balance a coin on the hood of the front sight while squeezing the trigger. 68. RAPID FIRE EXERCISE. (To be done with Model 1903 with cut-off *'off" ; and may be done with Model 1917 with the Follower held down by means of the Follozver Depressor issued for this purpose.) It is recommended that this exercise be given with the bayo- nets fixed (by the command: Fix Bayonet) as, in the field, the soldier must usually be ready to use the bayonet immediately after firing. Object. The object of this exercise is to teach the soldier to load and aim quickly and at the same time accurately in all the positions he will be called upon to assume in range practice. This may be done with the "Aimmg Rod Device" (Hollifield) or the Belgian Aim- ing Device. The instructor commands: i. Rapid-fire Exercise; 2. 44 POSITION AND AIMING DRILLS Commence firing. At the first command, the first and second motions of the Trigger-Squeeze Exercise are performed. At the second command, the soldier per- forms the third motion of the Trigger-Squeeze Exercise, squeezing the trigger without destroying the aim or the position of the piece, but at the same time without un- due deliberation. He then, if possible without removing the rifle from the shoulder, holding the piece in position with the left hand, grasps the handle of the bolt with the right hand, rapidly draws back the bolt, closes the chamber, aims, and again squeezes the trigger. This movement is repeated until the trigger has been squeezed five times, when, without command, the piece is brought back to the position of Ready. When the soldier has acquired some facility in this exercise, he will be required to repeat the movement ten times, and finally, by using dummy cartridges, he may, by degrees, gain the necessary quickness and dexterity for the execution of the Rapid Fire required in range firing. Manipulation of the Breech Mechanism. To hold the piece to the shoulder, and at the same time manipulate the breech mechanism with the proper facility, are learned only after much practice. Some riflemen, es- pecially men who shoot from the left shoulder, find it easier, in rapid firing, to drop the piece to the position of load after each shot. While at first trial this method may seem easier, it is believed, that, with practice, the advantage of the former method will be apparent. Note. Some of the best shots in the United States, instead of letting go of the bolt handle to grasp the small of the stock, and pull the trigger with the first finger, POSITION AND AIMING DRILLS 45 retain their hold on the bolt handle with their thumb and first finger, pressing the trigger with the second finger. In this method the hand grasps the bolt handle at all times with great firmness, second finger extended. The trigger finger presses the trigger with the same caution and deliberation. (The equivalent of the Sqiicc::e is obtained by using the grip of the thumb and first finger on the bolt as a fulcrum, instead of the thumb over the small of the stock.) In this method much time is saved and steadiness gained by not changing the grip of the bolt handle to the small of the stock, each time the trigger is pulled. In all magazine fire, rapidity combined with accuracy is best secured by extreme quickness in operating the bolt mechanism and ample deliberation in aiming and pressing the trigger. 69. POSITION AND AIMING DRILL, KNEELING. These exercises will be repeated in the kneeling position by causing the squad to kneel by the command, Kneel. (Fig. II.) The exercise will be executed as prescribed for "Standing," except that at the command Two in the Position Exercise the soldier will rest the left elbow on the left knee, the point of the elbow in front of the knee-cap. The paster (bull's-eyes) for the Kneeling Exerci'se should be at 2^ feet from the ground. Remarks. Frequent rests will be given during prac- tice in these exercises kneeling, as the position, if long continued, becomes constrained and fatigues the soldier unnecessarily. In raising the rifle to the mark in the second and third exercises, the position of the left hand should not be changed, but the left forearm should be brought toward 46 POSITION AND AIMING DRILLS the body and at the same time the body bent slightly to the rear. When aiming kneeling, there is, from the nature of the position, a tendency to press the butt of the rifle against the upper arm instead of against the hollow of the shoulder; this will necessitate inclining the head con- siderably to the right to get the line of sight, and by Fig. II. — Position of Aiming, Kneeling. bringing the rifle so far to the rear will, if the thumb is placed across the stock, cause it to give by the recoil a blow upon the nose or mouth. To avoid this, the thumb can be placed along the top of the stock, on the right of the receiver. These difficulties may be avoided by advancing the right elbow well to the front, at the same time raising it so that the arm is about parallel with the ground. The hollow of the shoulder will then be the natural place for the rifle butt, and the right thumb will be brought too far from the face to strike it in the recoil. Some riflemen prefer, by bending the ankle, to rest POSITION AND AIMING DRILLS 47 the instep flat on the ground, the weight of the body coming more on the upper part of the heel ; this obviates any tendency of the right knee to slip; or by resting the right side of the foot on the ground, toe pointing to the front, to bring the weight of the body on the left side of the foot. These positions are authorized. Choice of Position. In firing kneeling, the steadiness obtained depends greatly upon the position adopted. The peculiarities of the conformation of the individual soldier exert, when firing kneeling, a greater influence than when firing standing, sitting or prone. The in- structor should, therefore, carefully endeavor, noticing the build of each soldier, to place him in the position for -which he is best adapted and which will exert the least tension or strain upon the muscles or nerves. It should be remembered, however, that without the rest of the left elbow on the knee, forward of the knee cap, this position possesses no advantage of steadiness over the standing position. Kneeling: Position; When Taken. The kneeling posi- tion can be taken more easily than the sitting or the prone position. It is, therefore, the position naturally assumed when a soldier, who is standing or advancing, has to make a quick shot at a moving or disappearing object and desires more steadiness than can be obtained standing. 70. POSITION AND AIMING DRILL, SITTING DOWN. In many cases the men, while able to kneel and hold the piece moderately steady, can obtain in a sitting position much better results. To practice the soldier in the preceding exercises in a sitting position the squad being formed in a single rank, 48 POSITION AND AIMING DRILLS with an interval of one pace between files, the rifle should first be brought to Order arms; the instructor then commands : Sit down. At this command make a half face to the right and, assisted by the left hand on the ground, sit down, facing slightly to the right, the left leg directed toward the front, right leg inclined toward the right, both heels, but not necessarily the bottoms of the feet, on the ground, the right knee slightly higher than the left; body erect and carried naturally from the hips; at the same time drop the muzzle of the piece to the front, and to the position of the first motion of load, right hand upon the thigh, just in front of the body, the left hand slightly above, but not resting upon, the left leg. The exercise will be executed as heretofore prescribed, except that at the command Two (Position Exercise), the soldier will rest the left elbow on the left knee, the point of the elbow in front of the knee cap and the right elbow against the left (or inside) of the right knee, at the same time incHning the body from the hips slightly forward. For the Aiming and Trigger-Squeeze Exercises, the pasters, used as aiming points, will be 2j4 feet from the floor or the ground. To afford the men rest, or, on the completion of the Kneeling or Sitting Down Exercises, the instructor will command Rise, when the men rise, face to the front, and resume the Order arms. 71. POSITION AND AIMING DRILL, PRONE. From the nature of the position, it is not practicable to exe- cute these exercises according to the method followed when standing or kneeling. Instruction will, however, POSITION AND AIMING DRILLS 49 always be given with reference to the position, to the manner of assuming it, and to aiming and squeezing the trigger. For this purpose the squad being forrned as specified "Sitting Down'' (the black pasters therein mentioned be- ing about 12 inches from the ground), the squad will be brought to Order arms. Then (the squad either standing or kneeling) the instructor commands : Lie Fig. 12. — Position of Aiming, Prone. Down, which will be executed as prescribed in the Drill Regulations; except that the body should be inclined as little as possible and the toes turned out with heels close to the ground to diminish vulnerability. (Fig. 12.) Note. When lying down in action in the open, keep the face on the ground. Move as little as possible in any position. Remain absolutely immovable, when halting in "At- tack," except when acting as "Observer" or firing. An immovable object is extremely difficult to see, while the slightest movement immediately attracts the eye. Being at Ready, the instructor then commands: i. Trigger-Squeeze, 2, Exercise. 50 POSITION AND AIMING DRILLS At the latter command, carry the left elbow to the front and slightly to the right, the left hand under the barrel at the balance, weight of the body mainly sup- ported by the left elbow, the right resting lightly on the ground. Two. Slide the rifle, with the right ' hand, through the left hand to the front, until the left hand is a little in front of the trigger guard; at the same time raise the rifle with both hands and press it against the hollow of the shoulder. Three. Direct the rifle upon the mark and carry out the further details of aiming and squeezing the trigger as prescribed in "Trigger-Squeeze Exercise." Then resume the position, Lying Dozvn, with the face close to the ground. As soon as the men have acquired with accuracy the details of the position they will be practiced, without the numbers, in aiming and squeezing the trigger at will ; after which the rapid-fire exercise in the prone position will be practiced, the necessary skill and dexterity being acquired by degrees. To afford the men rest, or on completion of the ex- ercise, the instructor will command : Rise. In the prone position, when aiming, the left elbow should be well under the barrel, the other elbow some- what to the right, but not so far as to induce any tend- ency to slip on the ground. (Fig. 12.) The greater changes in elevation required in first di- recting the rifle on the object, should be given by alter- ing the position of the left hand under the barrel, the slightest changes only by advancing or withdrawing the shoulder. POSITION AND AIMING DRILLS 51 72. :POSITION AND AIMING DRILL FROM COVER. (Fig. 13.) Instruct the soldier to assume the firing position for an under-rifle-rest, such as sand bags, para- pet or wall. ? -c(5tiLeqioM T ~|^ COILiLE/pOHDI«(r ]0 K ^.CUH CRAN(C Of CLCVAJION 25 Of 25 YLp/* •A\ % 'CotttcjioH coitt/foniHf JO out fOlHJ Of UfLECJIOH • Fig. 17. — Target B. Range 600 yards. 58 DEFLECTION AND ELEVATION CORRECTION the windage to the left or aim to the left of the mark; and vice versa. 77. BLACKING SIGHTS. The sights should be black. If bright they should be taken to the armorer for blacking. 78. ADJUSTING THE SIGHTS, (a) Elevation. The graduations of the rear sight are often incorrect and the elevation often varies with conditions. The correc- tion necessary for each particular rifle at any range is found by shooting it at that range, and is constant with the same ammunition, when firing under the same condi- tions. If no correction is necessary, the rifle is said to "Shoot on the mark.'' (b) The Zero of a Rifie. (For Model 1903 only.) That reading of the wind gauge necessary to overcome the drift of a rifle at a particular range is called the "Zero'' of that rifle for that range, and all allowances for wind should be calculated from this reading. The "Zero" of a rifle should be found while shooting it on a perfectly calm day. 79. EXERCISE. To give the soldier practice in cor- recting elevation and windage, a target should be placed on the wall facing the squad and a black paster attached a foot or more from the bull's-eye, then on a horizontal line with it, and finally in an oblique direction. For this drill, the rifle of each soldier who has not determined by actual firing the "Zero" and the correct elevations for the different ranges will be assumed to shoot on the mark and to require no windage. Announce the range and tell the men that the paster represents the position of an assumed hit and require DEFLECTION AND ELEVATION CORRECTION 59 each man to correct his sight so as to bring the next hit into the bull's-eye. This exercise should be repeated daily during Gallery Practice, until the men have ac- 10 9 11 8 7 5 6 Fig. 1 8. — Imaginary Horizontal Clock Face. quired accuracy in making corrections for all ranges up to I, GOO Yards. When the men have learned how to adjust their sights, 6o DEFLECTION AND ELEVATION CORRECTION this exercise should be carried on in connection with Gallery Practice. The rear sight on each rifle is given an incorrect setting in elevation and windage by the in- structor, and the soldier required to find the correct adjustment by firing. The Effect of Wind. Is is important that the sol- dier should be taught to estimate the force and direc- tion of the wind. The direction of the wind, for convenience, is ex- pressed by a clock-face notation (Fig. i8), the clock be- ing supposed to lie on the ground with the hour XII toward the target or mark and the hour III at the firer's right hand. A wind blowing from the front (that is, from the direction of the target) is called a *'XII o'clock wind," one directly from the left and across the field of fire is called a ''IX o'clock wind," and so on. The direction of the wind can be obtained by observing its effect upon smoke, on trees, or grass or dust, or by wetting the finger and holding it up. The force of the wind is designated in miles per hour. CHAPTER IX OFFICIAL TESTS AND KNOWN DISTANCE FIRING OF C. SPECIAL COURSE ^'The soldier is first given a thorough course of pre- liminary practice (as outlined in Chapters I to VIII, in- vlusive). He is then, before being allozved to Hre a shot on the target range, given the follozvin'g tests:'' 80. TEST I. NOMENCLATURE OF THE RIFLE in so far as is necessary for its efficient care and use. 81. TEST II. ASSEMBLING AND DISSEMBLING OF THE RIFLE in so far as is necessary for its efficient care and use. 82. TEST III. CARE OF RIFLE. 83. TEST IV. SIGHTING-SETTING: NORMAL AND PEEP, with and without deflection. Maximum time limit of lo seconds in each of not less than 5 consecutive trials. 84. TEST V. FIRING POSITIONS: (a) Standing, (b) Kneeling, (c) Sitting, (d) Prone, 61 62 OFFICIAL TESTS OF C. SPECIAL COURSE (e) From parapet, wall top, or other under- rifle rest, (f) From vertical edge of wall, door, window, tree or similar position. 85. TEST VI. LOADING FROM BELT, pockets fast- ened, with a clip of dummy cartridges in position Standing Kneeling Sitting Prone Maximum time limit of lo sec- onds each in best 5 out of 7 consecutive trials. Normal Sight Peep Sight 86. TEST yil. SIGHTING. With rifle in sighting rest (Third Sighting Exercise, Chap. VI). '' Proficiency required in 3 con- secutive triangles of sighting with each. Distance 20 feet ; no side of triangle to exceed Yi inch. 87. TEST VIII. AIMING COMBINED WITH TRIG- GER SaUEEZE. Test by means of : (a) Target Machine, (b) Aiming Rod Device, (c) Belgian Aiming Device, or (d) Perforated Bull's-eye over instructor's eye. (Methods used, to be noted by abbreviations M, R, B, and P, respectively.) (a) Standing, (b) Kneeling, {z\ Sitting, and (d) Prone. 88. TEST IX. RAPID LOADING, AIMING AND OFFICIAL TESTS OF C. SPECIAL COURSE 63 FIRING. Load from belt and simulate fire with two clips of dummy cartridges. Tested by means of (a) Aiming Rod Device, or (b) Belgian Aiming Device, or (c) Perforated Bull's-eye over instructor's eye. (Methods used to be denoted by abbreviations R, B, and P, respectively.) In positions : Standing, Kneeling, Sitting, and Prone. Time of each: I minute, I minute, 10 seconds, I minute, 10 seconds, and I minute, 20 seconds, respectively. 89. TESTX. FLINCHING. In prone position. The rifle will be so manipulated by the instructor that the man under test does not know whether or not it is loaded. Service ammunition to be used. 90. KNOWN DISTANCE PRACTICE, AMMUNITION ALLOWANCE. An annual allowance of 150 rounds per man is authorized for Known Distance Practice, which includes Short Range Practice, Midrange Practice and Practice with Telescopic Sights. 91. SHORT RANGE PRACTICE CONDITIONS. All firing from a typical trench, bayonet fixed except as noted, rifle resting on parapet. 92. INSTRUCTION PRACTICE, 64 OFFICIAL TESTS OF C. SPECIAL COURSE TABLE I. — SLOW FIRE. Range, Yards Time Shots Target Position and Type of Trench Sight lOO 200 300* No limit No limit No limit 10 10 15 A-4 A-4 A-4 (Fig. 14) Prone Standing Standing Leaf 5 Leaf and 5 Battle sight 10 Leaf and 5 Battle sight ^ One-half of firing with leaf sight at this range will be with bayonet not fixed. 105 points out of possible 175 in Slow Fire at bull's- eye target necessary to advance to Slow Fire at figure target. TABLE 2. — SLOW FIRE. Range, Yards Time Shots Target Position and Type of Trench Sight 100 200 300 No limit No limit No limit 5 5 5 Head F F (Figs. 19 and 19a) Prone Standing Standing Leaf Leaf Leaf 9 hits out of possible 15 required to advance to Rapid Fire. OFFICIAL TESTS OF C. SPECIAL COURSE 65 TABLE 3. — RAPID FIRE. Range, Yards Time Shots Target Position and Type of Trench vSight 100 200 300 I minute I minute I minute 10-20 (*) 10 10 Head F F Prone Standing Standing Leaf Leaf Leaf * 18 hits out of possible 40 required to advance to Record Practice. Soldiers who fail to make the necessary points to ad- vance are given further instructions and practice to the limit of the ammunition allowance. Procedure, Rapid Fire as prescribed for C. Special Course. There will be but one man firing at each target. The officer in charge of the line will command Lie Down, if the firing is to be at 100 yards, and then commands Load. The magazine will be filled, the piece loaded with one cartridge therefrom, and the safety lock turned to Safe. When all is ready in the pit, the targets to be fired upon will be drawn fully down (the rear targets being blank or targets of another class than those being fired upon), and a red flag hoisted at the center target. When the red flag is displayed, the officer in charge of the fir- ing line will command Ready, when the safety lock will be turned to the ready and the position of Ready as- sumed, with the sling, if used, on the arm. The officer in charge of the firing line will then call so that all may hear, Ready on the right; ready on the left. When the 66 OFFICIAL TESTS OF C. SPECIAL COURSE officer in charge calls out, Ready on the right, etc., any one who is not ready must call out. Not ready on target — . If any soldier fails to so call, it will be assumed that he is ready, and if he fails to fire when the target appears he will be given a total miss for that score. The firing line being ready, the pit is signaled or tele- phoned. Ready on the firing line. When this signal is re- ceived in the pit, the red flag is waved and lowered and five seconds thereafter the targets appear, remaining in sight one minute and then disappear. As soon as any part of the target appears, the soldier begins to fire and attempts to fire lo shots, reloading with a full clip which is taken from the belt, and continues to fire until lo shots are fired or until the target disappears. Each unfired cartridge counts a miss. In case of a defective cartridge or a disabled piece, or when more than lo hits are made on a target, the prac- tice is repeated. At all ranges, in rapid fire, firing is from a full clip, and the second clip must be loaded from the belt. In case a clip jams or breaks, cartridges may be loaded singly. At the expiration of the time limit, the target is pulled down and marked, all hits being given their proper value. In case of more than lo hits on a target, the target will not be marked but the firing line will be notified and the firing on that target repeated. In case a soldier fires on the wrong target, only such shots as he may have fired on his own target will be counted on his score. He will be given misses for the remainder of his score. In firing rapid fire, if more than one target is used, the first order of men at the firing point will fire together, one OFFICIAL TESTS OF C. SPECIAL COURSE 67 man at each target, all targets being fired upon at one time. 93. KECORD PRACTICE. TABLE 4 ^. — RAPID FIRE. Range, Yards Time Shots Target Position and Type of Trench Sight 100 200 300 I minute I minute I minute 10-20 (*) 10 10 Head F F Prone Standing Standing Leaf Leaf Leaf * At this range the soldier must fire 10 rounds ; he may fire as many more as he can up to 20 rounds and receive credit for every hit he makes. Soldier is penal- ized I point for each round less than ten that he does not fire. Total shots, 130. 94. MID-RANGE PRACTICE. For all men who have made 25 hits or more in Record Practice. TABLE 5. — SLOW FIRE. Range Time Target Shots Position 500 600 No limit No limit B B (Fig. 16) 10 10 Prone Prone 68 OFFICIAL TESTS OF C. SPECIAL COURSE Every effort will be made to teach the men the effect of wind, light, and temperature, and the value of small changes in elevation and windage. No report of this firing will be required, although a record of it will be kept in each company. 95. PRACTICE WITH TELESCOPIC SIGHTS. After Mid-range Practice has been completed, the four best en- listed shots of the company will fire with telescopic sights, not to exceed 40 rounds per man firing. ''This practice is intended for long ranges only, but it may be found necessary, until the rifles are accurately sighted and the elevations known, to start at shorter ranges and work back, no range being left until the tar- get can be hit at that range. This part of the practice will be at the discretion of the officer conducting the fir- ing. Target B may be used if found necessary to fire at ranges shorter than 1,000 yards.'' At 1,000 yards and over Target C is used. "At 1,000 yards each man will fire 20 shots for record. No report of the firing will be required, although a rec- ord of it v/ill be kept in the company. This record will show the number of the rifle with which the score was made, the elevation and the windage used at the various ranges, and the force and direction of the wind at the time of firing. The data will then be available when fur- ther practice is held with this particular rifle and sight. Practice may be held at 1,200 yards where a suitable range is available." (S. A. F. M. 1913.) 96. COMBAT PRACTICE. Combat practice, individ- ual and collective, will be fired by an organization after the completion of the Known Distance Practice. An annual allowance of 50 rounds of ammunition per OFFICIAL TESTS OF C. SPECIAL COURSE 69 man, to be expended under the direction of the regi- mental commander, is authorized for this practice. 97. TARGETS. Target A-4 is the A target (Fig. 14) cut down to 4 feet square. The Head Target is the top of the E target cut off 12 inches from the top. (Fig. 19.) Fig. 19. — Head Target. CHAPTER X GALLERY PRACTICE 98. EIFLE. U. S. Caliber .30 or ,22 or any rifle for Slow Fire. Any magazine rifle for Rapid Fire. 99. AMMUNITION. Reduced charge for .30 caliber ; or .22 caliber for .22 caliber rifle. Note. For Construction of Gallery Ranges, informa- tion may be obtained from the Secretary of the National Rifle Association, Woodward Building, Washington, D. C, also from the E. I. Du Pont de Nemours Co., Wil- mington, Del. 100. SLOW FIRE COURSE. The following course (which was prescribed for the Organized Militia) is. suggested : TABLE I. — (S.A.F.M., I913, PAGE 2Q2) Range, Feet Targets Position Minimum Number of Shots [50 50 50 The iron gallery target is- sued by the Ordnance Dept., or one similar there- to, or paper target X. do 1 do Prone Sitting 1 Kneeling / Standing 10 / 5 Sitting '""i 5 Kneeling 10 70 GALLERY PRACTICE 71 Note. Where it is impracticable to use ranges of 50 feet, gallery practice may be conducted at a greater dis- tance at a target whose dimensions and divisions have been proportionately increased. Firing will be by scores of five consecutive shots. Ex- cept in case of accidents, a score once begun will be com- pleted. ftualification in Gallery Practice, Slow Fire. At least 90 points out of a possible 150. Target X is an ''A" target reduced to 8'' wide and 12'' high; black circular bull's-eye i 1-3'^; center ring, 4 1-3'' diam. ; inner ring 7 2-3'' diam. ; outer, remainder. Value of hits: Buirs-eye 5 Inner 3 Center 4 Outer '. . . . 2 Aiming Bull. (Fig. 20.) As the sight on the Model 1903 rifle allows for drift, jump and elevation with serv- ice ammunition, in using reduced ammunition at re- duced ranges, allowance must be made by substituting an aiming bull underneath, and to one side of, the actual bull. The location of this aiming bull is best fixed by shoot- ing a group of shots, aiming at the actual bull of the target, and then placing the aiming bull as much below and to one side of the actual bull as the mean of the group of shots is above and to the other side of the actual bull. When the aiming bull's-eye is in place, the actual bull's- eye should be white, except for a fine black line around the edge. The above test must be made separately for Peep and Battle Sights, and for each kind of rifle. 72 GALLERY PRACTICE Fig. 20. — Example of Aiming Bull for Target X. 101. RAPID FIRE COURSE. Method for Rapid Firing. The disappearing target is not used in Rapid Fire in this course. In Rapid Fire each man takes position standing in front of the target assigned to him. The officer in charge of the Hne will command, Load. The magazine will be filled, and the piece loaded with GALLERY PRACTICE 73 TABLE I a. — (adapted FROM CHANGE'S S.A.F.M. 6, PAGE 4) (If U. S. Rifle, the Battle Sight only will be used) Ranges, Actual Ranges, Simulated Target Position Score Time 50 ft. 50 ft. 200 yds. 300 yds. X Kneeling from standing Prone from standing I min. I min. 10 sec. one cartridge therefrom, and the safety lock turned to Safe. When all are ready, the officer in charge of the firing line will command, Ready, and the safety lock will be turned to the ''Ready/' and the position of Ready, Standing, assumed. At command or signal, Commence Firing, he takes the prescribed position (kneeling or prone), opens fire, fires 5 shots, reloads the magazine without command and endeavors to fire 5 shots more. The command or signal. Cease Firing, is given at the expiration of the time limit, when all firing ceases. Qualification in Gallery Practice, Rapid Fire. At least 60 points out of a possible 100. PART II AUTOMATIC PISTOL, CALIBER 45, MODEL 191 1 76 CHAPTER I NOMENCLATURE AND CARE OF THE PISTOL lOa. PARTS. There are 53 parts to the pistol as fol- lows (Fig. 21) : 1. Receiver 2. Barrel 3. Slide 4. Plunger tube 5. Slide top plunger 6. Plunger spring 7. Safety lock plunger 8. Slide stop 9. Rear sight 10. Front sight 11. Link 12. Link pin 13. Barrel bushing 14. Recoil spring 15. Recoil-spring guide 16. Plug 17. Extractor 18. Ejector 19. Ejector pin Firing pin Firing-pin spring Firing-pin stop Hammer Hammer pin Hammer strut Hammer strut pin Mainspring 28. Mainspring cap 29. Mainspring-cap pin 30. Sear 31. Sear spring 32. Sear pin 33. Disconnector 34. Trigger Grip safety Safety lock Mainspring housing 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27 35 36. 37. 38. Housing pin 77 78 NOMENCLATURE AND CARE OF THE PISTOL 39. Housing-pin retainer 46. Magazine spring 40. Laynard loop 47. Magazine follower 41. Laynard loop-pin 48. Magazine catch 42. Magazine tube 49. Mazagine catch spring 43. Magazine base 50. Magazine catch lock 44. Magazine pins (2) 51. Stocks, right and left 45. Magazine loop 52. Stock screws (4) 53. Screw bushings (4) The six principal Parts of the pistol are: Receiver, Magazine, Barrel, Slide, Grip-safety, Safety-lock. The Receiver (i) has suitable guides for the recipro- cating Slide (3) and a hollow handle in which the maga- zine is inserted. Miscellaneous data concerning pistol: Weight, 2 lbs. 7 oz. Trigger Pull, 6 to 7>^ lbs. Length, 8.593". Bore, .445'', called .45 caliber. Rifling grooves, 6, making revolution in 16 inches. 103. AMMUNITION. Ball Cartridge Caliber .45 (see War Document No. 1866). 104. CARE OF PISTOL. (See Care of Rifle, Part 1.) CHAPTER II OPERATION OF THE PISTOL 105. METHOD OF OPERATION. A loaded magazine is placed in the handle and the slide (3) drawn fully back and released, thus bringing the first cartridge into the chamber (if the slide is open, push down the slide stop (8) to let the slide (3) go forward). The hammer (2^) is thus cocked and the pistol is ready for firing. If it is desired to make the pistol ready for instant use and for firing with the least possible delay the maxi- mum number of shots, the magazine being empty, draw back the slide (3), insert a cartridge by hand into the chamber of the barrel (2), allow the slide (3) to close, and lock the slide (3) and the cocked hammer (23) by pressing the safety lock (36) upward, and insert a loaded magazine. The sHde (3) and hammer (23) being thus positively locked, the pistol may be caried safely at full cock, and it is only necessary to press down the safety lock (36) (which is located within easy reach of the thumb) when raising the pistol to the firing position. The grip safety (35) is provided with an extending horn, which not only serves as a guard to prevent the hand of the shooter from slipping upward and being struck or injured by the hammer (23) but also aids in accurate shooting by keeping the hand in the same 79 8o OPERATION OF THE PISTOL position for each shot; and, furthermore, permits the lowering of the cocked hammer (23) with one hand by automatically pressing in the safety grip (35) when the hammer (23) is drawn slightly beyond the cocked posi- tion. In order to release the hammer (23), the grip safety (35) must be pressed in before the trigger (34) is pulled. 106. TO DISMOUNT AND ASSEMBLE PISTOL. Re- move the magazine by pressing the magazine catch (49) . Press the plug (16) inward and turn the barrel bushing (13) to the right until the plug (16) and the end of the recoil spring (14) protrude from their seat, releasing the tension of the spring (14). As the plug (16) is allowed to protrude from its seat, the finger or thumb should be kept over it, so that it will not jump away or be lost or strike the operator. Draw the slide (3) rearward until the smaller rear recess in its lower left edge stands above the projection on the thumb piece of the slidestop (8) ; press gently against the end of the pin of the slide stop which protrudes from the right side of the receiver (i) above the trigger guard and remove the slide stop (8). This releases the link (11), allowing the barrel (2), with the link (11) and the slide (3), to be drawn for- ward together from the receiver (i), carrying with them the barrel bushing (13), recoil spring (14), plug (16), and recoil-spring guide (15). Remove these parts from the slide (3) by withdraw- ing the recoil-spring guide (15) from the rear of the recoil spring (14) and drawing the plug (16) and the recoil spring (14) forward from the shde (3). Turn plug (16) to right to remove the recoil spring (14). OPERATION OF THE PISTOL 8i Turn the barrel bushing (13) to the left until it may be drawn forward from the slide (3). This releases the barrel (2) which, with the link (11), may be drawn forward from the slide. To Assemble. Reverse the process. 107. SAFETY DEVICES. It is impossible for the firing pin (20) to discharge or even touch the primer, except on receiving the full blow of the hammer (23). The pistol is provided with two automatic safety de- vices : (i) The (automatic) disconnector (33) which posi- tively prevents the release of the hammer (23) unless the slide (3) and barrel (2) are in the forward position and safely interlocked. This device also controls the firing and prevents more than one shot from following each pull of the trigger (34). (2) The (automatic) grip safety (35) at aU times locks the trigger (34) unless the handle is firmly grasped and the grip safety (35) pressed in. The pistol is in addition provided with a safety lock (36) by which the closed slide (3) and the cocked ham- mer (23) can be at will positively locked in position. 108. IMPORTANT POINTS, i. Never place the trig- ger finger ivithin the trigger guard until it is intended to fire and the pistol is pointed toward the target. 2. Do not carry the pistol in the holster with the ham- mer cocked and safety lock on excepting in an emer- gency. If the pistol is so carried in the holster cocked and safety lock on, the butt of the pistol should be ro- tated away from the body when withdrawing the pistol from the holster, in order to avoid the displacing of the safety lock. 82 OPERATION OF THE PISTOL 3. The trigger should be squeezed with the forefinger. If the trigger is squeezed with the second finger, the forefinger extending along the side of the receiver is apt to pass against the projecting pin of the sHde stop and cause a jam when the slide recoils. 4. Care must be exercised in inserting the magazine to insure its engaging with the magazine catch. 5. Pressure must be entirely relieved from the trigger after each shot, in order that the trigger may reengage the sear. 6. To remove cartridges not fired, disengage the maga- zine slightly, and then extract the cartridge in the barrel by drawing back the slide. 7. The pistol must be kept clean, free from rust and properly oiled. Excessive oil left in the mechanism will cause the parts to gum and work stiffly. 8. Care must be exercised to insure that the discon- nector is properly assembled in the sear. 9. The hammer should not be snapped when the pistol is partially disassembled. 10. The stocks need never be removed, as the pistol can be dismounted and assembled without removing them. 11. Do not use a hammer either in assembling or dis- mounting the pistol. 12. Reasonable care should be taken to see that the magazine is not dented or otherwise damaged. 13. Careless handling of the pistol or revolver is the cause of many accidents and results in broken parts of the mechanism. The following rules will, if followed, prevent much trouble of this character : (a) On taking the pistol from the armrack or holster, OPERATION OF THE PISTOL 83 take out the magazine and see that it is empty before re- placing it; then draw back the slide and make sure that the piece is unloaded. Observe the same precaution after practice on the target range, and again before replacing the pistol in the holster or in the armrack. When taking the pistol from the armrack or holster and before re- turning it to the same, open the cylinder and eject empty shells and cartridges. Before beginning a drill and upon arriving on the range observe the same precautions. (b) On a range, neither load nor cock the weapon until the moment of iiring nor until a run in the mounted course is started. (c) When not otherwise directed, ahvays keep the pistol or the revolver in the position of Raise Pistol, ex- cept when it is pointed on the target. (d) Do not place the weapon on the ground where sand or earth can enter the bore or mechanism. (e) Before loading the pistol, draw back the slide and look through the bore to see that it is free from obstruc- tion. Before loading the revolver, open the cylinder and look through the bore to see that it is free from obstruction. (f) Do not point the weapon in any direction zvhere an accidental discharge may mean harm. (g) /Keep the working parts properly lubricated. CHAPTER III NEW MANUAL OF THE PISTOL 109. (1) WHEN A LANYARD IS USED, the snaps are attached to the butt of the pistol and the magazine, the lanyard is passed over the head, and the sliding loop drawn snug against the arm-pit. The lanyard should then be of such length that the arm can be extended without constraint. 110. (2) TO RAISE PISTOL, the Pistol being in the holster, i. Raise, 2. Pistol (Fig. 22). Raise. Unbutton the flap of the holster with the right hand and grasp the stock, back of the hand outward. Pistol. Draw the pistol from the holster; reverse it, muzzle up, the hand holding the stock with the thumb and the last three fingers, forefinger outside the guard, barrel to the rear and inclined to the front at an angle of 30 degrees, hand as high as the neck and 6 inches in front of the point of the right shoulder. This is the position of raise pistol^ and it may similarly be taken from any position. 111. (3) TO LOWER PISTOL, i. Lower, 2. Pistol. At the command, Pistol, lower the pistol without chang- ing the grasp and rest the hand and pistol on the right thigh, back of hand up, muzzle in front of right knee. When dismounted, lower the pistol without changing 84 NEW MANUAL OF THE PISTOL 85 the grasp of the hand by the side and nearly extended, back of hand to the right, barrel inclined to the front and downward. This position will not be used in close order mounted. Fig. 22. — Raise Pistol. 112. (4) TO WITHDRAW MAGAZINE, Pisiol in any position. I. Withdraw, 2. Magazine. At the command, Magazine, turn back of left (rein) hand down, place pistol, barre> down, in left hand (on reins) and clasp barrel in full grip of left hand, thumb clasped over barrel in front of trigger guard, butt of pistol up, barrel pointing to the left front and slightly downward. With tip of right forefinger press stud, re- 86 NEW MANUAL OF THE PISTOL leasing magazine, and then place tip of same finger under projection in front of magazine base. Raise magazine about an inch, then close thumb and second finger on sides of magazine, giving a secure grasp with which it can be drawn from socket in the butt and placed inside the belt (in pocket of shirt or otherwise disposed of without throwing it away). Right hand then grasps . stock back of hand to the left. 113. (5) TO OPEN" CHAMBEE, the Pistol in any Posi- tion. I. Open, 2. Chamber. Carry the pistol to the left hand (if not already there) barrel to the left, front end of slide grasped between thumb and forefinger of left hand; right hand grasping stock, back of hand up, right thumb under slide stop. Hold left hand steady and push forward with right hand till slide reaches end of stroke ; engage slide stop, and come to Raise Pistol. Should the pistol be cocked and locked, it will be unlocked so that the slide can move. 114. (6) TO CLOSE CHAMBER, i. Close, 2. Chamber. At the command, Close Chamber, release slide stop with right thumb and let hammer down gently. To let ham- mer down, pull downward with point of right thumb till hammer presses against the grip safety and forces it home, then while continuing this pressure on hammer, pull trigger, and while continuing pull on trigger, let hammer down; while letting hammer down, grasp stock firmly between the palm ^nd last three fingers to prevent pistol rotating in hand. 115. (7) TO INSERT MAGAZINE, i. Insert, 2. Maga- zine. Lower pistol into left hand as in Withdraw Maga- zine , grasp magazine with tip of right forefinger on pro- NEW MANUAL OF THE PISTOL 87 jection at base of magazine, withdraw from pocket and insert in pistol. To make sure that the magazine is home, strike base of magazine with palm of right hand. Bring the pistol to the position of Raise Pistol. 116. (8) TO RETURN PISTOL, being at Raise Pistol. 1. Return, 2. PistoL Lower the pistol and raise the flap of the holster with the right thumb; insert the pistol in the holster and push it down, button the flap with the right hand. If the pistol is loaded and cocked, the command, I. Lock, 2. Pistol, must precede the command, Return, 117. (9) TO LOAD, having Loaded Magazine in Pis- tol, Pistol in any Position, Chamber Empty. i. Load, 2. PistoL Place pistol in left hand, barrel down, butt of pistol up, barrel pointing to the left and downwards, shde grasped between thumb and forefinger. Push forward with right hand until slide is fully open, then release slide allowing it to move forward and load cartridge in chamber. Come to Raise Pistol. If the last shot in the magazine has been fired, to reload, same command, but execute Withdraw Magazine, Insert Magazine, Close Chamber. As soon as the pistol is loaded it will be immediately locked by the commands, i. Lock, 2. Pistol. Should the command for locking pistol be inadvertently omitted it will be locked without command. 118. (10) TO UNLOAD PISTOL, being in any posi- tion, Loaded. Execute by the commands, i. Withdraw Magazine, 2. Open Chamber, 3. Close Chamber, 4. Insert Magazine. 88 NEW MANUAL OF THE PISTOL 119. (11) TO INSPECT PISTOL, it being in the hol- ster, I. Inspection, 2. Pistol. Execute Raise Pistol. To inspect pistol more minutely add, 3. Withdraw Magazine, 4. Open Chamber. To avoid accidents, individual men out of ranks, in barracks or camp, will first Withdrazv Magazine and then open chamber, whenever the pistol is removed from the holster for cleaning, for examination or for any other purpose. Accidental discharges will not occur if the above rule is always observed, and failure to ob- serve it must be considered a military offense, whether or not accidents result. 120. PRECAUTION. Whenever men fall in ranks with the automatic pistol, the ofBcer or non-commissioned officer in charge will command : I. Raise, 2. Pistol I. Withdraw, 2. Magazine I. Open, 2. Chamber I. Close, 2. Chamber I. Insert, 2. Magazine I. Return, 2. Pistol When falling in (dismounted), the above commands are given after the chambers of rifles have been opened and closed, and the Order resumed, the rifle being held against the left wrist. The commander of any troop or detachment thereof is responsible for giving the neces- sary commands to put the pistols in a safe condition. 121. THE PISTOL, with cartridges in chamber, IS HABITUALLY CARRIED cocked and locked, whether in the hand or in the holster. The hammer will not be low- ered while the cartridge is in the chamber. NEW MANUAL OF THE PISTOL 89 In campaign, the pistol should habitually be carried with a magazine in the socket loaded with seven ball cartridges, chamber empty; hammer down. The extra magazine should also be loaded with seven ball cart- ridges each. 122. WHEN ACTION SEEMS IMMINENT, the pistol should be loaded by command. It may then be returned by command to the holster till the time for its use ar- rives. 123. RECRUITS ARE FIRST TAUGHT the motions of loading and firii;ig without using cartridges. However, the automatic acti-bn and the effect of ball cartridges in operating the slide cannot be taught without firing ball cartridges. Practice without cartridges is very necessary to acquire facility in the exact movements of the manual, and in aiming, holding and trigger squeeze. To execute the movements without cartridges, first Withdraw Magazine, Open Chamber, and examine both pistols and magazines to assure that none contain ball cartridges. 124. PISTOL ASSUMED LOADED. The automatic Pistol must, at all times, be assumed to be loaded with ball cartridges until an inspection has disclosed that it is not so loaded. All the movements in loading pistol should be practiced without looking at it. In order to do this successfully, it is necessary to know exactly where the magazines are carried so that the hand may find them without fumbling ; also, since the projection at the front of the magazine base is on the same side as the bullets, and the magazine must be inserted in the socket with these to the front, go NEW MANUAL OF THE PISTOL the magazine should be carried in the pocket with the projection to the left and should be withdrawn from the pocket with the same grasp as is prescribed for With- draw Magazine. This manual must be practiced with all the precision and exactness required for the Manual of the Rifle ; thus accidents will be reduced to a minimum and familiarity with the pistol gained. CHAPTER IV MUSCLE EXERCISES 125. IN ORDER TO SHOOT WELL with the pistol or revolver, the muscles of the hand and arm must be well developed and under control of the mind. This develop- ment and control can only be secured by practice, and to secure them the following exercises will be practiced daily, the number of times each exercise is repeated be- ing gradually increased as the muscles become devel- oped. 126. FIRST EXERCISE. One. Arms sidezvard, palms up. Two. Raise. Three. Finger Exercise. Four. Close, Five. Open. Close and open the fingers vigor- ously, separating the fingers when open. Resume the Position of a Soldier at the command, Halt. Vary the exercise by turning the palms to the front, down, and to the rear. 127. SECOND EXERCISE. One. Arms sidezvard, palms up. Two. Raise. Three. Wrist Exencise. Four. Up. Five. Dozvn, or Four. Front. Five. Rear. Bend the wrist according to the command, keeping the fingers extended and joined. Resume the Position of a Soldier at the command, Halt. Vary the exercise as in First Exercise. 91 92 MUSCLE EXERCISES 128. THIRD EXERCISE. One. Right arm forward. Two. Raise, Three. Forefinger Exercise. Four. Close. Five. Open. Close and open the forefinger vigorously without moving the other fingers, which are held tightly closed as in gripping the pistol. Resume the Position of a Soldier at the command, Halt. CHAPTER V POSITION INSTRUCTION 129. POSITION DISMOUNTED. Stand firmly on both feet, body perfectly balanced and erect, facing the target, the feet far enough apart to insure firmness and steadi- ness of position (about 8 to lo inches) ; weight of body borne squarely upon both feet; right arm extended to- ward the target straight without stiffness ; left arm hang- ing naturally. 130. THE GRIP. Grasp the stock as high as pos- sible with the thumb and last three fingers, the. forefinger alongside the trigger guard, the thumb extended along the stock. The barrel, hand, and forearm should be as nearly in one Hne as possible when the w^eapon is pointed toward the target. The grasp should not be so tight as to cause tremors of the hand or arm to be communicated to the weapon, but should be firm enough to avoid los- ing the grip^ when the recoil takes place. The force of recoil of pistol or revolver is exerted in a line above the hand which grasps the stock. The lower the stock is grasped the greater will be the movement (or jump) of the muzzle caused by the recoil. This not only results in a severe strain upon the wrist but in loss of accuracy. If the hand be placed so that the grasp is on one side 93 94 POSITION INSTRUCTION of the stock, the recoil will cause a rotary movement towards the opposite side. The releasing of the sear causes a slight movement of the muzzle generally to the left. The position of the thumb along the stock overcomes much of this move- ment. The soldier should be encouraged to practice this method of holding until it becomes natural. To do uniform shooting, the weapon must be held with exactly the same grip for each shot. Not only must the hand grasp the stock at the same point for each shot, but the tension of the grip must be uniform. 131. THE TRIGGER SaUEEZE. The trigger must be squeezed in the same manner as in rifle firing. The pres- sure of the forefinger on the trigger should be steadily increased and straight back, and not sideways. The pressure should continue to that point beyond which the slightest movement will release the sear. Then, when the aim is true, the additional pressure is applied and the pistol fired. Only by much practice can the soldier become familiar with the trigger squeeze. This is essential to accurate shooting. It is the most important detail to master in pistol or revolver shooting. 132. AIMING. Except when delivering Rapid or Quick Fire, the rear and front sights of the pistol are used in the same manner as the rifle sights. The normal sight is habitually used (Fig. 23), and the line of sight is directed upon a point just under the bull's-eye at "6 o'clock." The front must be seen through the middle of the rear sight notch, the top being on a line with the top of the notch. Care must be taken not to cant the pistol to either side. Fig. 23. — I*istol, Normal Sight. Fig. 24. — Pistol Sighting Rest. 95 96 POSITION INSTRUCTION If the principles of aiming have not been taught, the soldier's instruction will begin with sighting drills as prescribed for the rifle so far as they may be applicable. The sighting bar with open sight will be used to teach the normal sight and to demonstrate errors likely to be committed. 133. SIGHTING REST. To construct a sighting rest for the pistol (Fig. 24), take a piece of wood about 10 inches long, ij4 inches wide and 9/16 inches thick. Shape one end so that it will fit sn\igly in the handle of the pistol when the magazine has been removed. Screw or nail this stick to the top of a post or other object at such an angle that the pistol, when placed on the stick, will be approximately horizontal. A suitable sighting rest for the revolver may be improvised. 134. HOW TO COCK THE.PISTOL. The pistol should be cocked by the thumb of the right hand and with the least possible derangement of the grip. The forefinger should be clear of the trigger when cocking the pistol. Some men have difficulty at first in cocking the pistol with the right thumb. This can be overcome by a little practice. Jerking the pistol forward while holding the right thumb on the hammer will not be permitted. 135. POSITION AND AIMING DRILLS, DIS- MOUNTED. For this instruction the squad will be formed with an interval of i pace between files. Black pasters to simulate bull's-eyes will be pasted opposite each man on the barrack or other wall, from which the squad is ten paces distant. The squad being formed as described above, the in- structor gives the command, i. Raise, 2. Pistol, and cau- POSITION INSTRUCTION 97 tions, Position and Aiming Drill, Dismounted. The men take the positions described in Section 129, except that the pistol is held at Raise Pistol. Trig"ger-Squeeze Exercise. The instructor cautions, Trigger-Squeeze Exercise, At the command, Ready, cock the weapon with the thumb. At the command, i. Squad, 2. Fire, slowly extend the arm until it is nearly horizontal, the pistol directed at a point about six inches below the bull's-eye. At the same time put the forefinger inside the trigger guard and gradually "feel" the trigger. Inhale enough air to comfortably fill the lungs and grad- ually raise the piece until the line of sight is directed at the point of aim, i.e., just below the bull's-eye at 6 o'clock. While the sights are directed upon the mark, gradually increase the pressure on the trigger until it reaches the point where the slightest additional pressure will release the sear. Then, when the aim is true, the additional pressure necessary to fire the piece is given so smoothly as not to derange the alignment of the sights. The weapon will be held on the mark for an instant after the hammer falls and the soldier will observe what ef- fect, if any, the squeezing of the trigger has had on his aim. As it is generally impossible to hold the arm per- fectly still, each time the line of sights is directed on the point of aim a slight additional pressure is applied to the trigger until the piece is finally discharged at one of the moments when the sights afe correctly aligned upon the mark. When the soldier has become proficient in taking the proper position, the trigger squeeze should be executed at will. The instructor prefaces. At Will, and gives the command. Halt, at the conclusion of the exercise, when 98 POSITION INSTRUCTION the soldier will return to the position of Raise Pistol. At first, this exercise should be executed with delibera- tion, but gradually the soldier will be taught to catch the aim quickly and to lose no time in beginning the trigger squeeze and bringing it to the point where the slightest additional pressure will release the sear. (It has even been found practicable to discharge 5 aimed shots in five seconds.) Remarks. In service few opportunities will be of- fered for slow aimed fire with the pistol, or revolver, although use will be made of the weapon under circum- stances when the accurate pointing and rapid manipula- tion are of vital importance. In delivering a rapid fire, the soldier must keep his eyes fixed on the mark and, after each shot, begin a steadily increasing pressure on the trigger, trying at the same time to get the sights as nearly on the mark as possible before the hammer again falls. The great dif- ficulty in quick firing with the pistol lies in the fact that when the front sight is brought upon the mark, the rear sight is often found to be outside the line joining the eye with the mark. This tendency to hold the pistol obliquely can be overcome only by a uniform manner of holding and pointing. This uniformity is to be obtained only by acquiring a grip which can be taken with cer- tainty each time the weapon is fired. It is this circum- stance which makes the position and aiming drills so im- portant. The soldier should constantly practice pointing the pistol until he acquires the ability to direct it on the mark in the briefest interval of time taking aim and at close quarters without taking aim, can get practical results. In other words, the pistol in this exercise may POSITION INSTRUCTION 99 be accurately pointed . instead of accurately aimed. In night firing, pointing the pistol is the only method that can be used and is practical and effective. ftuick Fire Exercise. Being at Raise Pistol Chamber and Magazine empty, ftuick Fire Exercise: One. Lozver the forearm until it is nearly horizontal, pistol pointing at the target. Two. Thrust the pistol forward to the position of aim, snapping the pistol just before the arm reaches its full extension. Then look through the sights to verify the pointing. Three. Return to Raise Pistol and cock- the pistol. To Draw and Fire ftuickly, Snap Shooting^. With the squad formed as previously described except that the pistol is in the holster unloaded, but cocked and locked, and the flap, if any, buttoned, the instructor cautions, Quick Fire Exercise, and gives the command, i. Squad, 2. Fire. At this command, each soldier, keeping his eye on the target, quickly draws his pistol, unlocks the safety with his right thumb, thrusts the pistol towards the tar- get, squeezes the trigger, and at the same instant the weapon is brought into the line with the eye and the objective, increases the pressure, releasing the sear. To enable the soldier to note error in pointing, the weapon will be momentarily held in position after the fall of the hammer. Efforts at deliberate aiming in this exercise must he discouraged. When the soldier has become proficient in the details of this exercise, it should be repeated at will; the in- structor cautions, at Will, quick fire exercise. To Fire to the Right and Left Front, the instructor places the squad so that the simulated bull's-eyes are in turn, to the right, front and the left front. With the 100 POSITION INSTRUCTION squad in one of these positions, the instructor commands, Raise Pistol, and cautions, Position and Aiming Drills, Right (or Left) Front. The instructor then commands, I. Squad, 2. Fire. At the command, Fire, the shoulders are turned about 45 degrees to the right (or left) and the pistol snapped as in Quick Fire Exercise. In firing to the left front the pistol will be in front and to the left of the left shoulder. The exercise is to be executed At Will when the squad has been sufficiently well instructed in detail. CHAPTER VI RANGE PRACTICE Range practice will be held as described below. The different classes of fire being: 136. SLOW FIKE. Target A is used so that the kind and magnitude of the errors committed by the firer become at once evident to him. Abundant time is permitted in the firing to enable proper explanation of the causes and remedies for such errors to be pointed out. It is designed as the elementary phase of instruc- tion in the proper manipulation of the weapon and in determining and correcting the personal errors of the firer. 137. QUICK FIRE. Use Target E, five yards apart, one for each man firing. Position the same as that pre- scribed for Raise Pistol with interval. Being at Raise Pistol, pistols locked, at the -command, Commence firing, unlock, fire and return to Raise pistol after each shot, following the principles of Quick Fire Exercise. In Quick Fire the target is operated as a bobbing tar- get. Three to five seconds after notice is received in the pit that all is ready at the firing g^ftnt, the target is alternately exposed to and turned from view of the fir- lOI 102 RANGE PRACTICE ing point, exposures being of three to four seconds dura- tion, depending on the range, with an interval of three to five seconds between exposures. If bobbing targets are impracticable, time is regulated at the 'Tiring Point." 138. AUTOMATIC FIRE. Use Target E. Being at Raise Pistol, pistols locked; at the command. Commence Firing, unlock and empty the magazine in seven seconds, keeping the arm extended. Position is the same as for Slow Fire. 139. TRENCH FIRE. Target, two lines of E targets. The first line is composed of E targets, five yards apart, one figure for each man firing. The second line is com- posed of two figures, one yard apart, for each man fir- ing, placed in a trench immediately in rear of the fig- ures of the first line. This gives for each firer a group of three figures, one placed on top at the near edge of the trench and the other two in the trench immediately in the rear. In case a trench is not available, a rifle pit can be used. A gutter, sunken road, embankment or hedge can be used for this purpose, so long as trench fire is simulated. The firing line advances at a walk from lOO yards, takes up Double Time at 50 yards from trench, fires one shot at the Double Time when within 10 yards of the first target, continues to the trench and fires the remain- ing six shots, automatic fire, at the two targets in the trench in the rear of the first line target. 140. Score. Seven shots will constitute a score. Ex- cept in slow fire when each shot will be marked as soon as fired, targets will be marked after each man has com- pleted a score. j# RANGE PRACTICE 103 141. THE DISMOUNTED COURSE will be: 1 Slow fire, 10 yards, minimum of i maximum of 3 scores 2 Slow fire, 25 yards, minimum of i maximum of 3 scores 3 Quick fire, 10 yards, minimum of i maximum of 3 scores 4 Quick fire, 25 yards, minimum of i maximum of 3 scores 5 Automatic fire, 10 yards, minimum of i maximum of 3 scores 6 Automatic fire, 25 yards, minimum of i maximum of 3 scores 7 Trench fire, i run of 7 shots, about eight men at a time PART III USE OF THE RIFLE PART III USE OF THE RIFLE 142. GENERAL MILITARY VOCABULARY. Battle Sight: The position of the rear sight in which the leaf is laid down. Beaten Zone: The space on the ground upon which the bullets of the Cone of Dispersion strike. Bore: The cylindrical cavity in the small-arms barrel. Butt: The embankment or other means used to stop bullets in rear of a range target. The plural '"butts" is used to designate collectively the parapet, pit and back stop of a group of targets. Caliber: The interior diameter of a small-arms barrel, measured between the lands. Cant: To revolve the barrel of the piece on its axis to the right or left while aiming. Combined Sights: The use of more than one sight setting for dififerent parts of a firing unit to increase the Beaten Zone. Cone of Dispersion (Cone of Fire), (Fig. 24a): A term applied to the figure formed in space by the tra- jectories, considered together, of a series of shots fired by a body of soldiers at a common objective and with the same rear sight setting. Danger Space: The sum of the distances at the be- 107 io8 MILITARY VOCABULARY ginning and end of the path of the bullet in which an object of given height will be struck. Sighting prone at 500 yards, the entire distance is danger space, as the highest point of the trajectory is 28 inches. At long ranges the danger space at the farther end of the range alone is considered. (Fig. 4.) Disappearing Target: A target which is temporarily exposed to view. Disk, Marking: A staff, with a disk at each end, Fig. 24a. — Cone of Dispersion or Cone of Fire. used by the marker in the pit in signaling the results of hits on the target. Drift: The lateral deviation of the bullet caused by the resistance of the air and the rotation of the bullet on its longer axis. Echelon, Order in: In the order in echelon the tar- gets or firing stands are placed one behind another to the right or left and unmasking one another. Emplacement: The space on the target range allotted for the position of the target. Grooves: The spiral channels within the bore of the rifle barrel. Lands: Spaces in the bore of the rifle barrel between the grooves. Mirage: A word used to designate the heat waves MILITARY VOCABULARY 109 observed on the target range on warm days. The waves indicate the direction in which the air is moving. O'clock: A term employed to indicate by means of the division on the dial of the clock the location of hits on the target or the direction from which the wind may be blowing, as a 7 o'clock, 4 or 5 o'clock wind. In speaking of the position of a hit, the dial is supposed to occupy the front of the target facing the firer with 12 at the top of the target. In speaking of wind, the dial is sup- posed to lie on the ground, with the 12 toward the target and the center at the firing point. (Fig. 18.) Pit: The space between the parapet and the butt or bullet stop occupied by the markers. Prone: Lying flat on the belly. The only position with the body extended on the ground authorized in long distance firing. (Fig. 12.) Ranges: Close Range o — 600 yards Effective Range 600 — 1200 *' Long Range 1200 — 2000 " Distant Range .2000 yds. and over Ricochet Shots: Bullets which rebound after strik- ing the ground. Score: A string of consecutive shots (usually 5 or 10) fired in individual practice. Sighting Shots: The trial shots which precede scores in the Qualification Test Firing to enable the soldier to determine the proper sight setting or point of aim and start the score with a warm rifle. Targets (Range): bull's-eye target: A series of concentric circles mounted on a rectangle. bull's-eye: The black circular division in the cen- 110 MILITARY VOCABULARY ter of the bull's-eye target. Shots in this space have a value of 5 for targets A, B, and C. (Figs. 14, 15, 16, 17.) center: The annular division of the bull's-eye targets A, B, and C embraced between the bull's-eye and the circumference of the next larger circular division of the target. Shots in this space have a value of 4. inner: The annular division of the bull's-eye targets A and B, outside the Centen Shots in this space have a value of 3. outer: The space on the bull's-eye targets A and B, outside the Inner. Shots in this space have a value of 2. SILHOUETTE TARGET: A black or drab silhouette rep- resenting a soldier standing, kneeling or prone. Desig- nated as D, E, F, G, H, I, and K. D : Black silhouette of Prone Soldier in middle of 6' X 6' Target. E: Drab silhouette of Kneeling Soldier. F: Drab silhouette of Prone Soldier. (Fig. 19a.) G, H, I and K are varied arrangements of E and F. Telescopic Sight: A telescope or other magnifying device attached to the barrel of the rifle, for getting, while aiming, a better definition of a distant objective, provision being made for adjustments in elevation and for windage. Trajectory: The path described by a bullet in the air moving under the combined influences of the force of propulsion, the force of gravity, and the resistance of the air. (Fig. 4.) Twist: The spiral formed by the grooves in the barrel of a rifled piece. In both Rifles, Models 1903 and 1917, this twist is uniform, one turn in 10 inches. Windage: The influence of the wind in deflecting the MILITARY VOCABULARY iii bullet from the point at which it is aimed ; also applied to the amount of change made on the wind gage. Wind Gage: A graduated attachment on the rear of the rifle (Model 1903) by which allowance may be made for the effect, in aiming, of the wind upon the bullet, and for drift. 143. TERRAINE VOCABULARY. Cover: A feature of the ground affording conceal- ment or protection from enemy. Eminences: cliff: High steep rock. ^ CREST : Top of slope. hill: a medium sized eminence. KNOLL : A low hill standing alone. pass: a gap in a ridge or Hne of hills. ridge: An elevation with slopes on both sides. SADDLE : A shallow dip in a ridge. spur: a ridge running out from a slope. Land: arable land: Land under cultivation. clearing: Open land in a wood. fencing: Structure enclosing land. gorge: a rugged deep ravine. HOLLOW : A depression in the ground. marshland: Low-lying wet land at times covered with water. pasture: Grass land. PLATEAU : An elevated level of land. ploughed land : quarry: a stone pit. ravine : A deep narrow valley, slope: An incHne. Hollow (concave) slope Bulging (convex) slope 112 MILITARY VOCABULARY Gentle slope Steep slope Opposite slope, inclining downward toward the ob- server. Forward slope, inclining downward from ob- server. Right slope, inclining downward to the right. Left slope, inclining downward to the left. Reverse slope, inclining downward to the rear. valley: a space between hills. Profile: An outHne or contour. Railroads: bridge: A roadway structure spanning a ravine, road, water course, etc. CUT (or Cutting) : An excavation for a railway or road. embankment: Earth banked up for a railway or road. GRADE CROSSING : On the same level as roadway. SIGNAL box: a si»all building on railroad for sig- naling. • - VIADUCT : A series of arches carrying a roadway. Roads: bridge: (See Railroads.) causeway: a raised roadway': cross-roads: A point where one road crosses an- other. cut: (See Railroads.) embankment: (See Railroads.) JUNCTION OF roads: FORK — where roads meet with- out crossing. path: SUNKEN road: An excavated roadway. viaduct: (See Railroads.) MILITARY VOCABULARY 113 Skyline: The line where earth or sea appear to meet the sky. Verdure: copse (or Coppice) : a small wood. HEDGE : A line of bushes. SCRUB : Small stunted trees or bushes. shrub: Small bushy tree. thicket: a small wood. UNDERGROWTH : Bushes, creepers, etc., in a wood. Water: brook: A small stream. culvert: a covered drain, under a road. DRY WATER COURSE : river: a large body of running water. STREAM : A small body of running water. 144. FIRING VOCABULARY. Definitions. Combined Sights: A term used when sights are set at two or more elevations in collective fire. They are used when the range is uncertain and, when two settings are used, usually one is from 50,^0 100 yards under and the other 50 to 100 yards (5ver the estimated range. When three settings are used, one is put at the estimated range. Combined sights are not used where the range is known nor usually by less than two platoons. They are used against advancing enemy, to cover his movement, changing the farthest sighting as enemy advances. Tire At Will: That class of fire in which, within the restriction of the command for firing, the individuals deliver their fire independently of the commander and of each other. Fire Control: Or Conduct of Fire, is the exercise by the commander over his unit or units, of that power which enables him to regulate the fire in obedience to 114 MILITARY VOCABULARY his will. It pertains especially to the technicalities im- mediately involved in delivery of fire. Fire Direction: Or Employment of Fire, is a general term embracing the various steps, including tactical dis- position, which enable the commander of one or more units to bring an effective fire to bear upon the desired target at the proper time. It pertains especially to prepa- ration of fire. Fire Discipline is that condition of the personnel of a fire unit, 'resulting from training and practice, which enables the commander to obtain an orderly and effi- cient delivery of fire. Gallery Practice: Short range firing as a part of the progressive course between the position instruction and the outdoor range practice. There is no advantage in gallery practice at more than one distance. Fifty feet is the greatest distance at which the firer can plainly see the hit on the target. The targets can be proportioned so as to simulate the firing at any distance. Rapid Fire: That class of fire employed in instruc- tion and qualification practice in which a time limit is set for completing a score or scores. Slow Fire: That class of fire employed in instruction and record practice in which no time limit is imposed for completing a score. 145. CLASSES OF FIRE BY RATE. Rapid Fire: lo to 20 shots per minuteo Slow Fire: i to 6 shots per minute. 146. CLASSES OF FIRE BY DIRECTION. (Fig. 25.) Converging Fire: Fire aimed at one target from dif- ferent points. /yi)lnc//rect^//77ec/Jf/re - -o \\\ Dhinbuted Concenf rated fmut .^i::^T(Cpirect or fro/?^/ f/r^y^,^^^ Fig. 25.— Classes ^Uha/mec/ f/re (GjF/reofPos/fhn - ^^ - — ^^ entrenchments —-^^^^'"''''''^^ ^^■::^r.^-.-;-v,«vi__ — tj=^^^^(j*/jRever:3e //re ire by Direction. MILITARY VOCABULARY • 115 Enfilade Fire: Fire which sweeps a line of troops or defenses from a flank. Frontal Fire: Fire which is delivered directly to the front. Grazing^ Fire: When the angle of the fall of the bul- lets (see Trajectory) is the same as the slope of the ground and the missiles sweep along its surface, the fire is called Grazing. Indirect Fire: Indirect fire is fire directed by means of auxiliary aiming-marks at an objective which is in- visible to the firer. Masked Fire: Troops (guns or rifles) in a position whence they could employ fire effectively against an enemy, but for the fear of causing casualties to their comrades, are said to have their fire masked by these latter troops. Oblique Fire: Fire directed on a target in a slanting direction, i. e. not directly to the front. Keverse Fire : Fire so directed that the bullets strike the target in rear. 147. CLASSES OF FIRE BY RESULT. Collective Fire: The fire of several rifles combined for a definite purpose under the orders of a fire-leader. Such fire skillfully directed and well controlled may produce good effect up to 1400 yards. Concentrated Fire: Fire of a unit concentrated on a point of the target, such as the position of a machine gun. (i) Used for observation. (2) Used for local effect on a particular part of the enemy's line. Fire of Position: Infantry is said to execute Fire of ii6 . MILITARY VOCABULARY Position when it is posted so as to assist in an attack by firing over the heads or off the flank of the attacking troops and is not itself to engage in the advance, or when, in defense, it is simiHarly posted to augment the fire of the main firing line. Individual Fire: Fire opened without orders from a fire-leader. On account of the difficulty of observa- tion, 600 yards may be taken as the limit of effective fire of this nature against small targets. Mutual Supporting Fire is the supporting fire of units advancing alternately by rushes. The supporting unit must avoid endangering the unit being supported and not delay its own advance, as ad- vancing is usually the best means of support. Pursuing Fire: At a receding enemy. Searching Fire is the term applied to collective fire when the depth of its dispersion over a beaten zone is in- creased by the use of combined sights. Sweeping Fire is fire distributed laterally. Surprise Fire: Unexpected and demoralizing. Surprise fire, consisting of Bursts of Fire instead of continuous fire, is often used to demoralize the enemy. CHAPTER I LOADING AND FIRING COMMANDS 148. TO LOAD. i. With dummy (blank or ball) cartridges; 2. Load. Note. Loadings are executed in line and skjrmish line only. Pieces having been ordered loaded are kept loaded without command, until the command Unload or Inspec- tion Arms. If the men are not already in the Position of Load, that position is taken at the announcement of the sight setting; if the announcement is omitted, the position is taken at the first command for firing. 149. TO UNLOAD. Unload. Note. At the command Unload, the sight leaf is laid down and in Model 1903 the drift slide is brought back to normal. 150. TO SET THE SIGHT. Range, Eleven Hundred (850, etc.) or Battle Sight. Note. If no sight setting is announced, the Battle Sight will be used. 151. FIRING COMMANDS. (i) To Fire by Volley: i. Ready; 2. Aim; 3. Com- pany (Platoon or section) ; 4. Fire. 117 ii8 LOADING AND FIRING COMMANDS Note. The command Load should precede volley fir- ing. After first volley soldiers reload without command. To Continue the Firing: i. Aim; 2. Company; 3. Fire. (2) To Fire at Will: Fire at WilL Note. That class of fire normally employed in attack or defense. It is often advisable to give the number of rounds to be fired before giving the command. To increase {and decrease) the Rate of Fire: Faster (Slower). (3) To Fire by Clip : Clip Fire. Note. Executed in the same manner as Fire at Will except that each man, after having exhausted the cart- ridges then in the rifle, suspends firing. Clip fire has limited application. It is principally used (a) In the early stage of the combat, to steady the men by habituating them to brief pauses in firing. (b) To produce a short burst of fire. (4) To Suspend Firing: Suspend Firing, or a long blast of the whistle. Note. Firing stops ; pieces are held, loaded and locked, in a position of readiness for instant resumption of firing, rear sights unchanged. The men continue to observe the target or aiming place, or the place at which the target disappeared or at which it is expected to reappear. (5) To Cease Firing: Cease Firing. Note. Firing stops ; pieces not already there are brought to the Position of Load; those not loaded, are loaded; sights are laid down, pieces are locked and brought to the Order. Cease Firing is used for long pauses, to prepare for changes of position, or to steady the men. LOADING AND FIRING COMMANDS 119 Commands for suspending or ceasing fire may be given at any time after the preparatory command for firing, whether the firing has actually commenced or not. A long blast of the whistle (as for Suspend Firing) may be used as a preliminary to Cease Firing. (6) Complete Firing Command. The following is an example of one form of a complete firing command, in- cluding Target Designation. Range, 1100; Reference Point, that clump of trees on hill-crest; Target, at 4 o'clock, 2 sights, a gun pit; Fire at Will. 152. FIRING COMMANDS BY ARM SIGNALS. Range: To announce range, extend the arm toward the leaders or men for whom the signal is intended, fist closed; by keeping the fist closed, Battle Sight is indi- cated ; by opening and closing the fist, expose thumb and fingers to a number equal to the hundreds of yards; to add 50 yards describe a short horizontal line with fore- finger. To change Elevation, indicate the amount of increase or decrease by fingers as above ; point upward to indi- cate increase and downward to indicate decrease. What range Kre you using? or What is the range? Extend the arms toward the person addressed, one hand open, palm to the front, resting on the other hand, fist closed. Are you ready? or I am ready: Raise the hand, fin- gers extended and joined, palm toward the person ad- dressed. Commence Firing: Move the arm extended in full length, hand palm down, several times through a hori- 120 LOADING AND FIRING COMMANDS zontal arc in front of the body. This command by hand or bugle is equivalent to Fire at Will. Fire Faster: Execute rapidly the signal Commence Firing. Fire Slower: Execute slowly the signal Commence Firing. To swing the cone of fire to the right or left: Ex- tend the arm in full length to the front, palm to the right (left) ; swing the arm to the right (left) and point in the direction of the new target. Fix Bayonet: Simulate the movement of the right hand in Fix Bayonet. Suspend Firing: Raise and hold the forearm steadily in a horizontal position in front of the forehead, palm of the hand to the front. Cease Firing: Raise the forearm as in Suspend Firing and swing it up and down several times in front of the face. Platoon: Extend the arm horizontally toward the platoon leader ; describe small circles with the hand. Squad: Extend the arm horizontally toward the pla- toon leader ; swing the hand up and down from the wrist. Rush (Same as Double Time) : Carry the hand to the shoulder ; rapidly thrust the hand upward the full extent of the arm several times. The signals Platoon and Squad are intended pri- marily for communication between the captain and his platoon leaders. The signal Platoon or Squad indicates that the Platoon Commander is to cause the signal which follows to be executed by platoons or squad. CHAPTER II ESTIMATING DISTANCE 153. BY THE EYE. (i) Measure the intervening ground with the eye in terms of some familiar unit, such as lOO yards. (2) The soldier can decide that the object cannot be more than a certain distance away, nor less than a cer- tain distance ; his estimates must be kept within the clos- est possible limits and the mean distance of the two taken as the range. In the Field, two men in each platoon, who have been found especially accurate, make maximum and minimum estimates. Individual estimates are supposed not to oc- cupy over 30 seconds. Platoon leaders transmit the average of these estimates to the ist Sergeant, who trans- mits the grand average to the Captain. In attack where the firing position is changed, the com- mander of the first unit to establish a new position is responsible for establishing the new range when there are no range cards (which is done by counting the paces covered by the rush, or making new estimates of the distance to the enemy) and transmitting this information to the other units as they arrive on the new line. (3) Judge by apparent size of object; i. e. the com- parative height of a man. I2Z 122 ESTIMATING DISTANCE (4) Judge by visibility conditions. Note. Underestimate rather than overestimate. When a target is indistinct, distance is apt to be over- estimated. . When a target is distinct, distance is apt to be under- estimated. Objects seem farther: (a) When objects are of the same color or when color harmonizes with background ; (b) On broken ground ; (c) When seen across a valley or undulating ground; (d) In avenues, long streets or ravines; (e) When in shadow; (f) When viewed in mist or failing light; (g) When heat is rising from the ground ; (h) When seen near any other object which makes it appear smaller than it is by the effect of comparison ; (i) When only partially seen, as in the case of troops firing from cover ; (j) Troops kneeling or lying in the open seem farther away than when standing; (k) When looking from low ground up towards high- er ground. Objects seetn nearer: (a) When both object and background are of differ- ent or contrasting colors ; (b) When the sun is behind the observer; (c) In bright light or clear atmosphere; (d) When the intervening ground is level or covered with snow ; (e) When seen across water or a deep chasm; (f) When looking downwards; ESTIMATING DISTANCE 123 (g) When the object is large, or when seen near any other object which makes it appear larger than it is by effect of comparison. Note, As bright light makes objects seem nearer than SOO yds-^^-^-J ^'^—600yJs. Fig. 2(i. — Front Sight Method for Estimating Ranges. Rifle, Model 1903. they really are, and dull light, farther, a convenient gen- eral rule is "Lights up,'' '^Sights up.'' ''Lights down," "Sights down." 124 ESTIMATING DISTANCE 154. BY FRONT SIGHT METHOD. In the Position of Aim, observe how many times the height of the front sight a standing soldier appears to i- -/500 yds, -SOOydsr—/ -JOOOyds"-^ Fig. 26a. — Front Sight Method for Estimating Ranges. Rifle, Model 19 17. ESTIMATING DISTANCE 125 be, at the distance which it is desired to estimate. For Model 1903: (Fig. 26.) When he appears 1/4 times the height of front sight, he is distant about 1200 yards; When yi the height, distant about 900 yards; When y2 " " " '' 600 " When just " '' " " 300 '' Note. This is calculated for the Rifle Model ipoj with a distance from eye to front sight of about 34!/^", height of front sight of 7/32'', and height over all of man, 5 ft. 9 inches. For Model 1917: (Fig. 26a.) When Ys the height, distant about 1500 yards. When y2 " " " " 1000 " When % " " " " 666 " When just " " " " 500 " Note. Distance from the eye to the front sight 36^^^', the height of front sight .14'', and the height of a man, 5' 9" over all. For a different height of front sight, or distance be- tween the front sight and the eye, make new proportions from above data. 155. BY RESULTS OF FIRE. Two volleys, using combined sights, should be sufficient to establish the range. Where 1/3 of the shots in a Cone of Fire strike in front of the target, the range is approximately correct. (Fig. 24a.) Nearest shots will be most easily mistaken for nucleus. All shots will appear to observer to strike nearer than they are. 126 ESTIMATING DISTANCE 156. BY RANGE CAEDS. (i) lor Attack (Fig. 27). (2) For Defense (Fig. 28). 500 Enemy's Position (2000) ,.. Line of Poplars (1500) 900 Farm Souse (1100) 1400 Gate in hedge (600) 2000 Cross roads (0) Fig. 2y. — Range-Card for Attack. Note. — The distances on the left are those from the enemy's position. Those on the right in parentheses are only for the range-taker's informa- tion, and should not be shown on the card, to avoid confusion. 157. BY MARKING RANGES. Roman numerals for hundreds of yards are used. Marks should be visible only to the defense and one foot in height for each lOO yards of range, and are placed : (i) ON GROUND (such as on banks). (2) ON TREES. (3) ON BUILDINGS. ESTIMATING DISTANCE 127 Wood <*^4" from the eye (which is the sight base length, or the distance between the front and rear sights), and at a distance from the ground at which the rifle will be held when firing; then with the drift slide, set at the known range of the target and the sight notch or peep hole held on a line between the eye and the target, note the * The distance, 22^", from the rear sight is a point about lys" back of the heel of the butt on the Model 1903. TARGET DESIGNATION AND RECOGNITION 137 elevation reading, at which a line from the eye to the auxiliary aiming point passes the rear sight leaf. This reading is the proper elevation at which the sights should x.^V;5-^T;m® Fig. 34. — Auxiliary Aiming Point System. Example. (Note the inverted rear sight.) T is target (not easily seen without field glasses) at known distance of 1 100 yards, A is a large rock to be used as the Auxiliary Aiming Point. The Auxiliary Aiming Point is announced as the target with range of 1400 yards. This will bring the Cone of Dispersion to the actual unseen Target. 138 TARGET DESIGNATION AND RECOGNITION Fig. 35. — Study and Description of Ground. A. Skyline. B. Hollow. C. Gentle slope. D. Steep slope. E. Dense cover. F. Crest of hill. be set to carry the cone of fire into the target when aim- ing at the auxihary 'aiming point. ' The Musketry Rule (Sec. 158) is convenient for this purpose. 165. INSTRUCTION PRACTICE. Note. A progressively shortened time allowance TARGET DESIGNATION AND RECOGNITION 139 should be given for practice under the following instruc- tion as facility increases. •(i) Study and Description of Ground. (See Fig. 35.) (a) Foreground, Middle Distance and Back-Ground; (b) Principal features accurately and briefly described as per military vocabulary just preceding; (c) Minor features near some principal feature. (2) Marking Douti Enenl3^ (a) Close range by individual soldiers. (b) Long range by Fire Unit Commanders. (3) Discernment and Description of Targets. (a) State the clear and unmistakable feature of the landscape that is nearest the target; (b) Then nearer features with direction from first feature. Allow plenty of time after mentioning each feature before stating the next. Note. In firing commands, the target description is preceded by the designation of the range in yards, upon hearing which the soldiers are expected to adjust their sights. It is of the utmost importance that ample time be given for this purpose, before starting to designate the target. Failure to do this is likely to result in — (a) The soldier not follozving the description. (b) Forgetting part of description while adjusting sights, (c) Losing target and failing to find it again. CHAPTER IV FIRE DIRECTION AND CONTROL 166. THE IMPORTANT ELEMENTS AEE: (a) Good indication of Targets (clear, concise, de- liberate). (b) Immediate and accurate recognition of Targets. (c) Prompt and efficient placing of fire. Note. The soldiers must be instructed that unless they clearly recognize the target described, they must remain at Ready. This avoids waste of fire and shows the fire unit commander if he has not been understood. Remember that however skillful individual men may he as marksmen, the greatest effect is produced by their fire only when it is eMciently directed and controlled. 167. DUTIES OF FIRE COMMANDER OR PLATOON LEADER. Fire is directed by a Fire Commander (usually commissioned officer) who 1. Executes orders and in lieu of orders handles his unit effectively, and with proper consideration for its safety. 2. Allots Sectors. 3. Repeats, or determines and directs, sight settings. (See note below.) 4. Designates target. When necessary, selects an Auxiliary Aiming Point with special sight setting for same. 140 FIRE DIRECTION AND CONTROL 141 EXAMPLE of target designation with complete firing command, using combined Vertical Clock Face and Sight Systems : Range, iioo; Reference Point, that clump of trees on hillside; Target, at 4 o'clock, 2 Sights, a gun pit; Fire at will. 5. Arranges for ammunition distribution from rear and collection from dead and wounded. 6. Gives class of Hre and controls rate of lire with re- gard to the importance and distinctness of target and the covering of rushes of adjacent units. 7. If his unit is on a flank, he sends out, or arranges for keeping in touch with, combat patrols. 8. Signals readiness to open fire (see Firing Com- mands by Arm Signals, "I am ready"). 9. Resignals superior's orders to commence firing. 10. Observes enemy and results of fire. 11. Details special observers to watch enemy when not firing. 12. Sees that iire is not interfered with while: — (a) Ammunition is given out. (b) Changing sightings. (c) Getting ready to advance. (d) Fixing bayonets. 13. Provides that adjoining fire shall not threaten an advancing unit. 14. Notes the meaning of flag and semaphore signals. 15. When his unit leads in a rush, chooses point of halt with reference to a tiew firing position. 16. Starts rush and upon halting opens fire promptly. 17. Reorganizes squads, appointing leaders, etc., when necessary 142 FIRE DIRECTION AND CONTROL 1 8. When coming up with reinforcements, is ready to take command of the unit he joins, if necessary. 19. Leads in advancing and charging, and when in 'Thin lines,'' leads the odd numbered line. Note. Combined sights are used — (i.) In estimating distance by results of fire. (2.) To overcome error in estimating distance. (3.) Against advancing enemy, to keep him covered as he advances, changing farthest sighting at the necessary intervals. At over 1000 yards the probable error in esti- mating range is such that a single sighting will probably prove ineffective. Combined sights will not usually be employed by less than two platoons. 168. DUTIES OF A PLATOON GUIDE. 1. He acts as assistant to the Fire Commander (Pla- toon Leader) and takes his place or the place of disabled sergeants when necessary. 2. When he teazles his position for any cause, he noti- fies the senior corporal. He watches the firing line and adjoining units. 3. He preserves iire discipline and prevents men from leaving the ranks for any reason. 4. He assists in the advance and leads the even num- bered lines in "Advancing by thin lines.'' 5. He must understand all signals and the semaphore code. 169. DUTIES OF FIEE UNIT COMMANDER OR CORPORAL. Fire is controlled by a Fire Unit Commander who I. Receives his orders from the Platoon Leader and sees that all orders are promptly passed and carried out. FIRE DIRECTION AND CONTROL 143 2. Indicates the target and the portion to be fired on, by his squad, and sees that the squad fires not only on the designated target, but on all portions of it equally. 3. Announces sight setting and supervises same. 4. Announces class and rate of fire, sees that the same is maintained, especially during changing of sights, prep- aration for rushes, distribution of aminunition, etc., and increases same when other units which have the same target are rushing. 5. When his squad is ready to commence firing, sig- nals, '7 am ready" (by raising the hand, fingers extended and joined, palm toward the person addressed. See 'Tir- ing Commands by Arm Signals.'') 6. Observes constantly (a) The effect of fire and (b) the movements of the enemy, and looks to the rear only when signaled by the whistle of the platoon leader. 7. Reports to platoon commanders when ammunition is running short, prevents waste of same, issues and redis- tributes ammunition. Sees that his men obtain ammuni- tion from wounded and dead, and sees that the men keep 30 rounds in the right pocket section of the belt as a re- serve, to be expended only when ordered by an officer. 8. In rushing, sees that all his men rush simulta- neoiisly, as soon as possible after the command, ''Cease Firing," drop to the ground in line, and in such a location as to make the best use of cover, without blanketing the fire of or endangering other units, and open fire imme- diately. (In rushing, the Corporal is the center skirm- isher, and in halting he lies down immediately in rear of his squad. The Corporal does not fire with his squad except to steady them or unless ordered to do so.) 144 FIRE DIRECTION AND CONTROL 9. Preserves Hre discipline, steadies his men and pre- vents any from leaving the Hne for any reason. 10. When reenforcing, takes over the duties of dis- abled squad leaders of adjacent squads, or assists them if they are not disabled. 11. When leaving his position for any reason, notifies the private designated to take his place and informs the entire squad of such action. 12. Must knozv all signals, and the semaphore code. 13. Changes his position behind the line by jrolling over with the rifle held closely against his body. Note. Extended order results in fewer casualties and less fire effect. Specially guard flanks. Enfilade and ObHque fire are effective against shielded artillery. 170. DUTIES OF THE PRIVATE. The soldier should learn to 1. Obey orders exactly and promptly. 2. Recognise targets quickly. 3. Describe targets clearly by various methods. 4. Promptly set sights, upon order. 5. Aim carefully, fire deliberately and reload rapidly. 6. Continually observe his sector or target, especially when fire is suspended. 7. Make good use of natural, artificial and accidental cover as trees, ditches, or shell holes and the best firing positions as standing, kneeling, sitting, or lying down. 8. Obey no whistle signals except signal to suspend firing. 9. Put himself under command of nearest squad leader FIRE DIRECTION AND CONTROL 145 when reenforcing as an individual. Also obtain target and range from neighbor. 10. Cultivate coolness and confidence on the firing line, and aggressiveness and determination in charging. 11. In rushing, jump up, run directly to the front at full speed, but maintaining the line without hunching, drop, and crawl up to the nezv line. 12. Remain with own command, but if separated join adjacent one. 13. Kee'p silence except when transmitting information, or charging. 14. Use the 30 rounds of reserve ammunition kept in the right pocket section of the belt only under direct or- ders. 15. Never attend the wounded in action. 16. Charge steadily and re-form promptly. 17. Always keep face to the enemy. When unable to advance dig in, and wait for darkness. 18. Not to fire until he understands what the target is, at what part he is to fire, and with what sight setting. 19. Economize ammunition. 20. Coolly endure enemy iire. 21. Fire quickly though steadily without undue effort, and at the ordered rate. 22. Calmly and intelligently use the rifle, when the commander can no longer exercise control. Note. Working in Pairs. When not otherwise di- rected, men can work to advantage in pairs, indicating target and estimating the range for each other and ob- serving the results of each other's fire. Suggested rate of fire, 3 shots per minute, each. This, however, de- pends on so many conditions that it can only be worked 146 FIRE DIRECTION AND CONTROL out by the soldier, as accuracy must not be lost through speed. 171. FIRE DISCIPLINE. Important General Points. 1. In collective fire no man will fire until he clearly recognizes the target described by his commander, or in individual firing without selecting a definite target. 2. As a rule fire should be delivered deliberately, and each man must always satisfy himself that every time he squeezes the trigger he will hit the target aimed at. 3. If 'Tire at will" is ordered, every man will fire at his own best rate for combining rapidity with accuracy. 4. Each man will take care to pass orders carefully and accurately. 5. Each man will make the best use of ground and cover, primarily to increase fire effect, and secondarily for concealment and protection. He must remember that the most important requirement, when firing from behind cover, is the ability of a man to use his rifle to the best advantage, and that his eyes must be kept on the enemy between shots to avoid losing sight of targets, 6. Each man must watch the front and remain alert and attentive zvhile awaiting orders. He must open fire smartly when ordered to do so on such fleeting targets as troops in movement, and continue firing, unless otherwise ordered, while they present a favorable target. 7. He must, when employing individual fire on the defensive, especially at shorter ranges, mark dozvn troops by noting their position on the ground or behind cover, and open fire the moment they expose themselves or rise up to advance. 8. When not under direct control of a fire commander men should try to zvork in pairs, indicating targets, esti- FIRE DIRECTION AND CONTROL 147 mating ranges for each other and observing the results of each others fire. 9. If incapacitated from advancing and firing, a man should always place ammunition in a conspicuous place, ready to be picked up by others, and all men should al- ways be on the lookout to renew their ammunition supply in this way. CHAPTER V NIGHT FIRING In Offense it is never used. It is not only useless but absolutely criminal. The bayonet is the weapon that de- cides the issue. In Defense, when a night attack is apprehended, prepa- ration should be made to sweep with fire the ground im- mediately in front, over which the assailant must ad- vance. Wait until the enemy is within 30 yards, then every rifle should b^ fired once followed immediately by a bayonet charge. The methods employed in order of their importance are: 172. (a) INSTINCTIVE ALIGNMENT OF RIFLES. Train the soldier in pointing his rifle at a mark near the ground within 100 yards with the eyes closed. The right eye is then opened and error noted. Thus a soldier learns his error and how to correct it. A white rag wrapped about the muzzle of the rifle will often assist in aiming. 173. (b) FIXED RIFLE RESTS prepared in advance. 174. (c) BY PREPARED ILLUMINATING AIMING MARKS giving a horizontal line of sight. 175. (d) BY FIRING AT THE FLASHES of the ene- my's rifles. 148 CHAPTER VI TACTICAL USE OF RIFLE FIRE 176. THE IMMEDIATE OBJECT of Rifle Fire is to weaken the enemy against assault, and to keep down the enemy's fire. Except in Enfilading fire, assault is al- most always necessary in taking a position. 177. SUPERIORITY OF FIRE is established by su- periority of (a) Fire direction and control. (b) Fire discipline. (c) Use of Rifle (Rapidity and accuracy). (d) Ammunition supply. 178. OPENING FIRE. Decision as to when to open fire is governed by the following considerations: In Attack (a) Principle of Surprise. (b) Effect of fire at various ranges. In attacking economize fire for close range final strug- gle. In Defense open fire sooner than in attack unless, (a) To GET decisive result. (b) To surprise enemy. 149 CHAPTER VII THE USE OF COVER 179. GENERAL REMARKS. The recruit should be given careful instruction in the individual use of cover. It should be impressed upon him that, in taking advan- tage of natural cover, he must be able to fire easily and effectively upon the enemy; if advancing on an enemy, he must do so steadily and as rapidly as possible ; he must conceal himself as much as possible while firing and while advancing. While setting his sight, he should he under cover or lying prone. 180. FIRING FROM COVER. To teach him to fire easily and efifectively, at the same time concealing himself from the view of the enemy, he is practised in simulated firing in the prone, sitting, and kneeling positions, from behind trees, heaps of earth or rocks, from depressions, gullies, ditches, doorways, or windows. He is taught to Hre around the right side of his concealment whenever possible, or, when this is not possible, to rise enough to fire over the top of his concealment. 181. SELECTING COVER. When the details are un- derstood, he is required to select cover with reference to an assumed enemy and to place himself behind it in proper position for firing. 182. CHANGING COVER. The evil in remaining too 150 THE USE OF COVER 151 long in one place, however good the concealment, should be explained. He should be taught to advance from cover to cover, selecting cover in advance before leaving his concealment. It should be impressed upon him that a man running rapidly toward an enemy furnishes a poor target. He should he trained in springing from a prone position he- hind concealment, running at top speed to cover and throwing himself he hind it. He should also be practised in advancing from cover to cover by crawling, or by ly- ing on the left side, rifle grasped in the left hand, and pushing himself forward with the right leg, or by rolling over with the rifle held close against the body. He should be taught that when fired on while acting independently, he should drop to the ground, seek cover, and then endeavor to locate his enemy. The instruction of the recruit in the use of cover is continued in the combat exercises of the company, but he must then be taught that the proper advance of the platoon or company and the eflfectiveness of its fire are of greater importance than the question of cover for indi- viduals. He should also be taught that he may not move about or shift his position in the firing line except the better to see the target. 183. GOOD COVER. Good cover, which, however, will very rarely be found, will combine the following advantages : (a) Affords a clear view up to the enemy's position. (\)) Permits the free use of the rifle. (c) Provides protection for him from the enemy's fire. (d) Gives concealment to the firer. 152 THE USE OF COVER Example, a low solid stone wall with a conven- ient OPENING. 184. POOR COVER. (a) Gives a restricted view of the enemy's position. (b) Restricts the free use of the rifle. (c) Offers a well-defined target for the enemy's fire and provides no protection from its effect. Example, a hedge or edge of a wood. APPENDIX U. S. Magazine Rifle, 1898 U. S. Revolver. Cal. .45, Model 1909 New Model Clip-loading Revolver. U. S. Revolver, Cal. .38 Range Precautions Fifl. J12. 154 APPENDIX U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL 1898 (Sometimes called the Kraag.) 185. NOMENCLATUIIE. This rifle is composed of 87 parts, the most important of which are shown in Figs. 36 and 37. 186. THE ASSEMBLED PARTS AND THEIR OPERA- TIONS. Most of the operating parts may be inchided under the Bolt Mechanism and the Magazine Mechanism. The Bolt Mechanism consists of the bolt, sleeve, ex- tractor, extractor rivet, safety lock, firing pin, striker, and main spring. The Bolt moves backward and forward and rotates in the well hole of the receiver ; it carries a cartridge, either from the magazine or one placed by hand in front of it, into the chamber and supports its head when fired. The locking lug will sustain any powder pressure liable to occur, but if worn by usage or upset by excessive pres- sures the rear end of the guide rib will bear on the lock- ing shoulder of the receiver, permitting the continued use of the arm with safety. The Sleeve unites the parts of the bolt mechanism; its rotation with the bolt is prevented by its arm occupy- ing the opening between the walls of the receiver. 155 156 U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL 1898 The hook of the Extractor engages the rim of the cartridge case and retains the head of the latter in the countersink of the bolt until the case is ejected. The extractor spring, engaging its lip on the receiver, pre- vents the hook from releasing the rim of the cartridge case, v^hen the latter is being started from the chamber. The extractor pin holds the bolt open for convenience in loading when using single-loader fire. The Safety Lock, when turned to the left, is inopera- tive; when turned to the right, the point of its spindle enters the notch in the bolt collar and locks the bolt. If turned to the right when the piece is cocked, its cam forces the firing pin slightly to the rear, out of contact with the sear, so that, if the trigger be pulled, the sear, when the trigger is released, can rise to catch the firing pin, thereby preventing accidental discharge. If turned to the right, when the piece is not cocked, it locks the firing pin as well as the bolt. The gun having been discharged, to remove the empty cartridge case, reload and fire, the bolt mechanism oper- ates as follows : To Open the Bolt, raise the handle until it comes into contact with the sleeve, then pull it directly to the rear until the locking lug strikes the locking shoulder of the receiver. Raising the handle rotates the bolt. This separates the locking lug from the shoulder of its recess in the receiver, with which it is brought into close contact by the powder pressure. This separation is made easy by the slight inclination to the axis of the receiver of the vertical planes containing the rear surface of the locking lug and the shoulder of its recess. U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL 1898 157 The rotation also causes the cocking cam of the bolt to force the firing pin to the rear, withdrawing the point of the striker into the bolt. The rotation of the firing pin is prevented by the lug on the cocking piece, pro- jecting through the slot in the sleeve into its groove in the receiver. As the sleeve remains longitudinally sta- tionary with reference to the bolt, this rearward motion . of the firing pin, and consequently of the striker, will begin the compression of the main spring, since the rear end of the latter bears against the front end of the barrel of the sleeve, and the front end against the rear end of the striker. When the bolt handle strikes the sleeve, rotation ceases, during which the firing pin has been forced to the rear by the cocking cam on the bolt until the sear notch of the cocking piece has passed the point of the sear, the cocking piece nose entered the notch in the rear end of the bolt and the main spring partly compressed; the locking lug will then be out of its recess, and the guide rib under the extractor. When the bolt handle is raised into contact with the cam on the cocking shoulder of the receiver, a direct mo- tion to the rear will be combined with the rotation, so that the cartridge case will be started from the chamber by the action of this cam. The bolt is then drawn directly to the rear, the ex- tractor and guide rib move along the left wall and through the opening between the two walls of the re- ceiver. The parts are retained in position by the cock- ing-piece nose remaining in the notch in the rear end of the bolt, and the main spring is partly compressed. To Close the Bolt, push the handle forward until it 158 U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL 1898 strikes the cocking shoulder, then turn it down until it conies into contact with its seat in the receiver. As the handle is turned down, the rear end of the guide rib traveling along the cam of the locking shoulder of the receiver, will move the bolt forward until the locking lug comes into contact with the cam of its recess in the receiver, which moves the bolt slightly forward into its closed position. As all movement of the firing pin is prevented by the point of the sear engaging the sear notch of the cocking piece, the forward movement of the bolt, produced by these cams, completes the com- pression of the main spring, seats the cartridge in the chamber, and forces the extractor hook over the rim of the cartridge case. In closing the bolt, a cartridge from the magazine, if using magazine fire, or one placed by hand in the well of the receiver in front of the bolt, will be carried for- ward into the chamber. The Gun is then ready to be fired. The position then occupied by the parts is shown in Fig. 36. When the bolt is rotated so the guide rib is under the extractor, the front end of the guide rib engages a lug on the underside of the extractor and holds the latter against the left wall of the receiver so the hook, as the bolt is closed, wilt enter its notch in the receiver and barrel. To Pull the Trigger, the finger-piece must be drawn to the rear until contact with the receiver is transferred from its bearings to the heel, which gives a creep to the trigger, and then until the point of the sear is with- drawn from in front of the cocking piece. U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL 1898 159 The heel of the ejector rises into its groove in the bolt, but just before the bolt is drawn fully to the rear, the end of the groove suddenly forces the heel down, caus- ing the point to rise in front of the bolt and strike the cartridge case. As the bolt is closed, the heel rises again into its groove, the curved portion of which permits the bolt to rotate without operating the ejector. The upper surface of the front end of the ejector is shaped so as to throw the cartridge case out of the receiver, upward and to the right. It is to be noted that, in this system of bolt mechanism, the compression of the main spring, the seating of the cartridge in and the starting of the empty case from the chamber, are entirely done by the action of cams. The Piece may be Cocked either by raising the bolt handle until it strikes the sleeve and then immediately turning it down, or by pulling the cocking piece directly to the rear. In Firing, unless the bolt handle is turned fully down against its seat in the receiver, the cam on the cocking piece will strike that in the rear end of the bolt and the energy of the main spring will be expended in closing the bolt instead of on the primer ; this prevents the pos- sibility of a cartridge being fired until the bolt is fully closed. The opening and the closing of the bolt should each be done by one continuous motion. The Magazine Mechanism includes the gate, carrier, follower, magazine spring, hinge bar and cut-off. Fig. 37 represents a cross section of the Model 1896 gun, through the point of the ejector; the bolt is closed, the magazine contains five cartridges and is ''off/' i6o U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL 1898 To Charge the Magazine, open the gate, insert the cartridges from a clip, or from the hand, then close the gate. As the gate is opened, its lug, acting on the cam of the carrier, retracts the latter within the recess of the gate, leaving an unobstructed opening for the insertion of the cartridges. As the gate is closed, the magazine spring, the front end of which bears on the lug of the arbor of the carrier, swings the carrier into the magazine, against the last cartridge inserted. The point of the carrier forces the cartridges, in succession, against and up the curved surface of the side plate, into the magazine chan- nel. When there is only one cartridge in the magazine, the point of the carrier forces it up on the top of the follower, which holds it high enough in the channel to be caught by the bolt. The point of the carrier then rests against the inner surface of the side plate. When the thumb-piece of the cut-off in the Model 1896 is turned up (Fig. 37), the magazine is ''off." The point of the spindle then bears on the rim of the upper cart- ridge and holds it down in the magazine channel below the action of the bolt. The magazine mechanism then remains inoperative, and the arm can be used as a sin- gle loader, the cartridges in the magazine being held in reserve. When the thumb-piece of the cut-off, in the Model 1896, is turned down, the magazine is ''on/' The point of the spindle then occupies its hole in the upper wall of the magazine channel, and permits the top cartridge to rise high enough to be caught by the bolt in its forward movement. As the bolt is closed, this cartridge is pushed forward, through the magazine channel and well of the U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL 1898 161 receiver, into the chamber, the point of the bullet being directed by the ramps on the side plate and receiver. During this passage the cartridge is held up in the maga- zine chamber by the pressure of those below. The last Cut-Off. JRecelver, Side plate. Magazines' — ExlradOT, \ MoA/rv Spring. '' Fvrvag JPinRod, yBoll. 'Guide rih. ilagazifie Spring^ Fig. 37. — United States Magazine Rifle, Model 1896. Cross Section through Magazine. one in the magazine is held up first, by the top of the follower, and after passing the latter, by the rib of the side plate and left edge of the roof of the magazine. In the Model 1898, when the thumb-piece of the cut-oflf is turned down, the magazine is ''off" and when turned up is ''on" ; or the reverse of what it is in the Model 1896. As the arm is habitually used with the magazine i62 U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL 1898 ''off/' the thumb-piece of the cut-off is better protected when turned down. The magazine can be charged with the bolt closed or open, with the cut-off turned for magazine or single- loader fire, and if one or more cartridges have been fired, can be filled. The magazine spring actuates the carrier, holds the gate open, assists in closing it, and holds it closed. The guide lip prevents the heads of the cartridges from falling into the well of the gate when charging the magazine. To Open the Butt-plate Cap, insert the rim of an empty cartridge in the notch in the cap and draw it open. The joints of the cleaning rod should be removed from the oiler. In replacing the oiler and rods, insert the former so its bottom will be next the butt plate, and, with one joint of the rod, push the oiler into its seat, then insert the rods. 187. DISMOUNTING AND ASSEMBLING BY SOL- DIER. The bolt and magazine mechanism can be dis- mounted without removing the stock. The latter should never be done except for making repairs, and then only by some selected and instructed man. To Dismount Bolt Mechanism. 1. Draw the bolt fully to the rear, then place the piece across hollow of left arm. 2. Lift the front end of hook of extractor off bolt with left thumb, and at the same time turn bolt handle to left with right hand. The bolt can then be drawn from the receiver. 3. Take bolt handle in left hand, back of hand down, bolt upside down. Grasp cocking piece with right hand. U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL 1898 163 4. Slightly draw back cocking piece and turn it to- ward the operator until the firing pin can be removed from the bolt. 5. Take firing pin in left hand and bear down on point of striker with right thumb until it leaves the firing pin, remove main spring from firing pin, and the latter from sleeve. To Assemble Bolt Mechanism. 1. Observe that the safety lock is turned to the left. Reverse the order of the steps of fifth operation in dis- m.ounting. 2. Grasp the bolt handle in left hand as in third opera- tion in dismounting, and the firing pin in right hand, extractor uppermost. Insert firing pin in bolt. 3. Grasp handle of bolt with fingers of both hands, bolt directed downwards, and with both thumbs on the rear of safety lock, push strongly forward and turn to right with thumbs until the arm of the sleeve engages the collar of the bolt. 4. Grasp bolt and cocking piece as in third operation for dismounting. Draw back and turn cocking piece from the operator until its nose enters the notch on the rear end of the bolt. 5. Take bolt in right hand and introduce it into the receiver, keeping the extractor lifted with the right thumb. Turn bolt to right hand, at the same time press strongly with first finger against right side of extractor. To Dismount Magazine Mechanism. I. The gate being closed, engage the flanged head of a cartridge case under the lug on the front end of the hinge bar head and turn the latter toward the gate, out of its seat; then bear heavily on the gate with the palm i64 U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL 1898 of the right hand, to overcome the pressure of the maga- zine spring, and, with the left, press forward against the lug, drawing the hinge bar pin from the receiver. 2. Remove the gate, magazine spring, carrier and fol- lower. To Assemble Magazine Mechanism. 1. Hold the piece with the right side uppermost. In- sert arbor of carrier into its hole in receiver and place end of left thumb across magazine to prevent carrier swinging into the latter. 2. Place magazine spring in its channel, convex side up, rounded end to the rear, particularly observing that the lip at its front end rests in the notch on heel of carrier. 3. Place gate in its seat, lug entering between carrier and magazine spring. Remove left thumb and at the same time press gate against magazine spring with right hand. 4. Insert hinge bar pin in front hinge hole in receiver with left hand, and press gate down strongly until pin can be pushed through gate into rear hinge hole. 5. After the hinge bar pin is fully home, turn the head into its seat by opening the gate. . 188. PRECAUTIONS. 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. To obtain positive ejection, and to insure the bolt catching the top cartridge in the magazine, when using magazine fire, the bolt must be drawn fully to the rear in opening it. If a cartridge is pushed from the magazine partly into U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL 1898 165 the chamber, and then the bolt fully drawn to the rear, that cartridge will remain in the well and chamber, and a second will rise from the magazine in front of the bolt. If the bolt is again pushed forward, the second cartridge will strike the first and produce a jam. To avoid this, always close the bolt on a cartridge in front of it to insure the action of the extractor and ejector on that cartridge, when the bolt is opened. If a Jam occurs, draw the bolt fully to the rear, with the right hand, remove the first cartridge and close the bolt ; if the first cartridge has been pushed into the cham- ber, draw the bolt to the rear, with the thumb of the right hand push the second cartridge back into the maga- zine and cut it off ; then close the bolt on the first cart- ridge. Unless the bolt handle is fully turned down into con- tact with its seat in the receiver, when the trigger is pulled the nose of the cocking piece will strike against the cocking cam of the bolt, and the energy of the main spring will be expended in closing the bolt instead of igniting the primer, causing a misfire. Care should be taken not to raise the bolt handle with the forefinger if the trigger is pulled, with the middle one. It is essential for the proper working and preservation of all cams that they be kept lubricated. U. S. REVOLVER, CALIBER 45 189. NOMENCLATURE. Colt's double action re- volver, Caliber .45, Model 1909. Parts, Fig. 38 shows a longitudinal section with parts of the mechanism exposed to view, with designations as follows: (i) butt swivel, z66 U. S. REVOLVER, CALIBER .45 167 (2) butt-swivel pin, (3) crane, (4) crane bushing, (5) crane lock, (6) crane-lock screw, (7) cylinder bolt, (8) cylinder-bolt spring, (9) cylinder-bolt screw,- (10) hand, (11) rebound lever, (12) rebounding-lever pin, (13) ejector-rod head, (14) ejector rod, (15) ejector spring, (16) ejector and ratchet, (17) side plate, (18) side- plate screws, (19) latch, (20) latch pin, (21) latch spring, (22) cylinder, (23) hammer strut, (24) hammer- strut pin, (25) hammer-strut spring, (26) hammer, fir- ing-pin, and firing-pin rivet, {2y) hammer pin, (28) hammer stirrup, (29) hammer-stirrup pin, (30) safety, (31) safety lever, (32) trigger, (33) trigger pin, (34) mainsprmg, (35) stock, right, (36) escutcheon, threaded, (37) escutcheon, plain, (38) stock, left, (39) stock pin, (40) stock screw, (41) barrel, (42) frame, (43) front sight, (44) recoil plate. 190. CARE. The revolver should be kept clean, free from rust, and properly oiled. The oil should not be used in excess. Waste oil left in the mechanism will cause the parts to gum and work stiffly. (See also Part I, Chap- ter V, Care of the Rifle and Pistol.) 191. IMPORTANT POINTS. The lock mechanism must not be tampered wath. The side plate should not be removed except under the supervision of a non-commis- sioned officer. Never attempt to remove the side plate by prying it out of place. It should be jarred out of place by smart blows struck with a piece of wood on the left side of the frame where it is covered by the stock. The side plate must be replaced from the rear so as to put the latch pin stud in the proper position, care be- ing, taken that the latch is drawn back, the latch pin for- i68 U. S. REVOLVER, CALIBER .45 ward and its pin upright, so that it may enter the hole in latch without forcing. See that the latch spring is in its proper position in rear of latch. The crane and cylinder must not be dismounted un- less suitable tools are available, and not then unless ab- solutely necessary. Never attempt to open the cylinder when the hammer is cocked. Never attempt to cock the hammer until the cylinder is fully closed and locked in the frame. 192. OPEEATION". To eject the shells and load, push the latch to the rear and spring the cylinder to the left out of the frame ; pressure against the front end of the ejector rod head will empty the chambers and the cylinder is ready to be reloaded ; moving the cylinder into the frame, taking care that it is revolved so that the cylinder bolt will enter one of the rectangular cuts in its surface. 193. TO DISMOUNT AND ASSEMBLE REVOLVER To dismount the revolver, remove the parts in the follow- ing order: Crane-lock screw (6) and crane-lock (5); crane (3) with cylinder (22) ; stock screw (40) ; (35 and ^S) ; side-plate screws (13) ; side plate (17) ; main- spring (34) ; rebound-lever pin (12) ; rebound lever (11) ; hand (10) and trigger (32) ; hammer (26) ; cylin- der-bolt screw (9) ; cylinder bolt (7) ; cylinder bolt spring (8) ; latch pin (20) ; safety lever (31) ; and safety (30). The crane and cylinder should not be further dis- mounted or the recoil plate removed except at ordnance depots. The crane and cylinder are dismounted as fol- lows : (a) unscrew ejector (16) from ejector rod (14), U. S. REVOLVER, CALIBER .45 169 right-handed thread; (b) remove cylinder (22) from crane arbor; (c) unscrew ejector-rod head (13) from ejector rod (14) ; (d) unscrew crane bushing (4), right- handed thread; (c) remove ejectod-rod (14) and spring (15). To assemble, reverse the above order. In removing or replacing a hand in a revolver, lift rebound lever by inserting screw-driver between it and the frame, so as to free it from lug on hand, and it is important that it be so adjusted that the upward move- ment of the hand will not begin to revolve the cylinder before the trigger withdraws the cylinder bolt. To in- sure this it may be necessary to file the hand slightly at the end which first engages the ratchet, and, as this may bring the two points of the hand which engage the teeth of the ratchet too near together, the lower projection must be adjusted so as to bring the cylinder in proper position for firing. This can be done only by expert workmen at a factory. 194. HOW TO COCK THE REVOLVER. The revolver should be cocked by putting the thumb on the hammer at as nearly a right angle to the hammer as possible, and by the action of the thumb muscles alone bringing the ham- mer back to the position of aim or raise pistol. Where the soldier's hand is small this cannot be done, and in this case it assists the operation to give the revolver a slight tilt to the right and upward (to the left). Par- ticular care should be taken that the forefinger is clear of the trigger or the cylinder will not revolve. Jerking the revolver forward while holding the thumb on the hammer will not be permitted. 195. SELF-COCKING ACTION. The force required 170 U. S. REVOLVER, CALIBER .45 to squeeze the trigger when the self-cocking device is used is considerably greater than with the single action. To accustom a soldier to the use of the self-cocking mech- anism and also to strengthen and develop the muscles of the hand, a few minutes' practice daily in holding the unloaded revolver on a mark and snapping it, using the self-cocking mechanism is recommended. The use of the self-cocking device in firing is not recommended except in emergency. By practice in cocking the re- volver the soldier can become sufficiently expert to fire very rapidly, using single action, while his accuracy will be greater than when using the double action. 196. POUBLE ACTION. In using double action the trigger should not be pulled through with one motion, but merely sufficiently to cock the revolver, which should then be accurately aimed and the final squeeze imparted through the trigger to release the sear. A certain amount of practice is necessary to secure the necessary control of the trigger, but with practice it is quite practicable to cock the revolver and lower the hammer, using double action, and thus revolve the cylinder without firing the revolver at all. -197. MANUAL OF THE REVOLVER. The instruc- tion under this head is first given on foot. When a lanyard is used, one end is attached to the butt of the revolver, the other forms a sliding loop, which is passed over the head and drawn snug against the right arm-pit. The lanyard should then be of just such length that the arm can be extended without constraint Raise PistoL The revolver being in the holster, to raise pistol: i. Raise, 2. Pistol, grasp the stock, back of the hand to the body. U. S. REVOLVER, CALIBER .45 171 At the command, Pistol, draw the revolver from the holster, reverse it, muzzle up, the hand holding the stock with the thumb and the three first fingers; the little finger m.ay be placed under the butt; forefinger outside the guard ; guard to the front ; barrel nearly vertical ; hand as high as the neck and six inches to the right and front of the right shoulder. This is the position of Raise Pistol. When dismounted, carry the right foot about twenty inches to the right and place the left hand in the position of the bridle hand. Lower Pistol. Being mounted and at the position of Raise Pistol, i. Lower, 2. Pistol. At the command, Pistol, lower the revolver without changing the grasp, and rest the hand and revolver on the right thigh, back of hand up, muzzle in front of right knee. When dismounted, lower the revolver without chang- ing the grasp of the hand, arm by the side and nearly extended, back of the hand to the right; barrel incHned to the front and downward. Return Pistol. Being at raise or lower pistol: i. Re- turn, 2. Pistol. At the command, Pistol, insert the revolver in the holster, back of hand to body, button the flap and drop the hand by the side. If dismounted, bring the right foot by the side of the left and drop the left hand by the side. If the holster is so constructed that the butt is to the rear, Raise and Return Pistol are executed as above, ex- cept that the back of the hand is to the right and the revolver is not reversed. 272 U. S. REVOLVER, CALIBER .45 To Inspect Pistol, i. Inspection, 2. PistoL At the command, Pistol, execute Raise Pistol, except that the revolver is held about six inches in front of the center of the body, barrel up, pointing to the left front and upward at an angle of about 45 degrees, wrist straight, and as high as the breast. The instructor passes along the ranks, and examines the revolvers. To inspect the revolver minutely, he takes it in his hands, and then returns it to the trooper, who grasps it at the stock and resumes Inspection Pistol; each trooper returns pistol as the inspector passes to the next. If the revolvers are not inspected, they are returned by the command, i. Return, 2. Pistol. When dismounted the left hand and right foot remain in place. To Load includes to Unload : — ^being at Raise or Lower Pistol, place the revolver at the cylinder in the left hand, latch up, barrel inclined to the left front and downward at an angle of about 30 degrees; draw back the latch with the right thumb, push the cylinder out with the second finger of the left hand, arid if necessary, eject the empty shells by pressing the ejector with the left thumb, right hand steadying the revolver at the stock; take a cartridge from the belt or box, insert it in the cbamber, press it home with the right thumb and so on for each chamber to be loaded; close the cylinder with the left thumb, and Raise Pistol. 198. FIRINGS. For single action, being at Raise of Lower Pistol: i. To the front (or right oblique, etc.), or I. At (such an object), 2. Squad, 3. Ready. At the command. Ready, cock the revolver with the U. S. REVOLVER, CALIBER .45 173 right thumb and direct the eyes to the front or toward the objective. I. Squad, 2. Fire. At the command, Fire, thrust and point the revolver toward the objective, arm nearly or quite extended, keep- ing the eyes oil the object, and fire ; resume the Raise or Lower Pistol according to the position before firing. To continue the firing in the same direction, or at the same objective: i. Squad, 2. Ready, 3. Squad, 4. Fire. For double action. Being at Raise or Lower Pistol, i. To the front (right oblique, etc.), 2. Squad, 3. Fire, or i. At (such an object), 2. Squad, 3. Fire. Executed as in Single Action, except that at the command, Fire, the revolver is cocked by pressing steadily on the trigger. An almost imperceptible pause may be allowed between the thrusting and firing in which to correctly point the revolver. Deliberate aiming, however, should not be en- couraged. After firing without cartridges pause an in- stant and see if the revolver is correctly pointed, to get the personal error. The instructor must take into account individual pecu- liarities in order to secure the best results in firing; in such cases departure from the text is permissible. In a similar manner, the men will be instructed to fire to the left, right, right oblique, right rear, and rear. When firing to the left the revolver hand will be about opposite the left shoulder; when firing to the rear or right rear, the shoulders are turned about 45 degrees to the left. Instruction may be given with the revolver in the left hand. 174 U. S. REVOLVER, CALIBER .45 The recruits are first taught the motions of loading and firing without using cartridges. Loading and pointing practice shall be given mounted, at all gaits. No cartridges will be used, except when indicated in the first command, thus: i. (So many) dummy (blank or ball) cartridges, 2. Load. To Fire at Will. i. Fire at will, 2. To the front, etc., or 2. At (such an object), 3. Commence Firing, 4. Cease Fir- ing. The trooper fires as rapidly as is consistent with care- ful pointing at each shot. The Raise or Lozver Pistol is resumed after each shot. At the command, Cease Firing, the firing will stop, and the men resume the Raise or Lozver Pistol. The practice will be conducted on the principles ex- plained in the Small Arms Firing Regulations. 199. MUSCLE EXERCISES. See Part II, Chapter IV (Muscle Exercises). 200. POSITION INSTRUCTION. (See Part II, Chapter V.) 201. NEW MODEL CLIP-LOADING DOU- BLE-ACTION REVOLVER CHAMBERED FOR AUTOMATIC PISTOL AMMUNITION Note. The preceding data and manual apply also to this revolver, except the m.ethod of loading. This arm Fig. 39. — Loading Clip for Automatic Revolver Ammunition. U. S. CLIP-LOADING REVOLVER 175 IS loaded by clips which hold three cartridges, each of the cartridges being held by the groove near the head and thus prevented from dropping through the chamber. (Fig. 39.) Loading. This new type of weapon may be loaded as follows: Place the revolver at the cylinder in the fingers of the left hand, latch up, barrel inclined to the left front and downward at an angle of about 30 degrees ; draw back the latch with the right thumb, push the cylinder out with the second finger of the left hand, and if necessary, eject empty shells by pressing the ejector rod with the left thumb, right hand steadying the revolver at the stock ; take a clip between the thumb and finger of the right hand, the thumb resting against the cartridges, and insert the cartridges into the three adjoining cham- bers of the cylinder which are on the right (the revolver being in the Position of. Load)y steadying the cylinder with the left thumb ; then rotate the cylinder a half turn with the left thumb and load the three remaining cham- bers with a second clip in the same manner; swing the cylinder into the frame, taking care that it is revolved so that the cylinder bolt will enter one of the rectangular cuts in its surface. Note. When official instructions for loading with the clip have been added to the revolver manual, the above tentative method will be superseded. 202. U. S. REVOLVER, CALIBER .38 The preceding data on U. S. Revolver, caliber .45, ap- ply to U. S. R. .38, except as regards certain diflferences Jn'T^ O W.* Vh Ul ^1 v< •- o ^ r C > o ^* o -T^' oj M oj fo -^ lAvd t>.od a\ d M oj CO 'j- >^^ i^oo o\ o 176 RANGE PRECAUTIONS I77 in the internal mechanism which only concern the armorer. (Fig. 40.) 203. RANGE PRECAUTIONS Perfect discipline must be maintained on all ranges. Post a copy of the following precautions in a prominent position in a gallery range back of the firing line: No person should be allowed on the firing fine except the officer, the instructors, and the men actually firing. Others rr.ust be kept well back of the firing line. When any one passes over the firing line to examine the targels, or otherwise, all zveapons should he unloaded, and in pllery practice should be laid dozvn. Never load unless the range is open for firing. This is usually indicated by taking down the red range flags. This doe; not refer to the red flags displayed to warn outsiders that the range is in use. Never load or have cartridges in the magazine except on the Unng line. When irst picking up a riHe or pistol see that it is not loaded. With tie rifle, pull back the bolt smartly, see that there is no cartridge in the breach (if necessary, insert the little finger), also see that the magazine is empty. With tie pistol take out the magazine, draw back the slide and ^ee that there is no cartridge in the breach or in the marazine. Insert the magazine. r\ If Keep ri Keep tl e bolt open when not firing, slide open when not firing (and the pistol not in thdholster). Never **snap" except on the firing 178 RANGE PRECAUTIONS line and then only in the direction of the butts when they are open for use. When loaded, the rifle should have the safety lock turned to Safe, When loaded, the pistol should be carried with the safety lock pushed up at Safe, When loaded the revolver, if caliber .38, being loaded with only five cartridges, should be carried with the ham- mer down on an empty chamber. Under no circumstances should the firing pin be let down by hand on a cartridge. But lowering the ham- mer of the automatic pistol by hand does not bring the firing pin in contact with the cartridge, and so, in an emer- gency, the pistol may be carried with the hammer down and a cartridge in the breach. In case of a misfire with the rifle, it is unsafe to raise the bolt handle immediately, as it may be a case of hang- fire. In such cases wait a few seconds, when the bolt may be opened in perfect safety. INDEX Numbers indicate Sections not Pages SECTION Adjusting sights 78,79 Aiming, bull . , 100 device, Belgian 56 device, Hollifield ... 56 down . 60 exercise, pistol 132 exercise, rifle 66 off for enemy 60 off for wind 60 rod device 56 Allowance, ammunition 90 for windage 60 Allowance, exercise 60 Ammunition , allowance 90 rifle 1903 9 rifle 1917 30 pistol 103 Assemble, bolt mechanism, rifle 1903 18 bolt mechanism, rifle 1917 39 magazine mechanism, rifle 1903 20 magazinemechanism, rifle 1917 41 pistol 106 revolver 193 Automatic pistol 102-141 Auxiliary aiming point 164 Battle sight 7,28,54 rifle 1903 7 rifle 1917 28 Belgian aiming device 56 Blacking sights 77 Bolt, to remove, rifle 1903 16 to remove, rifle 1917 36 Bolt mechanism rifle, 193 4.10 mechanism rifle. 1917 25,31 mechanism, to assemble, rifle 1903 18 mechanism, to assemble, rifle 1917 39 mechanism, to dismount, rifle 1903 17 mechanism, to dismount, rifle 1917 38 Canting 59 Care of , pistol 43-49 rifle 43-49 rifle, important points 49 revolver 190 179 i8o INDEX ^< . ^ , . . SECTION Classes of fire, by direction 146 by rate 145 by results 147 Cleaning, pistol 48 revolver 190 ^ rifle . 43-49 Combat practice 96 Combined sights . 144,167 Combined system describing targets 163 Commands, arm signals 152 ^ firing 151 Common unit of measure 158 Corporal, duties of 169 Cover 179-184 position and aiming drill 72 Cut-off 14 Definitions, military vocabulary 142 terraine vocabulary 143 Deflection and elevation drills 73-79 Designation and recognition of targets 159-165 Dismount, bolt, rifle 1903 17 bolt, rifle 1917 38 magazine, rifle 1903 19 magazine, rifle 1917 40 pistol 106 revolver 193 Drills, deflection and elevation 73-79 position and aiming, pistol 135 position and aiming, rifle 61-72 position and aiming, from cover 72 position and aiming, kneeling 69 position and aiming, prone 71 position and aiming, sitting 70 Duties of , corporal 169 fire commander 167 fire unit commander 169 platoon guides 168 platoon leader 167 private 170 Effect of wind 79 Elevation 73 rule for 75 Estimating distance 153-158 Exercise, adjusting sights 79 aiming rifle 66 allowance for windage 60 battle sight 60 canting 59 loading magazine from belt 62 muscle, pistol 125-128 muscle, rifle 65 rapid fire 68 with sighting bar 57 INDEX i8i SECTION Exercise, triangle of sighting 58 trigger squeeze 67 Feature of ground system 159 Finger system . 162 Fire, classes of by direction 146 classes of by rate 145 classes of by results 147 commander 167 control 166-171 direction and control 166-171 discipline 171 opening 178 superiority of 177 unit commander 169 Firing, at night 172-175 commands, (verbal) 148-151 commands, arm signals 152 from cover 180 vocabulary . , 144 First sighting exercise 57 Follower depressor 61 Fourth sighting exercise 59 Gallery practice 98-101 General military vocabulary 142 Hints to Instructors (Page) xxiii Hollifield aiming device 56 Horizontal clock face system 160 Important points, automatic pistol 108 cleaning 49 fire direction and control 166 fire discipline 171 sighting exercises 55 Instruction practice, description of targets 165 rifle • 92 Instructors, hints to (Page) xxiii Jams 15,35 Kinds of fire 145-147 Kneeling 69 Known distance practice 90 Kraag rifle 185-188 Line of sight 51 Load . , 61 maga-zine, rifle 1903. 12 magazine, rifle 19ir\ 33 from belt 62 pistol 117 simulate ' . . , . 61 i82 INDEX Loading and firing commands 148-152 arm signals * 152 verbal 151 Magazine, load, rifle 1903 . 12 rifle 1917 S3 mechanism, rifle 1903 11 rifle 1917 32 Manual, pistol (new) 109-124 revolver (Cal. .45) 197 Marking ranges 157 Mid range practice ] 94 Mil system, describing targets 162 estimating distance 158 Military vocabulary 142 Muscle exercises, rifle 65 pistol 125-128 Night firing 172-175 Nomenclature, pistol (auto. 1911) 102 revolver (Cal. .45) 189 rifle, 1903 1-8 rifle, 1917 22-29 Normal sight 53 Official tests 80-97 Opening fire 178 Operation, pistol (auto. 1911) 105-108 revolver 192 rifle, 1903 10-21 rifle, 1917 31-42 Parts, pistol (auto. 1911) 102 revolver 189 rifle, 1903 1-8 rifle, 1917 22-29 Peep sight 7-28 Pistol 102-141 care of 141 cleaning 48 position and aiming drills 135 position instruction 129-135 Platoon, guide 168 leader 167 Point of aim 52 Position and aiming drills, rifle 61-72 pistol - . . 135 Position, exercise, rifle 64 instruction, pistol 129-135 Precautions, range 203 special . (Page) xxii Private, duties of 170 Prone, position and aiming drill 71 Quick fire, pistol , 137 INDEX 183 SECTION Range, cards 156 practice, pistol 136-141 practice, rifle 90 precautions 203 Rapid fire 145 exercise 68 gallery practice 101 procedure 92 rifle 92,93 Rate, classes of fire by 145 Record practice . 93 Remove bolt (1903) 16 Remove bolt (1917) 36 Revolvrer(Cal. 38) 202 Revolver (Cal. .45) 89-200 clip loading 201 care 190 Rifle (1898) 185-188 (1903) , operation 10-21 parts 1-8 (1917), operation 31-42 parts 22-29 ammunition 9, 30 care, cleaning 43-49 sights (1903) 7 sights (1917) 28 slmg 21 to load (1903) 12 to load (1917) 33 to unload (1903) 13 to unload (1917) 34 Rule, for elevation 75 for windage 76 Safety devices, pistol 107 Second sighting exercise 58 Sight, adjusting 78 battle 7,28,54 normal 53 system 162 Sights, (1903) . 7 (1917) 28 Sighting, apparatus 56 bar 56, 57 exercises 50-60 Simulate load 61 Sitting, position and aiming drill 70 Sling 21 Slow fire 145 gallery practice 100 pistol ' , 136 rifle . 92-94 Special precautions (Page) xxii Springfield rifle (1903) 1-21 i84 INDEX SECTION Standing, position exercise 64 Superiority of fire 177 Tactical use of rifie fire 176-178 Target machine 56 Targets 97 description and recognition of , 159-165 Telescopic sights 95 Terraine vocabulary 143 Third sighting exercise 58 Trajectory 50 Triangle of sighting . . _ . 58 Trigger squeeze exercise, pistol 131,135 rifle 67 U. S. revolver (Cal. .38) , , 202 (Cal. .45) . 189-200 clip loading . 201 U. S. rifle (1898) . 185-188 (1903) 1-21 (1917) 22-42 Units of measure 158 Unload (rifle) , 63 magazine, rifle (1903) 13 magazine, rifle (1917) 34 pistol 118 Use of, cover 179-184 sling 21 Vertical clock face system 161 Vocabulary, firing 144 general military 142 terraine 143 Wind, aiming off for 60 effect of 79 Windage 74 allowance 60 rule for 76 Working in pairs 170 Zero of rifle » 78 NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES 14 DAY USE RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED LOAN DEPT. This book is due on the last date stamped below, Of on the date to which renewed. Renewals only: Tel. No. 642-3405 Renewals may be made 4 days priod to date due. Renewed books are subject to immediate recall. iUN 6 1972 f^ flEC'QLQ MAY ^S/e-dPlVl 9 1 iic^-l od LD21A-60m-8.'70 ,. . General Library 369538 UNIVERSITY OF CAUFORNIA UBRARY