96 MANUAL FOE NONCOMIvHSSIONED OFFICERS. 



125. 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 talien at the first 

 command for firing. 



126. When deployed, the use of the sling as an aid to 

 accurate firing is discretionary with each man. 



127. Tlie correct estimation of distances is of great impor- 

 tance in connection with all rifle firing except that at siiort 

 ranges. Instruction of the recruit in this phase of training 

 must not be delayed until range tiring is taken up, but should 

 be begun in the early instruction and carried forward pro- 

 gressively, thus gradually developing the faculties involved. 

 In the same way the occasional firing of a few shots, first with 

 blank cartridges and later with ball cartridges at short range 

 and under conditions permitting very careful detailed super- 

 vision of each man's position, will be found of exceptional 

 value as a preliminary exercise to the course of range firing 

 prescribed for recruits. Detailed directions for conducting the 

 instruction of the recruit in estimating distances and in rifle 

 firing are prescribed in the Small Arms Firing Manual. 



TO LOAD. 



128. Being in line or skirmish line at halt: A. With dummy 

 (blank or ball) cartridges, 2. LOAD. 



At the command load each trooper faces 

 half right and carries the right foot to the 

 right, about 1 foot, to 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 



breast, and turns the cut- 



ofi: up. AVith the right 



hand he turns and draws 



the bolt back, takes a 



loaded clip and inserts 

 Ftp ^1 nnr T^*^ the end in the clip slots, 



