238 MANTJAL FOR JnONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 



out causing any deflection of the rifle. Put absolutely all your 

 mind and will power into holding the rifle steady and squeez- 

 ing the trigger off without disturbing the aim. Practice 

 squeezing the trigger in this way every time you have your 

 rifle in your hand until you can surely and quickly do it with- 

 out a suspicion of a jerk. 



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 pressure is required 

 for its discharge. By constant repetition 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 cor- 

 rected, and when true the additional pressure is applied and 

 the discharge follows and the bullet flies true to the mark. 



Section 7. Firing positions. 



When in ranks at close order the positions are those de- 

 scribed in the Cavalry Drill Regulations." When in extended 

 order or when firing alone these positions may be modified 

 somewhat to better suit the individual. The following re- 

 marks on the various positions are offered as suggestions 

 whereby steady positions may be learned by the soldier. 



Standing position: Face the target, then execute right half 

 face. Plant the feet about 12 inches apart. As you raise the 

 rifle to the shoulder lean very slightly backward just enough 

 to preserve the perfect balance on both feet which the raising 

 of the rifle has somewhat disturbed. Do not lean far back 

 and do not lean forward at all. If your body is out of balance, 

 it will be under strain and j'ou will tremble. The right elbow 

 should be at about the height of the shoulder. The left hand 

 should grasp well around the stock and handguard in front 

 of the rear sight, and the left elbow should be almost directly 

 under the rifle. The right hand should do more than half the 

 work of holding the rifle up and against the shoulder, the left 

 hand only steadying and guiding the piece. Do not try to 

 meet the recoil ; let the whole body move back with it. Do 

 not be afraid to press the jaw hard against the stock; this 



