MANUAL FOR NONCOIVIMISSIONED OFFICERS. 241 



Section 9. Coordination. 



Good marksmanship consists i:i learning thoroughly the de- 

 tails of — 



Holding the rifle in the various positions. 



Aiming. 



Squeezing the trigger. 



Calling the shot. 



Adjusting the sights. 

 And when these have been mastered in detail then the co- 

 ordination of them in the act of tiring. This' coordination con- 

 sists in putting absolutely all of one's will power into an effort 

 to hold the rifle steadily, especially in getting it to steady 

 down when the aim is perfected; in getting the trigger 

 squeezed off easily at the instant the rifle is steadiest and 

 the aim perfected ; in calling the shot at this instant ; and if 

 the shot does not hit near the point called, then in adjusting 

 the sights the correct amount so that the rifle will be 

 sighted to hit where you aim. 



Section 10. Advice to riflemen. 



Before going to the range clean the rifle carefully, removing 

 every trace of oil from the bore. This can best be done with a 

 rag saturated with gasoline. Put a light coat of oil on the 

 bolt and cams. Blacken the front and rear sights with smoke 

 from a burning candle or camphor or with liquid sight black. 



Look through the bore and see that there is no obstruction 

 in it. 



Keep the rifle off the ground ; the stock may absorb damp- 

 ness, the sights may be injured, or the muzzle filled with dirt. 



Watch your hold carefully and be sure to know where the 

 line of sight is at discharge. It is only in this way that the 

 habit of calling shots, which is essential to good shooting, can 

 be acquired. 



Study the conditions, adjust the sling, and set the sight 

 before going to the firing point. 



Look at the sight adjustment before each shot and see that it 

 has not changed. 

 oG6°— 17 9 



