242 MANUAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 



If sure of your hold and if the hit is not as called, determine 

 and make FULL correction in elevation and windage to put 

 the next shot in the bull's-eye. 



Keep a written record of the weather conditions and the 

 corresponding: elevation and windage for each day's firing. 



Less elevation will generally be required on hot days; on 

 wet days ; in a bright sunlight ; with a 6 o'clock wind ; or with 

 a cold barrel. 



More elevation will generally be required on cold days ; on 

 very dry days ; with a 12 o'clock wind ; with a hot barrel ; 

 in a dull or cloudy light. 



The upper band should not be tight enough to bind the 

 barrel. 



Do not put a cartridge into the chamber until ready to fire. 

 Do not place cartridges in the sun. They will get hot and 

 shoot high. 



Do not rub the eyes — especially the sighting eye. 



In cold weather warm the trigger hand before shooting. 



After shooting, clean the rifle carefully and then oil it to 

 prevent rust. 



Have a strong, clean cloth that will not tear and jam, prop- 

 erly cut to size, for use in cleaning. 



Always clean the rifle from the breech, using a brass clean- 

 ing rod when available. An injury to the rifling at the muzzle 

 causes the piece to shoot very irregularly. 



Regular physical exercise, taken systematically, will cause a 

 marked improvement in shooting. 



Frequent practice of the " Position and aiming drills " and 

 gallery practice are of the greatest help in preparing for shoot- 

 ing on the range. 



Rapid firing: Success in rapid firing depends upon catching 

 a quick and accurate aim, holding the piece firmly and evenly, 

 and in squeezing the trigger without a jerk. 



In order to give as much time as possible for aiming accu- 

 rately, the soldier must practice taking position, loading with 

 the clip, and working the bolt, so that no time will be lost in 

 these operations. With constant practice all these movements 

 may be made quickly and without false motions. 



