248 MANTTAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OmCERS. 



j^rasp the stock at the same point for each shot, but the tension 

 of the grip must be uniform. 



138. (a) The trigger squeeze: The trigger must be squeezed 

 in tlie same manner as in rifle firing. (See p. 193.) The 

 pressure of the forefinger on the trigger should be steadily 

 increased and should be straight back, 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. 



(&) Self -cocking action. — The force required to squeeze the 

 trigger of the revolver 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 mechanism, and also to. 

 strengthen and develop the muscles of the hand, a few min- 

 utes' 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 revolver the soldier can become sufficiently expert to fire 

 very rapidly, using single action, while his accuracy will be 

 greater than w^hen using double action. 



139. 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 (see PI. VI), and the line of sight is directed upon a 

 point just under the bull's-eye at "6 o'clock." The front 

 sight 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.^ 



If the principles of aiming have not been taught, the sol- 

 dier's instruction will begin with sighting drills as prescribed 

 for the rifle so far as they may be applicable. The sighting 



1 The instructor should take cognizance of the fact that the proper 

 aiming point is often affected by the personal and fixed peculiarities 

 of the firer, and If unable to correct such abnormalities permit firer to 

 direct sight at such point as promises effective results. 



