MANUAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 261 



The instructor cautions, " Trigger squeeze exercise." At tlie 

 command READY, cock tlie weapon as described in paragraph 

 140. At the command, 1. Squad, 2. FIRE, slowly extend the 

 arm till it is nearly horizontal, the pistol directed at a point 

 about 6 inches below the bull's-eye. At the same time put the 

 forefinger inside the trigger guard and gradually " feel " the 

 trigger. Inhale enough air to comfortably fill the lungs and 

 gradually raise the piece until the line of sight is directed at 

 the point of aim, i. e., just below the bull's-eye at 6 o'clock. 

 While the sights are directed upon the mark, gradually in- 

 crease the pressure on the trigger until it reaches that point 

 where the slightest additional pressure will release the sear. 

 Then, when the aim is true, the additional pressure necessary 

 to fire the piece is given so smoothly as not to derange the 

 alignment of the sights. The weapon will be held on the mark 

 for an instant after the hammer falls and the soldier will 

 observe what effect, if any, the squeezing of the trigger has 

 had on his aim. 



It is impossible to hold the arm perfectly still, but each time 

 the line of sight is directed on the point of aim a slight addi- 

 tional pressure is applied to the trigger until the piece is finally 

 discharged at one of the moments when the sights are cor- 

 rectly aligned upon the mark. 



When the soldier has become proficient in taking the proper 

 position, the trigger squeeze should be executed at will. The 

 instructor prefaces the preparatory command by "At will" 

 and give the command HALT at the conclusion of the exercise, 

 when the soldier will return to the position of " Raise pistol." 



At first this exercise should be executed with deliberation, 

 but gradually the soldier will be taught to catch the aim 

 quickly and to lose no time in beginning the trigger squeeze 

 and bringing it to the point where the slightest additional 

 pressure will release the sear. 



Remarks. — In service few opportunities will be offered for 

 slow aimed fire with the pistol or revolver, although use will 

 be made of the weapon under circumstances when accurate 

 pointing and rapid manipulation are of vital importance. 



In delivering a rapid fire, the soldier must keep his eyes 

 fixed upon the mark and, after each shot, begin a steadily in- 

 creasing pressure on the trigger, trying at the same time to 

 get the sights as nearly on the mark as possible before the 



