TARGET PRACTICE.
the
errors which have been committed. The instructor will repeat this
exercise as
often as may be necessary.
Two drills, of two hours
each, devoted to the first
part of the instruction in aiming, will be sufficient to teach the
generality
of men the principles of aiming a gun with the raised sight down.
In a third drill, the
instructor will explain to his squad
the use of the different parts of his piece, the rules for firing, the
object and
use of the raised sight, by tracing the following figure on a board,
table, or
floor. Explain that the line of fire is the axis of
the gun
indefinitely produced, that the ball describes a curved line during its
flight,
that the line of sight is a right line passing through the middle of
the notch
of the rear sight and the top of froont sight, that the point-blank is
the
second intersection of the trajectory, or curve, with the line of
sight.
Assuming the point-blank of a gun, with the hausse down, to be 200
yards, he
will explain to his squad, that to hit a man in the head at 200 yards,
aim at
his head; at 150, at his throat; at 100, at his chest, and so on. Thus,
with
the assistance of a curved line, and a few simple remarks
adapted to tha
comprehension of any man of ordinary intelligence, the squad will
receive a
lesson which many will find useful in practice, and but few will
forget. The
instructor will, from time to time during the drill, question the men,
and
satisfy himself that he is clearly understood. The instructor
will also add,
that, by the use of the hausse or raised sight, the number of
points-blank are
increased, and explain the reason.
The
fourth, fifth, and sixth drills that follow will take place on the
drill-ground,
and squads will be exercised in aiming at any distance between 100 and
1000
yards, or up to that point for which the arm is sighted. Each squad is
provided
with a target, a bag partially filled with sand, amid a tripod, formed
of poles
about six
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS
AND MILITIA.
feet
long, ties or fastened near the top.
The tripod is placed in an upright position, the sand-bag
on the tripod,
and the piece on the sand-bag. Each man aims his own gun. When he
pronounces
his piece correctly aimed, the instructor calls up the remainder of the
squad
in turn, who examine the piece and inform the instructor, in a low
tone, how,
in their opinion, the gun is sighted. He then examines the piece
himself,
pronounces how the gun is aimed, calls up those who answered
incorrectly, and,
having satisfied them of their errors, requires the man who aimed the
piece to
correct his mistake. Should it be desirable to economise targets, one
target
will answer for the different squads of the same company during this
part of
the drill : in that case the tripods will he placed as near together as
practicable. Soldiers who have previously been thoroughly instructed in
this
part of the exercise, and show a knowledge of the first four drills,
may be
excused from the last two.
Position of a
Skirmisher aiming standing.
287. When the men can
aim correctly from a rest, they will be
instructed in the above position.
Squads under arms
will be formed in a single rank, with an
interval of one pace between the files.
The instructor,
facing the squad, will give the details of
the position, executing the same himself as he describes them.
Aiming with sight
down (when rifled musket is used).
One time and three
motions.
First motion. As first motion of
“ charge bayonet,”
except that the right foot is carried fifteen inches to rear of left
heel.
Second motion. Bring down the piece
with the right hand
to the right side, the barrel uppermost; seizing it with the left hand
in rear
of the hausse or breech-sight, the stock resting in the palm of this
hand, the
thumb extended along the stock, the left elbow close to the body, the
muzzle as
high as the eye. Cock the piece with the thumb of the right hand, the
fingers
supported against the
TARGET PRACTICE.
guard
and the small of the stock; seize the piece at the small of the stock
with the
right hand.
Third motion. Turn in slightly the
left toe, raise the
piece with both hands; place the butt firmly against the shoulder, the
body
erect, the left elbow close to the body; shut the right eye, raise the
right
shoulder in order to bring the sight to the height of the right eye,
the elbow
raised nearly to the height of the shoulder; aim, keeping the line of
sight
horizontal and in the vertical plane of fire, inclining as little as
possible the
head to the right, the thumb of the right hand over the small of the
stock, the
last joint of the first finger of the right hand in front of but not
touching
the trigger, the remaining fingers under, and grasping the small of the
stock.
Aiming with sight
down (when rifle is used).
One tune and three
motions.
First motion. Raise the piece with
the right hand; make
a half-face to the right on the left heel; place the hollow of the
right foot
opposite to, and fifteen inches from, left heel; the feet square: seize
the
piece at the same time with the left hand in rear of the hausse or
breech-sight, the thumb extending along the stock.
Second motion. Bring down the piece
with both hands; the
barrel uppermost, the left elbow close to the body, the muzzle as high
as the
eye. Cock the piece with the thumb of the right hand, the fingers
supported
against the guard and the small of the stock. Seize the piece at the
small of
the stock with the right hand.
Third motion. Same as that given
for rifled musket.
The instructor
directs each man to take the position,
commencing on the right of the squad: during the instruction he will
assist the
soldier in supporting his arm by placing his right hand under or near
the
middle band. After which, the man is made to take the position without
any
assistance. The commands given in order to make a soldier take or
abandon the
positions as given above, will be:
As a skirmisher—AIM.
cease—AIMING.
At the
first part of the last command, withdraw the finger from
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS
AND MILITIA.
in
front of the trigger; at the command aiming, retake
the position of the
second motion of “Aiming with sight down ;”
half-cock the
piece,
and come to a shoulder. As the instructor proceeds with the squad, he
will
direct those who have been instructed to exercise themselves in taking
the
position, keeping it for an instant, and then abandoning it, repeating
this as
often as they can while the rest are being instructed. Men will be
cautioned
not to cock the piece when repeating the instruction. The squad will
now be
exercised in aiming together, keeping them in the position long enough
to
confirm, but not long enough to fatigue them. This drill may be
conducted in
the quarters. In this case the instructor will drill but one man at a
time; the
remainder will exercise themselves in taking and abandoning the
position as he
proceeds. Two drills will be given to the above exercise. One will
suffice for
soldiers who have been previously instructed.
During the drill, the
soldier will not be required to aim at
any fixed point, the object being, that he may acquire with ease the
position
of a soldier, “aiming as a skirmisher, standing,”
and the habit of readily
catching with his eye the two points which determine the line
of sight.
When the men are
confirmed in the position described above,
they will be exercised at aiming at a mark. First, with the sight down:
one
drill will be given to this exercise. Previous to the man’s
aiming, the
instructor will order him to direct the line of sight below the point
to be
aimed at; to raise the piece slowly until the line of sight is on the
point
designated, preserving his aim for an instant, keeping the body and gun
immovable. During the first part of this drill the men will be
instructed
individually.
The men will now be
exercised in aiming, using the hausse for
ranges for which it is graduated, and the intermediate ones.
Aiming with sight
raised (when rifle
musket and rifle are used)
One time and four
motions.
First and Second. Same as
“Aiming with sight down.”
Third motion. Raise the piece
slightly with both
hands, at the
TARGET PRACTICE.
same
time depressing the muzzle until the piece is horizontal, the left arm
and
stock against the body: with the tumb and first finger
of the right hand
regulate the hausse for the distance indicated, and seize the piece
with the
right hand at the small of the stock.
Fourth motion. Same as third motion,
“Aiming with sight
down.”
Two drills will be
given to this exercise: during the first
drill, the men will be instructed individually, commencing with the
lower
sights, and then causing the hausse to be raised gradually.
The position of a
soldier aiming as a skirmisher cannot
always be taken exactly in the same manner, as it will be found
necessary to
lower the shoulder and arms in proportion as the hausse is elevated:
without
moving the body, or inclining the head, the soldier, by lowering the
shoulder
and arms, can take any line of sight from 250 to 1000 yards. This will
be found
a good exercise for the men. In order to aim at objects 800, 900, and
1000
yards distant, it is necessary to press the heel of the butt of the
piece
against the shoulder. If men have short necks, the position is
constrained, and
cannot be taken properly. Instructors perceiving this difficulty will
exercise
their judgment in requiring men to take the position above
designated when
firing at these long ranges.
During the second
drill, squads formed on the drill-ground
will be exercised in aiming together, using the different lines of
sight for which
the hausse is regulated. In this drill the bayonet will be fixed when
aiming at
distances less than 400 yards.
Position of a soldier
kneeling and aiming as a skirmisher.
288. The instruction
will be given without times or motions.
The instructor will command:
Take the position of
a skirmisher kneeling and aiming;
or,
Cease —
AIMING.
The instructor will
detail the position of a skirmisher
kneeling and aiming, as follows. The squad is supposed to be at
shouldered
arms, the files one pace apart. Take the position of present arms;
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS
AND MILITIA.
then
carry the right foot to the rear and to the right of the left heel, and
in a
position convenient for placing the right knee upon the ground in
bending the
left leg; place the right knee upon the ground, lower the piece, the
left
forearm supported upon the thigh on the same side, the right hand on
the small
of the stock, the butt resting on the right thigh, the left hand
supporting the
piece near the lower band. Move the right leg to the left, around the
knee
supported on the ground, until this leg is nearly perpendicular to the
direction of the left foot, and thus seat himself on the right heel.
Raise the
piece with the right hand and support it with the left, holding it near
the lower
hand, the left elbow resting on the left thigh near the knee. With the
thumb
and forefinger of the right hand regulate the hausse, if necessary;
cock the
piece, seize it with the right hand at the small of the stock, the
right
shoulder raised or lowered according to the position of the target, the
right
elbow nearly to the height of the shoulder; aim at the point
indicated,
keeping the top of the muzzle-sight and the bottom of the notch of the
hausse
in the vertical plane of fire, the thumb of the right hand over the
small of
the stock, the last joint of the first finger of the right hand in
front of but
not touching the trigger, the other fingers of this hand grasping the
small of
the stock. The instructor, having taken, and detailed at the same time,
the
position of a skirmisher kneeling and aiming, will instruct the men in
anning
front this position, in conformity with what has been prescribed in the
school
of the soldier. Two drills will be given to this exercise. One will suffice for
soldiers previously
instructed in the drill.
Keeping the piece
steady when the trigger is
pulled.
289. It is easy to
preserve the aim until the trigger is
pressed upon in order to discharge the piece; but, when this is done,
the aim
is maintained with difficulty. When pressing on the trigger, the line
of sight
is apt to be deranged although properly directed before touching the
trigger,
it may not be so at the moment the discharge takes place. The report of
the
discharge of his piece should find the soldier still preserving his
aim. The
soldier will attain this if he holds his breath from the moment he
commences to
touch the
TARGET PRACTICE.
trigger until the gun is
discharged; if he does not pull
the trigger with a jerk, or suddenly, but increases the pressure on the
trigger
by degrees; if he places his finger in such a manner upon the trigger
as to
exercise its full force, pressing not on the extremity of the linger,
but on
the last joint, or as near this joint as the conformation of
the man will
permit. The instructor, holding a gun in a convenient position similar
to that
of charge-bayonet, will point out to each soldier in succession the
manner of
pulling the trigger, which will be done with the first finger of the
right hand
as described above, the remaining fingers of this hand under
and grasping the
small of the stock, the thumb over the stock.
The men repeat after
the instructor, in succession, what be
has just executed. After this has been repeated as often as necessary,
the
instructor explains to his squad how they should manage in order to
fire
without deranging the position of the piece after bringing the
line of sight
to bear on an object. lie will explain and execute this as follows:
Press upon the
trigger by degrees with the last joint of the
first finger of the right hand, closing the muscles of this finger
without
moving the arm, holding the breath, the sound of the discharge finding
the
soldier preserving the line of sight upon the point aimed at. Remain
aiming an
instant after the gun is discharged, to be assured that the object is
still in
the line of sight. In
actual firing, it
will be impossible to preserve the aim the instant the gun is
discharged; but,
should the gun hang fire, the soldier accustomed to remain an instant
aiming
will be inure apt to make a good shot.
The instructor should
make the soldier understand that a good
marksman is known by the steadiness with which he preserves his gun
when it
misses fire.
The men will be made
to take one, or the other, of the
positions of a soldier aiming, as laid down in No. 287. They will be
permitted
to snap the gun without any commands being given to that effect. The
instructor
will indicate the distance, either assumed or real, of the target, and
will see
that the men use the sights corresponding to those distances.
The instructor
will command, for
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS
AND MILITIA.
instance, “Take the
position of a ‘skirmisher aiming
standing’ at 600 yards’ aim.”
The exercise given in
this article is considered of great
importance. It will be repeated for four drills. Two will suffice for
those men
who have been previously instructed.
Simulated firing with
caps.
290. This is the same
as the preceding, except that a cap
will be used, and it will not be necessary to explain to the soldier
the manner
of pulling the trigger. Squads assembled in the quarters will be made
to aim at
a lighted candle, which will be placed three feet or more from the
muzzle of
the gun. The line of sight will be brought to hear below the fame;
then, gradually
raising the piece until the line of sight is directly on the flame, the
cap
will be exploded: if the cone and barrel of the piece are perfectly
clear, and
the piece correctly sighted, the body kept steady when aiming and at
the moment
the cap explodes, the candle will be extinguished. Simulated
firing with caps
will be executed in two drills. Ten caps per man will be exploded at
each
drill; eight caps standing and two kneeling.
Simulated firing with
blank cartridges.
291.
Firing with
blank cartridges will be conducted in conformity with the principles
laid down.
The squad will be formed on the drill-ground as prescribed in No. 287.
The men
will fire in succession at a target, placed or supposed to be placed at
different distances. The rules laid down in the foregoing examples
relating to
a soldier aiming will be strictly followed. This lesson will be
executed in two
drills; ten cartridges will be fired per man at each drill eight
standing and
two kneeling.
The object of these
drills is to accustom the men to preserve
their aim when firing.
Estimating distances.
292. The
company assembled fully equipped as for drill will be divided into at
least
three squads, or as many as there are company
TARGET PRACTICE.
officers present. Each officer is
provided with a small
cord, 25 yards long. The instructor will measure on the ground a right
line,
which will be marked off into distances,
marking
these distances, as measured, with a stake, stone, or line, on the
ground. He
will now direct each man of his squad to pace off the measured distance
of 100
yards, cautioning them to be careful and preserve their natural gait,
without
attempting to increase or diminish the length of their step. He will
direct the
men to count the number of steps they take in passing over the distance
of 100
yards. This having been repeated at least three times by each soldier,
who
reports each time the number of steps taken by him in passing over 100
yards,
the ratio which a yard bears to the step of each soldier becomes known.
The
instructor will inform each soldier the number of steps it will be
necessary
for him to take to pass over 10 yards.
The soldier now knowing the number of steps he must take
to pass over 10
and 100 yards, it will be easy for him to measure any distance with
sufficient
accuracy for all practical purposes when firing.
To
estimate a distance greater than 100 yards — in steps
— the soldier, having
started from the point of departure, will count the number of steps he
should
take to pass over 100 yards; extending as a tally, at the moment of
arrival,
the thumb of his right hand, the other fingers closed: he will
recommence then
his count, extending the first finger of the right hand when
he has counted
the number of steps necessary to make a second 100 yards, and so on,
until he
arrives at a point less than 100 yards from the point up to which he is
to
measure. When the soldier finds himself less than 100 yards from the
object, he
will count by tens, saying, “Ten yards,” when he
has counted the number of
steps necessary for him to pass over the distance of 10 yards, 20, 30
yards,
and so on, until he arrives very near the object, when he will increase
the
length of his step, counting each step a yard; and, by adding these to
the
tens, he will then only have to count as hundreds the number of fingers
he has
raised, to know the whole distance, expressed in yards.
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS
AND MILITIA.
The instructor will form his
squad at one of the
extremities of the 200 yard line, which has been measured in such a way
that
the right line measured shall be perpendicular to the front of the
squad. He will
order four men to place themselves,
the first at the point marked 50 yards, the second at the point marked
100
yards, the third at the point marked 150 yards, and the fourth at the
point
marked 200 yards. The men selected should be as near the same height as
practicable. The instructor will now direct the attention of the squad
to the
different parts of the dress, arms, equipment, and figure of the men on
the
line, such as can be easily distinguished and recognized at 50 yards,
and such
as cannot be readily recognized at this distance. He questions each man
of his
squad on these points, not expecting all to answer alike, since the
eyesight of
men will generally differ.
The instructor will
now call the attention of the men to the
soldier placed at the point 100 yards distant, and cause them to make
similar
observations upon this man as those already prescribed for the soldier
at 50
yards. The instructor again questions the men, and will be careful to
point out
to them the difference that exists between those two distances, as
illustrated
by the difference in the appearance of the same objects at these
distances. The
instructor will make, in succession, upon the two men placed at 150 and
200
yards, similar observations as prescribed for the men at 50 and 100
yards;
being very careful to call the attention of each man to the difference
which
exists between the four distances, illustrated by the distinctness with
which
certain objects are seen. The instructor will direct the squad to
notice that
men appear smaller the farther they are off, although in reality they
are
nearly the same height. The men stationed at the different points will
be
frequently replaced by others. When the men of the squad have made a
sufficient
number of observations upon the four distances above indicated, and
when these
observations are well impressed on their memories, the instructor will
cause
the squad to estimate intermediate distances between 50 and 200 yards.
In order to do this,
the instructor will march his squad to a
different part of the ground from that on which he measured the
TARGET PRACTICE.
distances in the first instance,
and form it in one rank.
He now sends out one man, directing him to halt at a given signal. The
instant
this man steps off, the squad is faced about, in order that the men may
not
count the steps taken. When the man proceeds a sufficient distance, he
will be
halted, facing towards the squad. The squad will now be faced to the
front. The
men will estimate the distance which separates them from the soldier.
The
instructor cautions the squad to recollect the observations made by
them upon
the men placed at the measured distances. The instructor, placing
himself a
short distance from the squad, calls each man to him in turn, directing
them to
give in their estimates in a low voice. This is necessary, in order
that no man
may be influenced in his judgment by the opinion of another.
The instructor
will now cause the distance to be measured, and, at the same time,
stepped off
by the men. The instructor now points out to the men the errors, if any
were
committed, in estimating the distance. In order to do this more
distinctly, he
may send a man to the point from which the squad started, pointing out
all
errors by observations on this man. The instructor will repeat this
exercise as
often as in his judgment is necessary, taking care each time to choose
a
different distance, but always between the limits above indicated.
Estimating distances
should take place under different
conditions of the atmosphere, cloudy, foggy, etc.; and, if the locality
permits, squads should be drilled on ground the outline of which is
diversified
by hills, ravines, etc.
When the instructor
judges that the men of his squad—who
should, if possible, be the same during these exercises—have
acquired a
sufficient accuracy in estimating distances comprised between 50 and
200 yards,
he will proceed to estimate distances comprised between 200 and 400
yards. To
accomplish this, he will cause to be measured a distance of 400 yards,
and
mark, upon the right line so measured, distances of
The
squads will be formed as explained. The instructor now orders five men
to place
themselves, the first at 200, the second at
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS
AND MILITIA.
250, the third at 300, the fourth
at 350, and the fifth at
400 yards, facing the squad and resting on their arms. He will make
upon these
different distances observations similar to those already made upon the
lesser
distances, and for that of 200 yards. This last distance
should be the object
of particular attention and study. The instructor will cause distances
comprised between 200 and 400 yards to be estimated as explained for
the lesser
distances.
When the men have
acquired sufficient accuracy in estimating
distances comprised between 200 and 400 yards, they will be made to
estimate
distances comprised between 50 and 400 yards.
This having been
accomplished, distances will be no longer
estimated on single individuals, but on groups of men.
Each company, under
the command of its captain, will be
divided into two platoons, commanded by the first and second
lieutenants, when
not superintending the firing of a class. The captain will keep himself
with
one of the two platoons, having an eye to the exercise. The chief of
each
platoon, having halted his platoon in a favorable position indicated by
the
captain, will bring his platoon to an order, and rest. A group,
composed of a
corporal, a drummer or bugler, and two men, will proceed immediately in
front
of the platoon, following a line indicated by the chief of platoon, who
will
point out to the corporal two points on this line upon which to direct
himself.
The corporal, having passed over a distance of 200 yards but not
exceeding 700,
will be at liberty to halt his group. He will then place the men one
pace
apart, in one rank, and, facing the platoon, bring them to an order,
and rest,
and take his place on the right of the rank, the centre of which should
be
established on the line. The chief of the platoon will now estimate the
distance himself and note the same in his note-book. He will
now call out the
non-commissioned officers, receive their estimates (which should be
given in a
low tone), and so on with the men. As soon as the officer in charge of
the
platoon commences to take down the estimates of the men, a
sergeant, assisted
by two men carrying a cord twenty-five yards long, will measure the
distance which
separates the platoon from the group, and note down the same. Should
the number
of units which remain after having noted the hundreds and
TARGET PRACTICE.
tens be less or equal to five, they
will be rejected; if
greater than five, they will be counted as ten. The officer having
taken down
the estimates, and the distance separating the platoon from the group
having
been measured, the officer will display a signal, and the sergeant who
measured
the distance will indicate the number of yards, by causing the drummer
to sound
a roll for each hundred, and a single tap for tens. The bugler will
indicate
the same by long and short notes.
The group, at the
discretion of the officer commanding the
platoon, maybe made to increase or lessen the distance which separates
it from
the platoon, the corporal keeping the group within the limits
prescribed, and
on the line us indicated to him. When he halts the group, he will be
careful to
establish it on the line facing the platoon.
The sergeant charged
with measuring the distance will retire
a few paces from the line after having marked the point up to which he
last
measured.
He will observe the
platoon, and as soon as its chief
commences recording the estimates he will measure the distance which
separates
the group from its first station, taking note of this distance, and
adding it
to the first or subtracting it, as the case may be.
In estimating
distances comprised between 700 and 1000 yards,
the number composing a group will be increased to eight men, a
corporal, and
drummer or bugler. The groups will be formed sometimes in one
and sometimes in
two ranks.
In all other respects
the rules laid down for estimating
distances between 200 and 700 yards will he followed.
Instruction in
estimating distances will be given when it
does not interfere with other parts of the soldiers’ drill.
It will, however,
always precede ball-practice, and be carried on during this practice.
When one
squad is occupied in firing at the target, the remaining squads will be
exercised in estimating distances.
Officers,
particularly, should be prompt in estimating
distances correctly, as they are called upon to conduct and regulate
the fire
in presence of an enemy.
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS
AND MILITIA.
Firing with Ball
Cartridges at Different Distances, Formation of
Classes, etc.
293.
The distances at
which the targets are placed will be 150, 225, 250, 300, 325, 350, 400,
450,
500, 550, 000, 700, 800, 900, and 1000 yards.
These distances will
be carefully measured and staked off on
the “firing-ground.”
The surfaces fired at
will be,
at 150 and 225 yards
one target 6
ft. high and 22 in. broad.
225 and 300
“ one
“
“
4
“
325,
350, and 400 “
one
“
“
66
“
450
and 500
“
one
“
“
88
“
550
and 600
“ one
“
“
110
“
700
“
one
“
“
132
“
800
“
one
“
“
176
“
900
“
one
“
“
220
“
1000
“
one
“
“
264
“
Four rounds will be
fired at each of the above distances. The
company will be divided into three equal classes, non-commissioned
officers equally
distributed.
After the company has
fired at the several distances 150,225,
250, 300, 325, 350, and 400 yards, the classes will be rearranged
according to
merit of firing,—the first class composed of those men who
have hit the target
the greatest number of times, the second class of those who come next
in order,
and so on with the third, keeping the classes as nearly equal as
practicable.
Non-commissioned officers will not be assigned to classes
according to merit,
hut according to rank, a sergeant in each class, the presence of
non-commissioned
officers being necessary with classes when estimating distances, etc.
When the
firing has been executed at the fifteen distances, the classes will be
again
re-formed, as prescribed above; previous to which no change will be
made.
Men who from
unavoidable causes have missed drills will be
placed in that class to which the number of their shots that hit the
TARGET PRACTICE.
target entitles them, —
which will be determined by a
calculation.
A list of the
company, arranged by classes, will be kept
exposed in the quarters until new lists are formed. The object in
forming
classes is that the officers may know the good marksmen in their
companies, and
to stimulate the pride of the men.
When the company
arrives on the ground, the classes will be
paraded. The first class, formed in one rank, will take position ten
steps in
rear of the point from which the firing takes place, the centre of the
rank on
and perpendicular to the plane of fire.
The remaining classes
will be divided into as many squads per
class as there are intelligent non-commissioned officers available; and
these
squads, superintended by an officer, will be exercised, on
suitable ground
near the firing-ground, in estimating distances. When estimating
distances
greater than 400 yards, the two classes may be united, in which case
the
detachment will be commanded by an officer. The officer superintending
the
firing will order his class to load at will, and then bring them to a
“support
arms,” or “ order
arms,” and rest.
Before a man fires, a
roll on the drum, or note on the bugle,
will be sounded. At this signal the markers will take their places. At
the
command “ Commence firing,”
the man on the right will take the position
in front of the squad that has been pointed out to him, and fire,
retiring, as
soon as he has fired, three paces in rear of his first position; and so
on with
the rest. When a class has fired, it will reload at the commands
“Load at
will,” “Load,” and thus continue until
the four shots have been expended. Three
shots will be fired standing, the fourth kneeling. The firing of the
other
classes will be conducted in the same manner. Officers should retire a
short
distance from the soldier who is about to fire, and be careful not to
speak to him
when in the act of firing. Officers will pay particular attention that
all the
principles are followed which have been laid down in the foregoing
articles.
Balls which strike
within the black lines will have no
greater value on the “record-book” than those which
strike any other part of
the target.
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS
AND MILITIA.
An intelligent
non-commissioned officer, assisted
by a man, will place themselves in a hole dug at the foot and in front
of the
target, protected by a breastwork of earth thrown upon that side from
which the
firing takes place. This non-commissioned officer will mark the shots
which
strike the target. He will be provided with a small flag, and a rod
about six
feet long, on one end of which will be nailed a circular disk of wood,
or other
material, six or eight inches in diameter, painted on one side white,
on the
other black. When a ball strikes outside the black, he will cover the
shot-hole
with the disk, presenting the black side to the detachment; when inside
the
black, the white side will be presented to view. Firing will only be
permitted
when the flag is down. The marker should be provided with a pot of
paste, a
brush and patches of paper, when the target covered with muslin is
used. After
five shots, the marker will paste patches over the ball-holes, or
otherwise
deface them. When cast-iron targets are used, the marker should be
provided
with black and white paint.
Should it not be
possible to obtain the greatest range laid
down, the entire number of shots will nevertheless be fired. The shots,
in that
case, will be divided equally between the 150 yard range and the
greatest
available range.
When the first class
has nearly completed firing its four
rounds, the drummer will be directed to sound a roll, or the bugler the
signal
“Commence firing.’”
The second class will
then be marched to the position
occupied by the first, and execute what has been laid down above.
During the remainder
of the drill, the first class will be
exercised in estimating distances. It will be found to economize time,
and the
record of shots can be better kept, by keeping the same
noncommissioned
officer superintending the marking of shots during the entire drill.
Firing as
Skirmishers.
294. The company will
now be exercised in firing as skirmishers.
Three drills will be given to this exercise. Ten cartridges will be
fired per
man at each drill. When firing as skirmishers, the men
TARGET PRACTICE.
will be permitted to take that
position which suits them
best. The line of skirmishers will fire first advancing, then
retreating,
conforming to the principles laid down in the instruction for
skirmishers. The
targets will be six feet high and twenty-two inches
wide, placed upon a line parallel to the line of
skirmishers and
six yards apart.
As many targets will
be used as the nature of the ground and
a due regard to economy will permit. A line will be staked off parallel
to the
line of targets and 350 yards distant. The line of skirmishers, formed
a
suitable distance from this line, will advance upon it, and when on the
line
the command will be given “Commence firing
:“ the line of skirmishers will
advance and fire five rounds; the remaining five will be fired
retreating.
The firing during the
second drill will be executed as laid
down for the first. The surface fired at will be double; the targets
placed six
yards apart. The firing will commence when the skirmishers arrive on a
line 600
yards from the targets. The number of targets will not be limited. Five
cartridges will be fired advancing, and five retreating.
Firing during the
third drill will commence when the
skirmishers reach a line 800 yards from the line of targets. Four
targets will
be used, placed 12 yards apart. The dimension of each target will be 6
feet by
88 inches.
Firing by Company or
Rank, and by Platoon.
295. The exercises in
firing will terminate with firing by
file, by company or rank, and by platoon. At each drill six cartridges
per man
will be fired by file, two by rank or company, and two by
platoon. The
distances at which the several firings take place will be 300, 400, and
500
yards. The target used will be 6 feet high and
176
inches broad. The vertical and horizontal stripes on this target will
be 12
inches in width.
The firings by file,
by company or rank, and by platoon, will
be executed in three drills at the first, the firing will commence at
2OO
yards; the second at 400; and the third at 500 yards. At each drill,
the firing
will commence by file, then by company or
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS
AND MILITIA.
rank, and will end by firing by
platoon. When firing at
300 yards, whether by file, by company or rank, or platoon, bayonets
will be
fixed.
As the position of
soldiers firing by file,
company or rank, and by platoon, is different from that taken when
firing as a
skirmisher, it will be necessary, before executing the above firings,
to
habituate the men to the positions which they should take by simulated
firings.
The simulated firing
will first be by allowing the hammer to
fall upon the cone. The men will be made to take the positions as laid
down in
the school of a soldier as applicable to these different firings. They
will be
accustomed to regulate the hausse in ranks, putting in practice as much
as
possible, when firing in ranks, what has been prescribed for individual
firing.
During the first part
of the first drill, ten caps per man
will be exploded—six in file firing, two by company
or rank, and two by
platoon. During the second part of the same drill, ten blank cartridges
will be
fired,—six by file, two by company or rank, and two by
platoon. The front rank
will be made frequently to change positions with the rear rank. Firing
with
ball cartridges will then take place, preceding each real fire
by simulated
firings, when the hammer will be allowed to fall upon the cone. The
proper
execution of platoon and company firing depends in a great degree upon
the
commands of the officer. If he does not allow a sufficient interval
between the
commands “Aim” and “ Fire,”
the men will not have time to aim. To obey the
command in time, the trigger will be pulled suddenly. The
result will be, that
much of the efficacy of the fire will be lost, and a simultaneous fire,
upon
which a great deal depends, will not be obtained; for experience and
reason
demonstrate the fact, everything else being equal, that platoon-firing
is more
effective in proportion as it is executed together. ‘When the
officer leaves a
suitable interval between the commands “Aim” and
“Fire,” the men have time to
adjust the piece to the shoulder, to place the finger in front of the
trigger,
and to exercise a slight pressure on the trigger when awaiting the
command
“Fire.” They are then ready to fire the moment the
command is given, thus
obtaining a simultaneous and effective fire. But, if the
officer superintending
the firing
TARGET PRACTICE.
should be careful to leave a
sufficient interval between
the commands “Aim” and “Fire,”
he should no less avoid the opposite extreme. If
he keeps the men aiming too long, they will become fatigued, will lose
their
aim, and will not be prepared to obey the command when given. It is
only by
commanding, and seeing platoon and company firing executed with ball
and
cartridge, and judging of its effect by the number of balls put in the
target,
that officers can appreciate the influence of a command
promptly given, and
acquire the habit of thus giving their commands.
When firing by file,
by company or rank, or by platoon, the
officers will indicate the distance which separates the
company from the
object to be fired at. Men in ranks are necessarily more or less
constrained in
their movements. Occupied, moreover, in loading their pieces, soldiers
will not
be able to judge the distance which separates them from the enemy.
The most suitable
moment to indicate the distance will be
immediately before the command “Aim” is
given. The men will then be in a
position to regulate the hausse. To direct the fire of a
platoon upon an
enemy, for example, at 400 yards, the officer will command
Fire by platoon.
Platoon—READY-—at
400 yards—Aim—FIRE—
LOAD.
The above
observations are applicable to firing by company or
rank.
When firing by file,
the distance will be announced
immediately before the command “Commence firing,”
and after the command
“Ready.”
Inaccuracy of fire
may arise from very different causes.
1st. From ignorance
or failing to apply, the principles which
govern good marksmen when firing.
2d. A ball, when
fired, may be, and generally is, deflected
from its course when describing the trajectory.
The first causes may
be obviated in a great degree by
practical and theoretical instruction.
The second is
attributable to the piece, and exterior
influences
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS
AND MILITIA.
acting
upon the ball. Some of the causes cannot be modified by the most
skilful
marksman; while others, to a great extent, may be counteracted. It
would be
unreasonable to expect comparative perfection in every gun issued
from
our large manufactories. Our rifle musket is believed to be as perfect
an arm
of its kind as has ever been made. A perfect arm can only exist in
theory. A
soldier always firing the same piece will become acquainted with its
defects,
and will be able to make such allowances when firing as experience
teaches him
to be necessary.
Among the exterior
influences which affect the accuracy of a
gun, the principal one is the wind. If the wind blows from the right,
the ball
will be deflected to the left; to the right, if it blows from the left;
raised,
if from the rear; and lowered, if from the front; raised and to the
left, if it
blows from the rear and right. The deviation produced by the wind will
be
increased in proportion as the distance increases: it increases even
more
rapidly than the distance. Experience alone can teach the soldier the
allowance
he must make for the wind. Not only does the wind affect accuracy of
fire by
deflecting the ball from its course, but it prevents a person
from holding his
piece steady.
The temperature and
dampness of the atmosphere influence the
ball in its flight. It has been remarked that in dry weather longer
ranges have
been obtained than in damp weather.
When firing at an
object in motion, allowance must be made
for the motion. For instance, when firing at a horseman galloping in a
direction perpendicular to the plane of fire, it is necessary that the
line of
sight should move in proportion as the horseman moves, and should be
directed
in advance of him in proportion as he is farther off.
In opening a fire
upon an enemy, particular attention should
be paid to discover where the first balls fired strike. It would be
better that
the balls fall short of, rather than pass over, the enemy. In the first
case,
we stand a chance of a ricochet ball taking effect. From which we
naturally
deduce that a soldier should be impressed with the necessity of firing
too low
rather than too high.
TARGET PRACTICE.
296. The difficulty
of procuring any specified material for
targets at many posts precludes the adoption of any particular target.
The surface fired at,
at the different distances, will alone
be fixed by regulation.
The following
suggestions are offered:
The best targets, and
those recommended for permanent posts,
are of cast-iron,—by far the cheapest and most durable. The
different surfaces
required could be obtained by having four cast-iron targets of the
following
dimensions,—one target 6 feet by 22 inches; one 6 feet by 44
inches; one 6 feet
by 66 inches; and one 6 feet by 132 inches.
When cast-iron
targets cannot be had, the next best are
targets formed of wrought-iron frames with muslin stretched upon them.
Four
frames of the following dimensions, by combination, would enable us to
obtain
the surfaces required,—one 6 feet by 22 inches; one 6 feet by
44 inches; one 6
feet by 88 inches; one 6 feet by 110 inches; and all the parts could be
carried
in a wagon-body.
By carefully covering
the ball-holes with patches of paper
pasted on, we strengthen and thicken the target; and one of these
targets will
last longer than one would suppose.
The next best targets
are wooden frames composed of four
pieces, 6 inches wide and 1 inch thick, bolted together; the ends of
the
vertical sides projecting about a foot below, and sharpened, the frame
covered
with muslin and held in position by four guys fastened to the top and
attached
to pins in the ground in front and rear.
Every target will be
marked by a vertical and a horizontal
stripe, dividing it into four equal parts, and varying in width
according to
the distance, as follows:
At
150
and
225 yards 4
inches wide.
“
250
“
300
“
5
“
“
“
325
“
350
“
8
“
“
“
400
450 “
500
“
12
“
“
“
550
600 “
700
“
16
“
“
“
800
900 “
1000 “
20
“
“
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