Manual of Military Training Part 15

takes a loaded clip and inserts the end in the clip slots, places the thumb on the powder s.p.a.ce of the top cartridge, the fingers extending around the piece and tips resting on the magazine floor plate; forces the cartridges into the magazine by pressing down with the thumb; without removing the clip, thrusts the bolt home, turning down the handle; turns the safety lock to the "=safe=,"

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and carries the hand to the small of the stock.

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Each rear rank man moves to the right front, takes a similar position opposite the interval to the right of his front rank man, muzzle of the piece extending beyond the front rank and loads.

A skirmish line may load while moving, the pieces being held as nearly as practicable in the position of =load=.

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If kneeling or sitting, the position of the piece is similar; if kneeling, the left forearm rests on the left thigh;

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if sitting the elbows are supported by the knees.

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If lying down, the left hand steadies and supports the piece at the balance, the toe of the b.u.t.t resting on the ground, the muzzle off the ground.

For reference, these positions (standing, kneeling, and lying down) are designated as that of =load=. (For Krag rifle as prescribed in 701.) (139)

=186.= For instruction in loading: =1. Simulate, 2. LOAD.=

Executed as above described except that the cut-off remains "off" and the handling of cartridges is simulated.

The recruits are first taught to =simulate= loading and firing; after a few lessons dummy cartridges may be used. Later, blank cartridges may be used. (140)

The rifle may be used as a single loader by turning the magazine "off." The magazine may be filled in whole or in part while "off" or "on" by pressing cartridges singly down and back until they are in the proper place. The use of the rifle as a single loader is, however, to be regarded as exceptional. (Explained for Krag rifle in par. 702.) (141)

To Unload

=187. UNLOAD.=

Take the position of load, turn the safety lock up and move bolt alternately back and forward until all the cartridges are ejected.

After the last cartridge is ejected the chamber is closed by first thrusting the bolt slightly forward to free it from the stud holding it in place when the chamber is open, pressing the follower down and back to engage it under the bolt and then thrusting the bolt home; the trigger is pulled. The cartridges are then picked up, cleaned, and returned to the belt and the piece is brought to the order. (Explained in par. 703 for Krag rifle.) (142)

To Set the Sight

=188. RANGE, ELEVEN HUNDRED (EIGHT-FIFTY, etc.)=, or =BATTLE SIGHT=.

The sight is set at the elevation indicated. The instructor explains and verifies sight settings. (143)

To Fire by Volley

=189. 1. Ready, 2. AIM, 3. Squad, 4. FIRE.=

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At the command =ready= turn the safety lock to the "ready";

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at the command =aim= raise the piece with both hands and support the b.u.t.t firmly against the hollow of the right shoulder, right thumb clasping the stock, barrel horizontal, left elbow well under the piece, right elbow as high as the shoulder; incline the head slightly forward and a little to the right, cheek against the stock,

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left eye closed, right eye looking through the notch of the rear sight so as to perceive the object aimed at, second joint of the forefinger resting lightly against the front of the trigger and taking up the slack; top of front sight is carefully raised into, and held in, the line of sight.

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Each rear-rank man aims through the interval to the right of his file leader and leans slightly forward to advance the muzzle of his piece beyond the front rank.

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In aiming kneeling, the left elbow rests on the left knee, point of elbow in front of kneecap.

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In aiming sitting, the elbows are supported by the knees.

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In aiming, lying down, raise the piece with both hands; rest on both elbows and press the b.u.t.t firmly against the right shoulder.

At the command =fire= press the finger against the trigger; fire without deranging the aim and without lowering or turning the piece; lower the piece in the position of =load= and load. (144)

To continue the firing: =1. AIM, 2. Squad, 3. FIRE.=

Each command is executed as previously explained. =Load= (from magazine) is executed by drawing back and thrusting home the bolt with the right hand, leaving the safety lock at the "ready." (145)

To Fire at Will

=190. FIRE AT WILL.=

Each man, independently of the others, comes to the =ready=, aims carefully and deliberately at the aiming point or target, =fires=, =loads=, and continues the firing until ordered to =suspend= or =cease firing=. (146)

=191.= To increase (decrease) the rate of fire in progress the instructor shouts: =FASTER (SLOWER).=

Men are trained to fire at the rate of about three shots per minute at effective ranges and five or six at close ranges, devoting the minimum of time to loading and the maximum to deliberate aiming. To ill.u.s.trate the necessity for deliberation, and to habituate men to combat conditions, small and comparatively indistinct targets are designated.

(147)