Watch your hold carefully and be sure to know where the line of sight is at discharge.  It is only in this way that the habit of calling shots, which is essential to good shooting, can be acquired.

Study the conditions, adjust the sling, and set the sight before going to the firing point.

Look at the sight adjustment before each shot and see that it has not changed.

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, properly cut to size, for use in cleaning.

Always clean the rifle from the breech, using a brass cleaning 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” is of the greatest help in preparing for shooting on the range.

RAPID FIRING:  Success is 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 accurately, 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.

When the bolt handle is raised, it must be done with enough force to start the shell from the chamber; and when the bolt is pulled back, it must be with sufficient force to throw the empty shell well away from the chamber and far enough to engage the next cartridge.

In loading, use force enough to load each cartridge with one motion.

The aim must be caught quickly, and, once caught, must be held and the trigger squeezed steadily.  Rapid firing, as far as holding, aim, and squeezing the trigger are concerned, should be done with all the precision of slow fire.  The gain in time should be in getting ready to fire, loading, and working the bolt.