The squad being formed as described above, the instructor gives the command:  1. Raise, 2. Pistol (par. 156, Cavalry Drill Regulations), and cautions, “Position and aiming drill, dismounted.”  The men take the positions described in paragraph 136, except that the pistol is held at “Raise pistol.”

The instructor cautions, “Trigger squeeze exercise.”  At the command READY, cock the 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 increase 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 additional pressure is applied to the trigger until the piece is finally discharged at one of the moments when the sights are correctly 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 gives 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 increasing pressure on the trigger, trying at the same time to get the sights as nearly on the mark as possible before the hammer again falls.  The great difficulty in quick firing with the pistol lies in the fact that when the front sight is brought upon the mark, the rear sight is often found to be outside the line joining the eye with the mark.