CLEANING RODS:
Finally it is suggested that a cleaning-rod properly used is better than a pull-through: each Battalion is authorized to hold 32 of these Rods on Charge. (See G.R.O.’s 512, 540 and 2,094.)
Grouping and Range Practices:
It must be understood that Grouping with the Open Sights is a definite test of (a) the rifle, and (b) the man.
Grouping is a practical system of locating faults, and it is of the utmost importance that such faults, having once been located, should at once be corrected. It should also be clearly understood that a man’s average group at a given range, i.e., 100 yards, will (except for the error of the day) be the measure of his capacity at all ranges. For instance, if his average at 100 yards be a 3-inch group, his best standard will be a 6-inch group at 200 yards, 9-inch group at 300 yards, 12-inch group at 400 yards, and so on.
Unless this fact is clearly understood, we shall have our men making shot corrections when actually shooting up to standard, and if this is done, consistent shooting can never be obtained.
LESSONS TO BE LEARNT FROM A GROUP:
1. If a man makes a vertical group it is fairly safe to assume that he is making one of the following errors:
- (a) Varying amount of fore-sight taken.
- (b) Varying point of Aim.
- (c) Not restraining his breathing when trigger-pressing.
2. If he makes a lateral group his error will be usually found among the following: