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" and gallery practice are of the greatest help in preparing for shooting on the range.
Rapid firing: Success in 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.