Note.—The low point of aim is essential in firing at service targets, as it facilitates a clear view of marks which are usually difficult to discern, and also because service targets are frequently in movement towards the firer, thus necessitating aiming down to alter elevation owing to their decreasing distance.
2. Method of Instruction.—(i) When these principles have been mastered, the instructor will loosen the sling of the rifle, adjust the sights for any given range, and aim from a rest at the target, taking care that his eye is immediately above the butt-plate. It will be convenient to use a sandbag aiming-rest to steady the head during the aiming.
(ii) Having aimed, he will make each recruit observe the correct method of aligning the sights on a mark. Each recruit in turn will then be made to align the sights on a mark, after which the instructor will verify his aim, point out errors, and explain how they would have affected the accuracy of the shot, and how they are to be avoided. For example, [Fig. 11] shows incorrect sighting, the rifle being inclined to the right, aimed to the right, and aimed too low, the top of the foresight being well below and to one side of, instead of in the centre of and in line with, the shoulders of the U of the backsight. The obvious result of these errors would be to fire low to the right of the mark.
Fig. 12.—Long-Range Sights.
(iii) The instructor should also make recruits verify their comrades’ aim under his supervision as above described, and point out any errors which may have been made. Extreme accuracy of aim must be insisted on even during the first lesson.
(iv) Long-Range Sights.—In aiming with the long-range sights a similar procedure to that which is described above will be pursued, but the eye will be placed about 1 inch behind the small of the butt, and the top of the head of the dial sight will be seen in the centre of the aperture ([Fig. 12]). Unless special care is taken, lateral error will be made in centring the head of the dial sight.
Section 17.—Common Faults in Aiming.
1. Taking too much or too little Foresight into the U or V of the Backsight.—(i) It should be explained that a fine or half sight will cause the bullet to strike with Mark VI ammunition about 5 inches and 3 inches lower respectively, and with Mark VII 7 inches and 4 inches lower respectively per 100 yards of range, than when the correct sight is taken.
(ii) The following method will be found useful to guide the soldier in taking the correct amount of foresight: Lay the edge of a piece of paper on the upper edge of the backsight cap, when the sight will appear as shown in one of the subjoined diagrams. A piece of cardboard laid on the cap and held in place by an elastic band will answer the same purpose.