Have a Zeis glass and locate each shot, correcting the next, if necessary, by altering your aim—as the rules will not permit you to alter the sights; shoot very deliberately; rest your eyes frequently; stop at every breath of air, and only fire when you are “dead sure.” Clean after each entry.
Do not keep on too long at this range. A few entries now and again are best, as it is very straining to the eyes and trying to the muscles.
I prefer a heavy charge, as giving more accuracy at fifty yards; but one cannot stand many shots with a heavy charge without feeling the consequences.
I do not think this deliberate shooting at fifty-yards at a stationary mark worth practising as a pistol is for quick shooting at a moving or momentarily appearing mark.
CHAPTER XII
TEAM SHOOTING AND COACHING
When you are a member of a team, do exactly what the captain of the team directs you. Never mind if you think that he is wrong, and that you could do better work in your own way. It is “his show,” and he alone is responsible; merely shoot as well as you can in his way. Of course, if he should ask your advice, that is a different thing. Should another member of your team ask your advice, refer him to your captain.
If you are captain of a team, and have the choice of men, select, preferably, men whose nerve can be relied upon; a veteran who does not get “rattled,” even if only a moderate shot, is preferable to a brilliant beginner who may go all to pieces at a critical moment.