Figure 3-51.--Estimating wind velocity.
positions. Wind that has no effect on the prone shooter
Figure 3-49.--4 o'clock wind.
might have some effect on the sitting shooter, a greater
effect on the kneeling shooter, and a definite adverse
effect on the standing shooter. The effect of the wind on
your body can be decreased through the development of
the best possible shooting positions.
Wind Direction and Force
The direction of wind is explained by reference to
the face of a clock The firing line is thought of as the
center of a big clockface with 12 o'clock toward the
target butts and 6 o'clock to the rear. Wind blowing from
the right rear is a 4 o'clock wind (fig. 3-49).
Wind Reading Aids
Wind direction and force can be quickly determined
by observing the range flags. Figures 3-50 and 3-51 give
examples using the range flag. If no flag is visible, use
the following observations as a guide in determining
Figure 3-50.--Range flag wind reading.
wind velocities:
Wind and Wind Effect
1. Smoke drifts slightlyless than 2 mph wind
2. Wind can be felt lightly3 to 5 mph wind
One of the most important influences on rifle
shooting is wind. Wind affects shooting in two principal
3. Tree leaves move constantly5 to 8 mph wind
ways: it literally blows the bullet off course; and it
4. Wind raises dust and loose paper8 to 12 mph
buffets the shooter, making proper aiming difficult.
wind
The effect of the bullet in flight progressively
5. Small trees sway12 to 15 mph wind
increases as range increases. A wind that will have little
or no effect on a bullet at 200 yards will have some effect
FIRING TECHNIQUESPISTOL
on one at 300 yards. The effect of the wind on the bullet
in flight is compensated for by applying proper windage
Good pistol shooting, like rifle shooting, depends
to the sights.
upon your ability to master and apply certain basic
The effect of the wind on the body of the shooter
marksmanship principles. You must practice these
depends on the relative stability of the various shooting
principlesaiming, position, and trigger squeezeoften.
3-24
