ordinary match. Be sure to remove all oil from the
sight before blackening it.
Shooting Positions
A correct shooting position is essential to obtain
the best results in rifle shooting. The better the
position, the easier it is to hold the rifle and squeeze
the trigger while the sights are properly aligned on
the target. However, no degree of excellence in the
position will compensate for lack of practice. You
may have difficulty in assuming a connect position
until sufficient practice has limbered up your
muscles. Once your muscles are limber, you will find
the positions both comfortable and steady.
The Seabee qualification course requires you to
learn and use four standard positions: prone,
Figure 3-42.--Variation in sight picture for each
standing, kneeling, and sitting. These positions have
range of fire.
been selected as a result of experience and have been
found to produce excellent results with men and
not only from one firing position to another but also
women of all physical types.
from one firing line to another (fig. 3-42).
Once you master the correct positions, you must
TRAINING. You will receive training in
combine sighting and aiming with your practice.
aiming along with the position and trigger squeeze
Learn to get into the correct position and align the
before actually firing on the rifle range. You do this
sights without moving the rifle. If the target is not
by aiming at a series of small bull's-eyes at least 20
properly aligned with the sights, you must move your
feet away on a "dry-firing" range; this training is
body instead of the rifle until you obtain the proper
known as "snapping in."
sight picture.
BLACKENING SIGHTS. You should
PRONE POSITION.-- The prone position (fig.
blacken the sights during sighting and aiming
3-43) is a steady position that is easy to assume and
exercises to help eliminate light reflection or glare.
excellent for initial training. In the field, the position
Blacken all sights, both front and rear, on the base of
presents a low silhouette and is readily adaptable to
the receiver and the top of the barrel. The usual way
the use of cover and support. However, observation
of blackening a sight is by means of a smudge pot,
from this position is difficult.
carbide lamp, oily patch, candle, cigarette lighter, or
Figure 3-43.--Prone position.
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