You Can be an Expert Rifleman

H A ND BO O K

No. 1

2 1

YO U C A N B E A N E X P E R T R I F L E M A N a handbook by Frank Briggs

Y OU CAN B E A N EXPERT RIFLEMAN

FRA NK BRIGGS

CL A I R BEE, GENERAL ED ITOR

G R O S S E T & D U N L A P P U B L I S H E R S , N E W YORK

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thanks are extended to The Remington Arms Co., Bridgeport, Connecticut, who kindly made the Remington 40X rifle available for use in the photographs in this book; to Frank Simmons, Rifle Coach at Comumbia University for permission to use the Columbia University rifle range; and to Vito Cioffero for his excellent photographic assistance.

Copyright Š 1963 by Frank Briggs and Clair Bee ALL RIGHTS RESER V ED L i b r a r y o f C o n g r e s s C ata l o g C a r d N u m b e r : 6 3 - 1 8 9 7 9

P R I N T E D I N T H E U N I T E D S TAT E S O F A M E R I C A

CONTENTS

01.

INTRODUCTION 02.

THE MAKING OF A SHARPSHOOTER - YOU 03.

ANYONE CAN BE A MASTER RIFLEMAN 04.

GOOD EQUIPMENT - GOOD SHOOTING 05.

SELECTING AND FITTING YOUR RIFLE 06.

PHYSICAL FITNESS AND DRY FIRING 07.

S A F E T Y A N D F U N D A M E N TA L S 08.

P R E PA R I N G T O F I R E 09.

FIRING TECHNIQUES - PRONE POSITION 10.

FIRING TECHNIQUES - SITTING POSITION 11.

FIRING TECHNIQUES - KNEELING POSITION 12.

F I R I N G T E C H N I Q U E S - S TA N D I N G P O S I T I O N 13.

Y O U R F I R S T M AT C H 14.

A SHOOTING DICTIONARY FOR YOU

this is not your

grandfather ’ s rifle guide

INTRODUCTON

By Clair Bee

T he competiti v e spirit is inherent in

every American and there are many endeavors and sports which offer each one the opportunity to be outstanding. The thrill of starring in a game or entering a tournament and doing well add to a fellow’s personal pleasure and guarantee him a standing among his friends and in the community. Riflery offers such rewards to anyone who is willing to work hard.

Wouldn’t it be great to come out of a rifle match with a bright new medal? Wouldn’t it be thrilling to see your name at the top of a list of fivehundred other competitors and sport a gold medal for winning a state or national championship?

Sure it would! It can come true, for the person who has the will to win; the desire to excel; the perseverance to practice and stick to it no matter what the obstacles; and who is humble enough to overlook victories and strive for perfection.

This book is designed to give the beginner, step by step, the right start; to assist the upand-coming shooter to perfect his skills; and to review the important fundamentals for the expert rifleman. Beginners who are anxious to make the team and who will persistently strive to develop the proper shooting positions will become proficient riflemen. Those more experienced shooters who have run up against difficulties in one or more of their shooting positions will readily find the answers to their problems.

07

preparing to fire

1. stance 2. footing 3. awards 4 . aim

1

3

2

7 4

many of the top shooters have gained their proficiency right at home on their own dry firing range

competitiveness

The competitive spirit is inherent

overlook victories and strive for

in every American and there are

perfection.

many endeavors and sports which

This book is designed to give the

offer each one the opportunity to be

beginner, step by step, the right

outstanding. The thrill of starring in

start; to assist the up-and-coming

a game or entering a tournament

shooter to perfect his skills; and to

and doing well add to a fellow’s

review the important fundamentals

personal pleasure and guarantee him a standing among his friends and in the community. Riflery offers such rewards to anyone who is willing to work hard.

Wouldn’t it be great to come out of a rifle match with a bright new medal? Wouldn’t it be thrilling to see your name at the top of a list

THINK F I R S T, SHOOT SECOND

of five-hundred other competitors

for the expert rifleman. Beginners

and sport a gold medal for winning

who are anxious to make the team

a state or national championship?

and who will persistently strive

Sure it would! It can come true,

to develop the proper shooting

for the person who has the will

positions will become proficient

to win; the desire to excel; the

riflemen. Those more experienced

perseverance to practice and stick

shooters who have run up against

to it no matter what the obstacles;

difficulties in one or more of their

and who is humble enough to

shooting positions will readily find the answers to their problems.

learn by watching shooters in action.

concentration on the expert’s positions, timing, pacing, and gun handling will pay off.

11

POS I T I ON I N G P OWE R THE KEYS TO GETTING IT RIGHT

The prone position is considered

trouble reaching the fore-end stop

basic in initiating the teaching of

with your hand, it should probably

riflery. Let’s make sure you get the

be moved closer to you. This is a

right start. Get down on the mat

difficult position to master and may

carefully, making sure the muzzle of

be hard to maintain. However, you

the rifle does not touch the ground.

can take it!

Your left elbow should be near the

Now, let’s check. It your left

upper left-hand corner of the mat,

elbow underneath the rifle as far

next to your score. Your legs should

as possible? You may need help

be at an angle which allows you to

mastering this position the first

line up on the target naturally and

few times. But after a week or

without strain. Place the left elbow

two, the strength in your arm will

as far under the rifle as possible

build up to it. If you find it difficult,

without excessive strain.

ask someone to lift your elbow

Place the butt of your rifle in the

and move it under. Drop your right

hollow of your right shoulder, making

shoulder a little, moving it closer

sure that your right shoulder, making

to the ground and positioning your

sure that your hand is tight against

right elbow comfortable on the mat.

the fore-end stop. From the side,

Keep in mind that your right elbow

your position should look like figure

does not support the rifle. It merely

56. This position is perfectly legal

helps in settling the position and in

because the butt of the rifle is not

squeezing the trigger.

touching the ground and the arm

Does your hand grasp the

forward of the elbow is also clear.

pistol grip easily and is your finger

No strain should be placed on the

comfortable on the trigger? How

neck. The head should rest naturally

does the rifle itself feel? If it is not

on the stock as shown. If you have

held comfortable, you must figure

L ife is either a daring ad v enture or nothing AT A L L

out what is wrong. Perhaps it is your

tighten it up a few notches. Don’t

body position. Make sure your right

be in a big rush to start shooting.

leg is drawn up. This will allow the

Remember, you have waited this

body to rest on the side and permit

long, you can wait a little longer to

easier breathing. Perhaps the sling is

do it right. It wouldn’t be smart to

too tight or too loose. That could be

develop bad habits right off the bat!

a main problem. If you think the sling is too loose, get out of position and

13

F I R I N G T E CH N IQU E S PRONE POSITION

2

1

3

1 SLIDE ELBOW UNDER RIFLE AND PLACE BUTT ON SHOULDER

2. The shooter’s hEad is naturally resting on the stock

9

right & wrong

4

3. PLACE ELBOW ON LEFT CORNER OF MAT

4. THE CORRECT PRONE POSITION SHOULD BE THIS HIGh

on your maRk ta k i n g a i m a n d s e t t i n g f o r t h

The competitive spirit is inherent in

stacles; and who is humble enough

every American and there are many

to overlook victories and strive for

endeavors and sports which of-

perfection.

fer each one the opportunity to be

This book is designed to give the be-

outstanding. The thrill of starring in

ginner, step by step, the right start;

a game or entering a tournament

to assist the up-and-coming shooter

and doing well add to a fellow’s per-

to perfect his skills; and to review

sonal pleasure and guarantee him a

the important fundamentals for the

standing among his friends and in

expert rifleman. Beginners who are

the community. Riflery offers such

anxious to make the team and who

rewards to anyone who is willing to

will persistently strive to develop

work hard.

the proper shooting positions will

Wouldn’t it be great to come out of a

become proficient riflemen. Those

rifle match with a bright new medal?

more experienced shooters who

Wouldn’t it be thrilling to see your

have run up against difficulties in

name at the top of a list of five-hun-

one or more of their shooting posi-

dred other competitors and sport a

tions will readily find the answers to

gold medal for winning a state or na-

their problems.

tional championship? Sure it would!

It can come true, for the person who has the will to win; the desire to excel; the perseverance to practice and stick to it no matter what the ob-

pat quick achieved this score after only four weeks of shooting. it usually takes a boy two to three years to accoplish this.

25

24

The U.S. Rifle Cal, .30, M1

m1 rifle exploded parts diagram with nomenclature

1. Receiver

28. Accelerator

2. Rear sight assy.

29. Accelerator pin

3. Clip latch

30. Slide/follower assy.

4. Clip latch pin

31. Bullet guide

5. Clip latch spring

32. Front handguard

6. Follower arm pin

33. Front handguard ferrule

7. Bolt

34. Front handguard spacer

8. Firing pin

35. Trigger housing

9. Ejector spring/plunger

36. Safety lever

10. Extractor spring/plunger

37. Clip ejector/safety spring

11. Extractor

38. Trigger guard

12. Barrel

39. Hammer

13. Gas cylinder

40. Hammer pin

14. Stacking swivel

41. Hammer spring housing

15. Stacking swivel screw

42. Hammer spring

16. Gas cylinder lock screw

43. Hammer spring plunger

17. Front sight

44. Trigger

18. Front sight screw

45. Sear

19. Lower band

46. Sear pin

20. Lower band pin

47. Trigger pin

21. Rear handguard

48. Buttplate assy.

22. Rear handguard band

49. Buttplate screw, upper

23. Operating rod

50. Buttplace screw, lower

24. Follower rod

51. Butt swivel

25. Operating rod spring

52. Stock ferrule swivel

26. Follower arm

53. Stock ferrule

27. Operating rod catch

54. Stock ferrule/swivel screw

Y OU R F IRS T MATC H

12

FIGURE 22a.

Assume the standing position. Now, with bolt open, bend as far toward target as possible ending with rifle muzzle pointing at floor.

FIGURE 22b.

Straighten up and assume the standing position again. Bend backward as far as possible or until the muzzle points at the ceiling.

PHYSICAL FITNESS AND DRY FIRING It doesn’t take much strength to pull the

At the end of practice on the

trigger of a rifle. But the ability to support

range, or when you finish dry firing at

the body in the various positions and

home, utilize the rifle itself for exercise.

hold the rifle steady requires a great

Assume the standing position and

deal of muscle control and strength.

begin with the rifle pointing at the

Strengthening the muscles which are

target. Now with the bolt open, bend

necessary to support you and the rifle

your body as far toward the target as

in the various positions will greatly

possible, ending up with the muzzle of

speed your progress in shooting.

the rifle pointing at the floor (fig. 22a).

In setting up an exercise program,

Straighten up. Now, bend backward

you should plan to exercise every other

as far as possible or until the muzzle

day. This procedure gives your body

points at the ceiling (fig. 22b). Repeat

time to rest the muscles which were

this exercise as many times as possible

exercised. Let’s check each position

(fig 22c). The muscles you are using

and see just what parts of the body

here are the same ones that you use to

must be strengthened.

steady the rifle in the offhand position.

FIGURE 22c.

Repeat this exercise as many times as possible. The muscles used here are the same as those used to steady the rifle in the offhand position.

31

WE AIM

THE MA

HIT THE

ABOVE

ARK TO

E MARK R alph waldo emerson

X X

F UN DA M E N TAL S Besides hard work and practice, there are obstacles to be surmounted. Shooting facilities ranges and tournament sites may be a problem for the young shooters.

In all learning, studies, skills, techniques, it is vital that there be a base upon which the student can build his knowledge. Perhaps you have had the sads experience of reaching the middle of a course only to find you do not understand it because you did not master the basic points. The same possibility exists in riflery.

A great number of high-school shooters, but for their prone score could have won the match for their teams. If a boy can’t shoot a perfect score in the prone position, then, whether he believes it or not, he is also losing points in the other positions.

DON’T FORGET: 1. Put your heart into your shooting 2. Practice dry firing at home 3. Study the positions carefully 4. Keep an accurate record book 5. Graph all scores 6. Ask questions 7. Plan for your first competition 8. Watch top shooters in action

19

A SHOOTING DICTIO NA RY FOR YO U Here is a shooting dictionary designed just for new shooters. Not only will you find terms used in the book, but many terms not covered in the book that you are likely to run across in your shooting. A look through the dictionary may help answer some questions that have come to mind while reading the text.

ACTI ON

The part of the rifle concerned with moving parts. Included are the movement of the bolt, cocking of the firing pin, extraction of the empty case and its ejection from the rifle. The receiver acts as the base and houses the bolt.

The trigger is attached by screws to its bottom. Usually a ramp is provided for easy loading.

AG G R E GATE

Usually a rifle tournament consists of several different matches. To find the champion of the tournament, all his scores are added together. The resulting score is the aggregate.

AM M O

Ammunition or “ammo” as it is called may be divided into two classes: “regular” and “match.” Match. Ammunition made to very close tolerances. The dies which are used to mold the bullets are changed frequently to insure uniformity. A close check is kept on the amount of powder loaded into each round. Completed cartridges are individually inspected. Due to its careful preparation the ammunition is most effective at the longer ranges and is a must for tournament competition.

Regular. The tolerances are not checked as closely as match ammunition, but the accuracy obtained is adequate for fifty foot gallery shooting.

APE RTU R E

The opening in the front or rear sight through which you center the bullseye when aiming.

BAR R E L

The tube the bullet passes through after being fired. Target barrels come in various weights ranging from light to very heavy.

B OLT

The moving part of the action containing the firing pin, extractor, and sometimes the ejector.

B U LL

Originally the whole aiming circle was called the “bull” and the center was the “eye.” A hit in the center was then called a “bull’s-eye.” Now the term “ bull” may indicate either the scoring circle itself or a center hit (or ten) on the scoring circle.

B U LLET B LOCK

A holder for bullets usually made of wood or plastic. The holes are usually ranged in series of fives. This helps the shooter to keep track of the number of shots fired.

B UTT PLATE

A metal or rubber plate attached to the rear of the stock to help the shooter hold the rifle on his shoulder.

CALI B E R

A unit of measure used to determine the sizes of bullets. There are I 00 calibers to one inch. In other words, the .22-caliber bullet you will be using is measured as 22 / 100 inches in diameter

CALLI N G TH E S H OT

Making note of where you think the bullet hit the target before checking it through the spotting scope. An easy way to call the shot is to imagine the bull as the face of a clock. The bullet will land on the side

which appears to have more white in your sight. If the most white is on the right the shot would probably be at three o’clock.

CHAM B E R

The opening at the receiver end of the barrel which holds the cartridge to be fired.

CH E E K PI E CE

An object used to raise the comb of the rifle for easier sight alignment

CLI P

A small box-shaped metal container used to feed cartridges into the chamber. Not used by target shooters.

COM B

The top of the stock where your cheek rests when aiming.

CU FF

A wide leather band secured on the arm which attaches to the sling.

D RY FI R I N G

To aim at a bull and squeeze the trigger without having a bullet in the chamber, a way to practice positions without the use of a rifle range or ammo.

E J E CTOR

A metal bar at the base of the receiver which throws the fired case from the rifle.

E LE CTR I C B E D D E R

A device attached to the fore-arm of some rifles, placing pressure on the barrel. When properly adjusted it is said to improve the rifle’s accuracy. It is used mostly when shooting at the longer ranges and is not necessary in gallery shooting.

E XTRACTOR

One or two metal claws on the bolt that hook the rim of the case and remove it from the chamber as the bolt is pulled back

FI R I N G PI N

The metal pin contained within the bolt that is thrust forth by a heavy metal spring when the trigger is pulled. Its force as it hits the head of the cartridge ignites the primer.

FLYE R

F OLLOW-TH R OU G H

Continuing to aim after the rifle is fired.

This adds to the consistency of shooting.

F OR E-E N D

The part of the stock ahead of the action.

F OR E-E N D STOP

A metal block shaped to fit the hand on the fore-arm of the rifle. The sling swivel is combined with this.

FR E E R I FLE

A rifle that is not restricted as to size, trigger pu II, or added attachments.

Attachments usually include hooked butt plate, palm rest, set triggers, and a stock with a hole for the thumb. Freerifle shooting is used to decide the world championship and is the ultimate in precision marksmanship.

GALLE RY

Indoor rifle range. Usually fifty-foot distance.

G R OOVE S

The indented portion of the rifling in the barrel.

G R OU P

Pattern made by bullet holes on a target which has been fired on for several consecutive shots.

HAN G FI R E

A cartridge that does not fire immediately when struck by the firing pin.

HEEL

The top rear point of the stock where the butt plate is attached.

H OOK B UTT PLATE

A butt plate attached to free rifles that is made in the shape of a hook and is placed under the armpit. When the shooter relaxes the downward pressure on the hook holds the rifle into the shoulder of the shooter.

I R ON S I G HTS

Any metal sight that uses no lens to aid the shooter to see the target.

I S OM ETR I CS

A new method of exercising muscles whereby pressure is exerted against an immovable object.

A shot that hits outside of the scoring rings. A complete miss.

57

R EAR S I G HT

I R ON S I G HT BAR R E L

FR ONT S I G HT

FR ONT SWIVE L

S LI N G

get an experienced shooter to go over the parts of the rifle with you and your friends

K EYH OLE

When a bullet hits the target any way but point first it is said to have keyholed. This is usually an indication the rifling has been damaged in some way.

K N E E LI N G R OLL

A roll used to take up the pressure on the instep of the foot when in the kneeling position. These rolls may be filled with such materials as sand, sponge rubber, rolled towelling.

MASTE R EYE

The eye determining the exact pot of the object the shooter is looking at. It controls sighting. The master eye can be determined by two methods. With both eyes open, extend your right arm fully in front of you, raising your index finger at the same time.

Place your finger over some vertical object in the distance and shut your right eye. If your finger jumps to the right, your right eye is your master eye. If it remains stationary, your left eye is your master eye. A second method of determining your master eye is to make a circle with your index finger and your thumb and place the circle around some small object in the distance. Now slowly bring the circle toward your face.

The eye that keeps the object within the circle is your master eye. If you are a righthanded shooter, your right eye should be your master eye. If it is not, then it might be wise to consider using an eye patch to cover your left eye while shooting.

M I S S FI R E

A cartridge that fails to fire when struck by the firing pin. Wait an interval of time. then cock the firing pin by lifting the bolt handle and dropping it right down again.

M UZ Z LE

Front end of the barrel.

PALM R E ST

An attachment shaped like a door knob attached to the bottom of the stock. It is used as an aid to the shooter in the standing position. Not legal in junior shooting.

RAN G E

A place where target shooting is carried on, a rifle range.

R EAR S I G HT

The sight attached to the receiver of the rifle. This sight makes the adjustments necessary to place the bullet in the ten ring.

bolt. The barrel is screwed into the front of the receiver and the trigger is attached underneath.

R OU N D

Another term for cartridge complete with bullet, case, powder, and primer. The term comes from Colonial times when the bullet was in the shape of a ball.

SAFETY

A device on the rifle used to lock the trigger when the rifle is loaded and ready to fire. It is not used by target shooters as they are taught to keep the bolt open at all times when they are not actually firing.

S I G HTE R

The practice bull on a target used to adjust the sights before firing for a record score.

S LI N G

Leather strap attached to the rifle that aids the shooter to hold steadier.

TAR G ET

The number of shots fired at a time. If you fired twenty shots at one time, that would be a twenty-shot string.

TOE

The opposite of heel on the lowest portion of the stock.

TR I G G E R

The lever on the rifle that, when pressure is applied, releases the firing pin

WAR M I N G S H OTS

Some rifles will not fire true on the first two or three shots, so it has become common practice in a match to fire two or three warming shots into the backstop before starting on the sighter bull.

WI N DAG E

The right or left movement of the rear sight.

The term “windage” is used because in outdoor shooting the common adjustment for the blowing of the wind is made by adjusting the sight either to your right or your left.

“X”

A shot on a fifty-foot target that is deep enough in the bull’s eye so as to not allow its outer edge to touch the inside of the nine ring. This is a common method of breaking ties

R E CE IVE R

The part of the action that houses the

59

THE MAKING OF A MARKSMAN Would you think a bunch of boys with ordinary marksmanship could be formed into a junior rifle club and during the next six years, win more national, regional, and state championships than any other team in the history of American shooting? Well, that’s the record achieved by some kids from camp Kittatinny. Behind them every step of the way was their able young coach - Frank Briggs.

Frank Briggs is dedicated to starting you off correctly and helping you perfect your ability as a competitive shooter.

These instructions, carefully followed, will make you a good rifleman in one-eighth the usual time.

This book provides a detailed guide to modern, proven techniques of marksmanship essential for every rifleman, beginner or experienced. The person who is interested in riflery is fortunate to have this book available to him. Frank Briggs’ training procedures and techniques show more than expert knowledge; he has an instinctive understanding for developing outstanding marksmanship. Again and again his methods have guided shooters to winning scores. Riflery, the Frank Briggs way, is a great developer of patience, control, poise, and sportsmanship.

Illustrated with over 125 sequence photographs and diagrams