MODULE 1

MARKSMANSHIP

Subject: Marksmanship

III. Definition of Terms

 Aiming- A marksmanship fundamental; refers to the precise alignment

of the rifle sights with the target.

 Ammunition: One or more loaded cartridges consisting of a primed

case, propellant, and projectile(s). Three main types are rim fire, center
fire, and shot shell.
 Barrel- The metal tube through which a projectile or shot charge is
fired. May be rifled or smooth.

 Bore- The inside of the barrel. "Smoothbore" weapons (typically

shotguns) have no rifling. Most handguns and rifles have "rifling".

 Bullet- The projectile. They are shaped or composed differently for a

variety of purposes. "round-nose" - The end of the bullet is blunted.
"hollow-point" - There is a hole in the bullet that creates expansion
when a target is struck, creating more damage. "Jacketed" - The soft
lead is surrounded by another metal, usually copper, that allows the
bullet to penetrate a target more easily. "Wad cutter" - The front of the
bullet is flattened. "Semi-wad cutter" - Intermediate between round-
nose and wad cutter. Sometimes incorrectly called a slug or round.

 Caliber- Diameter of the bore; for example, the M16- series rifle is
5.56mm (.223 inch) while 7.62mm (.308) for the M14 rifle.

 Cartridge case- The container for all the other components that
comprise a cartridge. Sometimes incorrectly called a shell, shell casing,
brass, or a hull.

 Chamber- The portion of the "action" that holds the cartridge ready for
firing.

 Elevation adjustment- rotating the front post to cause the bullet to

strike higher or lower on the target.

 Extractor- The mechanism on a firearm that withdraws a cartridge or

cartridge case from the chamber of a firearm.
  Fundamental of rifle marksmanship- are the four essential elements
needed to hit the target: steady position, aiming, breathe control and
trigger squeeze.

 Marksmanship- is defined as the skillful art of shooting and hitting the

target at a given known distance.

 Point of aim- the exact spot on a target the rifle sights are align with.

 Point of impact- the point that a bullet strikes; usually considered in

relation to point of aim.

 Windage adjustment- moving the rear sight aperture to cause the

bullet to strike left or right on target.

 Minute of Angle- a angle that would cover 1 inch at a distance of 100

yards, 2 inches at 200 yards, and so on. Each click of sight adjustment
on the M16 A1 and M14 rifle with standard sights is equal to one
minute of angle.

 Lands and grooves- Rifling. Lands are the raised portions between
the grooves inside the barrel after the spiral grooves are cut to produce
the rifling.

 Rifling- The spiral grooves cut or swaged inside a gun barrel that gives
the bullet a spinning motion. The metal between the grooves is called a
"land". The spiral can have either a left or right twist.

 Slide Lock Safety- also known as thumb safety lock because the
thumb is used to apply or disengage this safety which can happen
when the hammer is fully cocked. When up and engaged, it blocks the
sear and hammer so the gun cannot fire. This also prevents rearward
movement of the slide.

 Trajectory- The curved path of a projectile from muzzle to target.

Trainers note: T.O # 7.1 Ask the student to define marksmanship and
other common terminology

III. 7.1 INTRODUCTION TO BASIC RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP

FOUR RULES OF GUN/BULLET TRAJECTORY
a. Intro to Marksmanship
 Marksmanship is defined as the skillful art of shooting and hitting the
target at a given known distance. In the field of soldiery, it is important
that each and every trooper should have at least the basic fundamental
knowledge of marksmanship to attain this. As a trooper we are
expected to possess its necessary skills and knowledge in order to
become proficient marksman to effectively gain confidence especially
in real combat situations.

A marksman is a person who is skilled in precision shooting, using

projectile weapons, such as rifles but most commonly with a sniper
rifle, to shoot at long range targets. The main difference between a
marksman and a normal sniper is that a marksman is usually
considered an organic part of a team of soldiers, whereas regular
snipers tend to work alone or with other snipers. In the military,
marksmen are sometimes attached to an infantry squad where they
take accurate long-range shots at valuable targets as needed, thus
extending the reach of the squad.

Another term for a marksman is a sharpshooter, which was used in the

early 19th Century. It is derived from the German word
Scharfschütze. An equally-likely etymology is that the word
"sharpshooters" is a contraction of "Sharps shooters" which would refer
to Union Army snipers who employed Sharps rifles in the American
Civil War.

Marksmanship is very important subject to the students who undergo

COMMANDO training because this will guide them in developing their
skills to be a future rifle marksman expert.

7.1.1 Cardinal Rules of Gun Safety

1. Consider every gun as loaded!

2. Do not point your gun to anything you don’t want to destroy.
3. Do not insert your trigger finger unless you are ready to fire.
4. Be sure of your target and what is in front and behind it

7.1.2 Triad of Marksmanship

7.2 FOUR FUNDAMENTALS OF RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP

(Lecture/ Practical & Demonstration 4hrs)

A. Steady Position - refers to finding a comfortable position that allows

the weapon to be held still, while it is being fired.
Factors of Steady Position:

1. Non-firing Hand Grip – the rifle hand guard rest on the heel of the
hand in the V formed by thumb and the fingers. The grip of the non-
firing hand is light, and slight rearward pressure is exerted.

2. Firing Hand Grip – the firing hand grasps the pistol grip so that it fits
the V formed by thumb. The forefinger is place on the trigger so that
the lay of the rifle is not disturbed when the trigger is squeezed. A slight
rearward pressure is exerted by the remaining three fingers to ensure
that the butt of the stock remains in the pocket of the shoulder, thus
minimizing the effect to the recoil.

3. Rifle Butt Position – You must place the butt of the rifle firmly into
the pocket formed on your right shoulder. Proper placement of the butt
of the rifle lessens the recoil, hence helping to steady the weapon. This
also prevents the butt of the rifle from riding up and down the shoulder.

4. Firing Elbow Placement (Right elbow) – the location of right elbow

is important because it provides balance to the shooter’s position.
Correct positioning of the right elbow helps from the pocket on the
shoulder or the butt of the rifle.

5. Non-firing Elbow Placement (left elbow) - The position of left

elbow must be under the receiver of the weapon or as close to your
position as the conformation of your body will permit. This would
directly support the fire.

6. Stock weld – is the point of firm contact between the shooter’s

cheek and the stock. The cheek is placed on the stock in a position that
gives proper eye relief.

7. Support – If artificial support (sand bags, logs, stumps) is available,

it should be used to steady the position and to support the rifle. If is not
available. Then the bones, not the muscles, in the firer’s upper body
must support the rifle.
 8. Muscle Relaxation – you must relax to determine a natural position.
This is accomplished when in position and by checking to see if the
sight picture is not correct, you must move your body until you find a
relaxed

• fundamentals of • Rifle
marksmanship • amm
• correct and continuous • Tech
practice and p
• continuous research and TTP’s
studies MARKSMANSHIP
• etc. SKILLS

Accuracy is Consistency!

ENVIRONMENT
• effects of your environment
• Techniques, tactics and procedures ( TTP’s)

9. Natural Point of Aim – when the soldier first assumes his firing
position, he orients his rifle in the general direction of his target. Then
he adjusts his body to bring the rifle and sights exactly in the line with
the desired aiming point. When using proper support and consistent
stock weld, the soldier should have his rifle and sight aligned naturally
on the target. When this correct body rifle target alignment is achieved,
the front sight post must be held on target, using muscular support and
effort. As the rifle fires, the muscle tend to relax, causing the front sight
 to move away from the target toward the natural point of aim. Adjusting
this point to desired point of aim eliminates this movement. When
multiple target exposures are expected, the soldier should adjust his
natural point of aim to the center of the expected target exposure area.

B. Aiming – refers to the precise alignment of the rifle sights with the
target.

Elements of Correct Aiming:

1. Correct Sight Alignment - placing the center tip to the front sight
post in the exact center of the rear sight aperture.

2. Correct Sight Picture - it has the target, the front sight post and the
rear sight aligned. The sight picture includes two basic elements: sight
element and placement of the aiming point.

C. Breathe Control - refers to proper control of breathing to keep the

rifle steady as the rifle is gently squeezed.

Two (2) Types of Breath Control:

1. Breathe control when zeroing or firing single target - There is a

moment of respiratory pause while breathing most of the air has
been exhaled from the lungs and before inhaling. Breathing should
stop after most of the air has been exhaled during the normal
breathing cycle. The shot must be fired before the soldier feels any
discomfort.

2. Breathe control, firing at timed or multiple targets- This

technique is employed during rapid fire (short-exposure targets).
Using this technique, the soldier hold his breath when he is about to
squeeze the trigger.

D. Trigger Squeeze - If the trigger is not properly squeezed, the rifle is

misaligned with the target at the movements of the firing.

Trigger Squeeze is important for two (2) reasons:

1. Sudden movement of the finger on the trigger can disturb the lay of
the rifle and cause the shot to miss the target.
 2. The precise instant of firing should be a surprise to the soldier

Follow Through
Is the act of continuing to apply all the marksmanship fundamentals.
Before, During and After firing a live round.

It consists of the following:

(1) Keeping the head infirm contact with the stock (stock weld).
(2) Keeping the finger on the trigger all the way to the rear.
(3) Continuing to look through the rear aperture or scope tube.
(4) Keeping muscles relaxed.
(5) Avoiding reaction to recoil and or noise.
(6) Releasing the trigger only after the recoil has stopped.
7.3 CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Care means protecting the rifle- from damage, prying eyes, tampering
and theft. Soldiers take their rifles inside their barracks wherever
detachment in far-flung areas they are assigned, and good care starts
when they get there.

During marksmanship training at the firing range, protect the rifle from
damage or tampering by keeping it in the case as much as possible.
Keep the rifle up off the ground so dirt does not get kicked inside, and
keep the rifle safe from being dropped or falling.

Maintenance includes all measures taken to keep the rifle in operating

condition. This includes normal cleaning, inspection for defective parts,
repair, and lubrication.

Cleaning Materials, Lubricants, and Equipment.

1. Cleaning Materials
a) Bore cleaner (cleaning compound solvent (CR)) is used primarily
for cleaning the bore; however, it may be used on all metal parts
for temporary (1-day) protection from rust.
 b) Hot, soapy water or boiling water is no substitute for bore cleaner
and will only be used when bore cleaner is not available.

c) Dry cleaning solvent is used for cleaning rifles which are coated
with grease, oil, or corrosion-preventative compounds.

d) Stubborn carbon deposits are removed by soaking in carbon

removing compound (PCIII-A) and brushing. This process must be
followed by the use of dry cleaning solvent.

e) Basically, you need two types of solvents:

(1) Powder solvent (Hoppes, Shooter’s choice)
(2) Copper solvent (Hoppes, Shooter’s choice)

2. Lubricants.

a) Lubricating oil, general purpose (PL special) is used for lubricating

the rifle at normal temperatures.

b). Lubricating oil, weapons (LAW) is used for low temperatures

(below 0 degrees).

c) OE-10 engine oil may be used as a field expedient under combat

conditions when the oils prescribed in (1.) and (2.) above cannot
be obtained. However, the weapon should be cleaned and
lubricated with the proper lubricants as soon as possible

d). Rifle grease should be applied to those working surfaces.

3. Equipment.

a) Tools Needed

(1) Cleaning cradle or padded vise to hold rifle

(2) Safety block or stripper clip to hold action open
(3) Cleaning rod- Parker-Hale or Dewey type
(4) Cleaning rod guide
(5) Bronze bore brushes- 30 caliber and 45 caliber
(6) Patch tip for cleaning rod- spear or wrap around type
(7) Tooth brush
(8) Gas cylinder wrench
(9) Gas plug wrench/combo tool
(10) Gas system cleaning drills
 (11) Chamber brush
(12) Pin punch- 1/8"

b) Supplies Needed

(1) Powder solvent- Hoppe's, Shooter's Choice, etc.

(2) Copper solvent- Sweet's 7.62, Shooter's Choice, Hoppe's
(3) Gun grease- Shooter's Choice, Plastilube, Rig, Lubriplate
(4) Light lubricant- Breakfree, etc.
(5) Spray carburetor cleaner- Gumout, STP, Gun Scrubber
(6) Patches
(7) Cotton Swabs
(8) Rags

c) Cleaning the Rifle

1. The need for cleaning.

The rifle must be cleaned after it has been fired because firing
produces primer fouling, powder ashes, carbon, and metal
fouling. The ammunition now manufactured has a non-corrosive
primer which makes cleaning easier, but no less important. The
primer still leaves a deposit that may collect moisture and
promote rust if it is not removed.

2. Cleaning and Maintenance after firing exercises.

After every shooting session perform the following operations:

a) Put the rifle in the cradle or vise upside down, with muzzle
sloping down slightly. This keeps solvent from draining into the
action and affecting the bedding. Open the action, and block it
open with the safety block or clip. This prevents damage to the
cleaning rod and your fingers. For the M16, remove the bolt
and operating handle then kept the barrel slightly downwards.

b)Use the rod, guide, patch holder, patch and powder solvent to
push a wet patch through the bore to remove loose fouling. Slip
the guide on the rod, seat and wet the patch with solvent, push
through bore after aligning guide and remove patch at breech.
Do this twice. (For the M14, the cleaning rod will be pulled from
the muzzle)
 c) Use rod, guide and brush to loosen fouling. Wet the brush
with powder solvent using a squeeze bottle, then clean with ten
strokes, wiping the rod with a rag each stroke. Let stand for 4-5
minutes. While waiting, use the toothbrush to clean the front
and rear sights and bolt face. Use a cotton swab and a bit of
rag to clean out locking lug recesses, op rod hump, rear of
barrel and tracks in action. Patch the bore dry.

d.) Repeat #3, but this time while waiting clean chamber with
chamber brush and patch, and relubricate lugs, recesses and
tracks. Patch the bore dry.

e) Apply copper solvent to bore with plastic bristle brush or

mop. Apply liberally, and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes. While
waiting remove trigger assembly and clean hammer and trigger
hooks with cotton swab and rag. Also clean the trough on top of
the hammer, hammer face and safety notch. Relubricate hooks
very sparingly with light oil. Put a little grease in the hammer
trough and on the safety notch. Patch the bore dry.

f) Repeat #5, this time cleaning the gas system. Hold both gas
cylinder and lock at the same time with the special wrench
while removing the plug with the combo tool. Shake out the
piston, and clean with the toothbrush. Gently clean the inside of
the piston and plug with the drills. Clean the inside of the
cylinder with a few strokes of a dry 45 caliber brush.
Reassemble; the flat side of the piston goes toward the barrel.

Put a small dot of grease on the rear of the piston. Snug the
plug up tight to the register marks, using both wrenches, but
don't force. Repeat cleaning bore with copper solvent until the
first patch comes out clean. Use the waiting time to check over
the stock and sling, repack your shooting stool, etc. Finish with
a patch wet with carb cleaner, cleaning and dry patching the
barrel and chamber to remove copper solvent traces.

Note:
If you don’t have a bore guide, make sure that you don’t rub
your cleaning rod against the throat (near the chamber) as it will
adversely affect accuracy. If you have a one-piece Teflon
coated rod, use it especially when you are in the garrison.

d. Cleaning frequency.
 The rifle must be thoroughly cleaned no later than the evening of
the day it is fired. For three consecutive days thereafter check for
evidence of fouling by running a clean patch through the bore and
inspecting it. The bore should be lightly oiled after each inspection.

e. Maintenance procedures during combat operations

Malfunctions and stoppages are common problems experienced by

soldiers during combat operations. It has been noted that soldiers
tend to neglect their basic duty of conducting preventive
maintenance during the lulls of combat operations. The M14 rifle, if
exposed to rain and scorching heat of the sun or salty water during
waterborne operations, will rust. Rust, dirt or dust that will
accumulate in the bolt, operating rod and trigger system will likely
cause the rifle to malfunction. Cleaning of the rifle is one of the
activities during patrol base operations.

7.4 COACHING TECHNIQUES

1. Coin-on-the barrel. Let the shooter cock the rifle then aim at the
target. Put a coin near the tip of the barrel then let him press the
trigger. The coin must not fall once the hammer strikes.
2. Recoil test. Let the shooter cock his rifle then aim at the target. Ask
him if he is ready then tap the tip of the barrel to simulate a recoil.
After the recovery of the sight picture, let him press the trigger to
simulate a follow up shot.
3. Ball and dummy. This is a live fire exercise. The coach will be the
one to load ammo to the chamber without the knowledge of the
shooter. Watch for the reactions (eye movement, jerking) of the
shooter while he fires a “dummy” or a live round.

Note:

Ball and dummy must be conducted prior to the 25m zeroing exercise. Use
3 rounds for this activity. Dry practice exercise must be conducted for 2days
to hone their skills in aiming, trigger pressing and follow through. They also
develop their muscle memory by repeating the exercise constantly.
Instructor may need to review the fundamentals in aiming, breathing, trigger
control and follow through prior to the start of the dry practice.
7.5 BASIC RANGE COMMANDS:

Lay down your firearm- Shooters will place their firearm on their
respective shooting position. All firearms must be “open bolt” and without
an inserted magazine.

Behind the gun! - shooters will stand behind their gun

Take position- Shooters will be directed to assume

prone/kneeling/standing position and they are allowed to dry practice
when he has taken his most comfortable position.

Load and make ready- Shooters will insert magazine, cock the rifle,
safety up.

Shooters are you ready? --- Confirmation from the shooters are needed
to ensure that everyone is ready to fire.

Commence firing - the signal for all shooters to start firing at their
respective targets.

Unload/clear weapon- this is the command for all shooters to remove

magazine and open bolt.

Downrange/range clear- this is the command for all shooters to

approach their target and verify their shot group.

7.6 EXTERNALBALLISTICS/ BULLET TRAJECTORY

Bullet Trajectory. This is the bullet's path as it travels down range. It is

parabolic in shape and because the line of the bore is below the line of
sight at the muzzle and angled upward, the bullet's path crosses the line
of sight at two locations.
Bullet Path. Many people believe that bullets fly in a straight line. This is
untrue. They actually travel in a “parabolic trajectory” or one that
becomes more and more curved as range increases and velocity drops
off. The bullet actually starts to drop the instant it leaves the firearm's
muzzle. However, the centerline of the bore is angled slightly upward in
relation to the line of the sights (which are above the bore) so that the
projectile crosses the line of sight on its way up (usually around 25 yards
or so) and again on its way down at what is called the zero range
Bore Centerline. This is the visual line of the center of the bore. Since
sights are mounted above the bore's centerline and since the bullet
begins to drop when it leaves the muzzle the bore must be angled
upwards in relation to the line of sight so that the bullet will strike where
the sights point.

Critical Zone. This is the area of the bullet's path where it neither rises
nor falls greater than the dimension specified. Most shooters set this as ±
3" to 4" from the line of sight, although other dimensions are sometimes
used. The measurement is usually based on one-half of the vital zone of
the usual target.

Initial Point (Near zero range). The range at which the bullet's trajectory
first crosses the line of sight. This is normally occurs at a range of about
25 yards.

Line of Sight. This is the visual line of the aligned sight path. Since sights
are mounted above the bore's centerline and since the bullet begins to
drop when it leaves the muzzle the bore must be angled upwards in
relation to the line of sight so that the bullet will strike where the sights
point.

Maximum Ordinate. This is the maximum height of the projectile's path

above the line of sight for a given point of impact and occurs somewhat
past the halfway point to the zero range and it is determined by your
zeroing range.

Mid-range Trajectory. This is the height of the bullets path above the line
of sight at half way to the zero range. It does not occur at the same range
as the maximum ordinate height which can be greater.

Zero Range (Far Zero Range). This is the farthest distance at which the
line of sight and the bullet's path intersect.
Maximum
Ordinate
REAR SIGHTS APERTURE AND ITS USES ( M16 A1)

Two (2) kinds of rear sights aperture

1. Unmarked rear sight aperture(M16A1 / Ammo-BMP 99/55 grains)

 This sight is use for zeroing battle sight zero at 25m range.

 When bullet are adjusted to hit approximately 1” below the rifle

aimed at 25m, the bullets also hit where the rifle is aimed at 250m.

 Target placed beyond 250m, the bullet is below line of sight. Aiming
should be above or higher on the target or aiming point.

 At 42m, the bullet crosses the line of sight for the first time and hits
its maximum ordinate at approximately 2 – 5 inches above the line of
sight at about 166m, and crosses the line of sight for the second
time at 250m, the bullet is approximately 7 -9 inches below the line
of sight at about 300m.

 This sight is use on target at ranges up to 300m.

 BULLET
PATH

300M

42M

166M

2. L-Marked rear sight aperture(M16A1 / Ammo-BMP 99/55 grains)

 With the zeroed unmarked rear aperture at 25m, (1’’ below line of
sight) flipping to marked rear sight aperture, the bullet will cross the line
of sight for the first time at 25m, and the bullet is approximately 11- 15
inches above line of sight at about 250m and crosses again the line of

25m
25 M BORE LINE 2-5” 250m 200m
1” LINE OF High
lower sight
for the
SIGHT second time at
about 375m.

 The bullet is about 15-20 inches below line of sight at about 450m.