SECTION 6.  TRIGGER SQUEEZE.

Use the first joint of the fore finger to squeeze the trigger.  It is the most sensitive and best controlled portion of the body.  As you place the rifle to your shoulder squeeze the trigger so as to pull it back about one-eighth of an inch, thus taking up the safety portion, or slack, of the pull.  Then contract the trigger finger gradually, slowly and steadily increasing the pressure on the trigger while the aim is being perfected.  Continue the gradual increase of pressure so that when the aim has become exact the additional pressure required to release the point of the sear can be given almost insensibly and without causing any deflection of the rifle.  Put absolutely all your mind and will power into holding the rifle steady and squeezing the trigger off without disturbing the aim.  Practice squeezing the trigger in this way every time you have your rifle in your hand until you can surely and quickly do it without a suspicion of a jerk.

[Illustration:  FIGURE 2.]

By practice the soldier becomes familiar with the trigger squeeze of his rifle, and knowing this, he is able to judge at any time, within limits, what additional pressure is required for its discharge.  By constant repetition of this exercise he should be able finally to squeeze the trigger to a certain point beyond which the slightest movement will release the sear.  Having squeezed the trigger to this point, the aim is corrected, and, when true, the additional pressure is applied and the discharge follows and the bullet flies true to the mark.

SECTION 7.  FIRING POSITIONS.

When in ranks at close order the positions are those described in the Infantry Drill Regulations.  When in extended order, or when firing alone, these positions may be modified somewhat to better suit the individual.  The following remarks on the various positions are offered as suggestions whereby steady positions may be learned by the soldier.

STANDING POSITION:  Face the target, then execute right half face.  Plant the feet about 12 inches apart.  As you raise the ride to the shoulder lean very slightly backward just enough to preserve the perfect balance on both feet which the raising of the rifle has somewhat disturbed.  Do not lean far back, and do not lean forward at all.  If your body is out of balance it will be under strain and you will tremble.  The right elbow should be at about the height of the shoulder.  The left hand should grasp well around the stock and handguard in front of the rear sight, and the left elbow should be almost directly under the rifle.  The right hand should do more than half the work of holding the rifle up and against the shoulder, the left hand only steadying and guiding the piece.  Do not try to meet the recoil; let the whole body move back with it.  Do not be afraid to press the jaw hard against the stock; this steadies the position, and the head goes back with the recoil and insures that your face is not hurt.