Chapter 4. Individual weapons training

  1. Introduction

    1. This lesson is about the characteristics of small arms and gives instructions as to how to use them.

    2. Note that this lesson is general in nature and not geared to any specific weapon. The terminology and instructions given here may be selectively applied to many different small arms.

  2. Characteristics

    A.WeightJ.Recoil-operated
    B.CaliberK.Single action
    C.AutomaticL.Double action
    D.Semi-automaticM.Shot capacity
    E.Magazine-fedN.Maximum rate of fire
    F.Belt-fedO.Sustained rate of fire
    G.Clip-fedP.Maximum range
    H.Single shotQ.Effective range
    I.Gas-operated  

  3. Disassembly

    A.RemoveG.Slide
    B.UnscrewH.Hold
    C.DepressI.Dismount
    D.PullJ.Loosen
    E.ReleaseK.Lift
    F.Turn  

  4. Assembly

    A.JoinD.Return
    B.InsertE.Tighten
    C.PressF.Mount

  5. Operating Cycle

    A.CockE.Fire
    B.LoadF.Unlock
    C.ChamberG.Extract/Extracting cam
    D.LockH.Eject

  6. Marksmanship

    1. Sights and sight pictures:

      1. Iron sights:

        a.Front postg.Elevation
        b.Rear sighth.Back view
        c.Open sighti.Center mark
        d.Notchj.Slide forward
        e.Aperturek.Slide backward
        f.Marks, forward or backwardl.Center of mass

      2. Optical sights:

        a.Cross hairsd.Across the front
        b.Stadia linese.Oblique
        c.Lead the targetf.Approaching
          g.Retreating

      3. Sight pictures:

        a.Look throughi.Relax
        b.Balancej.Breathe
        c.Align the sightsk.Hold
        d.Base of the targetl.Aim
        e.Cant of the weaponm.Squeeze
        f.Horizontal alignmentn.Don't pull the trigger
        g.Vertical alignment  
        h.Squint  

    2. Body positions:

      1. Accurate firing depends on the correct body position. Some ways of holding the weapon put undue stress on the body. This stress will cause muscle tremors which make the firer move off target. It is important to learn ,the most stable and comfortable firing positions.

      2. Standing position:

        • a. Right-handed persons should face 45° (forty-five degrees) to the right of the target. Place feet shoulder-width apart. Lean the upper body slightly into the weapon. Pull the weapon into the shoulder "pocket" of the right hand.

      3. Kneeling position:

        • a. Face 90° to the right of the target. Kneel on the right knee. Turn left foot 45° to the left. Lean upper body toward left knee. Rest the back part of upper left arm on the front of left knee.

      4. Sitting position:

        • a. Face 45° to the right of the target. Using your left hand as a brace, reach behind you and sit down. Bend knees to approximately 45° . Place feet a comfortable distance apart. Bring upper arms forward of and inside your knees.

      5. Prone position:

        • a. Face 45° to the right of your target. Using your left hand and knees, lie face down. Spread legs wide and press ankles against the ground. Sup­port elbows on the ground in front. Raise the weapon to the firing position. The sights should be in line with the target. If that is not the case, shift the lower body as necessary.

  7. Weapons Zeroing

    1. To insure that the bullet will strike where you aim, it is necessary to "zero" the weapon. It is important to compare where you aim to where the bullet should strike. If a difference exists, adjust the sights to agree with the strike of the bullet. The front and rear sights must be aligned vertically and horizontally. After this is done you have the proper "sight picture." Without a proper sight picture you cannot zero the weapon.

    2. Sight corrections are made after three rounds have been fired. The center hit of this "shot group" should also be the center of the target. If corrections are necessary, adjust the front sight. When adjusting, move it towards the shot group. If the rear sight is adjustable, move it away from the shot group. Each type of sight has its own characteristics. You must !:now how your sight operates. You must memorize the zero setting for your weapon. If you don't observe this rule, you will have to zero it after each cleaning.

  8. Familiarization Firing:

    1. While practice-firing the weapon, you will find out the following:

      1. What it can and cannot do.

      2. How it reacts and sounds during firing.

      3. How it performs at different ranges.

      4. What body positions are the best and the most efficient.

      5. Which of your (the firer's) mistakes cause misses.

    2. Organize two-man teams. As one fires his weapon, the ; other helps him carry out instructions. The firer will be given safety instructions and ammunition. When you have finished firing, help train your partner.

  9. Safety Briefing

    1. Listen carefully to instructions!

    2. Weapons should always be unloaded and on safety except when firing.

    3. Muzzles of weapons should point up and toward the target at all times.

    4. If there is a misfire, raise [your] hand! Keep the weapon pointed toward the target.

    5. Don't play with the weapon!

    6. Point it only where you intend to fire!

    7. Begin firing only on command!

    8. Cease firing immediately on command!

    9. Always think about safety instructions!

  10. Competitive Firing

    1. Competitive firing will offer you the opportunity to show how well you have learned to follow instructions. The best firers may get additional training as snipers.

    2. Terms:

      1.Score5.Range (distance)
      2.Target6.Commence firing!
      3.Hit7.Cease firing!
      4.Miss