Marksmanship

Chapter 3
Performance Objective 403

Although you have already had an opportunity to handle a rifle in Phase I, it is necessary to review the most basic and significant lesson regarding marksmanship training - SAFETY. Handling a rifle safely is the most important skill that you can develop.

Remember that there are rules and regulations that must be followed to ensure your firing program protects the safety of all involved. You know that the Range Safety Officer (RSO) is in charge of all personnel on the range, and must be listened to at all times. Range Safety Orders are published for everyone to read and follow, eliminating any uncertainty about precautions and procedures. Treat all rifles with respect and as if they are loaded. Understanding that safety is a priority is second nature by Phase II, and you are now ready to improve upon your firing technique.

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Parts of a Rifle

You will have already learned about the parts of the 853C Daisy air rifle, but let’s review the proper names:

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The Prone Position

In Phase I, the prone position was introduced as the most effective position to fire from. It allows you to fire in a controlled and safe manner. To review the prone position, check your Phase I Handbook.

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Holding the Rifle

Holding the rifle properly will also improve your technique. As a beginner, you know the greatest difficulty at the start is to hold the rifle steady. Maybe the first couple of times you fired you couldn’t hold the rifle steadily enough to aim accurately or squeeze the trigger properly. By putting the majority of the rifle’s weight on your bone structure and not on your muscles, your muscles won’t get tired and start to shake. Practice this technique to help fire steadily:

• Adopt the prone position.
• Pick up the rifle.
• Turn your body 50-150 left from the line of fire.
• Make sure the left elbow is slightly to the left of the rifle.
• Place the sling into sling bracket.
• Place the left hand around the forestock.
• Sling wraps around hand and wrist. Adjust sling to support weight of rifle.
• Right elbow is placed a comfortable distance away from the body and supports very little weight.
• The right hand grips the small of the butt with a comfortable amount of pressure.
• Fit the butt plate snugly into the shoulder and make sure that the butt is returned to the same place on the shoulder for each shot.
• Make sure the right eye is approximately 8 cm from the rear sight (this is commonly referred to as eye relief).
• A triangle should be formed with the left arm and the rifle barrel.
• The muscles of the left arm are not used to hold up the rifle as the sling will take all of the weight.
• The sling should be wrapped around the back of the left arm and placed close to the shoulder of the elbow in order to avoid putting the sling on top of the triceps muscle which carries a pulse.
• Remember that the majority of the rifle’s weight should be on the bone structure and not the muscles. The bone structure won’t get tired as quickly and it will help you fire more accurately.

Left-handed shooters will have to do the opposite.

Did you know that Canadian Biathlon Olympic Champion Myriam Bedard is a former army cadet? She learned her Biathlon skills in cadets and eventually won two gold medals at the Lillehammer Olympic games. Set your goals high!

It is important to practice controlled breathing as well. Relax your muscles, eliminate tension, and concentrate on slowing your heartbeat. When you squeeze the trigger you should avoid pulling the rifle and moving it from the aim you have chosen. Your coach can help you develop proper breathing techniques and trigger control. Don’t get too relaxed!

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Conclusion

Each corps runs their firing program differently. Some will plan an entire weekend away around firing and others will set-up regularly scheduled times to practice locally. If you are interested in improving your marksmanship skills it is important to take advantage of these opportunities when they come your way. As with most skills learned in Sea Cadets, the only way to become better is with practice!

Other chapters:

Table of Contents | Chapter 1: Serve with a Sea Cadet Corps | Chapter 2: Drill | Chapter 3: Marksmanship | Chapter 4: Sailing | Chapter 5: Naval Knowledge | Chapter 6 : Seamanship | Chapter 9: Outdoor Adventure Training | Chapter 10: Physical Fitness | Chapter 11: Canadian Citizenship