MARKSMANSHIP
Sniper marksmanship is an extension of basic rifle marksmanship and focuses
on the techniques needed to engage targets at extended ranges. To successfully
engage targets at increased distances, the sniper team must be proficient
in marksmanship fundamentals and advanced marksmanship skills. Examples of
these skills are determining the effects of weather conditions on ballistics,
holding off for elevation and windage, engaging moving targets, using and
adjusting scopes, and zeroing procedures. Marksmanship skills should be practiced
often.
FUNDAMENTALS
The sniper team must be thoroughly trained in the fundamentals of marksmanship.
These include assuming a position, aiming, breath control, and trigger control.
These fundamentals develop fixed and correct firing habits for instinctive
application. Every sniper should periodically refamiliarize himself with
these fundamentals regardless of his experience.
3-1. STEADY POSITION ELEMENTS
The sniper should assume a good firing position (Figure 3-1) in order to
engage targets with any consistency. A good position enables the sniper to
relax and concentrate when preparing to fire.
a. Position Elements. Establishing a mental checklist of steady
position elements enhances the sniper's ability to achieve a first-round
hit.
(1) Nonfiring hand. Use the nonfiring hand to support the butt of the weapon.
Place the hand next to the cheat and rest the tip of the butt on it. Bail
the hand into a fist to raise the weapon's butt or loosen the fist to lower
the weapon's butt. An effective method is to hold a sock full of sand in
the nonfiring hand and to place the weapon butt on the sock. This reduces
body contact with the weapon. To raise the butt, squeeze the sock and to
lower it, loosen the grip on the sock.
(2) Butt of the stock. Place the butt of the stock firmly in the pocket
of the shoulder. Insert a pad on the ghillie suit (see Chapter 4) where contact
with the butt is made to reduce the effects of pulse beat and breathing,
which can be transmitted to the weapon.
(3) Firing hand. With the firing hand, grip the small of the stock. Using
the middle through little fingers, exert a slight rearward pull to keep the
butt of the weapon firmly in the pocket of the shoulder. Place the thumb
over the top of the small of the stock. Place the index finger on the trigger,
ensuring it does not touch the stock of the weapon. This avoids disturbing
the lay of the rifle when the trigger is squeezed.
(4) Elbows. Find a comfortable position that provides the greatest support.
(5) Stock weld. Place the cheek in the same place on the stock with each
shot. A change in stock weld tends to cause poor sight alignment, reducing
accuracy.
(6) Bone support. Bone support is the foundation of the firing position;
they provide steady support of the weapon.
(7) Muscle relaxation. When using bone support, the sniper can relax muscles,
reducing any movement that could be caused by tense or trembling muscles.
Aside from tension in the trigger finger and firing hand, any use of the
muscle generates movement of the sniper's cross hairs.
(8) Natural point of aim. The point at which the rifle naturally rest in
relation to the aiming point is called natural point of aim.
(a) Once the sniper is in position and aimed in on his target, the method
for checking for natural point of aim is for the sniper to close his eyes,
take a couple of breaths, and relax as much as possible. Upon opening his
eyes, the scope's cross hairs should be positioned at the sniper's preferred
aiming point. Since the rifle becomes an extension of the sniper's body,
it is necessary to adjust the position of the body until the rifle points
naturally at the preferred aiming point on the target.
(b) Once the natural point of aim has been determined, the sniper must
maintain his position to the target. To maintain his natural point of aim
in all shooting positions, the natural point of aim can be readjusted and
checked periodically.
(c) The sniper can change the elevation of the natural point of aim by
leaving his elbows in place and by sliding his body forward or rearward.
This raises or lowers the muzzle of the weapon, respectively. To maintain
the natural point of aim after the weapon has been fired, proper bolt operation
becomes critical. The sniper must practice reloading while in the prone position
without removing the butt of the weapon from the firing shoulder. This may
be difficult for the left-hand firer. The two techniques for accomplishing
this task are as follows:
After firing, move the bolt slowly to the rear while canting the weapon
to the right. Execution of this task causes the spent cartridge to fall next
to the weapon.
After firing, move the bolt to the rear with the thumb of the firing hand.
Using the index and middle fingers, reach into the receiver and catch the
spent cartridge as it is being ejected. This technique does not require canting
the weapon.
NOTE: The sniper conducts bolt operation under a veil or equivalent camouflage
to improve concealment.
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