The British SWIFT Training Rifle Series "B" manufacturer's notes

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In firing the Trainee holds, aims and releases the trigger in exactly the same way as with the Service Rifle. The size, shape and position of the holes made by the arrows indicate instantly the faults of the firer. An analysis of faults is set out alongside.

Indication on target.

Scattered group, i.e., all shots not through one hole.

The hole made by the conical arrow is oval in shape instead of round.

Arrow impressions on the target are torn or distorted.

High or low shot.

Spear shaped slit on target above or below the centre of the hole made by the conical arrow.

Shot holes consistently to right of aiming mark.

Shot holes consistently low left, about eight o'clock.

Shot holes consistently low left, about eight o'clock.

Cause of Fault. Dwelling on aim.

Breathing whilst firing.

Movement immediately after firing, i.e., not following through

Too much or too little foresight.

Sights inclined.

Faulty trigger release, i.e., snatching instead of squeezing.

Flinching, i.e.,,anticipating the shock of the charge.

Pressing backwards and to the left with I the left hand.

Correction.

Rest each time movement of rifle is seen.

Catch the breath as soon as the aim is correct.

Remain motionless for a second after release of trigger.

Show a diagram of correct sight.

Point out that this fault is due to carelessness.

Show correct release by hand over hand method.

_I Warn the firer that he is pushing the shoulder forward unconsciously at the moment of firing, explain that so long as correct holding is maintained with the left hand no recoil will be felt.

^I Once this fault has been explained it is unlikely to recur.

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COACHING.

Requirements of a Coach.

(i) Personality.

(ii) Knowledge.

(iii) Patience.

(iv) Ability to vary his handling according to

the type of man under instruction.

en respond to instruction in a dozen ways; the good Coach looks at the individual and after a few questions determines just how to get the best results from him.

This will be the case generally when the firer is completely at ease, knows exactly what to do, and has had inculcated the resolve to perfect himself as a marksman shot.

Whilst the majority of men respond readily to quiet sympathetic coaching, it is always necessary to remember that all detail given must be correctly obeyed.

It is recommended that the following sequence of firing should be learned off by heart by all Trainees.

I. Adopt a comfortable firing position.

2. Shoulder the rifle and at the same time take the first pressure. .

3. Close the disengaged eye and see that the sights are upright.

4. The moment a correct aim is caught, restrain the breathing and squeeze the trigger.

5. Follow through, i.e., remain motionless for a second after firing. '

6. Truthfully declare the point of aim (they must t-rain themselves to take a mental picture of the relationship between the sights and the point of aim as the trigger is released).

7. Reload at the shoulder and resume loading position for four-five seconds (slow practices only).

The Coach, before the class is assembled, should always

(a) see that necessary kit is at hand, target is taut and level, and that spare TARGETS are available.

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(b) carry out the Accuracy Test.

(c) arrange suitable firing positions, and seating accommodation for waiting men.

With the class assembled

(a) Briefly explain the practice td be fired and its object.

(b) Number men off and order first four to report to the prepared firing position. The remaining men are ordered to carry out mutual instruction (under supervision if possible) if not, as Instructor and Pupil, until it is their turn to shoot, i.e. number five replaces number one at rifle, number six replaces number two, etc., etc., until all men have been practised.

GROUPING PRACTICE.

Object of practice.

To train the individual to become automatic in holding the rifle correctly, so that close grouping of shots becomes a characteristic of his shooting.

target.

Representative 4 ft. class No. I bullseye. Wrist or forearm

may be rested.

Preliminary.

Explain object, order man to make himself comfortable then allow him to take two or three practice shots " into the white " to accustom him to position, hold, sights and trigger release. .

The Instructor should look for positional faults whilst the man is firing and make any necessary correction before the practice commences.

Conduct of Practice.

Order, Grouping Practice-target Number-Group Number (see that the target indicated is at a convenient position for the firer). Five rounds-Fire.

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The Coach watches the firer for faults and at the same time counts the number of seconds taken to fire each shot and makes a note of the firer's declaration for comparison on the target later. He should not speak to the firer until the practice is completed.

Discussion and Criticism.

Now allow the man to examine the target and bring out by question and answer method reasons for poor . grouping.

Repetition.

Allow the man to practice until he has no " remaining error," (i.e. all shot through one hole equals four inch group at 100 yards) and consistently places his shots through the exact point of aim.

Repeat practice firing from the left shoulder.

APPLICATION.

Object. To apply the knowledge gained in Grouping and practice the man in overcoming known errors in the rifle, by alteration of his point of aim as necessary.

target. As for Grouping.

Preliminaries. Throw the rifle out of correct sighting alignment slightly by means of the adjusting screw (note amount and direction of error) and explain that as no two rifles shoot exactly alike, and as peculiar conditions in time of war do not always allow that rifles should be correctly zeroed for the individual firer, it is necessary for him to be able to determine any error in the rifle and change his point of aim until his sights are directed exactly the distance of the error in the opposite direction thus bringing his shots on to the centre of the target.

Further preliminaries as for grouping.

Conduct of Practice. Allow the man to fire five rounds at a target to enable him to determine the error in the

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rifle, then indicate five new TARGETS and order Application Practice-TARGETS number-Group number-Five rounds - Fire.

The Coach should call out the result of each shot, i.e., inner, five o'clock, etc., according to the position of the hole made by the conical arrow in the relation to the aiming mark.

Repetition. Bring out reason for bad shots by question and answer method, compare declarations with shot holes, check any tendency towards careless shooting, and practice until a satisfactory standard is reached.

Repeat practice firing from the left shoulder.

AIMING OFF FOR WIND (ELEMENTARY).

Object. To enable men to become proficient in selecting the correct point of aim, when aiming off for wind on classification TARGETS and to maintain elevation whilst doing so.

target. Representative classification 4 ft. No. I bullseye.

Preliminaries. The following table indicates the point of aim when aiming off for side winds on classification TARGETS .

Strength of Wind. Range. Aiming Mark.

Fresh 200 yds. Edge of Bull.

do. 300 yds. Mid-way between the edge of the Bull and the edge of the target.

Strong 200 yds. As for fresh wind at 300 yds.

do. 300 yds. Edge of target. For oblique winds halve the above allowances.

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A suitable auxiliary aiming mark can be made by cutting " the black " from a representative 4 ft. target and pasting it on fairly stiff paper. Held on the end of a pin and placed over the correct point of aim, this will quickly resolve the accuracy of any doubtful shots.

Conduct of Practice. Remind men of tendency to lose elevation whilst aiming off and correct any tendency to do so. Set simple problems such as

" You are firing from the 200 yard point, a fresh wind is blowing directly across the target from your right."

Indicate a target and order-one round-fire.

Immediately after the man has declared his shot and reloaded at the shoulder question him as to his point of aim.

This is important as otherwise men may see a badly placed shot and declare their point of aim accordingly.

As progress is made set more difficult problems-such as " You are firing from the 300 yard point, a strong wind is blowing from your right rear towards your left front "-or, indicate an imaginary flag 200 yards away and to his front, describe it as being held by the wind straight out to the left of the mast.

Repetition. Practice men until they are proficient in aiming off for all types of winds, and can consistently maintain elevation whilst doing so.

Repeat practice firing from the left shoulder. .

AIMING OFF FOR WIND (ADVANCED).

Object. Practice men in aiming off for wind using Service TARGETS .

target. No. 2 (Advanced).

Preliminaries. Explain that if you can feel the wind fresh on the side of your face it is necessary to aim off. Do not aim off for any wind at distances less than 200 yards.

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From 200-400 yards with a fresh wind blowing aim off one figure's width-over 400 yards two figures' width (imagine another figure standing beside that which is

  to be fired at). ,

Conduct to Practice. Indicate figures to be engaged, and proceed with problems as in aiming off for wind (elementary).

Note. Measurements should be from edge of figures and not from the surrounding dotted lines.

Repetition. Practice until proficiency is obtained. Repeat practice firing from the left shoulder. SNAPSHOOTING.

Object. To make men proficient in engaging an enemy appearing for only a few seconds.

target. No. 2 (Advanced).

Preliminaries. Explain that ability to come quickly to the aim position, fire, and reload at the shoulder, often enables a second shot to be fired at a disappearing enemy.

Conduct to Practice. The firer to be in a correct firing position, action cocked, Indicate a target and explain that on your command Fire, he will shoulder the rifle-align the sights and squeeze the trigger in the shortest possible space of time according to his capacity. Warn the firer that he must

' not sacrifice ACCURACY for SPEED.

Order-watch your front (safety catch forward), snapshooting practice with a 6-sec. exposure, at your target, one round, fire.

Note. The Instructor counts the seconds to the end of the exposure and orders-stop ! It is advisable to allow men to have three or four practice shots without firing to accustom them to length of exposure.

Repetition. Practice until proficiency is obtained, reducing exposure to 4 seconds.

Repeat practice firing from the left shoulder.

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AIMING OFF FOR MOVEMENT.

Object. To practice men in aiming off at Service TARGETS up to 300 yards.

target. Special or Supplementary as supplied with apparatus.

Preliminaries. Demonstrate the use of the " winder " and give the rules for aiming off, i.e.:

At men walking across the front aim off one width. At men running across the front aim off two widths.

At vehicles and horsemen moving across the front aim off one length.

Explain and demonstrate that when firing at a moving target the firer should aim the required distance in front and at the same time take the first pressure.

Swing the rifle with the target and take the second pressure, continue the swing and reload at the shoulder.

Conduct of Practice. The Instructor should detail one man to wind the target and allow the firer a few practice shots to accustom him to the rate of movement, etc.

Then order-" as your TARGETS appear - five rounds fire."

Repetition. Bring out by question and answer method the probable reasons for misses.

Any tendency to halt the swing of the rifle until the loading action has been completed, should be checked.

Practice the man until correct actions as taught are carried out automatically.

Repeat practice firing from the left shoulder. TIMED.

Object. Practice men ion adopting quickly a correct position and fire a series of well aimed shots in a definite time limit.

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target. Representative classification 4 ft. No, I bullseye.
Preliminaries. See that the SWIFT TRAINING RIFLE

is set out in a suitable position with the rifle attached by the hook to the stand. '

Conduct of Practice. With the firer standing at ease behind the rifle explain that on your command fire he will

adopt the lying position, push the safety catch forward, go through the motion of loading five rounds from the pouch,

rebuttoning the pouch, and then proceed to fire five rounds at the TARGETS indicated. Time 60 seconds.

Order-" at your target in front, five rounds-fire." Order-" stop " after one minute has elapsed.

Note. It will frequently be found that men firing this practice for the first time sacrifice accuracy for speed, explain

that the time allotted allows for five well aimed shots to be fired.

Repetition. Repeat until all TARGETS shot at prove that

the man has become automatic in applying the rules of shooting when time does not permit him to think.

Repeat practice firing from the left shoulder. TIMED (GAS).

Object. To accustom men to fire whilst wearing Service Respirators.

target. Representative classification 4 ft. No. I bullseye.

Preliminaries. Order " Gas." Test fitting of Respirator.

Conduct of Practice. Explain that in this practice you wish to test his ability to engage a target and bring to bear on it the greatest volume of fire possible in the time allowed. Again it is important that he must remember that ACCURACY must not be sacrificed for SPEED.

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Explain that he will be expected to fire ten rounds at the target indicated in 40 seconds.

Order " rapid practice at your target in front, ten rounds-rapid, fire."

Note. Where TARGETS show all ten shots within a hole enlarged to twice the size of the conical arrow the standard of marksmanship will be considered satisfactory.

Repetition. Bring out reasons for bad shots by question and answer method and give further practice until a satisfactory standard is reached.

Repeat practice firing from the left shoulder. SHOOTING FROM EITHER SHOULDER.

So that every advantage may be obtained from any type of available cover met with on Service, men should be practisedin firing from the opposite shoulder to the normal until they have gained confidence and proficiency whilst doing so.

It is, therefore, recommended that at the end of each lesson, right-handed men should fire the practice again from the left shoulder, and vice-versa.

SELF-CONTROL.

The mechanism of the SWIFT TRAINING RIFLE irrefutably recording the smallest errors and inaccuracies in handling the weapon, the men acquire and develop remarkable self-control and confidence which carries them successfully through contests and prize shooting. In actual fighting, this self-control is vital, because the firer must maintain his

' standard of accuracy or become a liability to his section.

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DAILY EXERCISES.

The daily use of the SWIFT TRAINING RIFLE will have a tonic effect on the nerves, muscles, eyes and lungs, and therefore men should be encouraged to keep in " shooting trim " without cost of ammunition.

THE FINAL STAGES.

The SWIFT TRAINING RIFLE undoubtedly enables men to be trained as marksmen before they ever reach the open range. But to complete the training they should fire a few rounds to become accustomed to the noise of firing and the recoil of the rifle. . ,

TRAINING RIFLE MATCHES AND COMPETITIONS.

There is plenty of entertainment in indoor matches and competitions with the training rifle, the scoring being based on the definition of the efficiency of the fire, i.e., the number of TARGETS hit within the shortest time, with the smallest number of rounds fired.

The competitors shoot one after the other in allotted order. They agree between themselves as to the position for shooting, the TARGETS to be hit, and the score of hits required (for instance-" three tommy-gunners' heads at 150 yards "). A referee is appointed to time the shots and count the number of rounds fired.

Every competitor starts in the agreed position, but with the rifle uncocked. At the command `.`fire " he cocks the rifle and begins to shoot, until the agreed number of selected TARGETS is stated by the referee to have been hit. The

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referee then multiplies the number of shots including misses by the time (in seconds) taken, to arrive at the final score. The lowest score wins.

The decision of the referee regarding hits and misses -i.e., whether the round hole is completely within the dotted line or not-is final.

In the case of a draw, or by special arrangement, a handicap of steadiness may be added, holes slightly torn or not completely round, though still well within the dotted line, adding half a round to the number of shots made by a competitor.

Such scoring is a real test of self-control and coolness, and is of great value as a preparatory exercise for actual firing.

APPLICATION OF FIRE
(GENERAL).

The SWIFT TRAINING RIFLE provides a practical way for the training of personnel in the following subjects:-:

I. The Military Vocabulary.

2. Locating of Service TARGETS . 3. Recognition of TARGETS . 4. Fire Control Orders.

The Landscape shows many features both natural and artificial as well as topographical and thus provides a ready means of teaching the Military Vocabulary.

The equipment is specially suitable for training men in indication and recognition of various types of TARGETS .

All types of Fire Control orders can be practised without use of ammunition or wastage of time in preparing TARGETS for use with Harmonised Sights.

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The following detail indicates the lines on which lessons may be taught and will, it is hoped, be of assistance to all young Fire Unit Commanders.

THE MILITARY VOCABULARY.

Preliminaries. Explain that different dialects make it necessary that all objects of military importance should be described in a standard way, and the object of this lesson is to give them practice in identifying such objects and features as are likely to be met with in the field.

Conduct of Lesson. The Instructor, with the class facing him, stands on the left and in line with the target stand which should be mounted on the table at a convenient

height.

With a long pencil he points to various features natural and artificial and describes them by their correct name.

He should then test their knowledge by detailing them to shoot in turn at objects indicated by him, example Order-" track, one round, fire. " pylon,

_ " gable end,

" viaduct,

fir tree,

" poplar tree,

etc., etc.

Note. The Instructor should, when examining shot results, insist on the correct point of aim, i.e., lowest central portion of object except where otherwise ordered.

Repetition. Practice as necessary until all features have been named and recognised.

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SEARCHING GROUND AND LOCATION OF TARGETS .

Object. To practice the eye in locating Service TARGETS by systematic searching of ground in area, and to provide an object lesson in concealment.

Preliminaries. Set out the SWIFT TRAINING RIFLE EQUIPMENT fitted with No. 4 (Landscape) target.

Paste figures of different sizes from No. 2 target singly, and in section formations on to each sector and distance of the landscape.

Divide the landscape in depth " foreground," '-` middle distance " and " background."

Explain that the eye should search the area named along successive imaginary lines from right to left and left to right, looking for any movement, change of colouring, or outline until all the ground has been covered.

Conduct of Practice. Indicate an area naming distance and order the firer to engage all enemy in that area.

Discussion and Criticism. Remind that a trained enemy seldom presents an obvious target and point out that the man who neglects to break up his silhouette (outline) or chose a suitable background is almost certain to become an early casualty.

If sufficient care has been taken to blend the figures into the background valuable results will be obtained from this lesson.

Repetition. As necessary. RECOGNITION OF TARGETS .

Object. To train, men to recognise quickly features and objects indicated by a fire Controller.

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Preliminaries. Explain that in order to save time TARGETS are described in the most DIRECT manner possible.

An obvious target (i.e., where there is only one of its kind) should be used for preliminary instruction. An

example would be-No. 3 section-six hundred-gas ometer - five rounds-fire.

Later men should be practised in recognising TARGETS by DIRECTION either from an obvious target, or with reference to the Front, Slightly, Quarter, Half or Three-quarter right

or left, for example, No. 2 ^section^-300-Church-Slightly right, etc., etc.

Conduct of Practice. Practice each man by allowing

him to shoot at TARGETS indicated by both of the foregoing methods.

Discussion and Criticism. Insist that all TARGETS are engaged with absolute accuracy.

. Repetition. As necessary until proficiency is attained. RECOGNITION USING AIDS.

Preliminaries. Set out the SWIFT TRAINING RIFLE fitted with No. 4 target (landscape).

Name the most prominent object in the centre of the target as a Reference Point, give the range, and explain that in close country, or where there are a number of features,

etc., of the same kind, time is saved by indicating difficult TARGETS from some unmistakable object.

Conduct of Practice. Give a complete normal fire

order, indicating a difficult target by the Vertical Clock Ray method.

Discussion. If fire effect has not been obtained bring out cause by question and answer method.

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. Repetition. Practice in further aids, i.e., last target, widths, and finger method.

FIRE CONTROL ORDERS.

Object. To practice the Fire Unit Commander in bringing fire to bear at the right target, in the right volume, and at the right time.

Preliminaries. Arrange SWIFT TRAINING RIFLE fitted with No. 4 target (landscape).

Remind that before fire is opened the Fire Controller should

I. Consider the range-is it too far ?

2. Is the target sufficiently visible and vulnerable ? 3. Is it a " Gun " or a" Rifle " target ? 4. Should " slow " or " rapid " be used ?. -

5. The width of the target. If it has little widthConcentrated, if it is wide-Distributed.

6. Can he change his position with safety so as to bring enfilade fire to bear on it?

Generally, do not use ammunition when ATTACKING -unless it is impossible- to advance except by fire. Reserve your fire in DEFENCE until enemy are at close range, say 400.

Rapid fire should be used

(a) to repulse an attack ; (b) for covering fire;

(c) to obtain superiority of fire, i.e., before final assault;

(d) at fleeting TARGETS .

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Conduct of Practice. Exercise the class first in Normal Fire Orders as follows.

The Instructor sees that a firer (who may represent Gun or Rifle) is ready in position, and then privately indicates a suitable target to the person detailed as Fire Controller who will be expected to deliver his fire order in the same tone of voice, etc., etc., as he would if he were in the field.

Discussion and Criticism. If fire effect has not been obtained. Examine the order in the following sequence

Was the order given in correct sequence? Was the, order given as an order? Was the range correct ?

Was the target described in such a way as to be unmistakable to the firer?

Was it necessary to use "Aids "?

Was the kind and rate of fire suited to the target ?