Small Arms Firing Re..

381 Pages·2003·8.62 MB·English

U.S. Army Military History Institutb
(BY A UTHORITY)
FIRING REGULATIONS
FOR
SMALL ARMS
FOR TEM
UNITED STATES ARMY
PREPARED BY COMMAND OF BIRIGADIER-GENERAL S. V. BENEzT
CHIEF OF ORDNANCE, U. S. ARMY
BY
CAPTAIN STANHOPE E.. BLUNT
Ordnance Department, Inspector of S'mall Arms Practice at the
lfeadquarters of the Army
THIRD EDITION
NEW YORK
CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS
1889
PROPERTY OF US ARMY
('opy/rgAt, 1885, 1S86, 1889, by StanAope E. Blunt.,
LiP
HADQUARt ARm;Y OF T'u UNiD' S'iA?
WAs -HIGTO, D. CR.D, ecember 4, 1S84.
CHizr op OFitwANCs, U. S. ARMY,
WAIYsmOGON, D. C.
SIB: I have the honor to submit herewith the " Instructions in Rifle
and Carbine Firing," prepared in obedience to your orders as approved
by the Secretary of War.
In accordance with your directions, that the oxperience of the Army
in rifle firing be embodied in this work, I early addressed copies of a cir-
cular-letter of inquiry to the Headquarters of the Military Divisiona and
Departments, requesting that they be forwarded to those officers whose
experience would make their opinions most valuable; I was thus placed
in possession of the advice and recommendations of more than one hun-
dred officers, nearly all company commanders, who during the last three
orfour years had devoted the greatest amount of both time and attention
to this important subject, their opinions have been of great assist-
ance to me (and I here desire to acknowledge my obligations to them and
to the many officers I have personally consulted), and as upon all impor-
tant points, they practically agreed, they have to a great extent fur-
nished the suggestions and conclusions which in the following pages T
have merely formulated.
I have also been permitted access to all the reports with reference to
target firing and to the annual competitions, which are on file in the War
Department.
Colonel T. T. S. Laidley, Ordnance Departmeilt, kindly acceding to
my reqmest, permits me to embody portions of his valuable work on Rifle
Firing, under which the Army in the past few years has made such re-
markable improvement in target practice.
General Geo. W. Wingate, formerly the General Inspector of Rifle
i-' x ,
iii
Practice of the National Guard of New York, who first introduoed
rifle practice as a regular part of the military instruction of the National
Guard of this country, permits me to use his "Manual of Rifle Firing,"
which, besides being the first exponent of the present system of practice,
also contains advice and suggestions which the Army marksmen 'ave long
followed; he also furnished me with a large amount of manuscript which
he had prepared upon rifle firing for the Army; this I have found of
great value and have largely used, especially that part relating to the
practice and training of rifle teams, upon which subject General Wingate
has had an experience and opportunity for observation hardly equalled
by any officer of the regular Army.
General J. C. Kelton, Adjutant-General's Department, also afforded
me assistance and granted permission to use his different works on rifle
practice.
The chapter relating to the effect of the atmospheric conditions upoii
the flight of the bullet and also the various calculations founded upon
that data are almost entirely based upon manuscript furnished me by
Lieut. E. L. Zalinski, 5th Artillery, whose experiments and researches on
this subject have made him the best authority in the Army.
The Appendix upon Pistol Firing is mainly compiled from manuscript
farnished me by Lieutenant C. D. Parkhurst, 4th Artillery (formerly 5th
Cavalry), and Lieutenant E. Swift, Jr., Adjutant 5th.C avalry.
I am also greatly indebted to Major Guy V. Henry, 9th Cavalry, In-
spector of Rifle Practice of the Department of the Missouri, for permie
sion to use his published works; to Captain R. P. Hughes, 3d Infantry,
4--"
ActingAssistant Inspector-General of the Department of Dakota, for his
translations from different German publicatlons, and for many additional
suggestions, and especially to Brigadier-General Alfred H. Terry, U. S.
lo)l Army, for the many opportunities afforded me for obtaining information,
and for the advice and assistance so freely rendered.
Ia the preparation of this work the following publications have been
consulted:
Rifle Firing, Laidley.
Wingate's Rifle Practice.
Lnformatian for Riflemen on the Range and Battle-field, Kelton.
iv
Quinan's Score-Book for Riflemen.
Henry's Information for the Rifle Range.
Lieutenant F. A. Boutelle, 1st Cavalry, onGallery Practice, in the Tras.
actions of the Convention of the Officers of the Wisconsin National
Guard.
The Rifle Club and Range, Weston. New York, 1879.
Rules for the ManagemeIt of the Springfield Rifle, 1882.
Walker's, The Rifle.
Wilcox's Rifles and Rifle Practice.
Cleveland's Hints to Riflemen.
The Rifle and How to Use it, by Hans Busk.
The Modern Sportsman's Gan and Rifle, by J. I. Walsh. London, 1884.
Sporting Fire Arms, by Captain F. F. R. Burgess, Bengal Staff Corps
London, 1884.
Annual Reports of the Inspectors of Rifle Practice, Departments of the
iast, Platte, Missouri, and Dakota.
Synopsis of Orders and Decisions relating to Target Practice. Lieatenant
W. C. Manning, 23d Infantry.
Orders from Headquarters of the Army.
Orders from the Headquarters of the Different Divisions and Depart-
ments.
Annual Reports of the General Inspector of Rifle Practice, State of New
York.
Annual Reports of the National Rifle Association.
Ordnance Manual.
Ordnance Notes.
U. 8. Army Infantry Tactics.
U. 8. Army Cavalry Tactics.
Journal of the Military Service Institution of the United States.
Journal of the Royal United Service Institution.
Revue d'Artillerie.
Revue Militalre de l'Etranger.
Text-Book for Officers at Schools of Musketry, Revised Edition. London,
1877.
Hand-Book for Hythe.
Rifle Exercises and Musketry Instruction, London, 1882.
Regulations for Musketry Instruction. London, 1884.
REglement sur l'Instruction du Tir. Fourth Edition. Paris, 1884.
SchieRs-Instruktion fikr die Infanterie. Berlin, 1882.
Oartilla de Tiro para la Infanteria. Madrid, 1881.
Instruzioni sulle armi portatilt. Rome, 1878.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Sgd.) S. E. BLUNT,
Captain of Ordnance, Inspector of Rifle Practice at the Headquarters of the Artay
V
ORDNANCE OFFICU, WAR I)PArxTIINT,
WASHINOTON., D. C., December 6. KI84
Timz HOXOABLul
TNM SKCRtTARY OF WAS.
SIR: I have the honor to submit for your consilderation, " Instructions
in Rifle and Carbine Firing for the U. S. Army," prepared by Captain
S. E. Blunt, Ordnance Department, under the following instructions:
0RDNANCZ OFFICR,
W8arfN-froN, D. C., October 30, 1883.
TlIK IO OiARBLE
TNH SICRETART O1 WVAR.
SIn: On April 7, 1879. "':A Course of Instruction in Rifle Firing," pre-
pared by Colonel Laidley, was approved by the Secretary of War. The
preparation of this work was indeed ordered by the Secretary of War,
November 28, 1877. That course of instruction filled a want that had
been felt for years, and has been of great benefit to the service. At the
present time we have an army of marksmen, ancl this gratifying result is
dbe largely to Laidley's "Rifle Firing."
This work is not without its faults, however, and the very many calls
for explanation, and the many suggestions made, show very conclu-
sively that the time has come when a revision of this course of instruc-
tion, or a new work, is necessary, to embody all the valuable experiences
of the army in target practice.
I have the honor to recommend that Captain S. E. Blunt, Ordnance
Department, Inspector of Rifle Practice, Department of Dakota, may
perform this duty. I am satisfied that his experience is second to none,
and that the excellent results accomplished in that department, point to
him as thoroughly competent for this work.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Sgd.) S. V. BENET,
BrigadlertGeneral, Chief ofOrdnance.
FIt at ENDORaSEzENT.
Approved.
By order of the Secretary of iWar,
(Sgd.) JOHN TWEEDALE,
WAl DPrARMINTr, ChiefClerL
October 30, 1883.
vi
OSIrAWCe CO1 c7,
WASHINGTON, D. C, October 80, 188
BIUiADaIR GONBRAL A. H. TERRY,
COMMANDING DEPAbTMINT OF DAXOTA,
FoBr SNXLLI.M, MIrN.
GXNrBAL: I have the honor to enclose copy of a letter addressed by me
to the Honorable Secretary of War, in which I recommend that Captain
S. E. Blunt, Ordnance Department, and Inspector of Rifle Praotice in
your Department, may perform the duty of revising Laidley's `Rifle
Firing," or of preparing a new work, that will embody all the valuable
experiences of the army in target practice. This recommendation has
received the approval of the Secretary of War.
Now that the season for target practice is about over, I have no doubt
that Captain Blunt will find sufficient time during the winter to preparea
work that will redound to his credit, and be of the greatest benefit to the
military service.
I have no suggestions to make, but will gladly give him such assistance
Ms he may need in the prosecution of his important labors.
The interdst manifested in the Department of Dakota and the signal
results accomplished, in target firing, is the best proof that the depart-
ment commander has given the maLter his countenance and support, and
I rest satisfied that Captain Blunt will receive at his hands every asist-
aice and encouragement.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Sgd.) S. V. BIxENT,
Brlgadier-General, Chief of Ordnance.
In his letter of transmittal herewith, Captain Blunt gives due credit to
Colonel Laidley, General Wingate, and others, to whose publications and
assistance he is largely indebted. The great value of his work depends,
however, on the fact that it embodies the experience of the army during
the past five years of target practice, under the pecaliar and varied con-
ditions of climate and service. His practical knowledge of the details of
the subject, being himself an expert marksman, wearing honorable re-
wards of his skill in rifle contests, render his views of special value and
vii
importance, and warrant the belief that these "Instructions" will so
satisfy the army as to add greatly to his well-established reputation.
1 have the honor to recommend the reference of this work to the Lieu-
tenant-General commanding the Army.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Sgd.) S. V. BENfT,
Brigadier-General, Chief of Ordnance.
FIRsT ENDORSEMENT.
Respectfully referred to the Lieutenant-General commanding the Army.
(Sgd.) ROBERT T. LINCOLN,
Secretary of War.
WAS T)E PART.MXNT,
Decetlaber 6, 1884.
Report of a board of officers convened at Chicago, Ill., by the follow.
ing order:
HIADqARTMRS OF .-. ARMY,
ADJUTANT G ENER& L'S OVIClO
WASHI.GTON, December 11, 1884.
SxPacIt, ORDaxts,
No. '`J0.
r. A Board of Officers, to consist of Captain Stanhope E. Blunt, Ord-
nnnce Department; 1st Lieutenant William C. Manning, 23d Infantry;
1st Lieutenant George D. Wallace, 7th Cavalry. will convene at Chi-
ctgo, Ill.. on the fifth day of January, 1885, or as soon thereafter as
practicable, to examine and revise the "Instructions in Rifle and Car-
bine Firing for the United States Army," prepared by Captain Stanhope
E. Blunt, Ordnance Department, Inspector of Rifle Practice at the Head-
quarters of the Army.
The junior member will act as recorder.
* * *a * * , * *
By command of
Lieutenant-General SHERIDAN,
(Sgd.) R. C. DRUM,
Adjutant-GeneraL
'WPICIAL
'Sgd.) THOMAS WARD.
Assistant Adjutant-General.
viii
CNICAoo, ILL., January 10, 1S85.
The Board met pursuant to the foregoing order on January 6, 1886.
Present, all the members.
The Board held daily sesiouns until January 10th inclusive, examining
the "Course of Instruction in Rifle and Carbine Firing," submitted by
Captain S. E. Blunt, Ordnance Department, also various recommenda-
tions and papers submitted by members of the Board, also nutmerous
communications from other officers of the Army.
The slight revisions the Board deemed necessary or advisable have,
without dissent, been incorporated in the course of instruction submitted
for their consideration, and they have the honor to recommend that it
be authorized and published for the guidance of the Army in rifle and
carbine firing.
(Sgd.) S. E. BLUNT,
Captain of Ordnance, President.
(Sgd.) WILLIAM C. MANNING,
1st Lieutenant, L2d Infaotry.
(Sgd.) GEO. D. WALLACE,
1ot Lieutellant, 7th Cavalry, Recorder.
FIRST ENDOIRSEMNT.
HRADQUART3RS or KuBA mY?,.
W' IAHaINGTON, January 15, 1883.
Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War. The report of the
Board of Officers convened by orders from Headquarters of the Army,
dated -December 11, 1884, is approved, and their recommendation that
the "Instructions In Rifle and Carbine Firing for the United States
Army," prepared by Captain Stanhope E. Blunt, Ordnance Department,
Inspector of Ride Practice at these Headquarters, be authorized for the
guidance of the Army is concurred in.
(Sgd.) P. H. SHERIDAN,
Lieutenant-Genoral.
Approved.
(Sgd.) ROBERT T. LINCOLN,
Secretary of War,
WAR DUPpARTINr,
February 3, 1885.
ix
HZAIIDqrvAar3 OF rTH ARMY,
ADJUA NT-GgNIZAL'S OMncX,
WAsUINaorO, December 10,1888..
The revision of the work of Captain S. E. Blunt, Ordnance Depart-
ment, Inspector of Rifle Practice at these Headquarters, which he has
prepared, will be referred, for examination and report, to the Board of
Officers which was convened by Special Orders No. 14, Headquarters of
the Army, dated Washington, January 18, 1888, to prepare a system
of infantry tactics, a system of cavalry tnctics, and a systeml of light
artillery tactics for the use of the armies of the United States.
By command of
Masor-Geiieral SCHOFIELD,
(89d.) J. C. KELTON,
A"istant Adjutamt-GeneraL
THIBD ENDORBEMET.
WABHlNGrON, D. C., December 19, 1888
Respectfully returned to the Adjntant-General, U. 8. Army, inviting
attention to the following action of the Board on the Preparation of
Tactics:
The Board being in session December 12th, present all the members,
proceeded at 2 P.M., in compliance with second endorsement, to the con-
sideration of the modifications to be made in Blunt's Rifle and Carbine
Firing.
The Board having fully considered the modifications proposed by Cap-
tain 8. E. Blunt, Ordnance Deplrtment, and also the amendments sug-
gested by members of the Board, finds that the modifications proposed
meet the present requirements of rifle, carbine, and revolver firing, and
unanimously recommends that they be embodied in.the work, and that
a new. edition be prepared for the use of the Army and the National
Guard of the different States.