I.

Marksmanship
II. 4 Rules of Gun Safety
III. Basic Range Commands
IV. Mechanical Training
V. Fundamentals of Marksmanship
VI. Basic Firing Positions
VII. Advanced Firing Positions
VIII. Coaching
IX. External Ballistics
X. Zeroing Techniques
 Is defined as the skillful art of shooting and
hitting the target at a given known distance.
 It is important that all PNP should have at least
the basic fundamental knowledge of
marksmanship to attain this.
 As a police, we are expected to possess its
necessary skills and knowledge in order to
become proficient marksman to effectively gain
confidence especially in the crisis situations.
1. Consider every gun as loaded!
2. Do not point your gun to anything you don’t
want to destroy.
3. Do not insert your trigger finger unless you are
ready to fire.
4. Be sure of your target and what is in front and
behind it.
 Lay down your firearm - Shooters will place their
firearm on their respective shooting position. All
firearms must be “open bolt” and without an inserted
magazine.
 Behind the gun!- shooters will stand behind their gun.
 Take position - Shooters will be directed to assume
prone/kneeling/standing position and they are
allowed to dry practice when he has taken his most
comfortable position.
 Load and make ready - Shooters will insert magazine,
cock the rifle, safety up.
 Shooters are you ready? - Confirmation from the
shooters are needed to ensure that everyone is ready to
fire.
 Fire When Ready! - the signal for all shooters to start
firing at their respective targets.
 Unload!- this is the command for all shooters to
remove magazine and open bolt.
 Downrange! - this is the command for all shooters to
approach their target and verify their shot group.
IV. Mechanical Training
A. Feeding -------

b. Chambering --
c. Locking ---

d. Firing ------

e. Unlocking -
f. Extracting ----

g. Ejecting ------

h. Cocking ------
1. Steady Position - The steady hold factors are the
correct ways of holding your firearm so that you can
achieve the relaxed natural point of aim.
Factors to be considered:
 Shooting hand
 Non-shooting hand
 Stock weld / spot weld
 Placement of Butt
 Body Alignment
 Elbow Placement
 Feet
 Eye Relief
2. Aiming
Rifle Sight Alignment
 is the relationship between four
things: your eyes, the rear sight, the
front sight and your target.
 is the relationship between the front
sight post and rear sight aperture
and the aiming eye.
Correct sight alignment
 This relationship is the most critical
to aiming and must remain
consistent from shot to shot.
Sight Picture
 is the placement of the tip of
the front sight post in relation
to the target while
maintaining sight alignment.
 Correct sight alignment but
improper sight placement on
the target will cause the bullet
to impact the target
incorrectly.
 A correct sight picture has the
target, front sight post, and
rear sight aligned. Correct sight picture
 The sight picture consists of
sight alignment and
placement of the aiming point
on the target.
3. Breath Control
 Breath control is important with respect to the
aiming process. If the shooter breathes while
trying to aim, the rise and fall of his chest causes
the rifle to move. He must, therefore, accomplish
sight alignment during breathing. To do this, he
first inhales then exhales normally and stops at the
moment of natural respiratory pause.
 Breath control for engaging single targets

Breath control while engagement of short-exposure targets

 If the trigger is not properly squeezed, the rifle
will be misaligned with the target at the
moment of firing.

 Any sudden movement of the finger on the

trigger can disturb the lay of the rifle and cause
the shot to miss the target.

 The precise instant of firing should be a surprise

to the shooter.
 It is the act of continuing to apply all the basic
marksmanship fundamentals as the weapon fires as
well as immediately after it fires. It consist of;
 Keeping the head infirm contact with the stock
(stock weld).
 Keeping the finger on the trigger all the way to the
rear.
 Continuing to look through the rear aperture.
 Keeping muscles relaxed.
 Avoiding reaction to recoil and or noise.
 Releasing the trigger only after the recoil has
stopped.
 A good follow through ensures the weapon is
allowed to fire and recoil naturally. The
shooter/rifle combination reacts as a single
unit to such actions.
1) Individual Foxhole
Supported Firing
Position

2) Basic Prone
Unsupported Firing
Position
1) Alternate Prone Firing
Position.
 This position is an alternative
to both prone supported and
unsupported firing positions.
 The firer can assume a
comfortable position while
maintaining the same
relationship between his body
and the axis of the rifle.
 This position relaxes the
stomach muscles and allows
the firer to breathe naturally.
2) Kneeling Supported Firing
Position
 This position allows to obtain the
height necessary to observe many
target areas, taking advantage of
available cover. Solid cover that can
support any part of the body or rifle
assists in firing accuracy.

3) Kneeling Unsupported Firing

Position
 This position is assumed quickly high
enough to see over small brush, and
provides a stable firing position.
Standing Firing Position
 The standing position provides
the least stability but could be
needed for observing the target
area since it can be assumed
quickly while moving. Support
for any portion of the body or
rifle improves stability.
 One of the abilities of a leader is to coach his peers
and subordinates in order to perform certain tasks
properly and efficiently.
 In the marksmanship training, a student must also
learn how to correct his buddy during their
marksmanship training.
 This activity will also develop the teaching skills of
each student which they can use in their respective
units.
1) Check the body alignment (must be aligned with the
gun)
2) Check the shooting hand. The fingers shall not grip the
rifle tightly.
3) Check the cheek weld and eye relief.
4) Watch for tensions in the back and the arms. Look at
the “travel of the front sight” if it is straight up/down.
5) Watch the eyes for signs of jerking and flinching.
Ensure that shooter’s eye is naturally looking at the
target.
6) Check the trigger finger pressure point.
7) Check the placement of the rifle on the shooting
support. No part of the barrel shall touch on the
shooting support.
1) Coin-on-the barrel. Let the shooter cock the rifle then aim at
the target. Put a coin near the tip of the barrel then let him press
the trigger. The coin must not fall once the hammer strikes.
2) Recoil test. Let the shooter cock his rifle then aim at the target.
Ask him if he is ready then tap the tip of the barrel to simulate a
recoil. After the recovery of the sight picture, let him press the
trigger to simulate a follow up shot.
3) Ball and dummy. This is a live fire exercise. The coach will be
the one to load ammo to the chamber without the knowledge of
the shooter. Watch for the reactions (eye movement, jerking) of
the shooter while he fires a “dummy” or a live round.
 Describes the flight of bullet and the effects of gravity.

 Bullet Path. Many people believe that bullets fly

in a straight line. This is untrue. They actually
travel in a parabolic trajectory or one that
becomes more and more curved as range
increases and velocity drops off. The bullet
actually starts to drop the instant it leaves the
firearm's muzzle. However, the centerline of the
bore is angled slightly upward in relation to the
line of the sights (which are above the bore) so
that the projectile crosses the line of sight on its
way up (usually around 25 yards or so) and
again on its way down at what is called the zero
range.
 Back Curve. This is that portion of the bullets trajectory
that drops below the critical zone beyond the point blank
range. Past this point the trajectory begins to drop off very
rapidly with range and the point of impact becomes very
difficult to estimate.
 Ballistic Coefficient. This is a number that relates to the
effect of air drag on the bullet's flight and which can be
used to later predict a bullet's trajectory under different
circumstances through what are called "drag tables.“
 Bore Centerline. This is the visual line of the center of the
bore. Since sights are mounted above the bore's centerline
and since the bullet begins to drop when it leaves the
muzzle the bore must be angled upwards in relation to the
line of sight so that the bullet will strike where the sights
point.
 Bullet Trajectory (M16A1 only). This is the bullet's path as
it travels down range. It is parabolic in shape and because
the line of the bore is below the line of sight at the muzzle
and angled upward, the bullet's path crosses the line of
sight at two locations.
 BULLET TRAJECTORY
(M16A1 / Ammo-BMP 99/55 grains / L-mark)

Bore Line

25m 100m 150m 175m 200m 250m 300m 375m

Dist Remarks
25m – 0 (Near Zero) Bullet Path
50m - +2”
100m – +5”
Line of Sight
150m - +9”
175m – +10”
200m – +11”
250m - +13”
300m - +8”
375m - 0 to + 4” (Far Zero)
 BULLET TRAJECTORY
(M16A1 / Ammo-BMP 99/55 grains/unmark)

Bore Line

42m 100m 175m 200m 250m

150m

Bullet Path
Dist Remarks
42m – 0 (Near Zero) Line of Sight
50m - +1”
100m – +2”
150m - +3”
175m – +6”
200m – +4”
250m - +0 to 2” (Far Zero)
 Critical Zone. This is the area of the bullet's path where
it neither rises nor falls greater than the dimension
specified. Most shooters set this as ± 3" to 4" from the
line of sight, although other dimensions are sometimes
used. The measurement is usually based on one-half of
the vital zone of the usual target.
 Initial Point (Near zero range). The range at which the
bullet's trajectory first crosses the line of sight. This is
normally occurs at a range of about 25 yards.
 Line of Sight. This is the visual line of the aligned sight
path. Since sights are mounted above the bore's
centerline and since the bullet begins to drop when it
leaves the muzzle the bore must be angled upwards in
relation to the line of sight so that the bullet will strike
where the sights point.
 Maximum Ordinate. This is the maximum height of the
projectile's path above the line of sight for a given point
of impact and occurs somewhat past the halfway point
to the zero range and it is determined by your zeroing
range.
 Maximum Point Blank Range. This is the farthest
distance at which the bullet's path stays within the
critical zone. In other words the maximum range at
which you don't have to adjust your point of aim to hit
the target's vital zone. Unless there is some over riding
reason to the contrary shots should not generally be
attempted much past this distance. In the words of the
Guru, "It is unethical to attempt to take game beyond
300 meters." If you do, you should write yourself a
letter explaining why it was necessary to do so. An
approximate rule of thumb says that the maximum point
blank range is approximately your zero range plus 40
yards.
 Mid-range Trajectory. This is the height of the bullets
path above the line of sight at half way to the zero range.
It does not occur at the same range as the maximum
ordinate height which can be greater.
 Minute of Angle (MOA). A "minute" of angle is 1/60 of a
degree which for all practical purposes equates to 1 inch
per 100 yards of range. Thus 1 MOA at 100 yards is 1 inch
and at 300 yards it is 3 inches. The term is commonly
used to express the accuracy potential of a firearm.
 Zero Range (Far Zero Range). This is the farthest distance
at which the line of sight and the bullet's path intersect.
Conditions:
 Zero a rifle at 25m range.
 Achieve a 3cm group shot (bull’s eye) while shooting
at prone supported position.
 Only 9 rounds is allowed for this activity.
Battlesight Zero (m16a2 and m4).
1.) In this procedure, the Front Sight Post
and Rear Sight Windage knob are
adjusted so that you can hit your point
of aim at 300 meters.
2.) Flip the unmarked (smaller) aperture
to up position.
3.) Set the Rear Sight so that the 300-
meter mark is aligned with the mark on
the left side of the receiver.
BATTLESIGHT ZEROING ADJUSTMENTS
 1.) During zeroing procedures, only the
front sight post and windage knob are
adjusted to move the strike of the bullet on
the target.
 2.) If you are zeroing on a 25-meter range,
the rear sight elevation knob is adjusted to
the 300-meter mark plus one “click” up.
  Front sight: To adjust elevation, depress detent and
rotate post. To raise the strike of bullet, rotate post in
the direction of arrow marked UP. Reverse the direction
of rotation to lower strike of bullet. Each graduation
(notch) move the point of impact of bullet as indicated.


Front Sight Post (m16a2)

(Normal Range - 300-800 meters)
Impact Distance
0.9cm (3/8 in.) 25meters
3.5cm (1 3/8 in.) 100 meters
7.0cm (2 ¾ in.) 200meters
 m16a2 Windage knob only (per click)
Impact Distance
 0.3cm ( 1/8 in.) 25 meters
 1.25cm (1/2 in.) 100 meters
 2.25cm (1 in.) 200 meters
 3.8cm (1 ½ in.) 300 meters
 5.0cm (2 in.) 400 meters
 6.3cm (2 ½ in.) 500 meters
 7.6cm (3 in.) 600 meters
 8.8cm (3 ½ in.) 700 meters
 10.0cm (4 in.) 800 meters
 *All the above values have been rounded off.
 Impact Distance
 1.2cm (1/2) 25 meters
 4.8cm (1 7/8) 100 meters
 9.6cm (3 ¾) 200 meters
M4a2e/M4a1 windage knob only (per click)
impact distance
 0.5cm (3/16 in.) 25 meters (M4a1/M4a2e)
 1.9cm (3/4 in.) 100 meters (M4a1/M4a2e)
 4.8cm (1 ½ in.) 200 meters (M4a1/M4a2e)
 5.7cm (2 ¼ in.) 300 meters (M4a1/M4a2e)
 7.6cm (3 in.) 400 meters (M4a1/M4a2e)
 9.5cm (3 ¾ in.) 500 meters (M4a1/M4a2e)
 11.4cm (4 ½ in.) 600 meters (M4a1/M4a2e)
 13.3cm (5 ¼ in.) 700 meters (M4a2e only)
 15.3cm (6 in.) 800 meters (M4 a2e only)
 Place an appropriate 25 Meter Paper Sighting Target
25 meters down range and follow the steps below to
establish a “battle sight” zero.
 1.) Do not move the front sight post of your rifle at
this time. It was set at the factory or by a previous
shooter and should be very close to your zero.
 2.) Center the rear sight aperture by turning the
windage knob left or right. This is called
“Mechanical Zero Windage”.
3.) The Unmarked (smaller) Aperture should be
up
 4.) Now rotate the elevation knob “up” one click past
the 300-meter mark. From this point on, the elevation
knob should not be moved. Any changes in elevation
required in the following zeroing steps are made to
the front sight post only.
 5.) Carefully aim and fire at the center of the target
bull’s-eye.
 Remember – any changes in elevation are made by
moving front sight post only!
 7.) In order to raise your next shot group, rotate the
front sight post clockwise. One click of the front
sight post will move the bullet strike one vertical
square on the target sheet.
In order to lower your next shot group, rotate the
front sight post counter-clockwise. One click of the
front sight post, as above, equals one square.
Changes in windage are made with the windage
knob. Tree clicks will move the strike of the bullet one
horizontal square on the target sheet.
 In order to move the shot group to the left, turn the
windage knob counterclockwise.

 In order to move the shot group to the right, turn the

windage knob clockwise.

 8.) Carefully aim and fire another group at the

center of the target bull’s –eye.

 9.) Repeat Steps 7 through 9, if required.

 10.) If your group is on target, your sight is now
“calibrated.” To place your actual 300-meter zero on
the rifle, you most rotate the elevation knob one click
“down”. (The range scale’s 300-meter mark should
now be aligned with the mark on the rifle’s receiver.)
 Blacken the sights.
 Select ammos from the same lot number
 Prepare log book for the shots. List the clicking,
aiming points, ammo used, shot group)
 Clean the bore prior to shooting. Apply small
amount of oil on the moving parts only.
 Prepare sandbag and bean bag.
 Use only the appropriate target.
Prepared By: PO3 Melvin H Hortelano
SAF Sniper CL 02-2004 “Top Gun”
Ref: Sniper Field Manual