Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-05-25
9asly 4euurbes Journal
RIFLE PRACTICE.
State Inspector General Col. Harrington
Furnishes Order Regarding II.

Col E. G. Harrington, State inspector
general of rifle practice, has sent out the
following order relative to this important
duty of the Maine National Guard:
Office of
Inspector General Of Rifle Practice,
Augusta, Me-, May 22, 1895.
Circular No. 2.
Your attention is called to so much of
General Orders, No. 4, as relates to the
competitions of the n. G S. NJ, and you
are urged to make especial efforts to put
strong teams into these matches. If you
get the best there is in your companies
and regiments fully prepared to properly
represent the organization of which they
are members, initiatory steps cannot be
too early taken. TO this end, each COM
pany should see to it, that their range is
in such completeness that no delay is ex
perienced when members Of the company
go t., 1t for practice The larger response
bility rests with the captain, and the lack
OF interest and energy on his part will
show itself very readily in loss of efficien-
cy on the part of the members
In preparing for the regimental team
matches, the commanding officers of each
regiment, if good team is organized,
will have to take steps early for it's torma-
tion. Tho most difficult ranges to make
cpeditable scores will be at 500 and 600
yards. This is not because it is more
difficult to make them at such distances,
but because of lack of practice ON the
ranges mentioned. Many things enter
into the making of good scores at the
longer ranges, but steadiness of holding
must be the important feature of success.
This must be secured, or good scores can
not be expected. To be sure that your
"holding" is good. test it at short dis
tances and at small bull'seyes. Being
sure Of your holding, then study of 9th
er conditions at longer ranges will be i'm
portant. The position is left optional.
under the rules, that is, it must be prone
at 500 yards, and may be any other lying
ut 600 yards But let me assure you, that
prone" is the strongest position at any
distance
The regimcntal team match will be
made leading feature in the competi-
tons and will be a test of superior marks
manship on the part of the regiments.
| The scores made in that match will also
be likely to determine your ability to Sc
cure position upon the State team.
AS stated in the order, the competitors
or places ON the State team will be Sc
lected according to their standing as
sharpshooters, ana it is meant by this that
a certain number will be allowed to enter
that competition, whose records tend to
how that they are the strongest riflemen,
all things considered.
One thing must not be lost sight OF,
and that is. the absolute necessity and i'm
portance of compelling such practice as
will make every man in the company a
good average marksrnan.
Before selecting competitors for forming
State team, II careful examination will
be made to ascertain if any company is
| carrying any men for shooting purposes
alone.
| The quota Of ammunition furnished by
| the State, for each soldier, must not be
used for team practice, to the disadvantage
| of such soldier.
| Let me urge active and persistent work
| upon the ranges.
f. G.. HARRINGTON,
Colonel and Inspector General of Rifle
Practice.