rifle, and (2) helps to take up the recoil,--that is, to reduce the
"kick."

_Its use._ There are a number of different methods of using the sling.
Experiment with different ones until you find and decide upon the
method best suited to you.

The sling should be used in all firing,--combat practice as well as at
target practice.

Always adjust the sling so that it will be tight.

Have the arm loop no longer than is necessary to reach the middle of
the small of the stock. When on the arm, have the lower end of the arm
loop well up near the arm pit, with the keeper well pressed down so as
to hold the loop fast.

Note the proper adjustments of the sling for the different firing
positions,--that is, standing, sitting, kneeling, and prone, and mark
the adjustments on the inside of the arm loop, "St" (standing), "Si"
(Sitting), "K" (kneeling), and "P" (prone).

It is sometimes advisable to sew a piece of rope to your shirt sleeve
to keep the sling from slipping down.

=1390. To put on the sling.= 1. Put your left hand in the loop,
twisting the sling to the left, A, Fig. 38, and holding the rifle with
the right hand as shown in the figure. Twisting the sling to the left
causes a flat surface instead of the cutting edge of the sling to rest
against the wrist.

[Illustration: Fig. 38]

2. Extend the arm on through the loop, (Fig. 39), bringing the loop
well up near the pit of the arm, grasping the piece with the left
hand, and pressing down keeper, A.

[Illustration: Fig. 39]

3. Place left hand between the sling and piece, (Fig. 40), the hand
being pressed well forward toward the upper sling swivel, A. Notice
how the back of the hand is resting against the flat of the sling.

[Illustration: Fig. 40]

4. Come to the position of aim, Fig. 41. Pressure is applied to the
sling by pressing forward the left hand, and holding the rifle to the
shoulder with the right hand. Remember that whatever pressure you
apply must be the same for each shot.

[Illustration: Fig. 41

_Right side view_]

Notice (Figs. 41 and 42) how well forward the left hand is, and how
the flat of the sling is resting against the wrist and back of hand.
See how the short strap, C, (Fig. 41), of the sling is correctly
loose.

The thumb should be held along the stock as shown (A) in Fig. 42.

[Illustration: Fig. 42

_Left side view_]

=1391. Designation of winds.= Winds are designated as "12 o'clock," "1
o'clock," "2 o'clock," etc., winds