mediate size.

It is frequently stated that troops composed of good shots are not so
effective in collective firing as poorer shots. How is this possible?
The explanation is simple. The shot group of the good shots is small
and if misplaced by an error in range estimation few hits result while
the shot group of poorer shots, being larger, is not so much affected
by the same error in range estimation, will cover the ground, and
probably hit more figures. This, of course, is _only true_ when a
considerable error has been made in estimating the range.

As battle targets are mostly line targets, a displacement to the right
or left does not amount to much, but an error in depth (range), as
stated before, is serious. Thus we, see that the _correct
determination of the range_ is very important.

=1429. Determination of range.= The range may be determined, with only
a small error, by a range finder. There are several other methods, as,
for instance, by trial shots,--the dust thrown up by the bullet
showing whether the range is too short or too great,--by sound, by the
appearance of objects, etc., but except in deliberately prepared
defensive positions, estimating by eye will be the most practicable
method of estimating the range. For all practical purposes a very
satisfactory result will be obtained by taking the average estimates
of several trained men.

In observing the effect of the fire the ground may be wet, or covered
with turf, sod or brush in which no signs of striking shots can be
seen. By careful use of good field glasses some indication of the
place where the shots are going, may be obtained. The actions of the
enemy may often indicate whether the fire is effective or not.

=1430. Combined sights.= All other means failing, _combined sights_
may be resorted to. By this is meant firing part of the troops with
sights set at one range and part with a range greater or less by 100
yards or more. This increases the beaten zone and will generally
assure a certain amount of fire effect. This method is seldom used
under 500 yards.

=1431. Auxiliary aiming points.= It frequently happens that the target
is so well concealed that it is invisible. In this case some well
defined object in front or behind it must be used as an _aiming
target_, and the range given so that the beaten zone will include the
actual target at its center.

=1432. Fire at moving targets.= In firing at a moving enemy, a beaten
zone must be establish