The key to successful and cultural hunting is rightly considered the ability to shoot. This is a whole complex of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. One of the main elements in it is aiming, which is a system of visual-motor actions of the shooter. In other words, the ability to aim is a sure guarantee of successful shooting.
Aiming is understood as giving the aiming line of the gun a certain spatial position relative to the target, necessary for its destruction. The basis of aiming when shooting from both rifled and smoothbore weapons is to combine the sighting line of the weapon with the line of sight passing from the pupil of the shooter's eye to the target, especially at the moment the trigger is pressed, that is, the pupil of the eye must be on the continuation of the sighting line of the gun .
For a smoothbore gun, the aiming line is an imaginary line passing strictly through the middle of the reticle of the barrel(s) and the base of the front sight. When the line of sight coincides with the sighting line, the shooter sees only one front sight, located in the middle of the aiming bar and the upper contour of the receiver shield. True, many highly qualified shooters shoot on a stand with a so-called “visible” bar (the pupil of their eyes is slightly higher than the aiming line of the gun, approximately 2-3 matches high, if they are placed on top of each other and on the bar of the gun at the breech cut of the barrels ). This position of the pupil of the eye, firstly, improves the view, which has a positive effect on the perception of the departure of the target (especially on a trench stand), and secondly, it facilitates the control of the trunks in the process of leashing.
The sighting line for rifled weapons passes through the top of the front sight and the middle of the slot in the sighting plate at the level of its upper edge.
In order to clearly see an object, our eyes do a certain job. Its essence lies in a reflex change in the focus of the eye so that the light rays passing through the lens of the eye and carrying information about the object are focused on the central part of the retina. A characteristic feature of our vision is that it is impossible to simultaneously see objects located at different distances from the eye with equal clarity. The closer the object that we are trying to see is, the worse the visibility of objects located at large distances in the direction of the line of sight, and vice versa.
Shotgun aiming
A simpler “sighting” device on a smooth-bore weapon allows you to give the gun the necessary orientation relative to the target much faster, and small “inaccuracies” in aiming are compensated by the scree of the shot shell. And if the parameters of the gun correspond to the constitution of the shooter (the gun is butted), then after appropriate training he can achieve the correct position of the line of sight relative to the aiming line of the gun immediately at the moment the gun is thrown (without subsequent adjustment, the implementation of which requires changing the focus of the eye on the bar and front sight) . This allows the shooter to focus almost entirely on the target, which is very important when firing shot at moving objects. In this case, the shooter must clearly see the aiming object (especially moving), focusing his vision on it. The bar and the front sight of the gun, located appropriately relative to the line of sight, the eye will perceive indistinctly, vaguely. But if you paint the front sight or the end of the bar of the trunks in bright colors, then their visual perception will be more distinct.
Experiments carried out with highly qualified poster shooters showed that the absence of a front sight had almost no effect on the effectiveness of their shooting.
The very process of aiming at a moving target, i.e., adjusting the position of the aiming line of the weapon relative to the target, occurs simultaneously with the leash.
If, at the final moment of aiming (by pulling the trigger), the shooter tries to control the position of the front sight relative to the bar or sighting line by focusing his eye on them, then a miss is almost inevitable. In this case, for a certain period of time, the flow of visual information about the movement of the target stops (the eye stops seeing the target). The connection between the work of the tracking system of the eyes and the movement of the ends of the gun barrels synchronous to it is broken.
Here is a typical example. If a hunter, when shooting at a large flock of flying ducks, makes a shot “at a flock”, without focusing his vision on a specific duck, then the result of the shot is usually unambiguous - a miss.
When training in aiming at a fast-moving target, it is necessary to achieve a constant position of the head on the crest of the box, repeatedly repeating the methods of throwing the gun. When throwing a gun, their requirements are met. They are the subject of a special discussion. Here we note only the main thing: at the end of the vskidka process, the sighting line of the gun should be directed to the point where the eye is looking (or possibly closer to it).
Shotgun shooting requires the participation of both eyes, which will ensure the effective operation of their tracking system, under the control of which complex visual-motor actions of the shooter are performed. Thus, when firing shots at moving targets, one-time focusing of the eyes on the object of the shot is performed.
Aiming when firing a bullet
Successful shooting with a bullet from a smoothbore gun at large ungulates (elk, deer, wild boar) and a bear is due to slightly different requirements. Firstly, it is necessary not only to get into the beast, but also necessarily - to a slaughter place. Secondly, the accuracy of aiming should be much higher, since the shift of the line of sight relative to the sighting line of the gun will lead to the deviation of the bullet from the aiming point when fired. The more significant this mismatch is, the more the bullet will deviate.
Preparing for a shot at an approaching animal, the hunter first of all decides on the expediency of the shot. For example, if the shooter and the beast are separated by dense undergrowth, then even at a distance of 20-30 m the effectiveness of the shot will be so low that it is necessary to refrain from it.
Then you should outline the line most favorable for shooting, and the lethal place in the beast where the bullet will be sent. They depend on the direction and speed of the movement of the animal, the distance to it, the conditions of the terrain, the requirements of safety rules.
When the animal approaches the chosen line, the gaze is focused on the place in the body of the animal where the bullet will fly. A smooth vskidka of the gun in the shoulder is done either when the beast is directly approaching the chosen line, or a little earlier. This is due to the hunter's individual shooting style, his qualifications and hunting conditions. Having made a vskidka, the hunter performs a preliminary correction - he combines the line of sight with the sighting line of the weapon, focusing his vision on the relative position of the front sight and the bar (sight shield) of the gun. Further, without changing the position of the head relative to the crest of the stock, he directs the sighting line of the gun to the killing place, taking into account the lead, if the beast is moving. At this moment, the shooter's vision must be so focused that the front sight directed to the kill site is sure to be visible.
The final correction of the position of the front sight relative to the aiming bar (sight plate) and the target by changing the focus of the eye can be performed either at the moment the trigger is pressed, or somewhat earlier. The latter is much more profitable. In the first case, it is very difficult to "set" the vision in such a way as to simultaneously see the aiming bar, the front sight and the target, which at the same time is seen vaguely. Experienced shooters say: you need to look at the beast through the front sight.
Thus, we are convinced that the process of aiming when firing a bullet is somewhat more complicated and requires more time. From this follows one of the main hunting commandments: do not rush to shoot, the bullet will catch up with the beast.
Most hunters close one eye when shooting a bullet, since it is quite difficult to perform the complex correction described above with binocular vision. Only people who are fluent in weapons shoot with both eyes open. By the way, this historical fact is not without interest. When the famous gunsmith F. Matska created a small-caliber (24) paradox on the order and drawings of the famous weapons expert, biologist and excellent shooter S. A. Buturlin, there were no sights in the drawings, not even a front sight. F. Macka, on his own initiative, installed a front sight on the finished gun, explaining to the customer that he simply could not fire his guns without a front sight. About his paradox, S. A. Buturlin wrote that it is easy to hit a thrown apple with a bullet, and also successfully shoot moose at 150-200 steps.
Some experienced shooters correct the line of sight relative to the aiming line of the weapon by closing one eye, and the shot, i.e. pulling the trigger, by opening both eyes. Moreover, the final aiming is performed only at the front sight.
The formation of an effective system of actions during shooting is developed in the process of their repeated repetition, the achievement of the most rational sequence, logical interconnection and subordination. Moreover, the participation and control of the consciousness (attention) of the hunter are obligatory. Success is facilitated by the practice of shooting at the “running boar” shooting range, as well as training with an unloaded weapon at home.
An ordinary smooth-bore gun, when selecting the appropriate bullet, gives quite satisfactory accuracy at distances up to 30-35 m, but when firing at longer distances (up to 70 m), conventional sights do not provide a reliable bullet hit. Therefore, many foreign firms produce magazine guns (the so-called “deer gun”) with rifle-type sights.
On some models, the height of the rear sight may vary depending on the firing range (Browning automatic with a movable barrel for 5 rounds, weight 3.2 kg, with a special choke, barrel length 60 cm; Remington, model 1100, automatic operates on the principle of gas removal, weight 3.3 kg barrel drilling - improved cylinder, length 55 cm).
Similar guns are produced by many other companies: Winchester, model 1200, reloading is carried out using a movable forearm, 4-round magazine, barrel length 55 cm; model 1400 of the same company with a magazine for 2 cartridges, reloading is carried out by a vapor mechanism. Franchi produces a special 12-gauge and 20-gauge cylindrically drilled bullet barrel, 55 cm long, it can be installed in the company's five-shot magazines instead of a choke-drilled barrel. Ithaca manufactures model 51, on which it installs an optical sight (calibers 12, 20, weight 3.4 kg, barrel 60 cm, special drilling) and recommends a branded bullet.
A relatively short barrel (no more than 60 cm) when using progressively burning gunpowder does not affect the muzzle action at all, giving it greater maneuverability and controllability.
Unfortunately, the domestic industry does not produce similar models. But some of our hunters install homemade “pillars” similar to rifle ones on their guns, thus achieving more accurate, accurate and long-range bullet action. In subsequent articles in The Hunter, other terms of accurate shooting from hunting weapons will be considered.
The most efficient waysshooting shots at moving targets
An analysis of the literature (S. Buturlin, 1928, 1937; A. Burdenko, 1948, 1962, 1967; B. Sventitsky, 1955, etc.), our own experience, as well as numerous surveys of bench shooters and hunters of various qualifications, allow us to identify several the most rational ways of shooting at moving targets (preemptive shooting at moving targets).
But first it is necessary to say about the decision to shoot. When a target appears, the shooter must decide, sometimes in a matter of fractions of a second, whether he will shoot. The main thing is safety conditions.
The decision to shoot consists of visual perception of the direction of movement of the target, determining the distance to it, as well as the very nature of the game allowed to be shot. The faster the hunter saw the game that appeared, the better, since he spends a certain time on the perception of the target that has appeared, after which he makes a decision appropriate to the circumstances.
The decision to shoot is made only after a clear visual perception of the game that has appeared. This is one of the most important conditions, non-compliance with which (shooting at noise and at an unclearly visible target) can lead not only to poaching (shooting of prohibited game), but also to tragic consequences.
Readiness for shooting plays an important role in the success of the shot. There are two varieties: “from the shoulder” and “off-the-shoulder”. In the first version, the shooter inserts the gun into his shoulder in advance, before the game appears in the shot zone, checks the correct alignment of the line of sight with the aiming bar of the gun, and then either waits for the approaching game, or sends the dog forward from the rack.
If the shooter puts the gun in the shoulder only when the game is approaching the distance of a killing shot, this method of preparation is called “shooting with a vantage point” *.
The use of this or that preparation in hunting is largely determined by the type of hunting and the individual characteristics of the shooter. If hunting is carried out without a dog (“from the rise”) for swamp, waterfowl or upland game, then the use of the “shoulder” position is completely excluded, since the game appears unexpectedly. If the hunter noticed the approaching game from afar, then he can insert the gun into his shoulder in advance, which is used on duck flights, on woodcock traction and a number of other hunts.
Beginning hunters, especially those with “non-handy” guns, spend much more time getting the eye to the correct position of the gun's sight line after the weapon is inserted into the shoulder. Therefore, for them, the most effective shots will be those fired from the shoulder.
Successful shooting in the manufacture of "with a vskidka" will be if the gun corresponds to the morphological features of the hunter - "attached". To make a gun like this, you need to “fit it for yourself”. The description of this process is given in many publications (Shteingold E.V. All about hunting weapons. 1978 and others).
It is not enough to have a butt gun, one must learn how to properly carry it out, which is achieved by repeated repetition of the technique. One of the main requirements in this case is that at the moment the butt plate of the gun touches the shoulder, the sighting line must coincide with the hunter's line of sight.
When making “with a vskidka”, the hunter keeps his eyes on the moving game. Simultaneously with the rise of the stock to the shoulder, the hunter, in accordance with the direction of movement of the target, rotates the body (and not the head), trying to direct the ends of the trunks to the desired point. This allows, firstly, to carry out a monotonous throw of the gun, and secondly, to control the position of the barrels relative to the game in the process of raising the stock to the shoulder.
Having completed the throw of the gun (regardless of the variant of manufacture), the hunter gives the barrels a movement in a certain direction, but only by turning the body (and not the arms). Having given the barrels a certain orientation relative to the target, the hunter pulls the trigger without stopping the gun. In other words, the shot must be fired with the continuous movement of the barrels. They say about such shooting: the shot was made “with a leash” of the gun.
The leash of the gun by the shooter can be carried out in two ways: “with the proactive removal of the gun barrels” and “on overtaking the target”. The first involves the removal of trunks forward of a moving target. After that, the hunter equalizes the angular velocity * of the movement of the trunks relative to the target, simultaneously bringing them to the required “lead”.
With this method, the movement of the barrels has an uneven character, often with a tendency to decrease in speed, which, from our point of view, is unfavorable, since it can lead to braking and even stopping the barrels. The difficulty of carrying out the leash of the gun in this case is also explained by the fact that the angular velocity of the target is constantly changing relative to the shooter, gradually increasing when approaching him and decreasing when moving away. Only when the target moves at an angle of 90 ° to the direction of the line of fire, and then at the limiting distances for a shot shot, the angular velocity of the target relative to the shooter changes slightly (while maintaining a constant own speed of movement).
In turn, changing the angular velocity of the target accordingly requires changing the speed (angular) of the movement of the gun and the “visible” leads that the shooter sees before pulling the trigger (more on this in the next publication).
It should also be noted that the method of leashing under consideration requires, at equal angular velocities of the target and barrels, the greatest “visible” lead. In addition, the process of adjusting the barrels relative to the target and taking the necessary lead becomes more complicated. This is due to the fact that our eye cannot leave the tracking object (target) for a long time, i.e., the line of sight passing through the aiming line of the gun when firing in this way should not be directed at the game, but at a certain point located ahead along target's trajectory.
For these two reasons, the effectiveness of shooting, of course, is reduced. Without knowing this, many hunters use a "preemptive" lead. Experienced athletes shoot in this way only at long distances (up to 50 m) at a bird or animal moving at an angle of 90 ° (or close to it).
A more rational and efficient method is “on overtaking the target”. Its characteristic feature is that at the end of the throwing of the gun, the barrels should be directed behind the target, and the closer to it, the better. Highly qualified shooters complete the throw of the gun practically “on the target”, i.e. the barrels, together with the aiming line of the gun, are directed quite close to the target. In the process of leashing, the gun barrels smoothly approach the target, moving along the trajectory of its movement, but with a higher angular velocity. Otherwise, the barrels will not be able to overtake the target.
From the moment of the start of the vskid and during the leash of the gun, the hunter's eye must be focused on the moving target. The barrels of the gun, including its aiming bar, are “seen” by the shooter indistinctly during the leash, but as they approach the target, their image gradually “appears”, becoming most distinct at the moment the barrels of the target are reached, when the line of sight passes through the aiming line of the gun and target. Then the trunks smoothly overtake it and move forward synchronously with the eye. As soon as the necessary, according to the shooter, gap between the target and the barrels is formed, a smooth pull on the trigger follows without stopping the barrels of the gun.
The optimal difference between the angular velocities of the barrels and the target is very important. With a very large difference, it is difficult to correct for combining the trajectories of movement of the target and the weapon and the choice of the timely moment of pressing the trigger. In this case, the eye-analyzer apparatus does not “have time” to process the incoming visual information, and the motor centers cannot issue the necessary commands. The shooter must overtake the target at such a speed that the moment the barrels approach the target and pass through the target is fixed with the eye.
Depending on where the barrels of the gun ended up after being raised relative to the target, their movement during overtaking can be either very short (if the barrels are close to the target) or quite long (if the barrels are far from the target). Naturally, in the latter case, the hunter will spend more time on the leash and the shot itself. But do not rush, trying to quickly overtake the target with trunks. The movement of the weapon must always be very smooth. One of the most common mistakes novice shooters make is haste when raising the gun while overtaking the target.
The main advantages of the second method of leashes over the first: the ability to shoot with less “visible” lead; the probability of stopping the weapon when firing is reduced; less time spent on a reliable conscious shot.
Now about offhand shooting. A characteristic feature of this method is that the trigger pull is completed at the moment the gun stock touches the shoulder.
Successful shooting in this way is possible only when the hunter has reached a high level of skill in shooting, that is, he has learned to master his gun perfectly. This means that after the completion of the throw, the butt plate of the gun stock is located stably in a certain place of the shoulder cavity, the head of the shooter occupies a strictly permanent place on the crest of the stock. In addition, the hands hold the gun in the same places and, most importantly, the position of the index finger on the trigger is strictly constant.
The position of the legs is also important. But on the hunt to give them the right position is not always possible. Therefore, the shooter must learn how to correctly raise the gun with different positions of the legs. In a word, you need to “feel the gun”, to achieve complete automatism in owning it.
Offhand shooting is most effective on targets with small angular velocity of movement relative to the shooter. Such options quite often arise when hunting with a pointing dog and “from the approach”, when the game moves away from the shooter. When shooting on a stand, this method is used when shooting at a hijacking target.
Let's try to outline the technical side of the matter. When a target appears, based on visual perception, a decision is formed to execute a shot (sometimes you have to let go of the game so as not to break the charge). The hunter's vision is focused on the flying bird. The hunter begins to throw the gun, trying to bring the ends of the gun barrels closer to the flying game. In this case, the gun is simultaneously raised to the shoulder and the body is rotated.
The angular velocity of the gun is greater than the angular velocity of the game. As the trunks approach the target, the hunter begins to see them more clearly (they are most clearly perceived at the moment the trunks overtake the target). Having caught up with the target, the eyes and trunks are synchronously directed to a point located ahead along the target's trajectory. At the same time, the index finger smoothly presses the trigger, and at the moment the stock touches the shoulder, a shot sounds.
The main condition for success is a smooth throw of the gun, during which the barrels of the weapon are corrected relative to the moving target.
Experienced shooters quickly shoot offhand, and from the side it seems that they are not aiming at all, since they do not have a gun leash. The execution time of a snap shot depends on the skill of the shooter and the angular velocity of the target. The shortest time can be spent shooting at a target whose angular velocity is equal to zero (hijacking or oncoming target flying at the level of the shooter's eyes).
The effectiveness of shooting is achieved not only by using one or another method, but also by the conscious execution of all visual-motor actions. Awareness is understood as a high level of control over the system of motor actions occurring under the control of the shooter's eye-analyzing apparatus.
*The term was first introduced by A. A. Burdenko, one of the prominent specialists in the field of shooting. This method should not be confused with offhand shooting, which is described below.
*Angular velocity is measured in degrees per second and defines rotational movements.
Shot preemption at moving targets
To hit a moving target, gun barrels must occupy a certain spatial orientation. The shooter must direct the ends of the gun barrels to the desired point of the trajectory in front of the target (take the lead) and pull the trigger in a timely manner. Only, in this case, the shot shell will meet the target.
In the shooting literature, the speeds of movement of various types of game are usually given. Depending on them and the time of flight of the shot over various distances, lead values are recommended. In this case, one should also take into account the angle between the trajectory of the target and the line of fire (the trajectory of the shot projectile). But is a hunter able to calculate all this in a matter of seconds before firing a shot at an unexpectedly flying target? We can confidently say that none of the high-class sports shooters, in preparation for a shot, does arithmetic calculations to determine the amount of lead needed for a particular game.
The shooter needs to know the values of the maximum lead when firing at targets moving at different speeds, to represent the change in lead depending on the firing range (with an increase in the firing distance, the lead increases). In addition, we must remember that a teal can fly faster than a mallard, and a goose flies no slower than a mallard, etc. But remembering all the speeds of movement of various game and all the magnitudes of lead depending on the angle of their movement is not necessary, and simply burdensome.
The distance to the target (to determine the expediency of a shot) and the place most favorable for hitting it, based on specific conditions, are necessarily fixed by the shooter.
The arrow determines the speed and direction of movement of objects with the help of vision. The mechanism of operation of the tracking system of the eyes is that it detects, “points” the eye to a moving object, accompanies it and transmits information about the direction and speed of the target’s movement. Physiologists have determined that small movements of an object (less than 5 arc minutes per second) are not noticed by the eye, as well as very large angular velocities. When the speed of the object is more than 10 - 15 degrees per second, the eyes do not have time to track it. In this case, the determination of the speed and direction of movement of the object is difficult.
Information about the absolute speed and angle of movement of objects is perceived by the tracking system of the eyes through the angular velocity of the movement of the object while continuously tracking it with the eyes.
The angular velocity of an object is directly proportional to its absolute velocity and the angle between the direction of the line of sight and the target's trajectory, and inversely proportional to the distance.
S. A. Buturlin in his book “Shotgun” (1937) cites interesting results of numerous experiments carried out by the American company “Winchester”. If the shooter aims at the point where the target should appear, then from the moment it appears to the first movement of the index finger pressing the trigger, 0.14-0.35 seconds pass, on average from 0.25 seconds for inexperienced to 0.20 seconds for highly trained shooters. The course of the descent - a movement of about 1 - 3 mm - takes (according to Journe) from 0.001 to 0.003 seconds *. The fall of the trigger in the best hammerless guns occurs in 0.0022 - 0.0025 seconds. From hitting the trigger on the primer to shifting the projectile, it takes (with good primers) about 0.001 seconds. It takes 0.029 - 0.067 seconds for the projectile to pass through the barrel before the shot takes off. In total, from the appearance of the game to the departure of the shot from the barrel, it takes from 0.17 to 0.41 seconds.
Thus, from the moment of obtaining visual perception of the relative position of the barrels and the target to the departure of the shot from the barrel, an average of about 0.23 seconds passes (for highly qualified shooters).
So that this time does not affect the choice of the necessary lead, the ends of the gun barrels must necessarily move during the shot (it is better if they keep moving for some time after the shot). In this case, the lead is mainly affected by the flight time of the shot to the target.
Estimated lead - the distance that the target will move during the flight of the shot to it. The value of the calculated lead (Ur) is determined by the formula Ur = Vc x Tdr (Vc is the linear velocity of the target at the time of the shot, Tdr is the time of the shot to reach the target).
The lateral displacement of the shot fired from the moving gun barrels can be ignored, since its speed will be as many times less than the target’s speed, as long as the length of the gun (about 1 m) is less than the distance to the target. For example, if the target is moving at a speed of 20 m/s at 20 m from the shooter, then the lateral velocity of the shot will be only 1 m/s, that is, it will be only 5 percent of the target's speed; the lead should differ by the same amount.
Depending on the angle between the trajectories of the target and the shot projectile, the value of the actual lead (Uf) can vary from 0 to the calculated one. UV - the position of the barrels relative to the target at the moment the shot leaves them, ensuring its defeat. It is determined by the formula Uf \u003d Ur x Sina. Ur is the calculated lead, and is the angle between the trajectories of the target and the shot projectile.
With the method of firing with “preemptive takeaway” (when the ends of the gun barrels and the target have the same angular velocity), the “apparent” lead coincides with the actual one.
“Visible” lead is the mutual position of the barrels (sighting line) of the gun and the target (providing, according to the shooter, its defeat), which the shooter sees before pulling the trigger.
With the shooting method “overrunning” the target (when the barrels move at a higher angular velocity than the target), the “apparent” lead will be somewhat different from the actual one.
From the moment of visual perception of the mutual position of the barrels and the target until the shot takes off, about 0.23 seconds pass, as mentioned above. During this time, the barrels continue to move at an angular velocity exceeding the angular velocity of the target. In 0.23 seconds, the barrels will already occupy a different orientation relative to the target, i.e., due to the difference in angular velocities, the ends of the barrels will increase the clearance between them and the target, moving ahead of the target along its trajectory.
For the shooter, the determining factor in the effectiveness of shooting is the moment of perception of the mutual position of the barrels and the target before pulling the trigger, and not the moment the shot leaves the barrel when the action is already completed. And at the moment when the shot leaves the barrel, the sighting line of the gun will take a position corresponding to the actual lead (UV).
Thus, the method “on overtaking the target” allows for effective shooting with less “visible” lead. “Visible” leads largely depend not only on the skill of the shooter (as evidenced by the experiments of the Winchester company), but also on the nature of the trigger pull, and on the length of the trigger stroke before the sear vanishes from the cocking of the trigger. The objective data of the above experiments allow us to assert that various tricks of manufacturers to reduce the time of the trigger movement (creation of the “blitz” system) give practically nothing, except for reducing the service life of the mainsprings, since the gain in time is extremely negligible and amounts only to some athletes seconds. In addition, the opinion of many athletes and coaches about the effect of combat coil springs used in some models of guns on the processes of shooting and choice of lead is unfounded. The fact is that the difference in the response time of helical mainsprings compared to flat springs does not exceed a few thousandths of a second, which is incomparable with the total time affecting the lead value, measured by 0.19-0.23 seconds.
How do “apparent” lead times differ from “actual” and calculated ones? Surveys of many highly qualified athletes, for example, showed that when shooting a target on the 4th number of a round stand from a high booth (left), where the lead should be the largest (the calculated lead is equal to the actual one and should be about 1.7 m), the shooters called "visible" lead from 0.5 to 1 m (most often called 0.6 - 0.8 m). In this case, the value of the “visible” lead is almost 2–3 times less than the actual one. When shooting hijacking targets on the 3rd and 5th shooting numbers of the round stand (shooting direction at an angle of about 60° to the target trajectory), the majority of the interviewed shooters answered that the trigger was pressed at the moment the barrels overtook the target, i.e. when the barrels they began to “break away” from the target - to move forward (the actual lead in this case should be about 0.9 m).
In the process of training, shooters form visual “images” of the mutual position of the gun barrels and the target at the moment the trigger is pressed, depending on the angular velocity of the target.
When shooting on a round stand, where there is a significant variety of directions and angles of flight of targets, several images (3-4) of the relative position of the barrels and the target are generated at the moment the decision is made to pull the trigger:
1. Barrels approach the target (shooters say “along the trailing edge of the target”) when shooting targets at an angle of up to 15-30° to the shooting line.
2. Barrels pass the target (“at the target”) when shooting targets at an angle of 20-40°.
3. The barrels overtook the target with a small gap (“the barrels went away from the target”) when shooting targets at an angle of 40-60 °.
4. The barrels overtook the target with a significant clearance - 0.6-1 m (“the barrels went far away from the target”) when shooting targets at angles of 70-90 °.
The mutual positions of the barrels and the target described above, i.e., “visible” leads, make it possible to successfully hit almost all targets on a round stand.
It should be emphasized that on a round stand, the targets, having almost the same absolute speed during takeoff and at the point of impact, have different angular velocity of movement relative to the shooter at the time of the shot, while the angular velocity of the target during the flight almost always changes in one direction or another. This is due to the change in the angles between the trajectories of the target and the directions of the line of sight (see figure).
In the previous article, it was noted that when overtaking a target with barrels, an optimal difference in the angular velocities of the target and gun barrels is necessary, which allows timely and, most importantly, consciously pulling the trigger and using the minimum number of visual images of “visible” lead. Therefore, when shooting targets of different directions, the movement of the barrels when overtaking the target is carried out at different angular speeds. The greater the angular velocity of the target (the greater the angle), the greater should be the angular velocity of the gun barrels, and vice versa.
Some authors recommend laying a certain number of game bodies (ducks, hare, etc.) to determine the amount of lead. Any account is associated with pronunciation of numbers. Well, if you need to put aside 1-2 bodies of game (target), but, and if 4-5 bodies, then it is almost impossible to do this with respect to a moving target in a short period of time allotted for a shot. It is also impossible to practically use the recommendations on the use of a large number of leads expressed in centimeters (40, 60, 80, 120, 150 cm), since the formation of a significant number of visual images of leads and their quick “recreation” is simply impossible.
Hunting shooting has some differences from stand shooting. They consist in a variety of shooting distances and a rather subjective perception of the speed of movement of the game, depending on its size. For example, it seems that a goose flies rather slowly, although in fact its speed is no less than that of a mallard. So where to start, how to learn how to take the right lead in order to successfully hit the game?
The first thing you need to learn is to accurately determine the distance, especially the maximum - 35 meters. And not only to objects located on the ground, but also in the air. For example, to the top of a tree, the corner of a house, to birds flying at a predetermined distance: at the height of the roof of a house, pipes, electrical wires, etc.
Next, it is necessary to gradually form visual images of certain segments of distances corresponding to the maximum lead at a distance of 20 and 35 m. If we take the average flight speed of most hunting birds as 20 m/s and take into account that shot No. the calculated lead will be equal to 2.7 m. When shooting “on overtaking the target” at a distance of 35 mm, the maximum visible lead will be approximately 1.5-2.0 m. distance 35 m.
When firing at 20 m, the calculated lead will be 20 m/s x 0.064 s = 1.28 m. Therefore, it is necessary to create a visual “image” of a meter segment at a distance of 20 m.
The formation of visual “images” of various segments is a long and gradual process (first one image, then another) and requires a certain amount of time.
Upon reaching positive results of such training, you can proceed to “binding” the images of segments / lead relative to the aiming line of the gun inserted into the shoulder. First with a stationary gun, then in the process of his leashes. When performing this technique, it is necessary to press the trigger (with an empty sleeve, in the primer hole of which a rubber cylinder is inserted) at the moment when the barrels (the sighting line of the gun) will be oriented relative to the “target” according to the formed visual image. First at a target located at 20 m, then at 35 m. After that, move on to training on a moving target, aiming at flying birds (ravens, jackdaws, etc.). At the end of this stage of training, shooting on a round stand will be of great help, provided that the methods of throwing the gun have been developed. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to fire a shot at each target fired on command. The learning process is more efficient when firing with a “conditional shot” (when an empty cartridge case is placed in the chamber) with a real shot (a live cartridge is placed in the chamber). Under the guidance of a qualified coach, mastery of shooting skills is accelerated.
When shooting at targets moving at angles less than 90° to the firing line, the visible lead is reduced and may be zero, as when shooting low-hitting targets (shooting at a target from a low booth at the 7th shooting station).
Visual control over the position of the barrels when firing with less visible lead is carried out successfully only in the case of the optimal speed of the barrels overtaking the target.
In the process of leashing the gun, that is, when the ends of the barrels approach the target, the trajectory of their movement is corrected (the ends of the barrels seem to “fit” into the trajectory of the target). And already in the immediate vicinity of the barrels from the target, the necessary lead is determined depending on the angular velocity of the target. This, obviously, occurs on the basis of a comparison of the visual perception of the real position of the barrels relative to the target with the “reference image” that was formed in the process of training work, was fixed and confirmed by successful shots.
Shooting practice in hunting shows that if three “images” of visible lead are formed for distances of 20 and 35 m, which will correspond to the maximum lead (when shooting targets flying at angles of 70 - 90 °), half the maximum (for targets at angles 40-60°) and one third of the maximum (when shooting targets at angles of 20-40°), this is already quite enough for accurate shooting at animals and birds.
It should be remembered that the development and consolidation of skills for determining the relative position of barrels and targets moving at different angles is achieved in the process of practical shooting on a hunt and on a stand. This equally applies to motor skills that provide optimal speed for overtaking target barrels.
Summing up all that has been said, we will formulate the main conclusions that characterize the main conditions for the execution of a productive shot:
- single focusing of the eye on a moving target;
- continuous “tracking” of the target with the eyes, especially from the moment the gun is raised and until the trigger is pressed;
- smooth execution of all actions: throwing the gun, leash of the weapon (when the ends of the gun barrels approach the target, overtaking it) and pulling the trigger;
- the optimal difference in the angular velocities of the target and the gun, which ensures smooth overtaking of the target by the barrels;
- maintaining a constant movement of the gun at all stages of the leash, especially when the trigger is pressed;
- obligatory visual control of the ends of the gun barrels during the vskid and in the process of leashing the weapon and their corresponding adjustment relative to the trajectory of the target and the target itself at the final phase of the leash;
- stable implementation of the shoulder throw of the weapon without subsequent adjustment of the position of the head relative to the aiming line;
I was inspired to write this article by numerous publications about famous shooters of the past, about their unique shooting technique while hunting, and even more numerous recommendations on self-loading cartridges with calls to learn from these masters. It seems that progress stands still and grandfather's legends now is the time. Almost all periodicals and books about hunting give various tables of lead calculations and practical advice from the authors on how much to take hulls ahead of a flying bird or a running animal. Moreover, references go to the authorities of past centuries. There are no words, many of them deserve great respect as hunters and trackers, but time is running out. If in sports young athletes repeated the technique of honored veterans, then what kind of records could we talk about? The famous swimmer, the world champion who played Tarzan, would not have passed the qualifying competitions of the lowest level today. Athletes, including shooters, do not stand still. Why should hunters shoot the way they shot from muzzle-loading guns. Try to go to the shooting range "Fox Hole" and shoot at the "goose" sporting ground. I assure you shooting ahead, you will not only miss, but you will not hit any targets at all. At high-speed and long-range targets (on a hunt or on a stand), you need to shoot only when overtaking. And if the authors do not know this modern technology, then there is no need to teach young people to shoot. Relearning is much more difficult than relearning. This I know firsthand. In the 70s, when we studied at the School of Higher Sportsmanship, our first coaches were retired veterans who, unfortunately, did not know how to shoot competently themselves. How difficult it was to relearn after their lessons.
The overtaking shooting technique is much more complicated than the lead shooting technique, but it is precisely this technique that gives the hunter power over a flying bird and a running animal, allows him to manipulate the gun before firing and fire at a point convenient for the shooter. Since the gun moves much faster than the target during overtaking shooting, this negates all the speed advantages of the game.
The principle of overtaking shooting is quite simple. Gun barrels are thrown not at the point of lead of a flying bird, but directly into it or a little behind. Then comes the overtaking. At close range - fast, at a distance - smooth. And with the advent of clearance - a shot. The size of the clearance is determined practically or (to whom it is given) intuitively. The most difficult thing in this technique is the lack of a fixed lead. As soon as you can say that you are two lengths or a meter ahead, then a difficult and distant target is likely to miss. I understand that this is not only difficult to depict in practice, but even to digest in the mind. However, I repeat: the lead should not be fixed, but growing all the time. We often say that we were left without prey because, they say, the game flew high. At the same time, without suspecting that the reason is different: you just don’t know how to shoot at long distances with shot. Shooting while overtaking allows you to make effective shots at the limit. By the way, the throwing machines on the “goose” sporting grounds are located at a distance of 72 meters from the shooting number. And they fly not to the shooter, but parallel to him and up. Therefore, the shot is fired from an even further distance. Think about whether you will be able to hit a target with a cross section of a couple of centimeters (the plate is turned sideways to the shooter), taking any lead? Hardly. And modern overtaking shooters beat them all. It's the same with game. Shooting with lead gives confidence in the defeat of the body of the trophy only at a short distance and under ideal conditions.
When hunting in the forest on a feather, shooting “on overtaking” is much more effective than even shooting “offhand”. In his book "Hunting for a hazel grouse", the most experienced hunter and biologist Pyotr Zverev wrote that shooting at a hazel grouse "from the rise" is impossible. But after all, we, former and current stand-builders, for the most part, have no other opportunity to get hazel grouse. For too long, shots have been pounding on our ears every day, and I, for example, do not hear his whistle and am deprived of the opportunity to hunt decoys. But shots from the approach, thanks to shooting "on overtaking", often work out. After taking off in a dense forest, the hazel grouse, as a rule, appears only for a short time in a small gap. The hunter who takes the lead finds its point, usually on the nearest Christmas tree. As a result, he either refrains from shooting, or, having hesitated, is late with it. Arrow "on overtaking" is enough to cross out the bird with the barrel and immediately press the trigger. Even if an obstacle appears on the path of the sheaf, the shot, with the right leash, will still get the game through the needles, branches and leaves.
When shooting while overtaking, such a gross mistake as stopping the gun is excluded - it moves faster than game.The bird will not be able to get away from the shooter with a maneuver - the barrel of a gun,thrown up behind the game, as if tied to it and will follow the prey, no matter where it turns,catch up with her, overtake and cover with a sheaf of shot. A hunter who has taken the barrel to the lead point risks losing the target when the bird suddenly changes course (often chaotic), and to return to it means to completely knock down the leash and the aiming line.
Lead calculation tables based on airspeed, game run, and distance to target are not needed at all today. Not only does it never occur to anyone to produce them before a shot, the game very rarely runs and flies at the speed prescribed for it. It is enough for the arrow “on overtaking” at any speed of prey to overtake it, respectively increasing the speed of the gun (naturally, by moving the body). I'll make a reservation there are some hunts where you need to combine shooting "offhand", "on overtaking" and "preemptively". For example, hunting for hares and ungulates in the forest. On them, due to the numerous obstacles of the landscape, you often have to beat the beast in the gaps between the trees, snow drifts and bushes. A long leash in this case is contraindicated (inopportunely a tree that has turned up can take on a charge of shot or a bullet). The gun is taken out in advance to the intended point of passage of the beast, if necessary, a lead is taken and a short shot is fired. When hunting "from the approach" shooting "offhand" has also proven itself well. The trigger is pressed at the moment the butt touches the hunter's shoulder. Simultaneously with raising the gun to the shoulder, the front sight is carried to the front of the body of the game or, if required, to the lead point, and the shot is fired without the slightest posting.
I am very annoyed by the “experts” who are throwing down on an inexperienced shooter who has made a mistake: “You shot in the backside.” But after all, a shot from behind at a game or a target is a consequence (by the way, this is 90% of misses) And the reason? Stopping the gun. Why? Hand whip. Why? The hull didn't work. Why? There was not enough turn to the point of the shot, and the hands turned on. With the hands, only the lifting of the gun from the waist to the shoulder is performed. Why? Initially, the shooter’s wrong stance (or hunter’s position) and the wrong grip of the gun, or tearing off the cheek (head) from the stock of the gun. This is an abstract example, but this is how you need to analyze each unsuccessful shot and correct errors. And memorize effective shots. That's when there will be progress. If the shooting stopped for an experienced shooter (this also often happens), then one of my trainers, Valery Konshin, advised me to forget everything and do it as if you were just starting to comprehend the ABC of shooting.
Magazine "MASTERRUG" No. 146
O. Sergeev
Photography by the author
Let's try to figure out the values of lead, an invariable component when shooting at moving targets. This is usually the most exciting thing for both the novice and the experienced hunter.
The value of true lead depends on two quantities: the speed of the target (game) and the time of delivery of the shot to the aiming object. And this value will not change either from the parameters or from any methods of shooting. Another thing is how the problem of carrying the gun forward of the target will be solved. Unlike true lead, the magnitude of the visible depends on the angle between the line of sight and the direction of movement of the target. The smaller this angle, the smaller the apparent lead will be. This is a shot at stealing and semi-stealing game. If we consider the lead according to the traditional scheme, when the angular velocity of the gun is comparable to the angular displacement of the target, then the decrease in the size of the lead by giving the shot charge a lateral displacement velocity vector is inversely related to the firing distance. That is, the farther the game is, the less the influence of the speed of the leash on the amount of lead.
When can an arrow help out with a fast leash so that the front sight at the moment the trigger is pressed is sitting practically on the game, and not in the void, significantly ahead of the target?
The first is a reasonable shooting distance, up to 30-35 m. The second is the aiming angle is much less than 90 °. And the last thing - the angular velocity of the leash must be many times greater than the lateral displacement of the game. Sometimes in the practice of shooting "wild" shots slip through, unexpectedly successful for the hunter when a hit follows, however, more often at game flying at moderate angles. The finger is prematurely pressed on the trigger, and the barrels of the gun have not even reached the target yet. This is an example of preemption due to the speed of the leash.
Let's not talk about the offhand shooting style, to the point that is closest to the processing of the target without preemption, let's leave it for amateurs who hone their skills by shooting skeet. Let's dwell on a more accessible shooting technique - a shot while overtaking. Here, as in general with a shot in flight, the basis will be the accuracy of the vskidka strictly behind the target and in the direction, and not across the flight of the game. This is followed by a short leash, as if emphasizing the game, and while the bird leaves forward, pressing the trigger. This method of processing the target, I repeat, is called overtaking shooting.
In order for the shooter-hunter to form a correct idea of the influence of the speed of the leash on the amount of lead, below is a table showing how much (in percent) the lead will decrease depending on the shooting distance and the increase in the angular speed of the gun’s rotation relative to the speed of the angular displacement of the game (for the angle between the direction aiming and flight of game 80-100°). As you can see, it is difficult to do without lead when shooting in flight, but often theoretical calculations are not entirely justified in practice.
Even if we strictly follow the mathematical component and fully agree that nothing will prevent the shooter from “applying” the fantastic linear speed of the lateral displacement of the shot charge when shooting at 50 m, which he will show at a shot distance of 10 m (with an angular velocity ratio of 5: 1), then an accelerated leash will "eat" almost 2/3 of the lead. And if you are also more agile, which is beyond the limits of the possible, or the game does not go quite at right angles, then the point of the shot may not be much ahead of the target. When shooting in flight, it is important not only to be able to correctly assess the shooting distance and the speed of the game, which comes with experience, but also to learn a fast leash with timely pressing the trigger, which is achieved by hard training.
Most of all, hunters have questions about what lead to take when shooting geese at 40-50 meters - a reasonable distance, but for a decent hunter the limit. The shot of a high-speed cartridge will cover 50 meters of a distance in about 0.15 seconds. The speed of the goose flock is up to 20 m/s. True lead (50 m): 20 m / s x 0.15 s \u003d 3.0 m. From 0.5 to 1.5 m, an accelerated leash can “eat”. 1.5–2.5 m will remain, which looks insignificant at 50 m. Measure the lead data at 50 m to get an idea of how it will look through the aiming bar 1.5 - 2.0 - 2.5 - 3.0 m. It remains only to determine how much the hunter's skill will allow you to quickly leash your gun.
Shooting at different types of flying birds is practically the same in technique. But if we take into account that the birds differ among themselves in speed, in their height and flight path, then we can highlight some important nuances regarding shooting at various types of game. This also applies to the running animal.
Shooting at different types of flying birds is practically the same in technique. But if we take into account that the birds differ among themselves in speed, in their height and flight path, then we can highlight some important nuances regarding shooting at various types of game. This also applies.
Duck Shooting
Duck hunting is considered the most massive. In swamps, lakes, river bays, you can meet thousands of hunters waiting for morning or evening duck dawns. In this case, shooting is carried out from one place where the hunter is sitting in a barrel, boat, hut. It is worth remembering that it is much more convenient to shoot while standing. Therefore, disguise yourself so that the hut, when you are standing, only reaches your chest in height and does not interfere with 360-degree shooting.
If you are on a shooting range, then you will be able to hunt oncoming, hijacking, lateral and semi-hitting birds. There is an opinion that it is best to beat the bird under the feather, in half-hijack, then the feather cover produces less resistance in front of the shot. However, in August, when the duck is still young and has a weak cover, you have the opportunity to get into the most lethal places - the head and neck.
A young duck can easily be killed with a seven. If you went hunting in the late period, then you need to increase the fraction number.
Get the duck as close to you as possible, cover it with the trunk and start walking forward, and then press the trigger. If you suddenly missed, you should turn around and beat under the duck. Such a shot is called.
For a side shot, you should use the direction right - left or left - right. Remember that during a shot on the left, the body is untwisted, and during a shot on the right, on the contrary, twisting.
In case of picking up a side duck, point the trunks directly at it and start overtaking until there is a gap. Clearance depends on the range of the target, as well as the speed of the bird. It is known that in comparison with gray or mallard ducks, diving breeds have a much higher speed of summer. There are legends about the incredible speed of the teal. The essence of overtaking shooting is that the gun moves faster than a bird flies. But remember that you should not throw the trunks forward with a jerk. Otherwise, the gun may stop and miss as a result.
If you are shooting at a duck that is about to land, it is best to point the barrel at the landing bird. Fire a shot, moving away from her in a downward motion.
After lifting, this small circle usually makes 3 turns. After that, his flight becomes straight, at which point it is much easier to shoot at him. Shooting snipes that have just risen from under their feet is the only option.
Partridges, quails, marsh hens and corncrakes are also shot from under spaniels. A shot at such birds is easy, because their flight is slow and straightforward. Do not get excited, you only need to catch the game on the fly, then release it to a certain distance and, moving forward, pull the trigger. Also watch the dog: some rush after a bird that has taken off and can catch it. Partridges are flocking birds. Usually, when you hear a dog, the whole herd flies out. But do not be tempted, do not shoot at the heap. Be sure to aim for a specific bird.
Shooting wild pigeons
Vityuten has the same flight speed as a flying mallard. Shooting at pigeons on a flight is similar in technique. However, it is worth paying attention to one point. If the pigeon hears a shot or notices a sharp movement of the hunter, he can change the direction of his flight at the same second. The wood pigeon is able to turn 90 degrees in place. Also, vityutnyam are characterized by anti-aircraft maneuvers, zigzag movements in the air with a sharp dive down, and this knocks down aiming and the line of leashes.
Compared to the turtle doves, they are smaller, they are faster, but less careful. You need to shoot at them confidently, quickly, do not throw the gun forward.
Shooting at the capercaillie on the current, as well as from under the husky
In these cases, it is necessary to use here the lessons that were learned during the shooting of shot at a target that does not move. Most importantly, don't shoot at long range. It is much more profitable to hit under the feather, from behind, because on the wings of the capercaillie it is quite dense. However, in the case of shooting under the feather, there is a risk of damaging the tail of the rooster, which is very beautiful. Then you will not get a full-fledged scarecrow.
When you aim at a black grouse or, regardless of the position of the bird, you need to take the middle of the scythe carcass on the fly. In this case, the probability of damage to the lyre is very small.
To practice your flying shot, try crow hunting. During such a hunt, you can work out any distance, as well as lead, and at the same time not worry about a miss. Crows do not fly very fast, so the hunter can take the leash without haste, then overtake the predator, set the best lead and fire a shot.
There is even such a hunting saying: "For one killed crow, God writes off one sin."
Video: Aiming, anticipation, duck shooting. Duck hunting.
Video about hunting for ducks from the approach, the selection of wounded animals
Duck preemption video
This is the most difficult element of sniper practice. In addition to the ability to conduct accurate ballistic calculations, successful shooting requires solid shooting skills with a moving rifle. When shooting at a moving target, shots must be directed not at the target, but ahead of its movement, taking into account the time during which the target will move forward, and the bullet will reach the target line, where they will meet. Such removal of the direction of fire is called lead.
The shooter, having taken the required lead, moves the weapon (line of sight) in the direction of the target and in front of it, respectively, according to its speed, and fires a shot without stopping the leashes of the weapon (Scheme 79).
Scheme 79
The lead is taken into account by moving the aiming point in target figures, in meters, in thousandths or by installing a side flywheel according to Table. 29.
Table 29
Table of calculations for making corrections in the sight or anticipation of a target moving in the flank frontal direction (for SVD, SVT and three-line rifles)
With a flank (frontal) movement of the target, the lead in meters is equal to the speed of the target, multiplied by the time the bullet travels to the target in seconds (see the main sniper table).
Example. Determine the lead at a distance of 400 meters for a target moving along the front (a motorcycle with a sidecar) at a speed of 25 km/h.
Solution. According to table 30, we find the time of the bullet approaching the target at a distance of 400 meters - 0.59 s. During this time, the motorcycle travels 4 meters. At 400 meters, 4 meters cover 10 thousandths along the front, that is, 10 divisions of the lateral correction scale. Therefore, you can either introduce an amendment by rotating the side flywheel, turning it by 10 divisions (as we remember, 1 full division of the flywheel scale is equal to 1 thousandth, or 40 cm along the front at such a distance), or simply aim at the target with the extreme lateral risk of the lateral correction scale (it will be just 10 divisions or 4 meters along the front at a distance of 400 meters).
For convenience, the lead can also be taken in the number of pieces. The width of the figure of a running crouched infantryman is taken as 0.5 meters. It should be remembered that the lead point in figures, centimeters or thousandths is counted from the middle of the target figure, that is, these very 0.5 meters are counted not from the edge of the figure, but from the "buckle on the stomach".
Example. Firing range 600 meters. Target speed 3 m/s (infantryman running to attack). Flanking movement. The standard width of the figure is 50 cm. Find the lead.
Solution. 3 m/s = 300 cm
300 ± 50 = 6 pieces(schemes 80, 81).
Scheme 80.
Scheme 81. The same picture in the optical sight
The author of this manual has forever remembered the practical method of shooting at running targets, once shown to him by an old front-line sniper. When shooting at a “runner”, which was moving at a standard speed for a running infantryman of 3 m / s at a standard distance of a combat shooting range of 300 meters, the old instructor set the sight “5” and tied to the lower front edge of the target with the upper corner of the leveling thread (2 in diagram 82 ). The bullet hit at the level of the target belt, at a height of 70 cm. There were no misses. Later, the author calculated the ballistics according to the above method - everything coincided! Snapping to the center of the running piece isn't easy, but since it's leaning forward, it's not necessary. The old instructor tied the aiming point along the horizon on which the target was moving, and it was easier for him to do all this. Of course, he fired with a leash, leading the rifle continuously along the line of movement of the target, and fired without stopping the leashes of the weapon. As an old front-line soldier said, this technique has been worked out for decades, and in a combat situation of a mobile battle it will not work out better.
Scheme 82. Practical "binding" to a moving target:
1 - direction of movement of the target; 2 - "binding" to the horizon of the target's movement; 3 - movement of the rifle. Distance 300 m, sight "5"
The most common mistake is when the shooter, bringing the rifle to the extreme point of lead, switches his attention to the trigger release and imperceptibly stops the weapon. Naturally, a miss is obtained, since the shot was fired from a weapon that was in a stationary state. In this case, it is necessary to take a lead 2-4 times greater than the calculated one. If you are not confident in yourself, if possible, wait for the moment when the target goes towards you or away from you and, relative to your position, becomes motionless along the front for some moment, then shoot. Shooting with a tracer bullet with this type of shooting is excluded - the tracer is visible not only to you, the enemy also sees it. Another thing is a parachutist. While he is in the air, he has nowhere to go. For anticipation of moving targets, follow the table. 30, 31, 32.
Table 30
Shooting at moving targets. Time of bullet approach to the target, s
Table 31
Shooting from a small-caliber rifle at moving targets. Target movement during the flight when moving at an angle of 90 °
Table 32
Shooting from the SVD rifle at moving targets (from the manual on the SVD rifle) (full table)
The removal of the aiming point or the installation of the rear sight (goniometer, side flywheel of an optical sight) to obtain the necessary lead is determined depending on the angle of movement of the target: when the target moves at an angle of 90 ° - the full amount of lead; at an angle of 60° - 0.9 lead, at an angle of 45° - 0.7 lead; at an angle of 30 ° - 0.5 lead.
During live firing in mobile combat, it is impossible to determine exactly the angle of movement of the target; therefore, the lead is practically taken completely when the target moves at an angle close to a straight line (90 ° -60 °) (scheme 83), and half - at sharper angles (oblique movement) (scheme 84).
Scheme 83
Scheme 84
The removal of the aiming point for moving running targets is usually carried out in visible sizes (figures, targets).
Example. To obtain a lead of 2 m when shooting at 500 m at running targets, take out the aiming point: while moving.
Targets at an angle close to a straight line - by 4 figures, when the target moves at an acute angle - by 2 figures, taking the width of the figure as 0.5 m.
To obtain a lead by installing a rear sight, the linear lead value is converted into an angular value in terms of the distance to the target.
Example. To obtain a lead of 2 m when firing from a distance of 500 meters at a target running at an angle close to a straight line, set the rear sight to "4" (2/0.5); on a target crossing at an acute angle - "2".
Simplified preemption method (from the SVD rifle manual)
When the target moves at a speed different from that indicated in the table, increase (decrease) the lead in proportion to the change in the speed of the target.
Take out the aiming point from the middle of the target. When making adjustments to the sidewheel setting, aim at the middle of the target. To make it easier to memorize the lead in the scale divisions of the side handwheel (grid of the sight) for the flank movement of the target at a speed of 3 m / s at a distance of up to 600 meters, assume that the lead is 4.5 thousandths, at shorter distances (about 300 meters) - 2, at large (800 meters) - 6 thousandths.
Below is a simplified way of firing at moving targets from machine guns and rifles with ammunition from previous years of production (Infantry Combat Regulations).
To defeat foot and horse targets moving at an angle to the firing plane, you should take a lateral lead in the direction of the target movement, guided by Table. 33.
Table 33
Lateral lead in thousandths when the target is moving at an angle of 90°
Notes.
- Corrections are rounded to the nearest 1/2 thousandth.
- When moving a walking target in steps, the lead should be taken half as much as when moving along a running one; when moving an equestrian target in steps, take half the lead, and when moving at a gallop, twice as much as when moving at a trot.
- When the target moves at an acute angle to the direction of fire, take half the lead as when moving at an angle of 90 °.
For the speed of movement of targets in combat conditions, the following are accepted:
- an infantryman running to attack - 3 m / s, 10 km / h;
- a sharply running infantryman - 4 m / s, 13 km / h;
- an infantryman running with all his might - 4.5 m / s, 15 km / h;
- cyclist - 4.5 m/s, 15 km/h;
- cross-country motorcycle - 6 m/s, 20 km/h;
- starting car - 6 m/s, 20 km/h;
- marching speed of the car on the highway - 18 m / s, 60 km / h;
- skydiver - 6 m/s, 20 km/h