Weapon Training and Musketry - Rifle Handling, Safety and Firing Fundamentals
This domain tests safe weapon handling and the marksmanship sequence rather than combat tactics. Expect questions on the four safety rules, the parts of the 7.62 mm SLR and the .22 rifle, range commands, and the elements of good shooting.
Safety rules that are always examinable
- Treat every weapon as loaded.
- Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction (down range) at all times.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until the sights are on the target and you intend to fire.
- Be sure of your target and of what lies beyond it.
The rifle
- The NCC uses the 7.62 mm SLR 1A1 (20-round magazine, gas-operated, effective to about 300–500 m) and the .22 rifle for small-bore range practice.
- Main parts: butt and butt plate, pistol grip, trigger and trigger guard, magazine and magazine housing, change lever, cocking handle, body, gas cylinder and gas plug, handguard, barrel, foresight, backsight and flash eliminator.
Shooting sequence
Sight alignment (eye–backsight–foresight–target in one line) → sight picture → breathe normally and hold at the natural respiratory pause → squeeze the trigger steadily, never snatch → follow through, keeping the rifle still after the shot. Zeroing corrects a personal aim error; grouping practice only tests consistency.
Worked example
On the range the instructor orders "Load", then "Ready", then "Fire". After the practice, "Cease fire" is given, the rifle is unloaded, the bolt/cocking handle worked and the weapon shown to the Range Officer on the order "Show clear" with the chamber visibly empty. A cadet who merely removes the magazine and says "clear" fails - a round may still be in the chamber.
Traps
Confusing grouping with zeroing; forgetting follow-through; answering "Fire" when the command is "Ready"; pointing the weapon at the ground while loading; mixing the SLR's 20-round magazine with the .22's 5/10 rounds.