THE PRINCIPLES OF SHOULDER ARMS.
The position of the hand upon the butt. (See Figs. 12, 13. )
(Fig. 12.) Front view. (Fig. 13.) Inside view.
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The musket in the left hand, the palm pressing upon the outer flat of the butt; the outer edge of the latter on the upper joints of the fingers; the thumb, on the front screw of the butt plate; the remaining fingers under the butt; the fingernails next to the left thigh; the butt more or less kept back, so that the piece shall appear perpendicular; the stock below the tail-band resting against the hollow of the shoulder, just within the joint: (See fig. 14.) the elbow slightly bent, and near the body; (See Fig. 15.) the right arm hanging naturally, as prescribed in the position of the soldier. |
Fig. 14. Front view. Fig. 15. Side view. |
Sometimes the recruit, in order ( as he thinks) to carry the musket perpendicular, will project the right thigh and depress the left, this he should avoid; be careful that the arm is not bent too much, nor that it be too straight, but just sufficiently bent to throw the weight of the piece upon the muscle, and not upon the bone of the arm.