=3. Rules for Trigger-Pressing.=--(i) The trigger of the S.M.L.E.rifle has a double pull-off, and two distinct pressures are necessary to fire the rifle. The first pull should be taken when the rifle has been brought into position for aiming; the second when the sights are aligned on the mark. The charger-loading Lee-Enfield rifle has a single pull-off. [Illustration: =Fig. 15.=--METHOD OF PRESSING TRIGGER WITH FOREFINGER.] (ii) The direction of the pull-off is diagonally across the small of the butt. The first joint of the forefinger should be placed round the _lower_ part of the trigger (Fig. 15). In order not to disturb the aim _breathing must be restrained when pressing the trigger. In firing the trigger must be pressed so as to release the cocking-piece without disturbing aim._ (iii) To do this _a gradually increasing pressure_ must be exerted on the trigger until the spring is released. Such pressure will be facilitated if the grip of the trigger hand on the rifle is strengthened slightly, as though to oppose the inward pressure of the trigger finger with an equal gradual counter-pressure. This will give the whole action the effect of a squeeze with the hand, of which the pressure of the trigger finger is the most important part--the part on which the mind must be concentrated. _On no account must the pressure of the finger in any degree take the form of a pull or jerk._ (iv) Fig. 16 shows the results of faulty trigger-pressing in firing. The trigger has been pulled or jerked to the left instead of being properly pressed, and the grouping of shots--low to the right--shows how aim has been disturbed in consequence. =4. Method of Instruction.=--(i) The rifle will be rested on sandbags (Fig. 17), or an aiming-rest, and the recruit will be seated with his elbows rested on a table. The instructor will first see that the recruit can _move his trigger-finger independently of the remainder of the hand and arm_, if necessary, by making him practise this action. [Illustration: <ff>Fig. 16.=--SHOT GROUP ILLUSTRATING RESULT OF FAULTY TRIGGER-PRESSING.] (ii) In order that he may learn from experience the pressure required to release the cocking-piece, the soldier in commencing instruction in trigger-pressing, will be directed to place his forefinger under that of the instructor, but without exercising pressure, whilst the instructor carries out the motion (Fig. 18). Then, to enable the instructor to ascertain whether the method is understood, the soldier will place his finger over that of the instructor, and exert the pressure. Finally, the soldier will himself press the trigger, while the instructor uses the aim-corrector to see that aim is not disturbed when the trigger is pressed. Special care will be taken that the _breathing is restrained while pressing the trigger. The use of the sling for steadying the rifle during firing is not to be taught._