Page:Machine-gun tactics (IA machineguntactic00appl).pdf/18

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beaten by 75 per cent. of shots, and it has been found by experiment that 25 per cent. of shots fall immediately in front and behind the target, then 12-1/2 per cent. to 7-1/2 per cent., and, finally, 5 per cent. scattered far in front and behind.

Diagram II

TO SHOW THE DISPERSION OF BULLETS

Infantry usually fire at the rate of three rounds a minute "slow," and fifteen rounds a minute "rapid"; "slow" fire is the ordinary rate, and "rapid" fire can only be effectually maintained for about four minutes; but this is when the firer is fresh, and has not been subjected to several hours' marching and fighting as would be the case in battle, and it is doubtful if "rapid" fire can be kept up on service for more than