and firing mechanism in a separate bl10y called a " contact buoy ...

420 TEXT BOOK OF ORDNANCE AND GUNNERY
(c) In actually firing his gun at target practice.
2. The condition in which the sight, the gun, the mount, and
the various appurtenances which affect accurate shooting are kept.
Cnless the gun, the gun gear, gun mount, and gun sights are
maintained in such a condition that the mechanical difficulty
experienced by the pointer in aiming and firing the gun is a
minimum, the accuracy of pointing will be affected. This applies
not only to the condition as regards cleanliness, but particularly
to the condition as regards facility of operation, and to the proper
functioning of each individual part. A neglected gun mount renders
pointing difficult, and hence conduces to inaccuracy. Neglected
sights always invite disaster; if they are actually out of adjustment
when firing begins they insure a string of misses; if they
are weak and liable to derangement they are apt to jar out of
adjustment during a string of shots and thus invite disaster in
action. Neglected firing connections, locks, etc., invite either
hangfires, missfires, or prolonged firing intervals, all of which are
serious hindrances to accuracy of fire.
6. Correct Sight Setting depends on :
1. The accuracy of the orders given by the divisional officer,
or the gunnery officer, to the sight setter, concerning the setting
of the sights. This depends upon the accuracy with which the
sight-bar range has been determined, which m3.y be regarded as
the most difficult problem in naval gunnery.
2. The promptness and accuracy with which these orders arc
obeyed.
It is manifest that however perfect the gun, the mount, the
crew, and the ammunition, unless the sights are correctly set at
the moment each shot is fired the projectile will certainly miss.
7. The Accuracy of the Orders Given to the Sight Setter
may for convenience be subdivided under the headings:
(a) When firing guns singly at measured ranges.
(b) When firing guns singly at unmeal'ured ranges.
( c) . When firing all guns of a ship's broadside together at unmeasured
ranges.
(a) Firing Guns Singl')! at Measured Ranges.-This is the most
elementary stage of target practice. In this case (which is the
case under which ordinary record target practice is held) the