GDG- Ranging, Trajectories, and Sights

[James Cameron]

<< Even with shorter barreled carbines (specifically the Model 1859 Sharps) 
I've found that I can consistently hit a man sized target at 200 yards. Of 
course again as you've pointed out, accuracy at distance was often not a 
factor in many CW battles.>>

There's also a great deal of difference between target shooting, where the 
shooter is concerned with how tightly he can group his shots on paper, and 
the battlefield, where any shot that puts the enemy out of the fight is a 
good one.

<< Regarding Artillery horses, rather than being the victims of an 
infantryman's inabiltiy to shoot with greater accuracy, they were 
specifically targeted since taking them out of the picture was the simplest 
way to immobilize a battery. >>

Also, a horse is a bigger target than a man, and, can't take cover.  The 
mounts of cavalrymen fighting dismounted could be led back and held under 
cover, as long as not too far back for the men to get to if needed. 
Artillery teams often had to remained in harness, under fire, close enough 
so that the guns could be brought off quickly.  Cover might be taken 
advantage of, but wasn't always available close enough to the guns.


Jim Cameron