Leo, I checked the internet, and found some information. It is mostly what I remember from Weeks 4,5 & 6 of recruit training. I’m close to your age (72) and qualified the first time in March of 1962, using the M-1 Garand. Phase 3: Firing week
During firing week, you actually get to fire your weapon for the first time. The week begins with practice on the firing range. Half of your platoon will fire the weapon, while the other half sets up targets. Then you swap.
The course of fire includes shooting at targets that are 200, 300, and 500 yards away from the prone, sitting, kneeling, and standing positions. It’s interesting to note that the Marine Corps is the only branch that has recruits shooting from distances as far as 500 yards away.
At the end of the week, you get a chance to fire on the actual qualification course. The course is the same as the one you used in practice, but this time, it counts. If you fail to qualify, you won’t proceed in basic training with the rest of platoon. You’ll be sent back to complete rifle instruction all over again, thereby delaying your graduation date
Phase 3: Firing week
During firing week, you actually get to fire your weapon for the first time. The week begins with practice on the firing range. Half of your platoon will fire the weapon, while the other half sets up targets. Then you swap.
The course of fire includes shooting at targets that are 200, 300, and 500 yards away from the prone, sitting, kneeling, and standing positions. It’s interesting to note that the Marine Corps is the only branch that has recruits shooting from distances as far as 500 yards away.
At the end of the week, you get a chance to fire on the actual qualification course. The course is the same as the one you used in practice, but this time, it counts. If you fail to qualify, you won’t proceed in basic training with the rest of your platoon. You’ll be sent back to complete rifle instruction all over again, thereby delaying your graduation date.
In order to qualify, you fire a total of 50 rounds, worth up to 5 points each (depending on where you hit the target). The maximum possible points you can earn on this course is 250. To pass the course, you must earn at least 190 points, which will qualify you to wear the Marine Corps marksmanship badge. To become a sharpshooter, you must earn at least 210 points. In order to win status as an Expert, you must receive a score of at least 220 points.
I did some searching on the Internet, and found the information is somewhat incomplete. It’s like what is above. However I did find information about the procedure. First: From the 200 yard distance, There was 10 rounds at the off-hand position, and then 10 rounds kneeling. Next: From 300 yards, 10 rounds sitting and 10 rounds prone. Some where in this, there was a timed firing requirement. 2 rounds in a clip and then a full clip of 8. When I requalified with the M-14, it was 2 rounds in a magazine, then 8 rounds in the second magazine. Lastly: 500 yards, 10 rounds in the prone position. After finishing at the 500 range, there was waiting for the ‘official score keepers’ numbers. I sure hope this info helps. I was a llttle fuzzy on rifle qualification too. I talked with my son after he had finished at Edson Range, Camp Pendleton, CA but that was in 1988, and my memory is only as good as my smart phone, note book or asking my wife. She’s got a spectacular memory for all I’ve done in the past 48 plus years. FYI, I’m served from Feb 1, 1962 to May 31, 1966. VietNam service August 64 to Feb 65. “A Vietnam Veteran, before it became popular” to quote one of Sgt Grit’s Bumper Stickers.
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