This is untrue and rather poor research.
http://www.bobrohrer.com/sea_stories/krag_rifle_qualification_course_1902-1903.pdf

The US 200-300 bull was 8-10 inches up through WW1 and WW2. The 600yd slow fire also included a rapid fire for accuracy, during which 5rds were fired in 30sec emphasizing total accuracy, not an irrational expenditure of ammunition.

Further research reveals that there was also a 800, and a 1,000yd line on bullseyes that were noticeably smaller than those used today by the NRA.

The XTC course literally has roots in the early US Army and USMC rifle qual courses.

Why Gary and Laurie Holland weren’t aware of this is pretty disappointing.
They also exaggerate the amount of practice that the “Tommies” received in this period. Once WW1 had broken out everyone from Lord Kitchener could notice the lack of emphasis on marksmanship…..which entirely contrasts with the American mentality of the period and Pershing’s instistance that everyone be able to nail a Hun at 600yds.

What no one likes to bring up is that the Germans at Mons WERE being shot at by machine guns and on top of that artillery. The BEF then went on full retreat for 2 non stop weeks, totaling 260 miles.

(1) Got my middle finger shooting technique up to snuff. Nailing targets this way is not a bad technique that makes a lot of sense for shooting rapid stages with a bolt gun. No mods to the SMLE trigger. This is a test to be mastered “as-issued”. (2) Am patiently cleaning the bore of my No.1 Mk III to get decades of gunk out of the grooves layer by layer. There’s a lot in there but it looks better after every gentle cleaning. (3) Replacing the cracked forestock. The glue repair in the old one came apart spectacularly the last time I shot it. It was also the first time I’d shot it. Ordered one from Numrich and they sent a brand new replica walnut one. (4) Assembling dummy rounds and setting up the BeamHit laser to build speed with accuracy.

Anyone in the U.K. or Oz with more info on tuning SMLE clips please post. I’d appreciate any tips.

The best way to savor history is to experience it.

Quite entertaining it was

Roy

That being said, Australian shooters have a special love for the SMLE; clad in an Australian timber called coachwood and often oiled far too much. We are also seeing a return to SMLE shooting competitions.

The key to the Mad Minute is the stripper clip reload. You can start with one in the chamber and 10 in the mag (I once had a mag that could hold 11!) but you will stand and fall on the reload and tuning the stripper clip for the rifle and then practising this is so important. I find the sitting position faster than prone too for working the bolt. (Hint #2: a little Break Free on the bolt helps too!)