19th century marksmanship training

[Pelago]

what was the course, (if there was one) for US Military during 1860' 1870's 1880's how did it evolve, and where can references be researched, such as field manuals..

when did it go from volley fire to aimed fire?

just curious, My Great Grandfather fought in civil war and indian wars and i just can not imagine napoleonic maneuvers shoulder to shoulder facing fire. scares the crap outta me to think about it

[Maury Krupp]

Ira,

Go to http://www.ahco.army.mil/site/index.jsp

Click on "Military Publications"

Then "Browse"

Then "Browse ONLY Military Publications by historical time period"

The pick the time period and start browsing.

Lots of neat stuff :thup:

Maury

[John Sukey]

Interesting fact, the top rifle scorers in the 1870's were a coast artillery unit in the Washington area.
In the west, where most of the fighting was done, there was little time for practice. The ammunition supply was so bad, that ammunition was reloaded and a kit for doing so was an issue item.

[limazulu]

just curious, My Great Grandfather fought in civil war and indian wars and i just can not imagine napoleonic maneuvers shoulder to shoulder facing fire. scares the crap outta me to think about it

If you are in a group you become a part of group think not individual think. That's the difference.

I stood at the spot along the center of the Union line at Gettysburg where Lee had his men march across the field into cannon fire and guns. Very few individuals would think it's a good idea to go walking towards that.