Reply #103: It's called the "Mad Minute"

[DonP]

The SMLE has a 10 round magazine and the British Army, until the 1950's when they switched to semi autos, were taught the "Mad Minute" drill in their version of basic. (I dont know if they actually achieved that rate for all trainees, I think it was more of a goal than a standard)

They were to fire 60 rounds on a target at 100 yards from a prone position in one minute with their Enfield MkI or Mk 4 model. Somewhere on You Tube there is a video of an older film showing some young trainees doing the drill. There is a huge difference though in the action on the Enfields. It's like the bolt is running in light oil it's so smooth and so incredibly fast, compared to the Springfield or Mauser bolt action.

I know what you mean though. I shoot an '03 in high power competition ... and I'm a lefty, so getting even 10 aimed rounds off at 200 yards with the reload is a challenge. It took me three or four competitions before I was able to actually get all 10 rounds downrange before they called time.

It took me a while to get to know how to use that "Christmas Tree" sight but once you figure it out it's probably my most accurate rifle at anything over 200 yards.