Doyle said: I guess it is like this. In today’s Marine Corp, every Marine is trained as a rifle man. Clearly not every Marine's job entails his using a rifle, But, of those that do, some of those Marines are quite excellent marksman. And they can hit their target at great ranges.

Although my experience was in yesterday's Marine Corps, I know first hand that 8 of 10 timed hits from the 500 yard line [X & C course] on 3 different, tan on buff, pop up, 1/4 torso, silhouettes will get the sniper recruiters very interested. Marine snipers [at that time anyway], typically operated as a 2 man team, with a spotter and a shooter. Those guys train[ed] at even greater distances.

Marines can [or did] qualify at the rifle range progressively as "Marksman" or even better as "Sharpshooter". But, if you excel at each of the 200 & the 300 & 500 yard lines, then you go to the head of the class as "Expert".

Actually, if you get your "dope" [windage and elevation] set accurately, it seemed automatic--if you have a shooting eye. Plus, we weren't limited by a shortage of ammuniton for the rifle range like the typical CSA infantry man. Although, we did have to police our brass.

I doubt if I could hit a barn from 20 yards with one of those rifled muskets. I might could "wound" that barn with buck and ball.