No. 1797 

HANDBOOK OF RANGE-FINDERS 
70 CM. AND 80 CM. BASE 
FOR USE OF INFANTRY AND CAVALRY 
WITH DESCRIPTION AND INSTRUCTIONS 
FOR THEIR CARE AND USE 

(TWELVE PLATES) 

DECEMBER 9, 1915 

WASHINGTON 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 
1917 

No. 1797 

HANDBOOK OF RANGE-FINDERS 
70 CM. AND 80 CM. BASE 
FOR USE OF INFANTRY AND CAVALRY 
WITH DESCRIPTION AND INSTRUCTIONS 
FOR THEIR CARE AND USE 

(TWELVE PLATES) 

DECEMBER 9, 1915 

WASHINGTON 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 
1917 

WAR DEPARTMENT, 
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE, 

Washington, December 9, 1915. 

This manual is published for the information and government of the Regular Army 
and Organized Militia of the United States. 
By order of the Secretary of War: 

WILLIAM CROZIER, 
Brigadier General, Chief of Ordnance* 
(3) 

364469 

CONTENTS 

Page. 

Self-contained base range-finders 7 

Goerz range-finder (80 cm. base) 13 

Bausch & Lomb range-finder (70 cm. base) 17 

Bausch & Lomb range-finder (80 cm. base) 21 

Care and preservation 25 

(5) 

SELF-CONTAINED BASE RANGE-FINDERS. 

GENERAL PRINCIPLE. 

x 

If the length of one side and the value of any two angles of a 
triangle are known, the length of the other two sides of the triangle 
can be calculated. 





ANGLE TO BE 
MEASURED. 



Fig.l. .Fig. 2 

Thus, in figure 1, if the length of the side AB and the angles BAD 
and DBA are known, the remaining sides AD and BD can be calcu- 
lated. 

If the length of the side AB is fixed and the angle BAD remains a 
right angle, then it is only necessary to measure the angle DBA in 
order to be able to calculate the lengths of the sides AD and BD. 
It will be seen from figure 1 that the longer the side AD becomes 

(7) 



8 

(as AD r ), the larger the angle DBA becomes (as D'BA), and that 
for any given length of AD there will always be a corrsponding 
value of the angle DBA. 

Suppose, therefore, that a range-finder be constructed by placing 
a telescope at the point A and so arrange it that its axis or line of 
sight makes a right angle with the line AB. Place another telescope 
at the point B and so arrange it that the angle DBA which its lino 
of sight makes with the line AB, can be measured. Then if the line 
AB is known and remains fixed, the length of the sides AD or the 
range of the object D from A can be computed. (See fig. 2.) 

A table can be computed giving the length of the side AD of the 
triangle ABD for all values of the angle DBA from to 90 for a 
fixed length of base AB. Then instead of graduating the angle- 
measuring scale on the telescope at B in degrees, graduate it with 
its corresponding values of the lengths of the side AD. We now 
have a range-finder which by measuring the angle DBA with the 
telescope at B will read directly the range of the object D from A. 

To use such a range-finder, the observer at the telescope A would 
lay his telescope on object D, whose range from A is desired. As the 
telescope A is rigidly connected at right angles to the base line AB, 
the whole apparatus together with the telescope at B would be moved 
at the same time. The observer at B would then turn his telescope 
until the image of D coincided with the cross wire. The range AD 
could then be read directly from the angle scale on the telescope at B. 

The single observer infantry and cavalry range-finder goes a step 
further and by means of reflexing prisms or mirrors permits a single 
observer to see the images from both telescopes A and B in a single 
eyepiece located midway between A and B. An observer looking 
into this eyepiece sees the field divided into two parts by a hori- 
zontal line. In the lower part of the field the observer sees the 
image from the telescope at A and in the upper part of the field the 
image from the telescope at B. There are other types of range- 
finders in which the field is divided into three parts. 

In the single observer infantry range-finder when the telescope 
at B is turned, an object in the upper field observed through the. eye- 
piece appears to move laterally across the field. 

Plate I gives a diagrammatic sketch of a self-contained base, 
single observer range-finder. 

A study of Plate I will show that the instrument is equivalent to 
two telescopes. On the left side is the fixed telescope corresponding 
to the telescope at A in the improvised range-finder just described. 
In the left telescope the light traverses the objective lens, the coin- 
cident prism D and the eyepiece consisting of the field lens G and 
the eyelens F. The line of sight of the left-hand telescope is turned 



through 90 by means of the reflecting prism A. At the right-hand 
side is the movable telescope corresponding to the telescope at B in 
figure 2 of our improvised range-finder. In the right-hand telescope 
the light traverses the objective lens, the angle measuring prism P, 
the coincident prism D', and the same eyepiece (G and F). As before, 
the line of sight of the right-hand telescope is turned through^QO by 
means of the reflecting prism B. 

Instead of moving the telescope at the right-hand side mechani- 
cally, in order to measure the angle DBA (fig. 1), the line of sight of 
the telescope is moved optically by means of the reflecting prism P. 
This prism is sometimes called the angle-measuring prism or wedge. 
The reflecting prism P carries a range scale which is graduated 
directly in yards of range. Thus, moving the reflecting prism P 
laterally along AB corresponds to a movement of the line of sight of 
the right-hand telescope, and the angle which the line of sight of 
this telescope makes with the line AB (fig. 1) is read in terms of the 
range AD (fig. 1) on the range drum attached to the reflecting prism. 

Referring to Plate I, if CA and C'B are parallel rays of light from 
an object at an infinite distance, they will meet at the center D. If 
the object is at the finite C and C", then CA will be reflected to D 
as before, but C"B will be reflected to D'. The angle D'BD is equal 
to the angle C'BC" and varies with the distance of the observed 
object. The ray BD' could be made to take the direction of BD by 
revolving the reflector B, but the amount of this revolution is so 
small for moderate changes in range and so difficult for accurate 
measurement that the same result is obtained by the use of the 
prism P, the reflecting angle of which is very small. 

A position of the reflecting prism P can be found varying with the 
distance of the observed object where the reflected ray will pass 
through the point D, thus meeting the ray CAD. The two coincid- 
ing images of the same prisms are so placed at the point D that they 
reflect the light from both ends of the range-finder into the eyelens 
F, and the images are actually found at a point in front of the eye- 
lens, the position of the images depending upon the type of the 
instrument. Since there is a certain position of the prism P which 
will bring the two halves of the object into coincidence, then a suit- 
ably graduated scale attached to the prism and moving with it will 
record the distance of the object corresponding to the position of 
the prism. 

In the actual range-finder various prism and lens combinations are 
employed in the place of the simple parts shown in Plate I, in Older 
to obtain the desired erect or invert appearance of the partial images 
in the field of view (see Plate IV). All the optical elements are 
inclosed in a tube. As the tube is liable to be distorted as a result 
10523917 2 



10 

of the effect of temperature changes, or of handling during the work- 
ing of the instrument, it is necessary to adopt a type of end reflector 
that will not alter the direction of the beams of light entering the 
range-finder even if its position were varied by small amounts. 
Nearly all, except the earlier range-finders, are made with a prism, 
known as the pentagonal or Prandl prism, to take the place of the 
reflectors A,, and B on Plate I. 

A prism of this type, designed to bend the rays of light through 
an angle of 90 degrees, consists of a block of glass having two reflect- 
ing faces placed at an angle of 45 degrees to one another. It is neces- 
sary that these two reflecting faces should be silvered, as the angle 
of incidence is within the critical angle of glass. Any rotation of 
such a prism about an axis perpendicular to the column normal 
plane of the two reflecting surfaces does not affect the direction of 
the double reflecting beam of light, as the effect of the rotation of one 
reflecting surface is exactly balanced by the equal rotation of the 
two reflecting surfaces. 

Instead of using an angle-measuring prism like P (Plate I) , which 
slides horizontally along the base of the range-finder, two rotating 
prisms are often used. These prisms are rotated in opposite direc- 
tions by gearing connected to the range drum. 

The actual arrangement of the optical parts used in the Goerz 
80 cm. base range-finder are shown on Plate IV. 

TYPES OF RANGE-FINDERS. 

There are several different types of self-contained range-finders, 
three of which are described in this pamphlet, namely, the invert 
single-coincidence, the invert double-coincidence, and the erect 
double-coincidence types. 

All the 80 cm. base Goerz range-finders issued to the service are of 
the invert single-coincidence type. The Bausch & Lomb instru- 
ments, 70 and 80 cm. base are of the invert double-coincidence type 
except 1 70 cm. base instrument No. 14 which is of the erect double- 
coincidence type. 

In the invert single-coincidence type the entire upper field is 
inverted but not reversed, right or left, giving the effect as though 
the lower field was reflected in the sky. 

In the invert double-coincidence type the narrow strip in the center 
of the field is inverted, the upper field remaining erect. This type 
gives a greater effective field for observation and permits coincidence 
to be made on two edges of the invert field when the target has a 
vertical straight line, as in a chimney or edge of a building. Its 
optics, however, are more complex. 



11 

The erect double-coincidence type is similar to the invert double- 
coincidence type except that the image in the central narrow strip 
is erect. 

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS. 

The best denned part of an object should be selected to range on. 

Coincidence should always be made in the center of the field of 
view and if possible with the dividing line at right angles to the 
object observed. 

Upon the accuracy of the coincidence setting depends the accuracy 
of the range determination. No difficulty should be experienced on 
the part of the observer in obtaining good results after a little practice 
or even at the first attempt, but in range finding as in anything else 
accuracy increases with practice. 

It has been found that different observers have what might be 
called personal errors which diminish as their experience increases. 
The range observer should therefore be given every opportunity for 
practice in measuring angles and ranges, and in making the halving 
adjustments. When both edges of the object are equally well defined 
the observer should always make his coincidence on the same edge, 
right or left. Individual observers have obtained better results by 
so doing than if they used the right edge sometimes and the left edge 
at other times. It is advisable when time permits to obtain the 
range by taking the mean of several consecutive readings. 

With targets moving laterally across the field it is best to adjust 
the images on the edge from which the targets are moving, and to 
make the measurements for range while the target runs across the 
field. 

Before observing range, the adjustments for height and for distance 
should be tested, and corrected if necessary. Adjustment for height 
should always be made before adjustment to correct for errors in 
distance. See the descriptions of the different range-finders for the 
methods of making the adjustments for height and distance. 



GOERZ RANGE-FINDER. 

(80 CM. BASE.) 



EQUIPMENT AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

The instrument (Plates V, VI, and XII) consists of the range- 
finder, the tripod, the adjustment bar, the accessories, and the carry- 
ing case. 

The principal parts of the range-finder proper are the 
A. Eyepiece. 
B. Finder. 
C. Measuring screw. 
D. Range scale. 

E. Protective cap for height adjustment'screw. 
F. Protective cap for range adjustment'screw. 
K. Entrance apertures. 
K.' 

L. Locking hook. 

The tripod consists principally of the 
M. Hook bolt. 
N. Legs. 

O. Metal tubing extension. 
P. Locking screws for O. 
Q. Locking lever for N. 
R. Casing. 

S. Locking screw for spur. 
T. Spur. 

U. Locking screw for pivot. 
V. Locking screw for tilting joint. 
W. Elevation screw. 
The accessories are comprised of 
X. Adjustment bar. 
Y. 2 color screens. 
Z. 2 sun shades. 

1 piece shamois skin. 
1 brush. 
Optical data: 

Invert single-coincidence type. 
Magnifying power, 10. 
Actual field of view in degrees, 4. 
Entrance pupil, 1 inch. 
Exit pupil, 0.1 inch. 

Shortest distance measurable, 400 yards. 

(13) 



14 



Plate IV shows the optical elements mounted in the same relative 
position as in the instrument. 

The accuracy of the instruments, even under the most favorable 
conditions, will be unavoidably influenced by a known error. In the 
following table the lowest values of these errors are given, but when 
the air is unsteady or the target is unfavorable, these errors may be 
increased five times. 

Yards. 

900 yards 4. 9 

1,000 yards 6 

1 , 500 yards 12.5 

2,000 yards 23.8 

3,000 yards 54 



Yards. 

400 yards 1 

500 yards 1. 25 

600 yards 2 

700 yards 3 

800 yards 3. 8 



OPERATION. , 

This type of range-finder may be used in the prone, kneeling, or 
standing position. The spur (T), Plate VI, is used as a support for 
the range-finder when in a prone position . Where the soil is soft the 
spur is pushed as one piece vertically into the ground. For use on 
hard soil the three parts composing the spur are spread and used as a 
short tripod. For use with the tripod the spur is folded together, 
inserted into the casing R of the tripod, and locked securely by locking 
screw S. The instrument can also be used in the prone and kneeling 
positions by supporting it with the hands. 

For use in standing position the tripod legs must first be lengthened 
by loosening locking screws P and allowing metal tubing extension 
O to drop out, after which locking screws P are again tightened. If 
necessary, the spur T can be adjusted in the casing R to suit the 
height of the observer's eyes. 

Take the range-finder from the carrying case, with eyepiece turned 
toward the observer, and seat the instrument firmly on the tripod. 
Remove the protective hoods from the entrance apertures and put 
on sun screens Y if necessary, turn range-finder toward the target 
and fasten locking screw U, release locking screw V, turn range- 
finder so that its longitudinal axis is horizontal and relock screw V. 
Dismounting is accomplished in the reverse order. 

ADJUSTMENTS. 

A. ADJUSTMENT FOR HEIGHT. 

When in sighting at an object the partial images do not touch the 
dividing line with similar points, so that one image reaches the 
dividing line before the other (fig. 6, Plate II), the instrument is not 
in adjustment for height. 

To correct this error the range-finder must be trained at an 
object having a sharply defined horizontal line or particularly promi- 



15 

nent point, and the images brought laterally exactly opposite each 
other by means of the measuring screw. The protective cap E, 
Plate VI, is then raised and by means of the height-adjustment 
screw the images of the clearly defined line or prominent point, in 
both the upper and lower fields, are brought equidistant from the 
dividing line. Having made this adjustment, test it by turning the 
elevating screw W until similar points just touch the dividing line 
(see fig. 5, Plate II). The adjustment made, the protective cap is 
replaced to guard against unauthorized or accidental shifting. 

B. ADJUSTMENT FOR DiSTANCE. 

The adjustment for the correction of errors in distance is made 
with the adjustment bar, Plates V and VI. This bar is set up not 
less than 100 yards from the range-finder and directly facing it. The 
adjustment bar is provided with a v finder, by means of which the 
axis of the bar can be placed at right angles with the line joining the 
range-finder and the center of the adjustment bar. Both ends of 
the adjustment bar are marked with a black line. The distance 
between these lines is the same as that between the centers of the 
entrance apertures of the range-finder. The targets are made to 
coincide as shown in figure 9, Plate III, by means of the measuring 
screw (C) and the reading of the range scale noted. 

This should be repeated several times to insure accuracy, and if 
the average reading does not show infinity a readjustment must be 
made. This adjustment is made by bringing the infinity setting of 
the range drum opposite the index and making coincidence of the 
targets by means of the range-adjustment screw (F), Plate VI. To 
insure accuracy coincidence should be made several times, noting 
the readings of the scale on the range-adjustment screw. The final 
adjustment should then be made by setting the range-adjustment 
screw at its average setting. The protective cap should then be 
closed and secured to prevent accidental or unauthorized disarrange- 
ment. 

MEASURING RANGES. 

The eyepiece is provided with an adjustment for individual cor- 
rection, equipped with a diopter scale. If this correction is not 
known it should be determined before any attempt is made to 
measure ranges. The determination of the individual correction is 
made by turning the eyepiece until the details appear sharply defined 
in the field of the range-finder. The resulting number on the diopter 
scale should then be memorized for future use. The color screen is 
provided to protect the eyes of the observer from a glare of light. 

The range-finder having been set approximately on the target (if 
necessary, by means of the open sight), the object is looked for in 



16 

the field of view. Movement in azimuth is accomplished by turning 
the range-finder on the tripod pivot after loosening locking screw 
(U), (see Plate VI). For use with stationary targets this screw is 
relocked after the instrument is properly set. The movement in 
elevation is accomplished by means of the elevation screw (W), 
Plate V. 

The field of view of a range-finder of the single coincidence invert 
type is divided into two parts by a horizontal line. In the lower 
part the image of the object appears upright, while in the upper part 
it is inverted (fig. 3, Plate II) . 

By turning the height adjustment screw the images are lined up 
so that the proper points will touch the dividing line (fig. 4, Plate II) . 

By turning the measuring screw (C), Plate VI, the image is shifted 
laterally until similar points of the object are exactly above one 
another (fig. 5, Plate II). The distance is then read on the range 
scale. 

With targets which have no prominent vertical lines or points, but 
show horizontal lines, such as tops of heights, entrenchments, etc., 
the distance is measured on the horizontal line by setting the instru- 
ment vertical (fig. 10, Plate III). For this purpose the locking 
screw is loosened and the range-finder turned down on the left until 
vertical. Measurements are taken in the same manner as described 
above. The image first appears as illustrated in figure 7, Plate II. 
By turning the measuring screw the partial images are shifted so 
that the horizontal line is continued exactly on the dividing line 
(fig. 8, Plate II). 



BAUSCH & LOME RANGE-FINDER. 

(70 CM. BASE.) 



EQUIPMENT AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

The instrument (Plates VII and VIII) consists of the range-finder 
proper, the tripod, the accessories, and the carrying cases (Plate IX). 
The principal parts of the range-finder proper and the tripod 
mount are the 

A.- Entrance apertures. 

B. Range roller. 

C. Revolving collar (covering rollers). 

D. Height-adjustment roller. 
D'. Range-adjustment roller (not seen). 

E. Eyepiece. 

F. Window for illuminating range scale. 

G. Window for illuminating adjusting marks. 

H. "Air" and " field " adjustment. 

I. Locking screw for pivot. 

J. Releasing plunger. 

K. Elevation screw. 

L. Casing. 

M. Spur. 

N. Shoulder strap. 

P. Eyepiece cover. 

R. Range-adjustment levers. 

S. Reference scale. 

T. Open sight. 

V.- Locking lever for leveling device. 
The accessories are comprised of 

O. 2 color screens, 1 brush, and 1 piece of chamois. 
The carrying case equipment (Plate IX) consists of the 

W. Range-finder, case with tripod. 

X. Range-finder support. 

Y. Tripod mount case. 
Optical data : 

Invert double-coincidence type. 

Magnifying power, about eleven times. 

Actual field of view in degrees, 4. 

Entrance pupil, 1 inch. 

Exit pupil, 0.1 inch. 

Shortest distance measurable, 400 yards. 

(37) 



18 

The accuracy of the measurements even under the most favorable 
conditions will be unavoidably influenced by a known error. In the 
following table the lowest values of these errors are given, but when 
the air is unsteady or the target is unfavorable these errors may be 
increased five times. 

Yards. [ Yards. 

400 yards 0. 7 j 900 yards 3. 9 

500 yards 1:1 I 1,000 yards 4. 4 



600 yards 1. 6 

700 yards 2. 2 

800 yards 2. 8 



1,600 yards 11 

2 ,000 yards 17 

3,000 yards 39 



OPERATION. 

The range-finder may be used in the prone, kneeling, or standing 
position. The spur M is used as a support for the range-finder when 
in a prone position. Where the soil is soft, the spur is^pushed as one 
piece vertically into the ground. For use .on hard soil, the three 
parts composing the spur are spread and used as a short tripod. 
For use in the standing position without the tripod, a range-finder 
support is furnished which is hung on the observer's shoulder and 
holds the instrument to the required height. 

This instrument can not be adjusted to the vertical position on 
the tripod. For use with the tripod, the spur is folded together, in- 
serted in the casing L of the tripod, and clamped securely. For use 
in the standing position, the tripod legs are spread and the spur can 
be adjusted in the casing to suit the height of the observer's -eyes. 

ADJUSTMENTS. 

A. ADJUSTMENT FOR HEIGHT. 

If, when in sighting at an object, the partial images do not touch 
with similar points on the line on which coincidence is to be made, 
the instrument is out of adjustment for height. To correct for this 
error, the range-finder must be trained on some object having sharply 
defined details and the images brought exactly opposite each other 
by means of the range roller (B), Plate VII. The revolving cover (C) 
is moved back to uncover the height adjustment roller (D') and the 
images of similar points of the object brought equidistant from the 
dividing line upon which coincidence is to be made by turning the 
roller (D'). Both images may then be made to touch the dividing 
line simultaneously by turning the elevation screw (K). The height- 
adjustment roller should always be covered when not in use. 

B. ADJUSTMENT FOR DISTANCE. 

These Bausch & Lomb range-finders have no adjustment bar, but 
are provided with an internal adjusting device. The adjustment for 
correction of errors in distance is made as follows: Turn down both 



19 

range-adjustment levers (R), Plate VIII, until vertical; this throws 
the adjustment marks into the field of view. The locking screw on 
the revolving collar (C), Plate VII, marked " Stadia adjustment" 
is then released and the collar turned until the mark " Stadia adjust- 
ment" is opposite the arrow on the instrument. The range-adjust- 
ment roller (D') is now exposed. The range scale having been pre- 
viously set to read infinity the single adjusting mark is brought 
exactly in the middle of the double adjusting marks by turning the 
range adjustment roller (D') (see fig. 11, Plate III). The position 
is then read on the scale (S), Plate VIII. Should there be any varia- 
tion in the reading of the scale (S) in the several trials the final ad- 
justment should be made by setting the scale at the average setting. 
The revolving cover should then be replaced and the range adjust- 
ment levers turned to a horizontal position. 

MEASURING RANGES. 

The eyepiece is provided with an adjustment for individual correc- 
tion, equipped with a diopter scale. If this correction is not known 
it should be determined before any attempt is made to measure 
ranges. The determination of the individual correction is made by 
turning the eyepiece until the details of distant objects appear 
sharply defined. The resulting number on the diopter scale should 
then be memorized for future use. 

The range-finder having been set approximately on the target, the 
instrument is leveled by loosening the locking lever (V). Movement 
in azimuth is accomplished by loosening the locking screw (I). 
Movement in elevation is accomplished by the elevating screw (K), 
by means of which the points to be ranged on are brought to the coin- 
cidence line. These range-finders being of the double-coincidence 
type have a field divided into three parts. The lower field is erect, 
the narrow band in the center is inverted and the upper field is erect. 
Coincidence therefore may be made on either dividing line. These 
instruments are provided with an "air" and " field'' adjustment by 
which the position of the inverted image may be shifted to make co- 
incidence on either line of separation. ' When the knob (H) is turned 
in the direction of the arrow marked "field," coincidence is had on 
the lower line of separation; when turned to the arrow marked "air/ 7 
coincidence is had on the upper line. By turning the range-roller (B) 
the image is shifted laterally until the vertical edge or points range 
on arc exactly above one another; the range is then made on the 
scale. 

No provision has been made in these mounts for rotating the range- 
finder in a vertical position. 



BAUSCH & LOME RANGE-FINDER. 

(80 CM. BASE.) 



EQUIPMENT AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

The instrument (Plates X, XI, and XII) consists of the range- 
finder proper, the tripods the accessories, and the carrying cases. 

The principal parts of the range-finder proper and of the tripods 
and mount are: 

A Entrance apertures. 
B Range roller. 

C Height-adjusting roller (under slide). 
D Range-correction knob. 
F Eyepiece. 

G Range scale (under slide). 
H Range-correction reference index. 
I Cover for ginible joint screw. 
J Internal adjusting levers. 
M Amber and smoked glass lever. 
O Eyepiece cover. 
P Open sight. 
E Instrument-carrying strap. 
Short tripod and mount: 
Q Releasing plunger. 
R Tilting knob. 
S Elevation knob. 
T Azimuth clamp knob. 
N Spur. 
Long tripod: 

W Tripod legs. 
U - -Tripod clamp knob. 
V -Tripod casing and head. 
The accessories are comprised of 
K Range correction key. 

1 brush and 1 piece of chamois. 
The carrying case equipment consists of 

(a) A large case, with straps, for range-finder proper and 
long tripod. A container is provided in the end of 
this case for the accessories. 

(&) A small carrying case (L) for tripod mount and short 
tripod. 

(21) 



22 



Optical data: 

Invert double-coincidence type. 

Actual field of view in degrees, 4. 

Power, 10.5. 

Entrance pupil, 0.99 inch. 

Exit pupil, 0.09 inch. 

Shortest distance measurable 400 yards. 

The accuracy of the measurements even under the most favorable 
conditions will be unavoidably influenced by a known error. In the 
following table the lowest values of these errors are given, but when 
the air is unsteady or the target is unfavorable, these errors may be 
increased five times. 



Yards. 

400 yards 1 

500 yards 1.25 

00 yards... 2 

700 yards 3 

800 yards : 3. 8 



Yards. 

900 yards 4.9 

1,000 yards 6 

1,500 yards 12.5 

2,000 yards 23.8 

3,000 yards 54 



OPERATION. 

This type of range-finder can be used in the prone, kneeling, or 
standing position. The spur is used as a support for the range- 
finder when in the prone position. Where the soil is soft, the spur 
is pushed as one piece vertically into the ground. For use on hard 
soil, the three parts composing the spur are spread and used as a 
short tripod. For use with the long tripod, the spur is folded together 
and inserted into casing (V), Plate X, of .the tripod, and locked 
securely by means of the tripod clamp knob (U). The spur should 
be adjusted in the tripod casing to suit the height of the observer's 
eye. The instrument can also be used in the prone or kneeling 
position by supporting it with the hands. 

ADJUSTMENTS. 

A. ADJUSTMENT FOR HEIGHT. 

If, when in sighting at an object, the partial images do not touch 
the dividing line with similar points, so that one image reaches the 
dividing line before the other (fig. 6, Plate II), the instrument is 
not in adjustment for height. To correct this error, the range- 
finder must be trained at an object having a sharply defined hori- 
zontal line or particularly prominent point and the images brought 
laterally exactly opposite each other by means of the measuring 
screw. The height-adjusting roller (c) Plate X is then exposed 
by moving the slide marked "halving adjuster" to one side and the 
adjustment made by turning the roller until the images of a clearly 
defined line or prominent point are brought equidistant from the 
dividing line in each field (see fig. 4, Plate II). The height of the 



23 

images in both fields is controlled by means of the elevation knob 
(S), Plate X. The adjustment made, the protective slide is replaced 
to guard against unauthorized or accidental shifting. 

B. ADJUSTMENT FOR DISTANCE. 

See the description of the method of making this adjustment for 
the 70-cm. Bausch & Lomb range-finder, page 18. 

The range scale should be set to read infinity before making this 
adjustment. Bring the two triple mirror prisms in use by pushing 
the actuating levers (J), Plate XI, downward. The illuminator 
for the adjusting mark is opposite the eyepiece. This illuminates 
the adjusting mark on the outward prism and reflects it back through 
the ocular prism, right telescope, right triple-mirror prism, left 
triple-mirror prism, left telescope, and to the ocular prism again, 
where this reflected mark will appear -n the same horizontal plane 
as the index slot, and, if the instrument is not in adjustment, will 
not be equidistant from the sides of the slot. Place key on range 
correction knob (D), Plate X, and turn until the reflected mark is 
equidistant from the sides of the index slot. (See fig. 12, Plate III.) 
Observe the reading on the range correction reference index (H), 
Plate XI. Repeat this operation at least three times and then set 
index (H) at the mean of the three readings. Throw the triple- 
mirror prisms out of the field by means of the actuating levers (J) 
and remove the Adjustment key. The instrument should now be in 
adjustment for reading correct ranges. 

MEASURING RANGES. 

The eyepiece is provided with an adjustment for individual cor- 
rection, equipped with diopter scale and index. If this correction 
is not known, it should be determined before any attempt is made to 
measure ranges. The determination of the individual correction is 
made by turning the eyepiece until the details of distant objects 
appear sharply defined. The resulting number on the diopter scale 
should then be ^memorized for future use. 

Having the instrument mounted upon either tripod, rotate the 
protective bands so as to expose the entrance apertures (A), release 
azimuth clamp (T), and turn the range-finder toward the target. 
Tilt the range-finder until approximately horizontal by means of the 
tilting knob (R), and look for the target in either open sight (P), 
using the elevation knob (S) to elevate or depress the line of sight as 
necessary. 

These range-finders being of the double-coincidence type have the 
field divided into three parts. The lower field is erect, the narrow 
band in the center is inverted, and the upper field is erect. Coinci- 
dence, therefore, must always be made on the lower dividing line. 



24 

> 

Having placed the image of the target in the center of the field of 
view, elevate or depress the line of sight by/tneans of the elevation 
knob (S) until similar points of the target?, in the upper and lower 
fields, are equidistant from the lower dividing line. Turn the range 
roller (B), Plate X, until similar points of the image in the central 
field are exactly above the same points in the lower field. (See fig. 5, 
PL II.) The range is then read on the range scale. 

With targets which have no vertical points or lines but show hori- 
zontal lines, such as tops of heights, intrenchments, etc., the ranges 
are measured on the horizontal line by holding the instrument 
vertical. 

In this connection see also paragaph " General instructions/ 7 
11 of this pamphlet. 



CARE AND PRESERVATION. 



Under no circumstances shall any range-finder be disassembled or 
adjusted except by a skilled mechanic upon order by an Ordnance 
Officer or by an arsenal especially equipped for instrument work. 
The interior is sealed against dust and moisture and any disassembling 
will unseal the internal parts and may cause serious damage to the 
instrument. Every precaution should be taken to preserve the range- 
finder from - unnecessary injury. It should not be thrown on the 
ground or subjected to any avoidable shocks, strains, neglect, or other 
ill usage. To care for the instrument properly those responsible for 
it should familiarize themselves with the functions of its various 
parts, the methods of adjusting, and the proper method of caring for 
the mechanical and optical parts. 

The instrument should be kept in a dry place. The working parts 
should be oiled regularly though, sparingly with oil issued by the Ord- 
nance Department. Proper care should be taken that no oil drops 
upon or reaches the optical surfaces or other parts which do not 
require oiling. 

The range-finder should be protected as much as possible in wet 
weather. When rain ceases or operations are over the outside of the 
range-finder should be wiped off with a cloth. 

The end windows, the scale window, and the eyepiece should be 
wiped with a piece of clean chamois skin especially kept for the pur- 
pose. Dry dust is removed with the brush. 

The metal work should be rubbed down with a dry cloth; cleaning 
paste must not be used on any part of the instrument. 

The greatest care should be taken not to allow any oil or grease to 
get on any of the windows, lenses, or prisms, nor should they be 
touched with the fingers. 

If in any case moisture is found collected on the inner surface of the 
windows or the internal optical parts the end plates to which the 
padded buffers are attached should be removed for a short time to 
allow a current of air to pass through the tube, but this should 
only be done in dry weather, never in rain or fog, or if smoke or dust 
is about the range-finder. 

All work on the range-finder, such as unnecessary turning of screws, 
etc., not incident to its use or cleaning, is strictly forbidden. 

WAR DEPARTMENT, 

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE, 

Washington, December 9, 1915. 

Form No. 1797. 

Ed. June 16-178,000. 

(25) 





DIAGRAM TO ILLUST&rTC THE 

PRINCIPLE: or RANGE ~FINDEKS, 



PLATE II. 





FIG. 3. 



FIG. 4. 





FIG. 5. 



FIG. 6. 





FIG. 7. 



FIG. 8. 



PLATE III. 




FIG. 9. 





FKS.II. 










FIG. 10 



PLATE V. 




It.. 



GOERZ, 80 CM. BASE, RANGE FINDER. FRONT VIEW. 



PLATE VI. 




GOERZ, 80 CM. BASE, RANGE FINDER. REAR VIEW. 



PLATE VIM. 





fc BAUSCH & LOMB, 70 CM. BASE, RANGE FINDER. REAR VIEW. 



PLATE X. 



6 




BAUSCH & LOMB, 80 CM. BASE, RANGE FINDER. FRONT VIEW. 



PLATE XI, 




BAUSCH & LOME, 80 CM. BASE, RANGE FINDER. REAR VIEW. 



PLATE XII, 



GOERZ, 80 CM. BASE, RANGE-FINDER CARRYING CASE. 




BAUSCH & LOMB, 80 CM. BASE, RANGE FINDER, WITH SHORT TRIPOD.