Report of the President's Commission on the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy

Simulated assassination rifle firing test

The Infantry Weapons Evaluation Branch of the Ballistics Research Laboratory conducted a test to evaluate the assassination rifle under conditions simulating those of the assassination. Three NRA-rated master marksmen fired two series of three shots each from a tower at silhouette targets placed at 175, 240, and 265 feet, with the 265-foot target positioned to the right of the 240-foot target. None of the marksmen had prior practice with the assassination weapon beyond a 2–3 minute dry run to exercise the bolt. In the first series, the firers required time spans of 4.6, 6.75, and 8.25 seconds; in the second series, 5.15, 6.45, and 7 seconds. All marksmen hit the first target when given unlimited time, but for the first four attempts they missed the second shot by several inches, requiring movement in the basic firing position. This larger angle between the first and second shots was used to replicate eyewitness testimony that there was a shorter interval between shots two and three. As noted in chapter III, if the three shots had been fired within 4.8 to 5.6 seconds, they would have been evenly spaced without requiring sharp angular movement. Five of the six shots hit the third target, where the angle of weapon movement was small. Based on these results, Simmons testified that the probability of hitting targets at the relatively short range of the assassination was very high. The highest performance level required of the assassin would have been to fire three times and hit twice within 4.8 to 5.6 seconds, and one of the firers in the rapid-fire test accomplished this with times of 4.6 and 5.15 seconds. The others could have reduced their times with practice familiarizing themselves with the bolt and trigger pull. Simmons testified that such bolt familiarity could be achieved through dry practice, which Oswald had engaged in. If the assassin missed the first or third shot, he had between 4.8 and 5.6 seconds between the two hits, and a minimum total time of 7.1 to 7.9 seconds for all three shots. All three firers were able to complete their rounds within the available time frame.