Previous: F-22: Cone of Fire
F-23. The beaten zone is the elliptical pattern formed when the rounds within the cone of fire strike the ground or target. The size and shape of the beaten zone change as a function of the range to and slope of the target, but is normally oval or cigar shaped and density of rounds decreases toward the edges. Gunners and AR should engage targets to take maximum effect of the beaten zone. The simplest way to do this is to aim at the center base of the target. Most rounds will not fall over the target, and falling short creates ricochets into the target. (See figure F-8, page F-12.)
Next: F-24: Effective Beaten Zone
Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad