Are your questions also coming from a standpoint of modern tech. such that a sniper could accurately measure range using a modern rangefinder? This was circa t

Are your questions also coming from a standpoint of modern tech. such that a sniper could accurately measure range using a modern rangefinder? This was circa the 1916-1918 time-frame. Modern range finding equipment did not exist, and what did exist at the time very likely required someone carrying a rather large range finding target over to the enemy lines to use to determine range (with the obvious negative result to that poor individual). With no easy way to determine range (distance to target) beyond eyeball estimates, the only real way to sight in the sniper rifle was by taking test shots at a target and watching where one's bullet actually lands as compared to that target.