23 MANXJAI- FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 



pomarle, or any preparation that cuts or scratches, to clean any 

 part of the rifle. 



To beautify and preserve the stock rub with raw linseed oil. 

 The use of any other preparation on the stoclv is strictly for- 

 bidden. 



Always handle your rifle with care. Don't throw it around 

 as thouj^h it were a club. Don't stand it up against anything 

 uo that it rests against the front sight. Don't leave a stopper 

 or a rag in the bore ; it will cause rust to form at that poiut. 

 It may also cause the gun barrel to burst if a shot is fired 

 before removing it. 



Guard the sights and muzzle carefully from any blow that 

 might injure them. The front sight cover should always be on 

 the rifle except when rifle is being fired, This is especially 

 necessary to protect the front sight while rifle is being carried 

 in scabbard by a mounted man. 



In coming to the " order arms," lower the piece gently to the 

 ground. 



When there is a cartridge in the chamber the piece is always 

 carried locked. In this position the safety lock should be 

 kept turned fully to the right, since if it be turned to the left 

 nearly to the " ready " position and the trigger be pulled, the 

 rifle will be discharged when the safety lock is turned to the 

 " ready " position at any time later on. 



Cartridges can not be loaded from the magazine unless the 

 bolt is drawn fully to the rear. When the bolt is closed, or 

 only partly open, the cut-off may be turned up or down as 

 desired, but if the bolt is drawn fully to the rear, the magazine 

 can not be cut off unless the top cai-tridge or the follower be 

 pressed down slightly and the bolt pushed forward so that the 

 cut-off may be turned " off." 



In the case of a misfire, don't open the bolt immediately, as it 

 may be a hangfire. Misfires are often due to the fact that the 

 bolt handle was not fully pressed down. Sometimes in pulling 

 the trigger the soldier raises the bolt handle without knowing it. 



Unless otherwise ordered, arms will be unloaded before being 

 taken to quarters or tents, or as soon as the men using them 

 are relieved from duty. 



Keep the working parts oiled. 



