26 MANUAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 



are carefully followed, arms may be stored for years without 

 harm. 



(;■) Preparation of solutions: 



^oda solution. — This should be a saturated solution of sal 

 soda (bicarbonate of soda), A strength of at least 20 per cent 

 is necessary. The spoon referred to in the following directions 

 is the model 1910 spoon issued in the mess outfit. 



Sal soda, one-fourth pound, or four (4) heaping spoonfuls. 



Water, 1 pint or cup, model of 1910, to upper rivers. 



The sal soda will dissolve more readily in hot water. 



.Sivabbing solution. — Ammonium persulphate, 60 grains, one- 

 half spoonful smoothed off. 



Ammonia, 28 per cent, 6 ounces, or three-eighths of a pint, or 

 12 spoonfuls. 



Water, 4 ounces, or one-fourth pint, or 8 spoonfuls. 



Dissolve the ammonium persulphate in the water and add the 

 ammonia. Keep in tightly corked bottle ; pour out only what 

 is necessary at the time, and keep the bottle corked. 



Standard metal fouling solution. — Ammonium persulphate, 1 

 ounce, or 2 medium heaping spoonfuls. 



Ammonium carbonate, 200 grains, or 1 heaping spoonful. 



Ammonia, 28 per cent, 6 ounces, or three-eighths pint, or 12 

 siooonfuls. 



Water, 4 ounces, or one-fourth pint, or 8 spoonfuls. 



Powder the persulphate and carbonate together, dissolve in 

 the water and add the ammonia ; mix thoroughly and allow to 

 stand for one hour before using. It should be kept in a strong 

 bottle, tightly corked. The solution should not be used more 

 than twice, and used solution should not be mixed with unused 

 solution, but should be bottled separately. The solution, when 

 mixed, should be used within 30 days. Care should be exer- 

 cised in mixing and using this solution to prevent injury to the 

 rifle. An experienced noncommissioned officer should mix the 

 solution and superintend its use. 



Neither of these ammonia solutions have any appreciable 

 action on steel when not exposed to the air, but if allowed to 

 evaporate on steel they attack it rapidly. Care should, there- 

 fore, be taken that none spills on the mechanism and that the 

 barrel is M-ashed out promptly with soda solution. The first 

 application of soda solution removes the greater portion of the 



