MANUAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 97 



powder space of the top cartridge, the fingers extending around 

 the rifle and tips resting on the magazine floor plate; forces 

 the cartridges into the magazine by pressing down with the 

 thumb ; without removing the clip thrusts tlie bolt home, turn- 

 ing down the handle ; turns the safety lock to the " safe " ; and 

 carries the hand to the small of the stock. 



A skirmish line may load while moving, the rifles being held 

 as nearly as practicable in the position of load. 



If kneeling or sitting, the position of the piece is similar ; 

 if kneeling, the left forearm rests on the left thigh ; if sitting, 

 the elbows are supported by the knees ; if lying dovrn, the left 

 liand steadies and supports the piece at the balance, the toe of 

 the butt resting on the ground, the muzzle off the ground. 



For reference, these positions (standing, kneeling, and lying 

 down) are designated as that of load. (Figs. 15, 16.) 



129. For instruction in loading : 1. Simulate, 2. LOAD. 

 Executed as above described, except that the cut-oft remains 



" off " and the handling of cartridges is simulated. 



The recruits are first taught to simulate loading and firing; 

 after a few lessons dummy cartridges may be used. Later, 

 blank cartridges may be used. 



130. The rifle may be used as a single loader by turning the 

 magazine " off." The magazine may be filled in whole or in 

 part while *' off " or " on " by pressing cartridges singly down 

 and back until they are in the proper place. The use of the 

 rifle as a single loader is, however, to be regarded as excep- 

 tional. 



TO tTNLGAD. 



131. UNLOAD. 



Take the position of load, turn the safety lock up and move 

 bolt alternately back and forward until all the cartridges are 

 ejected. After the last cartridge is ejected the chamber is 

 closed by first thrusting the bolt slightly forward to free it 

 from the stud holding it in place when the chamber is open, 

 pressing the follower down and back to engage it under the 

 bolt, and then thrusting the bolt home ; the trigger is pulled. 

 The cartridges, are then picked up, cleaned, and returned to 

 the belt, and the rifle is brought to the order. 

 366°— 17 4 



