246 MANUAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 



the nomenclature of those parts of the weapon necessary to an 

 understanding of its action and use and the proper measures 

 for its care and preservation. Ordnance pamphlets Nos. 1866 

 (description of the Colt's automatic pistol), 1919, and 1927 (de- 

 scriptions of the Colt's revolver, calibers .38 and .4.5, respec- 

 tively), contain full information on this subject, and are fur- 

 nished to organizations armed with these weapons. 



Careless handling of the pistol or revolver is the cause of 

 many accidents and results in broken parts of the mechanism. 

 The following rules will, if followed, prevent much trouble of 

 this character: 



(a) On taking the pistol from the armrack or holster, takc^ 

 out the magazine and see that it is empty before replacing it ; 

 then draw back the slide and make sure that the piece is un- 

 loaded, Observe the same precaution after practice on the 

 target range, and again before replacing the pistol in the 

 holster or in the armrack. When taking the revolver from the 

 armrack or holster and before returning it to the same, open 

 the cylinder and eject empty shells and cartridges. Before be- 

 ginning a drill and upon arriving on the range observe the 

 same precaution. 



(&) Neither load nor unlock the weapon until the moment of 

 firing, nor until a run in the mounted course is started. 



(c) Always keep the pistol or revolver in the position of 

 "Raise pistol" (par. 147, Cavalry Drill Regulations, 1910), 

 except when it is pointed at the target. (The position of 

 " Low^er pistol" is authorized for mounted firing only.) 



{d) Do not place the weapon on the ground where sand or 

 earth can enter the bore or mechanism. 



(e) Before loading the pistol, draw back the slide and look 

 through the bore to see that it is free from obstruction. Before 

 loading the revolver, open the cylinder and look through the 

 bore to see that it is free from obstruction. When loading 

 the pistol for target practice place five cartridges in the maga- 

 zine and insert the magazine in the handle; draw back the 

 slide and insert the first cartridge in the chamber and carefully 

 lock the hammer. 



In loading the revolver place five cartridges in the cylinder 

 and let the hammer down on the empty chamber. 



(/) Whenever the pistol is being loaded or unloaded, the 

 nnizzle must be kept up. 



