116 COLT'S PISTOLS 



a strap or sling over the back, or at the side. 

 An obvious advantage of this fitting is that, 

 when in action, if all the charges of a repeating 

 arm have been fired, the discharged pistol may 

 be instantly exchanged for the other of the pair 

 in the holster. 



Directions. 



Before loading blow the oil and dust out of the 



Directions nipples, 

 for using 



Colt's Great care should be taken, when Colt's car- 



Pistols, tridges are not used, that all the balls are per- 



fect, and fit the chambers snugly, otherwise the 

 charges may jar out, and more than one chamber be discharged 

 at once. 



1st. Draw back the hammer to half-cock, which 



For Loading allows the cylinder to turn in one direction freely, 

 and Firing. 



2nd. Holding the muzzle erect, place a charge 



of powder in, and a ball upon the mouth of the chamber. 



3rd. Turn the cylinder until the loaded chamber is under the 

 rammer, and force the ball with the lever below the mouth of 

 the chamber ; if the ball fits, the chamber is then hermetically 

 closed and the powder protected from water, damp, and sparks 

 of fire. 



4th. Eeverse the arm and place the percussion caps on the 

 nipples. 



5th. Draw the hammer to full cock, and the arm is ready for 

 firing. 



