extending around the piece 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 the bolt home, turning down the handle; turns the safety lock to the “safe” find carries the hand to the small of the stock.  Each rear-rank man moves to the right front, takes a similar position opposite the interval to the right of his front-rank man, muzzle of the piece extending beyond the front rank, and loads.

A skirmish line may load while moving, the pieces 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 down, the left hand 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.

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

Executed as above described, except that the cut-off 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.

141.  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 exceptional.

TO UNLOAD.

142.  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 piece is brought to the order.

TO SET THE SIGHT.

143.  RANGE, ELEVEN HUNDRED (EIGHT-FIFTY, etc.), or BATTLE SIGHT.

The sight is set at the elevation indicated.  The instructor explains and verities sight settings,

TO FIRE BY VOLLEY.

144. 1.  READY, 2.  AIM, 3. Squad, 4.  FIRE.