ARTRIDGES, 2. LOAD.

At the command load each front rank man or skirmisher faces half right
and carries the right foot to the right, about 1 foot, to such position
as will insure the greatest firmness and steadiness of the body; raises
or lowers the piece and drops it into the left hand at the balance, left
thumb extended along the stock and the muzzle at the height of the
breast. With the right hand he turns and draws the bolt back, takes a
loaded clip and inserts the ends in the clip slots, places the thumb on
the powder space of the top cartridge, the fingers 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" and 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.

For purposes of simulated firing, 1. SIMULATE, 2. LOAD, raise the
bolt handle as in the preceding paragraph, draw the bolt back until the
cocking piece engages, then close the bole, and turn the bolt handle
down.

The recruits are first taught to simulate loading and firing; after a
few lessons dummy cartridges are used. Later blank cartridges may be
used.

TO UNLOAD

Unload: Take the position of load, turn the safety lock up and move
the bolt alternately backward and forward until all the cartridges are
ejected. After the last cartridge is ejected the chamber is closed by
pressing the follower down with the fingers of the left hand, 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.

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