Fig. 93.
A hopper (a, [Fig. 93]) is hinged to the frame which supports the gun just over the carrier-block, and has in it an opening, b, through which the strips, with the cartridges down, are fed. This opening is narrow in front and wide in rear to prevent the cartridge being introduced wrong end to the front. Below the opening, b, is a shelf, c, so shaped as to guide the cartridges and strips into the opening. Above the shelf is a flat spring, d, which presses the cartridges down as they pass through the opening.
A wedge, e, projects from the opposite side of the hopper, and, acting on each cartridge in turn, forces it out of the strip, the tongues, a, bending downward into the recess provided for them. The carrier-block, f, is provided with projections which act like the teeth of a wheel upon the cartridges, forcing the strip to the right.
When in use, a strip containing cartridges is pushed into the opening, b, of the hopper. The crank is rotated and the strip is forced to the right through the hopper. This action brings each cartridge in succession against the point of the wedge, e, which forces the cartridge out of its hold on the strip by bending downward the tongues, a, and the cartridge is deposited in the groove of the carrier-block, the empty strip passing to the right.
Before Firing the Gun.—The following points should be attended to:
The adjuster-nut should be at its proper position, viz., with the marks in line with each other.
The safety-cam (cocking-switch) should be set to fire arrow-head on knob pointing forward.
The shell-guide should be in its place and the hopper locked down.
Never turn the crank quickly while the lock-plug is out.
See that the safety-cam is turned out of firing position when the gun is being worked without cartridges.