Turn crank handle over against buffer spring, open cover, raise lock, and as the crank handle is allowed to come slowly back raise it and let it rest upon the top of the rear crosspiece.
The cleaning rod may then be used from muzzle of barrel.
Daily cleaning is absolutely necessary for at least ten days after using ball ammunition and the bore should at all times be left coated with oil.
(A double-ended pull through may be used to remove hard fouling.)
Treatment in Frosty Weather.
In frosty weather, when water is kept in the barrel casing, a blanket or some other thick covering should be kept wrapped round the barrel casing to prevent the water freezing. The working parts of the gun should only be slightly oiled with a lightly-oiled rag. In climates where the temperature is likely to fall much below freezing point, not more than about 5 pints of water should be put into the barrel casing (25 per cent. of glycerine mixed with the water will prevent it from freezing so quickly).
MUZZLE ATTACHMENT.
The force of recoil is increased by the use of the muzzle attachment. Defects in the working of the gun are overcome by this means.
It consists of a steel cylinder with a hole bored longitudinally through it, the front end of cylinder being partially closed by a screw. Gases escaping from the muzzle of barrel are partially confined to the interior of attachment, the pressure of the gas acting on the muzzle of barrel giving additional recoil.
It is fitted by unscrewing the packing gland from the barrel casing, and screwing the attachment into the packing gland by means of the steam tube and packing gland key.