(7) Unloading.—In order to remove a partially spent strip, proceed as follows:—
(a) See that breech is open, cocking if necessary. (b) Hold claw of pawl free from strip by pushing upon lower extremity of feed piece with left hand while withdrawing strip with right.
N.B.—As a live cartridge never remains in the chamber the mere presence or absence of the strip shows whether the gun is loaded.
RAPID CHANGE OF BARREL IN THE FIELD.
In prolonged firing it is sometimes desirable to replace a hot barrel by a fresh one, so as to allow the former to cool.
This operation, which is performed without dismounting any part of the mechanism, requires some 10 to 15 seconds.
Proceed as follows:—
Suppose the gun in the firing position.
The firer unscrews the locking nut one-sixth of a turn with the right hand, using the dismounting wrench.
While the second operator grasps the legs of the barrel rest, quite near the barrel, No. 1 separates the barrel from the receiver by drawing the latter to the rear.