Resting the butt on the ground No. 1 now mounts the fresh barrel and pushes it home.
Meanwhile No. 2 handles the hot barrel by means of the barrel rest, which he then detaches as follows:—
(a) Fold the legs. (b) Turn the legs forward until in line with the barrel. (c) Pivot the legs half a turn around the lug of the front sight carrier, thus permitting the separation.
The fresh barrel being mounted, No. 2 attaches the barrel rest and resets it.
A hot barrel may be carried by means of dismounting wrench.
COOLING BARREL.
To reduce wear of rifling, the barrel should be kept cool if circumstances allow.
Water is not harmful, and when available may be copiously applied to barrel by means of a sponge or rag.
A hot barrel may be dipped in water, but all traces of latter must be removed from barrel bore and gas cylinder, by blowing through same, by means of cleaning rod, or by firing two or three loose cartridges.
Until all water is blown out of gas cylinder, the gas pressure may be insufficient for ensuring automatic action.