(d) Do not place the weapon on the ground where sand or earth can enter the bore or mechanism.
(e) Before loading the pistol, draw back the slide and look through the bore to see that it is free from obstruction. Before loading the revolver, open the cylinder and look through the bore to see that it is free from obstruction. When loading the pistol for target practice place five cartridges in the magazine and insert the magazine in the handle; draw back the slide and insert the first cartridge in the chamber and carefully lock the hammer.
In loading the revolver place five cartridges in the cylinder and let the hammer down on the empty chamber.
(f) Whenever the pistol is being loaded or unloaded, the muzzle must be kept up.
(g) Do not point the weapon in any direction where an accidental discharge might do harm.
(h) After loading do not cock the revolver or unlock the pistol until ready to fire.
(i) Keep the working parts properly lubricated.
136. Position, dismounted: Stand firmly on both feet, body perfectly balanced and erect and turned at such an angle as is most comfortable when the arm is extended toward the target; the feet far enough apart to insure firmness and steadiness of position (about 8 to 10 inches); weight of body borne equally upon both feet; right arm fully extended, left arm hanging naturally.
Remarks.—The right arm may be slightly bent, although the difficulty of holding the pistol uniformly and of keeping it as well as the forearm in the same vertical plane makes this objectionable.
137. The grip: Grasp the stock as high as possible with the thumb and last three fingers, the forefinger alongside the trigger guard, the thumb extended along the stock. The barrel, hand, and forearm should be as nearly in one line as possible when the weapon is pointed toward the target. The grasp should not be so tight as to cause tremors of the hand or arm to be communicated to the weapon, but should be firm enough to avoid losing the grip when the recoil takes place.