6. When inserting the magazine be sure that it engages the magazine catch. Never insert the magazine by striking it smartly; always apply a continuous push.
7. The pistol must be kept clean, free from rust and properly oiled.
8. Never disassemble the receiver except by permission of a officer.
9. In disassembling the receiver be sure that (a) the disconnector and sear are properly assembled; (b) that the hammer is not snapped when the pistol is partially assembled; (c) that the stocks are not removed; (d) that no hammer is used in either assembling or disassembling.
Care and Cleaning of the Automatic Pistol.
In cleaning the barrel of the automatic pistol after firing proceed as follows: Swab out the bore with soda solution to remove powder fouling. Remove and dry with a couple of patches. Examine to see that no patches of metal fouling are in evidence, then swab out with the swabbing solution—a dilute metal-fouling solution. The amount of swabbing required with the swabbing solution can be determined only by experience assisted by the color of the flannel patches. Normally a couple of minutes’ work is sufficient. Dry thoroughly and oil with sperm oil.
The proper method of oiling a barrel is as follows: Wipe the cleaning rod dry; select a clean patch and thoroughly saturate it with sperm or light slushing oil, being sure that the oil has penetrated the patch; scrub the bore with the patch, finally drawing the patch smoothly from the muzzle to the breech, allowing the cleaning rod to turn with the rifling. The bore will be found now to be smooth and bright so that any subsequent rust or sweating can be easily detected by inspection.
The principles as outlined above apply equally well for the care of the barrel of the sub-calibre cartridge.
MACHINE GUNS AND AUTOMATIC RIFLES AS
EMPLOYED BY THE ARTILLERY.
The field artillery employs machine guns and automatic rifles only defensively, either against hostile aircraft, or against enemy infantry in case of a break-through. For this reason the tactical use of these weapons by the artillery is considerably different from that by the infantry, and the dispositions that must be made are adapted to particular needs.