7. Push gun out of ways, supported by men, and remove.
Note.—In using pick handles do not place them under dust guards at gun lugs. Care must be taken to keep gun properly supported at same level as cradle guides at all points until free of guides.
In remounting gun on cradle be sure that ways are well oiled and ways and slides thoroughly clean. Mounting gun is the reverse of IV.
V. To Remove Counter-recoil Springs.
1. Close and latch trails. (Open spring-cylinder cover.)
2. Set brake and drive one spade (to secure carriage).
3. Remove breechblock (see VI.)
4. Attach spring-compressor to right spring rod (see I-7).
5. Secure single block of retracting apparatus to fixed point, such as “dead man,” driven spade, or tree. The holding power of this fixed point must be at least equivalent to a driven spade and attaching point of rope should not be higher than center of spring rod.
Note.—Sufficient slack of rope must be allowed to permit spring compressor to travel full length of spring cylinder and be detached from spring rod at front end.