1. Instruction of Officers.—It is necessary for all company officers and sergeants to possess a competent technical knowledge of the inspection, care, and preservation of small arms. Commanding officers will therefore arrange that they shall be instructed annually by the regimental armourer in repairing faults most likely to occur in the field with such tools as would be available, and in the examination of the various components as directed in the following paragraphs:
2. Examination of M.L.M. Rifles.—(i) The interior of the barrel for rusts and cuts.
(ii) (a) The backsight leaf for firmness of joint; that it is not bent; that the slide moves smoothly and fits firmly on the leaf; that the V is not deformed; and that the lines on the slide are clearly marked.
(b) The foresight; that the barleycorn is not deformed.
(iii) The aperture and dial sights; that they are not bent, and work smoothly.
(iv) The bolt cover; for security on the bolt and clearance of the body.
(v) The cocking-piece; for firmness on the striker, that the bents are in good condition, and that the sear nose bears properly.
(vi) The sear; for height of the nose, which should just clear the bottom of the resisting lug on the bolt.
(vii) The butt; that the stock-bolt is properly screwed up.
Note.—In arms marked “2” on the right of the butt, and at the socket of the fore-end, the latter must be removed before attempting to turn the stock-bolt. In screwing it home the precautions prescribed in sub-para. xvii will be carefully observed.