Figure 3-21.--Loading cartridges into the magazine, 20 rounds
capacity.
LOADING THE MAGAZINE
The magazine has a capacity of 20 rounds and may
be loaded with any amount up to that capacity. The
magazine follower has a raised portion generally
resembling the outline of a cartridge. Cartridges are
loaded into the magazine so the tips of the bullets point
in the same direction as the raised portion of the follower
(fig. 3-21).
CAUTION
Figure 3-22.--Unloading the magazine with the nose of a cartridge.
Do not load or attempt to load more than
LOADING THE RIFLE
20 rounds in the magazine. Overloading
deforms the lips of the magazine and causes
With the hammer cocked, place the selector lever
malfunctions.
on SAFE. (See fig. 3-6.) Notice that you cannot place
the selector lever on SAFE unless the rifle is cocked.
You may insert the magazine with the bolt and bolt
UNLOADING THE MAGAZINE
carrier open or closed; however, you should learn to load
with the bolt open. This reduces the possibility of
To prevent damage to the lips of the magazine,
first-round stoppage and saves the time needed to pull
remove the ammunition in the following manner:
the charging handle to the rear.
1. Hold the magazine in your left hand with the
Hold the stock of the rifle under your right arm with
open end away from your body and with the nose of the
your right hand. Grasp the pistol grip; then point the
cartridge down (fig. 3-22, view A).
muzzle in a safe direction. With your left hand, insert
2. Depress the center of the second round in the
the loaded magazine into the magazine housing. Push
magazine using the nose of the cartridge, allowing the
upward until the magazine catch engages and holds the
first round to drop out of the magazine (fig. 3-22, view
magazine. Rap the base of the magazine sharply with
B). Repeat this procedure until you remove all the
the heel of your hand to ensure positive retention. If the
rounds from the magazine except the last one.
action is open, release the bolt by depressing the upper
3. Use the nose of the cartridge to depress the
portion of the bolt catch with the thumb of your left hand,
follower to remove the last round, allowing the last
allowing the action to close, chambering the round. If
round to drop out of the magazine (fig. 3-22, view C).
the action is closed when the magazine is inserted, pull
3-8
