The recruits are first taught to _simulate_ loading and firing; after a few lessons dummy cartridges may be used. Later, blank cartridges may be used. 141. The rifle may be used as a single loader by turning the magazine "off." The magazine may be filled in whole or in part while "off" or "on" by pressing cartridges singly down and back until they are in the proper place. The use of the rifle as a single loader is, however, to be regarded as exceptional. _To Unload._ 142. _UNLOAD._ Take the position of load, turn the safety lock up and move bolt alternately back and forward until all the cartridges are ejected. After the last cartridge is ejected the chamber is closed by first thrusting the bolt slightly forward to free it from the stud holding it in place when the chamber is open, pressing the follower down and back to engage it under the bolt and then thrusting the bolt home; the trigger is pulled. The cartridges are then picked up, cleaned, and returned to the belt and the piece is brought to the order. _To Set the Sight._ 143. _RANGE, ELEVEN HUNDRED (EIGHT-FIFTY, etc.)_, or _BATTLE SIGHT_. The sight is set at the elevation indicated. The instructor explains and verifies sight settings. _To Fire by Volley._ 144. 1. _READY_, 2. _AIM_, 3. _Squad_, 4. _FIRE_. At the command _ready_ turn the safety lock to the "ready;" at the command _aim_ raise the piece with both hands and support the butt firmly against the hollow of the right shoulder, right thumb clasping the stock, barrel horizontal, left elbow well under the piece, right elbow as high as the shoulder; incline the head slightly forward and a little to the right, cheek against the stock, left eye closed, right eye looking through the notch of the rear sight so as to perceive the object aimed at, second joint of forefinger resting lightly against the front of the trigger and taking up the slack; top of front sight is carefully raised into, and held in, the line of sight. Each rear-rank man aims through the interval to the right of his file leader and leans slightly forward to advance the muzzle of his piece beyond the front rank. In aiming kneeling, the left elbow rests on the left knee, point of elbow in front of kneecap. In aiming sitting, the elbows are supported by the knees. In aiming lying down, raise the piece with both hands; rest on both elbows and press the butt firmly against the right shoulder. At the command _fire_ press the finger against the trigger; fire without deranging the aim and without lowering or turning the piece; lower the piece in the position of _Load_ and load. (_C.I.D.R., No. 2._) 145. To continue the firing: 1. _AIM_, 2. _Squad_, 3. _FIRE_. Each command is executed as previously explained. _Load_ (from magazine) is executed by drawing back and thrusting home the bolt with the right hand, leaving the safety lock at the "ready." _To Fire at Will._ 146. _FIRE AT WILL._