(_b_) Draw cocking handle to rear as far as possible with a sharp quick movement. (_c_) Return cocking handle to its original position, and set at “R” for single shots, “A” for automatic and “S” for safety. (5) =Loading= is ordinarily performed by a second operator, who takes the prone position to the right of gun, with ammunition conveniently at hand. (_a_) Raise feed piece to its uppermost position by pushing up on its lower extremity with left hand, placing thumb on feed piece cover. (_b_) With right hand introduce a feed strip into guides, cartridge side down, and push home until the pawl catches. N.B.—If gun is operated by but one man, loading will be found more convenient if the elevating mechanism is not used; the firer performs both operations of lifting the feed piece and introducing the strip with the right hand, the left hand meanwhile steadying the gun by grasping the stock. (6) =Firing.=—The gun is fired by pulling the trigger. (_a_) Single shots: Set cocking handle at “R” (repetition). One shot is fired each time trigger is pulled. (_b_) Automatic firing: Set cocking handle at “A” (automatic). If trigger is held back the entire strip of 30 rounds is fired automatically. (_c_) Volley firing: Set cocking handle at “A” (automatic). The trigger may be released after some 3, 5, or 10 rounds, as circumstances require, aim quickly altered and firing resumed, _i.e._, the strip of 30 rounds is fired in volleys, as required. (_d_) Safety: Set cocking handle at “S” (safety) and remove strip, unless firing is to be promptly resumed. N.B.—The trigger must be released at the end of each strip, so that the sear will hold the piston at the cocked position during the introduction of the following strip. Otherwise, as soon as the feed piece is raised preparatory to loading the breech will close, necessitating recocking the gun before continuous firing. (7) Unloading.—In order to remove a partially spent strip, proceed as follows:— (_a_) See that breech is open, cocking if necessary. (_b_) Hold claw of pawl free from strip by pushing upon lower extremity of feed piece with left hand while withdrawing strip with right. N.B.—As a live cartridge never remains in the chamber the mere presence or absence of the strip shows whether the gun is loaded. RAPID CHANGE OF BARREL IN THE FIELD. In prolonged firing it is sometimes desirable to replace a hot barrel by a fresh one, so as to allow the former to cool. This operation, which is performed without dismounting any part of the mechanism, requires some 10 to 15 seconds. Proceed as follows:— Suppose the gun in the firing position. The firer unscrews the locking nut one-sixth of a turn with the right hand, using the dismounting wrench.