(_a_) When a magazine is in the pistol: Lower the pistol into the left hand, rotating it so that the sights move to the left; grasp the slide with the left hand, back of the hand down, barrel pointing downward to the left front, stock pointing upward to the right front; release the magazine catch with the middle finger of the left hand; withdraw the magazine with the right hand; insert the designated magazine and resume =raise pistol=. If there be no empty space in the magazine pocket when the magazine is withdrawn from the pistol, the magazine may be held between the left thumb and the stock of the pistol until the magazine has been taken from the pocket and inserted; the magazine withdrawn from the pistol is then inserted in the magazine pocket. Whenever the magazine catch is released, the right hand should be so placed as to limit the motion of the magazine and prevent its falling out. (_b_) =When no magazine is in the pistol=: Lower the pistol into the left hand and grasp it as before; insert the designated magazine and resume =raise pistol=. A loaded magazine will never be inserted without specific command. =151.= Being at =raise pistol= with a loaded magazine in the pistol, to load: =LOAD=: Push down the safety lock and lower the pistol to the bridle hand as prescribed for inspection pistol when a magazine is in the pistol (par. 148 (_a_)); operate the slider, engage the safety lock with the right thumb, and raise pistol. (Fig. 35.) To simulate loading for instruction, first withdraw the empty magazine. The command load may be given in connection with the insertion of the magazine, for example: 1. =Insert=, 2. =LOADED MAGAZINE=; 3. =LOAD.= After inserting magazine, reverse the pistol and load as above prescribed. [Illustration: FIG. 35, par. 151.] =152.= Being in any position, to eject the cartridge from the receiver: =UNLOAD=. Pass the pistol into the left hand as in =insert magazine=; release the magazine catch with the middle finger of the left hand, slightly disengaging the magazine; push down the safety lock with the right thumb; operate the slide to eject the cartridge; engage the magazine; raise and lock the pistol. =153.= Being in any position, to withdraw the magazine from the pistol: =WITHDRAW MAGAZINE=. Handle the pistol as in =insert magazine=; release the magazine catch; withdraw the magazine and execute raise pistol. Recruits are taught the motions of loading and firing without cartridges, and preferably without a magazine in the pistol to avoid wear on the magazine lips. Loading and pointing practice should be had at all gaits. =154.= The hammer is always lowered preparatory to placing the pistol in the arm rack or other place of deposit. =155.= Being at raise pistol, to lower the hammer: