(ii) =Mainspring.=--The mainspring should never be allowed to remain compressed, except when the rifle is loaded, as the spring will thereby be weakened. The position of the cocking-piece shows whether the mainspring is compressed or not. (iii) =Pull-off.=--The pull-off is the amount of pressure which is required to release the nose of the sear from the full bent of the cocking-piece; it should not be heavier than 6 nor lighter than 5 pounds in the short rifle, and not heavier than 7 nor lighter than 5 pounds in other rifles. Defects in the pull-off should be remedied by the armourer only. (iv) =Magazine.=--The magazine must not be removed from the rifle except for cleaning purposes, and, to avoid weakening the spring, cartridges should only be kept in it when necessary. A failure of the spring to raise the platform can usually be overcome by tapping the bottom of the magazine smartly with the palm of the hand. If the failure recurs, the rifle should be taken to the armourer for examination and repair. (v) =Bolt.=--The bolts of rifles are not to be exchanged. Each bolt is carefully fitted to its own rifle, so that the parts which take the shock of the explosion have an even bearing, and the use of a wrong bolt will affect the accuracy of the rifle. _The number stamped on the back of the bolt lever should agree with that stamped on the right front of the body._ (vi) =Browning.=--Care should be taken to prevent the browning being rubbed off the rifle. (vii) =Cover In Dusty Countries.=--In dusty countries it may be found necessary to cover the muzzle and bolt with a cover of khaki or other suitable material, to prevent the dust gaining access to the interior of the rifle, but anything in the nature of a plug in the muzzle is expressly prohibited. (viii) =Removal of Oil.=--The oil will only be removed from the bore of the rifle-- (_a_) Immediately before firing. (_b_) For inspection, which, except after firing, should not as a rule be more often than once a week. (_c_) For parades and duties as may be ordered by the commanding officer. In all cases it will be replaced as soon as possible. =2. Bayonets.=--After firing with bayonets fixed, the bayonet should be carefully wiped before it is returned to the scabbard. All oil should be removed from the blade before placing a bayonet in the scabbard. =3. Care of Ammunition.=--(i) Ammunition should be kept perfectly dry and clean, and should not be exposed to extremes of temperature. (ii) =Miss-Fires.=--A miss-fire arises from-- (_a_) A defective cartridge. (_b_) A defective rifle. In case (_a_) the cartridge will be tried in another rifle, and, if it still fails to fire, a report will be made in accordance with the instructions contained in the King’s Regulations. In case (_b_) the rifle will be taken to the armourer for examination. Section =6=.--Examination of Small Arms.