Manual

In the event the boIt is in its open position, a
slightly different technique may be used to swing
the magazine open and close the bolt at
approximately the same time. Again, the first
step is to insure that the safety is in its ON SAFE
position. Next. hold the rifle with the muzzle
pointed in a safe direction, with the left hand at
forearm, as described' before. Then, hook the
thumb of the right hand over the operating
handle and pull it slightly rearward while at the
same time releasing the magazine latch with the
right index finger. (See Figure 3) The hinged
magazine-floorplate unit will swing downward.
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for loading as described in the preceding
paragraph. However, when loading the chamber,
the bolt should be allowed to slam closed from
its open position. If the bolt is not allowed to
close in this manner, there is the possibility that
it will not close completely. in which event the
rifle will not fire. If this should ever happen.
merely push the operating handle completely
forward with the thumb or heel of your hand.
Many sportsmen prefer to hunt with an empty
chamber until in the presence of game. In this
situation, quietness in chambering a cartridge is
sometimes of prime importance. To accomplish
this, cycle the action slowly and quietly, keeping
the operating handle controlled at all times until
the bolt comes to rest against the chamber and
cartridge head. Then push the operating handle
completely forward, as described above.
It is both convenient and fast to load the
magazine while it is 'attached to the floorplate in
the open position. However, some may prefer to
load the magazine after detaching it from the
floorplate. Both methods will be described.
Loading the magazine with
magazine attached to floor plate
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Always be sure the gun is ON SAFE. and the
muzzle is pointed in a safe direction. since there
At this point, allow the bolt to move forward to
its closed position.
A left handed shooter may hold the rifle as described
above with his right hand at the forearm and the
left thumb. over the top of the receiver, hooking
the operatmg handle and pulling it slightly to the
rear, while the left index finger releases the
magazine latch. Or, he may find it more convenient
to grip the rifle around the rear part of the
receiver with his left hand, with his left index
fing~r o.n ~he magazine latch, in order to support
the nfle m Its downward pointing position. Additional
support may be gained by gripping the buttstock
between the left elbow and the shooter's left side.
The right hand may then be used to pull the
operating handle rearward. while the index finger
of the left hand releases the magazine latch.
If it is desired to load a round into the chamber
prior to loading the magazine, the fol1Qwing
steps should be taken. First, be sure the cross
bolt safety is in the ON SAFE position. Hold the
gun on its side with the barrel pointing safely
downward with either hand at the rear of the
forearm, as described earlier. With the rifle held
in this position the ejection port in the receiver
should be facing up. Next, with the magazine
floorplate closed and the bolt locked open, insert
one round into the ejection port, allowing it to
drop completely into the chamber. Then
proceed to close the bolt and open the magazine
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may be occasions when you will want to load or
replenish the magazine while a round is
chambered. Next. hold the rifle in a safe barrel
down position. using either hand on the forearm.
Each cartridge should then be carefully inserted
into the magazine against the pressure of the
spring loaded follower, until it is retained by the
metal rims of the magazine body. Care should
be exercised in positioning each cartridge so that
its base is to the rear of the magazine. If the
nose of a cartridge protrudes bevond the end of
the magazine, it could cause feeding problems or
interfere with the closing of the magazine
floorplate. (See Figure 4)
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