(c) Always keep the pistol or revolver in the position of “Raise pistol” (par. 146, Cavalry Drill Regulations, 1916), except when it is pointed at the target. (The position of “Lower pistol” is authorized for mounted firing only.)

(d) Do not place the weapon on the ground where sand or earth can enter the bore or mechanism.

(e) Before loading the PISTOL, draw back the slide and look through the bore to see that it is free from obstruction.  Before loading the REVOLVER, open the cylinder and look through the bore to see that it is free from obstruction.  When loading[10] the pistol for target practice place five cartridges in the magazine and insert the magazine in the handle; draw back the slide and insert the first cartridge in the chamber and carefully lower[11] the hammer fully down.

[Footnote 10:  TO LOAD PISTOL:  Being at raise pistol (right hand grasping stock at the height of and 6 inches in front of the point of the right shoulder, forefinger alongside barrel, barrel to the rear and inclined forward about 30 deg.).

Without deranging position of the hand, rotate the pistol so the sights move to the left, the barrel pointing to the right front and up.

With the thumb and forefinger of the left hand (thumb to the right) grasp the slide and pull it toward the body until it stops, and then release it.  The pistol is thus loaded, and the hammer at full cock.

If the pistol is to be kept in the hand and not to be fired at once, engage the safety lock with the thumb of the right hand.

If the pistol is to be carried in the holster, remove safety lock, if on, and lower the hammer fully down.]

[Footnote 11:  TO LOWER THE HAMMER:  Being at the loading position at full cock.

I. Firmly seat thumb of right hand on the hammer:  insert forefinger inside trigger guard.

II.  With thumb of left hand exert a momentary pressure on the grip-safety to release hammer from sear.

III.  At the same instant exert pressure or the trigger and carefully and slowly lower the hammer fully down.

IV.  Remove finger from trigger.

V. Insert pistol in holster.

CAUTION.—­The pistol must never be placed in the holster until hammer is fully down.]

In loading the REVOLVER place five cartridges in the cylinder and let the hammer down on the EMPTY CHAMBER.

(f) Whenever the pistol is being LOADED or UNLOADED, the muzzle must be kept up.

(g) Do not point the weapon in any direction where an accidental discharge might do harm.

(h) After loading do not cock the pistol or the revolver until ready to fire.

(i) Keep the working parts properly lubricated.

136.  POSITION, DISMOUNTED.—­Stand firmly on both feet, body perfectly balanced and erect and turned at such an angle as is most comfortable when the arm is extended toward the target; the feet far enough apart to insure firmness and steadiness or position (about 8 to 10 inches); weight of body borne equally upon both feet; right arm fully extended, left arm hanging naturally.