With the hammer cocked, place the selector lever on SAFE. (See fig. 3-6.) Notice that you cannot place the selector lever on SAFE unless the rifle is cocked. You may insert the magazine with the bolt and bolt carrier open or closed; however, you should learn to load with the bolt open. This reduces the possibility of first-round stoppage and saves the time needed to pull the charging handle to the rear.

Hold the stock of the rifle under your right arm with your right hand. Grasp the pistol grip; then point the muzzle in a safe direction. With your left hand, insert the loaded magazine into the magazine housing. Push upward until the magazine catch engages and holds the magazine. Rap the base of the magazine sharply with the heel of your hand to ensure positive retention. If the action is open, release the bolt by depressing the upper portion of the bolt catch with the thumb of your left hand, allowing the action to close, chambering the round. If the action is closed when the magazine is inserted, pull the charging handle fully to the rear with your right hand and release it. (See fig. 3-7.)

NOTE: Do not "ride" the charging handle forward with the right hand. If the charging handle is eased forward from the open position, the bolt may fail to lock If the bolt fails to go frilly forward, use the bolt closure forward assist assembly (fig. 3-1) with the heel of your right hand. The rifle is now loaded and is ready to fire when you place the selector lever in the automatic or semiautomatic position. If it is not ready to fire, make sure the selector lever is on SAFE.

After the last round has been fired, the bolt catch holds the bolt carrier to the rear. To change the magazine for reloading, press the magazine catch button; remove the empty magazine from the weapon.