| 31. | To load the pistol grasp the breechblock on the serrated gripping surfaces on the sides and pull the machine straight to the rear.
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| 32. | At the apex of the recoil stroke the recoil spring acts to reverse the direction of the breechblock, chambering a fresh cartridge.
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| 33. | The ignition of the propellant blew the breechblock through the turret door and threw the sighting hood onto the ship's deck.
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| 34. | A spiral recoil spring is positioned horizontally, directly below the barrel between the parallel guides of the receiver and rails of the breechblock.
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| 35. | The breech was locked and unlocked by recoil action which brings the operating level guide pins against cams to raise and lower the breechblock.
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| 36. | It employed a robust version of the " trapdoor " breechblock design originated by Erskine S . Allin, Master Armorer of the Springfield Armory.
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| 37. | The function of the breechblock was to assist in the final chambering of the round, close the breech, and actuate the trigger trip.
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| 38. | The model 1873 was the fifth variation of the Allin trapdoor design, and was named for its hinged breechblock, which opened like a trapdoor.
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| 39. | However, drawing back slightly on the breechblock will ride it over the cam, and releasing it will permit the recoil spring to close the action.
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| 40. | It is operated by rotating the lever down and forward, which causes the breechblock to slide rearward away from the barrel and eject the spent round.
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