lock and load

English

Etymology

Originated in American English, supposedly as an instructional command to prepare an M1 Garand, the main rifle used during World War II, for battle. the expression was popularized 1949 by John Wayne in the movie The Sands of Iwo Jima. Various similar phrases predate it, including in transposed form as “load and lock”. It is disputed whether the command "lock and load" was ever used by the US military. The term, "lock and load" was used in the US Army as late as 1969 and was also used in Vietnam. Tap of the magazine against the helmet and slip the magazine into the M14/16 release the charging handle.

Anyone who has qualified in marksmanship in the US Marines should be familiar with the term. During rapid fire, the Range Master says, "Ready on the left, ready on the right, aaaall ready on the firing line. With 10 rounds, lock and load. Daaawg targets!"

Details

The most common theory connects this order to the operation of the M1 Garand rifle. Before loading the ammunition clip into the rifle, the operating rod handle is pulled to the rear until the bolt is securely locked open. According to the M1 Garand Manual, loading the clip without first locking the bolt could result in an accidental discharge of a round. In the 1943 training film (Rifle Marksmanship with M1 Rifle) the instructor orders first "Lock" then "Load". A transposition of "load and lock" - to load the ammunition clip into the rifle, then to lock the bolt forward (which forces a round into the chamber, readying a rifle for firing). The use of flintlock rifles, which required the hammer to be locked back at the half-cock position before placing primer in the pan. Alternatively, a Sporting Magazine from 1821 had the complete flintlock expression as "brush the dirt away from the lock, and load ...".[1] From artillery usage: to 'lock' a gun into firing position before loading.

Interjection

lock and load

1. (US, slang) A command to prepare a weapon for battle.
   • 1949 — John Wayne in the film Sands of Iwo Jima

     Lock and load, boy, lock and load.

2. (US, slang) Prepare for an imminent event.