Lock and load

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"Load and lock" was the original order, and referred to the operation of the M1 Garand rifle, the standard U.S. Army rifle of World War II. The phrase describes the insertion of a clip of ammunition into the rifle, loading the clip, and locking the bolt forward (which forces a round into the chamber, readying the rifle for use).

"Lock and load" has a more general meaning now, warning people to get ready for action. It was immortalized by John Wayne in 1949's Sands of Iwo Jima, where the Duke used this reversed phrase both in combat and as a humorous metaphor for becoming intoxicated.

One can also understand "lock and load" as a meaningful instruction with the M1, as described in the manual: before loading the clip, the proper procedure is to lock back the bolt using the operating rod.

Part of its current popularity may be linked to its assonance with "Rock and Roll", which has a similar meaning in these contexts.

BUT: note that on page 21 of the below referenced manual the procedure for preparing the M1 Garand for firing is to "pull the operating rod handle to the rear until the bolt is securely LOCKED open". Then you load the clip. This indicates that first lock and then load is indeed the order of inserting a cartridge clip into the M1.

[edit] References

• M1 Garand Manual from Springfield Armory