Rifle Lesson 2 PDF

Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 415 Rifle Lesson 2. Stripping and Assembling Instructors Notes 1-35. Aim. To teach the cadet how to strip and assemble the weapon for daily maintenance. a. To strip and assemble the rifle. b. Carry out the function test. c. To strip and asse...

Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 415 Rifle Lesson 2. Stripping and Assembling Instructors Notes 1-35. Aim. To teach the cadet how to strip and assemble the weapon for daily maintenance. a. To strip and assemble the rifle. b. Carry out the function test. c. To strip and assemble magazines. 1-36. Timings. Two 40-minute periods (to be covered in one training session). 1-37. Method. A basic indoor or outdoor lesson. 1-38. Stores. Rifle fitted with iron sight and sling 1 per cadet/CFAV Magazines 2 per cadet/CFAV Maintenance Kit 1 per cadet/CFAV Table optional Poster of named parts optional 1-39. a. Preparation. Ensure that: Maintenance kits are complete (see Fig 1-37). b. Maintenance kits are to be placed under the chairs with combination tools ready to use. 1-40. Miscellaneous. a. Stripping and Assembling. (1) Stripping is taught in a sequence devised to ensure that parts are stripped without damage. (2) To prevent damage to parts, only the correct tools are to be used. Parts are to be laid out with the TMH locking pins uppermost. (3) To avoid possible damage to the rifle NO time limit is imposed during the practice stage of stripping and assembling. (4) Components are to be laid out in the sequence of stripping on a clean, dry surface and are to be clean before assembly. (5) Stripping, other than that taught by the instructor, is to be carried out only by a qualified Armourer. (6) If the TMH locking pins come completely out the fact is to be reported to the Armourer. (7) The stripping of the bolt carrier assembly into its component parts will NOT be taught to cadets and therefore is not to be included when teaching this lesson to cadets. However, occasions may arise when instructors are required to do this; the procedures for stripping and reassembly are therefore contained in this lesson. The bolt carrier assembly is ONLY to be stripped and assembled by CFAVs. AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 4-16 b. The instructor is to name the component parts of the rifle and their function as they handle them (Fig 1-15). c. When reassembling the rifle, it is important that the barrel is inspected to ensure that it is not fouled. To do this hold it up towards the light about 150mm (six inches) away from the head, muzzle pointing towards the eye; keep both eyes open and follow the lands and grooves throughout their length. Preliminaries 1-41. Safety Precautions. Normal. 1-42. Organise the squad in pairs. 1-43. Revision. To include: 1-44. Characteristics of the rifle. 1-45. Safe handling with no magazine fitted. 1-46. Fitting and removal of the sling. Introduction 1-47. Explain: When a rifle is issued to a cadet it is their responsibility to maintain it in a serviceable condition at all times. In order to carry out daily maintenance it is essential that a cadet can strip and assemble the weapon correctly. AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 4-18 Conduct of the Lesson Rules for Stripping and Assembling 1-48. Explain: There are certain rules that we follow which are: a. S - The sequence of stripping is laid down in order to prevent damage to the weapon components. b. T - The weapon must never be stripped any further than taught; to do so may cause damage or danger if reassembled incorrectly. c. W - Stripping and re-assembly causes wear to the weapon, especially with the sights and should not be carried out unless it is necessary. d. D - Any defects that are noticed during inspection must be reported to a CFAV who will report the fault to the Armourer. Stripping and Assembly 1-49. Preparation. Explain and Demonstrate, the squad imitating: Prepare to strip as follows: a. Check that the safety catch is at Safe (S). b. Cock the weapon, engage the holding open catch, and inspect the body, chamber, and face of the bolt to ensure they are clear. Allow the working parts to go forward by operating the bolt release catch. Do not operate the trigger and do not close the dust cover. The safety catch must remain on safe, and the hammer must remain cocked throughout the time the weapon is stripped. c. Remove the sling if fitted. d. Only remove the Iron Sights if they cannot be properly cleaned, as continued removal and refitting could affect the zero of the rifle. 1-50. The Trigger Mechanism Housing (TMH). Explain and Demonstrate, the squad imitating: The TMH is stripped and assembled as follows: a. To Strip: (1) Ensure the weapon is horizontal but upside down. Gently withdraw the rear TMH locking pin and then the front TMH locking pin. By withdrawing the rear pin first, pressure on the front pin is removed allowing easy withdrawal of the front pin. Note the groove on the rear pin and push it back into the body approximately 5mm so that the groove nearest the body is flush with the outside of its housing (a distinct click should be heard); this ensures that the end of the pin retains the recoil rod assembly whilst the TMH is being removed. (2) Separate the TMH from the body by pulling the butt upwards. Disengage the TMH from its front catch (see Fig 1-16). (3) The hammer must never be released whilst the weapon is stripped as this could lead to damage to the trigger group. AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 419 Fig 1-16. Removing the TMH b. 1-51. To Assemble: (1) Check that the front TMH locking pin is withdrawn, and then fit the TMH by inserting the front end into the recess behind the hand guard. Press the body and TMH together. Fully engage the TMH front and rear locking pins. (2) Ensure the safety catch is at safe (S). Confirm by practice, leaving the TMH removed. Rifle Function Test 1-52. Explain and Demonstrate, the squad imitating: After stripping and assembling, the following test should be carried out to ensure the weapon is functioning correctly: a. Check that the safety catch is at Safe (S), cock the rifle, forward assist, and attempt to operate the trigger. It should not fire. b. Set the safety catch to Fire (F). Then operate the trigger, firing the action. Whilst holding the trigger back, cock the rifle and forward assist then release the trigger. The hammer should be felt/heard engaging the main sear. Operate the trigger and the rifle should fire. c. Set the safety catch to Safe (S) and close the dust cover. d. Whilst carrying out the function test any defects identified must be reported to a CFAV or an Armourer immediately. Confirm by practice. AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 4-20 1-53. The Recoil Rod and Bolt Carrier Assembly. Explain and Demonstrate, the squad imitating; To strip and assemble the recoil rod and bolt carrier assembly act as follows: a. To Strip: (1) Cover the rear of the recoil rod assembly, withdraw the rear TMH locking pin and remove the recoil rod assembly under control (Fig 117). If the TMH locking pins come completely out no attempt is to be made to refit them. The fact is to be reported to an CFAV. (2) Do not separate the spring from the recoil rod assembly. (3) Pull the cocking handle to the rear and then carefully withdraw it from the bolt carrier (Fig 1-18). (4) Place a hand over the rear of the body; raise the muzzle and remove the bolt carrier assembly (Fig 1-19). Fig 1-17. Removing the Recoil Rod and Spring Fig 1-18. Removing the Cocking handle AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 421 Fig 1-19. Removing the Bolt Carrier Assembly b. To Assemble: (1) Ensure that the barrel is clear from any obstructions. To do this hold it up towards the light about 150mm (six inches) away from the head, muzzle pointing towards the eye; keep both eyes open and follow the lands and grooves throughout their length. (2) Ensure the same bolt is placed back into the same weapon. (3) Ensure that the bolt is fully forward in the carrier. Place the carrier into the weapon and slide far enough forward to align the cocking handle recess (in the bolt carrier) and the cocking guide (in the body). (4) Replace the cocking handle through the side of the body and into the recess in the carrier. Push the carrier fully forward until the locking splines on the bolt have entered and locked into the barrel extension. (5) Align the recoil rods and spring with the holes in the back of the carrier. Push the recoil rod assembly into the weapon until the end of the assembly is flush to the end of the body. (6) Push in the TMH rear locking pin to engage the end of the assembly, but not sufficiently to obstruct the central area which accommodates the lug of the TMH. 1-54. Confirm by practice, leaving stripped. 1-55. The Bolt Carrier Assembly. The Bolt carrier assembly is ONLY to be stripped and assembled by CFAV. Explain and demonstrate, the squad imitating. a. To Strip: (1) AC 71807-C Aug 23 Cup the bolt carrier assembly in the hand and withdraw the firing pin retaining pin, using the gas plug reamer of the combination tool (Fig 1-20). Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only (2) 4-22 Remove the firing pin drawing it from the rear of the bolt (Fig 1-21). (3) Pull the bolt fully forward in the carrier and remove the cam stud (Fig 1-22). (4) Separate the bolt from the carrier. Fig 1-20. Removing the Firing Pin Fig 1-21. Removing the Firing Pin AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 425 b. To Assemble: (1) Ensure the same bolt and firing pin that were stripped are placed back into the same weapon. Bolts and firing pins are NOT to be interchanged. (2) Align the ejector on the bolt with the cam stud recess in the bolt- carrier. (3) Insert the bolt into the bolt; align the cam stud hole in the bolt with the front of the cam recess in the carrier. (4) Hold the cam stud so that the firing pin hole in the stud is aligned to allow the firing pin to pass through it. Push the cam stud through the recess in the carrier and into position in the bolt. It is essential that the cam stud is replaced at this point; failing to do so could cause a breach explosion during subsequent live firing. (5) Insert the firing pin through the back of the carrier and ensure it is fully seated. Replace the firing pin retaining pin from the left side of the bolt carrier. When correctly seated the retaining, pin is flush with the sides of the carrier. 1-56. The Gas System. Explain and Demonstrate, the squad imitating: To strip and assemble the Gas System act as follows: a. To Strip: (1) Ensure that the weapon is level, but upright; open the top cover. (2) Grip the gas cylinder with the left hand. With the right hand push the piston to the rear against the action of its return spring, move the piston out of alignment with the cylinder, release the pressure and withdraw the piston and its spring from the weapon (see Fig 1-24). Do not try to separate the spring from the piston. (3) Remove the gas cylinder from the gas plug by pulling it to the rear (see Fig 1-25). Point out the gas setting positions (N - Normal, E - Excess, O - Off). (4) To remove the gas plug, depress the plunger on the front of the plug, ensuring it is not in the 12 or 6 o’clock position, and withdraw the plug backwards through the gas block ensuring that you do not rotate it (see Fig 1-26). AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 427 b. Fig 1-26. Removing the Gas Plug To Assemble: (1) To replace the gas plug, insert it into the rear of the gas block, depress the plunger, ensuring it is not in the 12 or 6 o’clock position, and push the plug through the block. Rotate the plug until the plunger is aligned with the recess on the front of the gas block marked ‘N’(Normal). (2) Fit the cylinder back on to the rear of the gas plug and hold it in position with the left hand with the knurled end away from the gas block. (3) Turn the weapon on its side and carefully feed the spring end of the piston back into the central hole above the barrel extension; push the piston against the action of its spring and align, then engage the front of the piston with the recess at the rear of the cylinder. If it is difficult to locate the central hole, look through the ventilation slits in the body. (4) Close the top cover. 1-57. Confirm by practice and questions on part names and gas settings, leave weapon stripped. 1-58. The Handguard. Explain and Demonstrate, the squad imitating: The handguard should only be removed if the inside becomes extremely dirty or wet. It should not normally be removed for daily cleaning. AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 4-28 a. To Remove: (1) Unscrew the front sling loop keeper screw and remove the front sling loop. (The screw should be attached to the sling loop for safe keeping). (2) Open the top cover and slide the handguard forward over the muzzle (see Fig 1-27). Fig 1-27. Removing the Handguard b. To Replace: (1) Ensure that the top cover is open. Slide the handguard over the muzzle and reposition the two lugs into the handguard. (2) Replace the front sling loop and keeper screw (ensure that the sling loop is positioned on the left-hand side of the weapon). Close the top cover. 1-59. Confirm by practice. 1-60. Final Practice. Stripping and assembling the complete rifle, leaving assembled. Rifle Function Test 1-61. Explain and Demonstrate, the squad imitating: After stripping and assembling, the following test should be carried out to ensure the weapon is functioning correctly: a. Check that the safety catch is at Safe (S), cock the rifle, forward assist, and attempt to operate the trigger. It should not fire. b. Set the safety catch to Fire (F). Then operate the trigger, firing the action. Whilst holding the trigger back, cock the rifle and forward assist then release the trigger. The hammer should be felt/heard engaging the main sear. Operate the trigger and the rifle should fire. AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 429 c. Set the safety catch to Safe (S) and close the dust cover. d. Whilst carrying out the function test any defects identified must be reported to a CFAV or an Armourer immediately. 1-62. Confirm by practice. Magazines 1-63. Magazines for the rifle are available in either steel or polymer construction. The procedure for stripping and assembly is the same. 1-64. Explain and Demonstrate, the squad imitating: a. To Strip: (1) Magazines should be stripped if they have been exposed to conditions likely to produce a build-up of mud, sand or rust. Great care must be taken when stripping the magazine. Too much force used to disengage the bottom plate will soon render the magazine unserviceable. (2) Hold the magazine with the bottom plate uppermost. Using the combination tool depress the base of the spring located in the centre of the bottom plate (see Fig 1-28) and slide the bottom plate to the rear until the tongue at the front of the plate disengages from the slot in the magazine body. Release the pressure on the spring until the tongue at rear of the plate is free from its slot in the magazine body. Remove the bottom plate. (3) The spring and platform may now be carefully fed out through the bottom of the magazine. (4) The platform must not be removed from the spring. If the spring comes loose from the platform, it must be replaced correctly, or stoppages will occur. The bottom loop on the spring must be located under the two lugs on the inside of the platform and not to one side. AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 431 (1) Ensure that the platform is pointed in the right direction, and the spring is fitted correctly. Insert it and the spring into the magazine body. (2) Press the spring in, until the tongue at the rear of the bottom plate engages in its slot in the body. Depress the base of the spring (using the combination tool) to enable the bottom plate to slide forward until the tongue at the front of the plate engages the slot in the magazine body. Release the pressure on the spring. (3) It is important that the bottom plate is correctly engaged. Failure to do this will result in stoppages. 1-65. Confirm by practice. Conclusion 1-66. End of Lesson Drill. a. Questions from the squad on the entire lesson. b. Confirm by questions and further practice as time permits. c. Safety Precautions. Normal. d. Pack kit. e. Summary. To include the following: (1) The importance of preventative maintenance, report to a CFAV or armourer any case of damage or malfunction. (2) Remind the squad that the sequence of stripping is laid down in order to prevent damage to the various components and that stripping must only be carried out for a purpose, such as cleaning and maintenance. (3) The rifle must never be stripped further than taught. To do so is dangerous and can cause damage to the weapon. f. A forecast of the squad’s next lesson on this subject. Rifle Lesson 3. Basic Handling Drills Instructors Notes 1-67. Aim. To teach the basic operating drills and safe handling. a. Recognition of types and care of ammunition and magazines, and how to fill magazines. 1-68. b. Ready ammunition. c. Sight Setting. d. How to load, make ready, unload, and make safe. e. The safety handling rules when a magazine is fitted. Timings. Two 40-minute periods (to be covered in one training session). AC 71807-C Aug 23