Rifle Lesson 3: Basic Handling Drills PDF

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...

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 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 4-32 1-69. Method. A basic instructional lesson best suited to indoors. 1-70. Stores. 1-71. 1-72. Rifle fitted with iron sight and sling Magazines Magazine platform depressors (1p coin) Magazine charger 1 per cadet/CFAV 2 per cadet/CFAV 1 per magazine 1 per cadet/CFAV 5.56 mm drill rounds H83/M2 Containers 30-round cardboard cartons Representative pictures of Blank & Ball 3 per cadet/CFAV 1 of each (if available) 1 of each (if available) Rds 1 Preparation. a. Layout or issue all the stores required by each student. b. Check adjustment of slings. Miscellaneous. a. If a weapon is cocked incorrectly with drill rounds in the magazine stoppages may occur, resulting in damaged drill rounds. Fitting an empty magazine with a depressor will prevent this. Depressors can be improvised using a one penny coin. b. The magazine depressor is inserted below the lips of the magazine (see Fig 129). It depresses the platform and allows the bolt carrier assembly to return forward when the weapon is cocked, instead of being held to the rear by an empty magazine. AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 433 Fig 1-29. Magazine Platform Depressor Fitted Preliminaries 1-73. Safety Precautions. Normal (to include checking of Drill Rounds). 1-74. At night, weapons must be inspected using a white light torch to ensure that the chambers are clear. 1-75. Check the Iron Sight is set to the Battle Setting. 1-76. Explain and demonstrate how to fit a depressor in a magazine then order the squad to fit depressors to one of their magazines. The instructor is to check that the depressor is correctly fitted before the magazines are put away in the pouches. 1-77. Organise the squad in pairs. 1-78. Revision. Safe handling. Introduction 1-79. Explain: It is important that the cadet is able to recognise the various types of ammunition and can fill magazines with loose rounds. It is essential that the cadet is capable of maintaining the rifle in a state of readiness under all conditions and is able to handle it safely. AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 4-34 Conduct of the Lesson Description of Ammunition 1-80. Explain: (Name Revel Teach) Ammunition consists of the following: a. All ammunition is rimless; its calibre is 5.56mm and this together with manufacturing information is stamped on the base of each cartridge. b. Ammunition is normally issued in H83 or M2 containers (Fig 1-30 Ball) containing 900 rounds in carboard cartons of 30 rounds (ball or blank) containers (Fig 1-31 Blank). c. Three natures of ammunition are issued: (1) Ball. (see Fig 1-32). This has a smooth brass cartridge case, a jacketed bullet with a percussion cap in the base. (2) Blank. (see Fig 1-33). This round has an extended smooth brass case but no bullet. The top of the case is closed by crimping and there is a percussion cap in the base. (3) Drill. Either a silver-coloured, grooved case and a copper jacketed bullet, or a solid machined single piece round all silver in colour; neither of which have a percussion cap. d. 1-81. Only issued ammunition is to be used. Confirm by questions. Fig 1-30. H83 Container (Ball) AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 437 a. Never let it lie in the direct rays of the sun as this can cause inaccuracies. b. Never use a round as a tool. c. Tampering with ammunition is dangerous and is forbidden. d. Damaged rounds are not to be fired and should be handed into an CFAV. e. Magazines are to be inspected regularly. Damaged magazines will cause stoppages. 1-83. Carriage of Magazines. Explain: Magazines are to be carried with the platform uppermost when in pouches. This will ensure that the magazine lips are not damaged if CEFO is dropped. 1-84. Confirm by questions. ‘Ready’ Ammunition 1-85. Explain: On blank firing exercises, ‘Ready’ ammunition is defined as follows: a. The cadet/CFAV will normally carry two full magazines, one fitted to the rifle and one in the ammunition pouches. 1-86. b. Extra ammunition may also be carried in boxes, or possibly as loose rounds, and used to refill magazines during a lull. Ammunition which is no longer in a sealed container is only to be carried loaded on the weapon or in ammunition pouches. c. Conservation of ammunition is to be kept in mind. High rates of fire that are possible with the rifle are to be strictly controlled, in order to limit ammunition resupply problems. Confirm by questions. Filling Magazines 1-87. Explain: The magazine will hold 30 rounds, during training fill with the number and type of rounds ordered. Before filling any magazine inspect it for signs of damage, particularly in the area of the guide lips and magazine platform. 1-88. Filling with Loose Rounds. Explain and Demonstrate, the squad imitating: To fill with loose rounds: a. After inspecting the magazine, grip in the left or right hand and position it on a firm surface, ensure the back of the magazine is facing away from the body. Push the rounds into the magazine, one by one, making sure that they are correctly seated with the base of each round right up against the magazine rear wall (Fig 134). AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 4-38 Emptying Magazines 1-89. Explain and Demonstrate, the squad imitating: (see Fig 1-35). Grasp the magazine with one hand with the bullet pointing downwards, with the thumb push the base of the round forward so that it disengages from the guide lips. It may be necessary to twist and pull it clear with the free hand 1-90. Confirm by questions and practice, leaving one magazine filled at the end of practice. AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 439 Fig 1-34. Rounds Correctly Seated Fig 1-35. Emptying the Magazine Using a Magazine Charger 1-91. Using the Magazine Charger. Explain and Demonstrate, the squad imitating (see Fig 1-36): To use the magazine charger: a. After inspecting the magazine, grip it in the left hand and position it on a firm surface; ensure the back of the magazine is facing away from the body. AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 4-40 b. Fit the wide end of the magazine charger onto the back of the magazine and ensure it is fully seated. c. Place a clip of 10 rounds into the magazine charger. d. With the right thumb on the top round, push down until all the rounds are fed into the magazine. Remove and discard the clip. e. Each time a clip is fed, ensure that the base of the last round is firmly up against the rear wall of the magazine (Fig 1-36). f. Fill all the magazines and then place the magazine charger away in the pouch. Fig 1-36 Magazine Filling Charger Fitted Sight Setting 1-92. Explain: There are two apertures which are changed by pushing the leaf backwards or forwards. The leaf with the small aperture is stamped with 200 metres. This is the ‘Battle Setting’ and is used to engage targets from 0–300 metres. At night or in poor visibility the larger one should be used. AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 441 1-93. Confirm by questions and practice. Load, Ready and Unload 1-94. Rifle States. Explain: The weapon is loaded when it has a magazine fitted. It is ready to fire when the weapon is cocked, and a round is in the chamber. It is unloaded when it has no magazine fitted and no round in the chamber. 1-95. Explain and Demonstrate with the squad imitating: a. b. On the command “Load” (Instructor to nominate either a magazine with 3 Drill rds or fitted with a penny depressor). (1) Advance the left foot. Place the rifle in the horizontal position at waist belt level as previously taught. (2) Check that the safety catch is at Safe (S), tilt the weapon to the right and open the ammunition pouch with the left hand. (3) Take a full magazine from the pouch or one containing the number of rounds ordered and check that the top rounds are positioned correctly. (4) Place the magazine into the magazine housing and then place the heel of the left hand under the base of the magazine and push up firmly until the magazine catch engages. Make certain it is secure. DO NOT STRIKE THE BOTTOM OF THE MAGAZINE AS THIS MAY DISLODGE THE TOP ROUND RESULTING IN A STOPPAGE. (5) Ensure the magazine is fitted securely, then fasten the pouch and return the left hand to the handguard. On the command “Ready” or a range being Ordered: (1) Adopt the ‘Alert’ position (see Fig 1-37). Bring the butt into the shoulder, point the muzzle down. (2) Check that the safety catch is at Safe (S). (3) Set the sights to the Battle Setting. Cock the rifle. Ensure that the cocking handle is released cleanly when it is fully to the rear. Ensure the bolt is fully locked by tapping forward on the cocking handle with the left hand. (4) Return the left hand to the hand guard. (5) The forefinger is to be clear of the trigger and is to be placed along the side of the trigger guard. AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 443 c. On the command “Unload”: (1) Bring the rifle into the horizontal position. Ensure that the right forefinger is outside the trigger guard. (2) Ensure the safety catch to Safe (S) and open the pouch. (3) Tilt the weapon to the right. Grip the magazine with the left hand, then depressing the magazine catch with the thumb, remove the magazine, and place it in the pouch. (4) IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR SAFETY REASONS THAT THE MAGAZINE BE REMOVED AT THIS POINT. (5) Tilt the weapon slightly to the right, cock the weapon and engage the holding open catch. Tilt the weapon to the left so that the ejection opening is upper most. Replace the left hand on the handguard. (6) Inspect the body; chamber and face of the bolt carefully to ensure they are clear (see Fig 1-4). Look at the magazine housing to ensure that the magazine has been removed. Once more, check the condition of the body, chamber, and face of the bolt as an added precaution to avoid an unintended discharge. At night these checks must be conducted with white light. Operate the bolt release catch to allow the working parts to go forward then tap forward on the cocking handle. (7) Place the safety catch to Fire (F) and operate the trigger. Return the safety catch to Safe (S). Ensure the sights are set at the Battle Setting. (8) Close the dust cover, pick up the ejected round then clean and replace it in the magazine. Fasten the pouch. Note: (a) To prevent possible injury to the face or eye from ejected rounds, the weapon is to be tilted to the right, when cocking during the unload. (b) When unloading in darkness or thick vegetation, care should be taken to direct ejected rounds close to your position so that the ammunition can be readily recovered. 1-96. Confirm by practice using magazines with drill rounds or a penny depressor fitted, leaving the weapon loaded. Making Safe 1-97. Explain. Making Safe is carried out when weapons are made ready but need to be loaded but not made ready. 1-98. Explain and Demonstrate as necessary: On the command “Make Safe”, (Instructor to nominate either a magazine with 3 Drill rds or fitted with a penny depressor), unload as taught then put on a full magazine or a magazine with the number of rounds ordered. 1-99. Confirm by practice leaving the weapon loaded. AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 4-44 Loading Positions 1-100. Explain: These drills are normally carried out in the standing position and the cadet will subsequently adopt any firing position which may be ordered. Should they be required to load the weapon in any other position they are to be given the order “kneeling, etc Load”. The Weapon is unloaded in the position adopted at the time the order is given to unload. Safe Handling with a Magazine Fitted 1-101. Explain: Once ordered to load the rifle, the cadet is to keep it loaded until ordered to unload. At all times they are responsible for the safe handling of the weapon and are to ensure that: a. The safety catch is always at Safe (S) unless the situation demands otherwise, the finger is to be off the trigger and the muzzle is to be pointed in a safe direction. b. If a weapon has to be carried in a vehicle it is to be unloaded and correctly slung or secured in the rack provided. c. The rifle is unloaded on command or when you can no longer ensure its safety, such as when handing it over to, or leaving it under the guard of another cadet. On handing over a rifle to another cadet, if the magazine is fitted carry out a complete unload, then carry out a “NSP”, showing the recipient of the weapon that the chamber, body, and face of the bolt is clear. d. If it is necessary to pick up a rifle with a magazine fitted, the weapon is unloaded as taught. e. The rifle is never to be pointed at anyone in jest. 1-102. Confirm by questions and practice. Use the commands: “Load”, “Ready”, “Make Safe” and “Unload”. Order individuals to hand their weapons to each other. Conclusion 1-103. End of Lesson Drill. a. Questions from the squad on the entire lesson. b. Questions to the squad and final practice as time permits. c. Empty all magazines and withdraw the drill rounds and magazine depressors. d. Safety Precautions. Normal. e. Summary. To include the following: (1) The importance of cocking the weapon cleanly. (2) The importance of the magazine being removed first, before cocking the weapon during the unload. (3) The importance of safe and correct handling. (4) The need to care for ammunition. AC 71807-C Aug 23