Rifle Lesson 4 PDF

Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 445 f. A forecast of the squad’s next lesson on this subject. Rifle Lesson 4. Cleaning and Maintenance Instructors Notes 1-104. Aim. To teach cleaning and maintenance of the rifle. a. The contents and use of the maintenance kit. b. Cleaning a...

Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 445 f. A forecast of the squad’s next lesson on this subject. Rifle Lesson 4. Cleaning and Maintenance Instructors Notes 1-104. Aim. To teach cleaning and maintenance of the rifle. a. The contents and use of the maintenance kit. b. Cleaning and maintenance: (1) On camp and in the detachment. (2) When in a harbour or a patrol base. (3) When firing. 1-105. Timings. Two 40-minute periods (to be covered in one training session). 1-106. Method. A basic indoor or outdoor lesson. 1-107. 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 Pointer 1 Oil and cleaning materials as required Ground Sheets optional 1-108. Preparation. Ensure that: a. Maintenance kits are complete and under chairs (see Fig 1-37). b. There is sufficient oil and prepared flannelette for squad use. 1-109. Miscellaneous. This lesson should be broken into two phases. The first phase should cover cleaning in a detachment environment and in patrol base or harbour location. The second phase deals with cleaning and maintenance for range work and dry training; this should also be repeated after the cadet’s first Live Firing and Exercise. Preliminaries 1-110. Safety Precautions. Normal. Explain that stripping the rifle in any other sequence than taught in Rifle Lesson 2 is only to be carried out when directed by a qualified Adult SAAI. 1-111. Revision. Stripping and assembling. Leave rifles and one magazine stripped at the end. Introduction 1-112. Explain: It is a cadet’s duty to maintain the weapon when issued. The cleaning and maintenance regime will vary depending on the location, be it in detachment or range work and dry training. This lesson deals with how to clean the Cadet GP Rifle. AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 4-46 Conduct of the Lesson The Maintenance Kit 1-113. Contents (see Fig 1-38). Explain and indicate: The maintenance kit consists of the following: a. Oil Bottle c. Two Piece Cleaning Rod e. Cleaning Rod Handle g. Barrel extension Cleaner i. Combination Tool k. Chamber/Barrel Extension Brush b. Muzzle Cover d. GP Wire Brush f. GP Soft Brush h. Pull Through j. Bore Brush l. Gas Block Brush Fig 1-38. The Maintenance Kit 1-114. Lack of lubrication of the weapon is the greatest cause of stoppages. Failure to keep a serviceable maintenance kit compounds the problem. Special attention should be made to keeping oil bottles full. AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only a. 4-48 The cleaning rod is used only in conjunction with the chamber brush. The sections of rod screw together to form a rigid unit with a handle. If at any time the sections do not form a close, smooth joint they are not to be used. The flat surfaces in the rod fit into the combination tool which can be used to unscrew the rod. b. The bore brush is only to be used to clean the bore; oil is to be app- lied to assist in removing fouling and stains from within the bore. It can only be attached to the pull-through; when used it is only to be drawn from the chamber end of the barrel. c. The chamber/barrel extension brush is not to be used for any other purpose than cleaning the chamber and barrel extension. It is only to be used with the cleaning rod. d. The pull-through can be used to draw a swab or the bore brush thro- ugh the barrel; it must first be unravelled and stretched to remove any kinks. A swab can be fitted, folded in half/lengthways into the eyelet an equal amount of swab should protrude either side. e. Swabs are mainly used to clean and lubricate the bore. They are 45mm x 45mm if they are any larger than they may jam in the barrel. They may also be used for general cleaning. f. The carbon removing pad’s main purpose is to remove any carbon fouling after firing; they can also be used with oil to remove rust. They are not to be used on the black parkerised coated parts of the weapon as they will remove it. g. The general purpose of the soft brush is used to clean dust and dirt from the internal areas of the weapon, in particular the TMH. h. The gas block brush is used to clean carbon deposits from inside the gas block. It may also be used to assist in cleaning the inside of the gas cylinder. It is not to be used for functions fulfilled by the GP wire brush. i. The toothbrush-like general purpose wire brush is used to clean any gas affected parts for which no specific item of the kit is provided. It is most effective on carbon after heavy deposits have first been scraped off using a part of the combination tool. The removal of burn marks around the gas vent areas and final clean are still best achieved by the use of the carbon removal pads. j. The barrel extension cleaner (a disposable foam swab) is used to clean/ lubricate inside the difficult to clean barrel extension, it can also be used to clean/lubricate other difficult to reach areas. 1-117. Confirm by questions. Frequency of Cleaning and Maintenance. 1-118. Explain: The frequency of cleaning and maintenance of a weapon should be decided by its use. For instance, if it has been in an armoury and not fired or used in dry training there will be no need to strip the weapon down. A surface clean and pull-through of the barrel AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 449 followed by re-lubrication would suffice. If the cleanliness of a weapon is in doubt, then it must be stripped, inspected and those parts requiring cleaning, cleaned. Levels of Cleaning and Maintenance 1-119. Explain. The level of cleaning and maintenance to be carried out will depend upon the situation. It is important for commanders and cadets to understand what these are: a. Camp/Detachment. The camp/detachment clean should be used by the cadet between training exercises to bring their weapon back up to the highest standards possible. This is achieved by cleaning and inspection at appropriate intervals as directed by commanders and supported by local armourers. As stores and equipment support are more readily available, replacement parts and maintenance should not be a problem. Excessive cleaning should be avoided as this could lead to excess wear and breakage of parts. b. Harbour or Patrol Base. In a harbour position or patrol base, all cleaning of weapons and magazines should be carried out using the buddy-buddy system. Although there is no time limit, swift and practiced drills are required that ensure all parts including the magazines are cleaned, inspected for serviceability and well lubricated on reassembling. All faults should be reported up the chain straight away so that replacement or repair action can be initiated. This should also be the time to use the resupply chain for refilling oil bottles, replacing worn cleaning equipment and obtaining more flannelette. c. Firing. See paragraph 1-125. Cleaning and Maintenance in Camp or Detachment 1-120. Cleaning. Explain and Demonstrate, the squad imitating: To clean, carry out the following: a. Ensure that the weapon is unloaded and stripped as taught. b. Use the GP soft brush to remove any loose fouling or debris from the weapon and its components. c. With a piece of lightly oiled flannelette clean the outside of the weapon then wipe dry. d. Fit the chamber/barrel extension brush to the cleaning rod and insert it into the chamber ensuring that the brass flange at the rear of the brush is up against the rear face of the barrel extension, oil can be applied to the brush to assist in cleaning. Using a clockwise rotating action dislodge any fouling and debris. If the weapon is held muzzle pointing up, the fouling will fall out when the brush is removed. Remove the brush, wrap a flannelette patch around the bristles and reinsert it for a final clean. If necessary, use the barrel extension cleaner to remove any residue left. e. Using the barrel extension cleaner, clean the fouling from inside the barrel extension. AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 4-50 f. Using the GP soft brush and flannelette, clean the inside of the body. g. Wipe clean the piston, the gas cylinder, and the gas plug. Carbon fouling is removed by the GP wire brush, gas block cleaning brush and reamers on the combination tool which will be practiced after the introductory Shoot. h. Pull the barrel through with a well lubricated bore brush. Then pull it through a number of times alternating between dry and oily swabs. i. Examine the barrel for cleanliness. To do this hold it up towards the light about 150mm away from the head, muzzle to the eye; keep both eyes open and follow the lands and grooves throughout their length. j. If needed clean the barrel again. If after a thorough cleaning the barrel does not appear to be clean or there is something unusual apparent show it to an CFAV. k. Gas parts should be cleaned with the issued brushes together with an oily carbon removing pad. In addition, the reamers on the combination tool should be used to clean: (see Fig 1-39) (1) The gas plug ports using the gas port reamer. (2) The gas plug bore using the gas plug reamer. (3) The gas cylinder using the gas cylinder reamer. l. Dry clean the whole of the weapon and examine it for any damage. m. Magazines should be stripped and dry-cleaned. Abrasive materials should not be used, i.e., Scotchbrite, as this will remove the coating on the magazine body. 1-121. Confirm by questions and practice. 1-122. Inspection for Damage. Explain and Demonstrate, the squad imitating: Prior to lubricating the weapon inspect, with the assistance of an CFAV, the following for any damage: a. b. Bolt and Carrier. (1) Bolt. Cracks or fractures, especially in the cam stud recess area. (2) Firing Pin. Bent, cracked, blunted. (3) Cam Stud. Cracked or chipped. (4) Firing Pin Retaining Pin. Bent or badly worn. (5) Extractor/Ejector. Check the extractor and ejector for chipped or broken edges in the area of the lip that engages the cartridge rim. (6) Recoil Rod Assembly. Check the springs are not bent or damaged and the recoil rod and control rods are not damaged or loose. (7) Cocking Handle. Check for cracks or fractures and that the pin is not bent or damaged. TMH. Check the TMH for damage or wear. Pay particular attention to the bolt release catch and the safety catch. AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 451 c. The Body. Check for damage or wear. d. The Gas System. (1) The Piston and spring. Check for cracks or fractures. Ensure the spring is not bent or damaged. (2) The Gas Plug. Check for cracks or fractures. Check that the plunger operates freely and is not bent. (3) Gas Cylinder. Check for any cracks or fractures particularly around the area of the gas escape holes. e. f. g. Magazines. (1) The magazine lips. Are they distorted or bent? (2) The body of the magazine. Is it dented? (3) The platform. Is it distorted or dented? (4) The spring. Is it loose, distorted or stretched? Ammunition. (1) Is it clean? (2) Is it dry? (3) Are any rounds damaged? If any damage or excess wear is found the weapon should be taken initially to a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer for confirmation and then to the armourer for remedial action. Any faulty/damaged ammunition is to be exchanged. 1-123. Lubrication. Explain and Demonstrate, the squad imitating: For normal daily use lubricate the weapon as follows (see Fig 1-40): a. TMH. Lubricate the outside of the TMH. Place a few drops of oil on the safety catch, front locking pin, magazine release catch, and holding opening device. Move them a few times to spread the lubrication. Place a few drops of oil on the springs in the trigger mechanism. b. Body. Lubricate the inside and outside of the body. Using the swab and a drop of oil lubricate the barrel extension. Oil the barrel and chamber, place a few drops of oil on rear locking pin and move it a few times to spread the lubrication. Place some oil on the cocking guide. c. Bolt and Carrier. Lubricate the firing pin and firing pin recess in the bolt, cam stud area and the outside of the bolt body. Place a few drops of oil under the ejector and move it a few times to spread the lubrication. Lubricate the base of the bolt carrier. Lightly lubricate the cocking handle. Lubricate the recoil rod assembly. d. The Gas System. Lubricate the gas piston spring, gas plug and gas cylinder. e. Magazines. Lubricate the inside spring. Wipe down the outside with a slightly oily cloth. 1-124. Confirm by practice. AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only 453 1-125. General. Explain: Whilst in the field, the priority is to ensure that the rifle functions correctly and not that every speck of dirt or carbon is removed. 1-126. Sequence. Explain and Demonstrate, the squad Imitating: Whilst in a harbour or patrol base, commanders will decide on the number of weapons to be cleaned at any one time. The following is the regime in order of priority: a. Unload, then cock the weapon, and engage the holding opening catch. b. Using the barrel extension cleaner and oil, clean and liberally lubricate the barrel extension, the face of the bolt, the locking splines and the chamber. c. Remove the muzzle cover or if fitted BFA; pull the barrel through with a lubricated swab, then a dry one. Replace the muzzle cover or BFA ensuring that it is correctly fitted. Allow the working parts to go forward. Do not operate the trigger. d. Remove the TMH, dust the TMH with the brush GP and a piece of flannelette. Liberally lubricate the safety catch, holding opening device and trigger mechanism. e. Inside the upper receiver liberally lubricate the recoil rods, return spring guide rail, and bolt carrier. f. Replace the TMH, conduct the function test then reload. g. Open the top cover; remove the piston, cylinder, and gas plug. Remove any large carbon deposits then re-lubricate and assemble. 1-127. Confirm by questions and practice. Range Work, Dry Training and Blank Firing 1-128. Explain: For range work and blank firing the procedures below are to be followed: a. Before Firing. The weapon should already be clean from being previously cleaned in the detachment/camp or the harbour area/patrol base. Inspect the rifle to determine if it requires additional lubrication, if so, re-lubricate as previously taught. b. During Firing. Whilst firing, if any opportunity exists, lubricate as for cleaning and maintenance regime in a harbour or patrol base. c. After Firing. As soon as possible after any firing, a light film of oil should be applied to all gas affected parts. If possible, the oil should be allowed to work on the rifle for a minimum of 30 minutes after which daily cleaning should be carried out. 1-129. Confirm by questions. Adverse Conditions 1-130. The Effect on Small Arms. Explain: The types of weather conditions encountered and their effects on the rifle must be understood so they can be effectively dealt with. a. Heat. This might take the form of a number of differing effects: (1) Overheating can occur quicker if the temperature rises. AC 71807-C Aug 23 Handling Instructions: For MOD Cadet Forces Use Only b. (2) 4-54 Weapon accuracy may alter during the day due to temperature variations. (3) Metal parts may become extremely hot and uncomfortable to hold. Heavy Rain. Rust may form quickly. 1-131. Cleaning in Adverse Conditions. Explain: a. Heavy Rain and Damp Conditions. Inspect frequently for rust and remove it as normal. Liberally lubricate the weapon with oil. b. Dry, Sandy, or Dusty Conditions. In such conditions the rifle must be kept dry; this will be best achieved by sweating it in the sun and wiping off any exuding oil. If rust appears remove it as normal but take care to remove any oil that may have been used. Occasionally empty magazines and tip out any grit. Do the same with the TMH, firstly removing it from the rifle, but only when ordered to do so. c. Immersion in Water. If the rifle should become immersed in water, the following should be carried out prior to attempting to fire: (1) Unload the weapon. (2) Remove the muzzle cap or BFA if fitted. (3) Cock the weapon, engage the holding opening catch. (4) With the rifle held vertically it should be shaken vigorously several times up and down. 1-132. Confirm by questions and practice. Conclusion 1-133. End of Lesson Drill. a. Questions from the squad on the entire lesson. b. Confirm by questions and practice as time permits and replenish the lubricants and cleaning materials as necessary. c. Safety Precautions. Normal. d. Pack kit. e. Summary. To include the following: (1) The importance of carrying out thorough maintenance and reporting the fact if anything unusual is suspected. (2) The need to use the cleaning equipment correctly and, in particular to use the correct size of flannelette. (3) A reminder that stripping must only be carried out for a purpose, such as cleaning and maintenance. The rifle must never be stripped further than taught; to do so is dangerous. f. A forecast of the squad’s next lesson on this subject. AC 71807-C Aug 23