Two types of disassembly procedures may be performed on the M60 machine gun-general and detailed. General disassembly procedures involve the removal of most of the major groups and assemblies of the weapon, while the detailed procedures consist of removing the components of the major groups. Because of the complexity of the detailed procedures and the many steps and parts involved, only the general disassembly procedures are discussed here.

Figure 3-76.-Extraction and ejection.

Figure 3-77.-Major groups and assemblies of the M60 machine gun.

The M60 machine gun can be disassembled into eight major groups and assemblies without the use of force or special tools. These groups and assemblies are shown in figure 3-77. Removal disassembly of all the groups and assemblies is not necessary for general disassembly. with the exception of the barrel assembly, all disassembly can be done with a driftpin or a similar pointed object.

General disassembly begins with the bolt forward, the cover closed, and the safety on SAFE. Before the weapon is disassembled, it must be thoroughly inspected to make sure it is unloaded. As the weapon is disassembled, place the parts (in the order in which they are removed) on a clean, flat surface. This reduces the possibility of loss of parts and aids in reassembly. The parts are replaced in reverse order. The nomenclature of each part is learned by naming it as it is removed and replaced

REMOVING THE STOCK- To remove the stock, raise the hinged shoulder rest and insert the nose of a driftpin into the latch hole, as shown in figure 3-78. With the latch depressed, remove the stock by pulling it directly to the rear.

REMOVING THE BUFFER GROUP.- The buffer assembly group consists of the buffer yoke and the buffer. To disassemble the group, hold the palm of the hand against the exposed buffer and press lightly. Remove the buffer yoke from the top of the receiver, as shown in figure 3-79. Withdraw the buffer slowly. Allow the drive spring to expand until the end of the drive spring guide is exposed at the rear of the receiver. Pull the buffer plunger from the drive spring guide (fig. 3-80).

REMOVING THE OPERATING GROUP.- The operating rod assembly group consists of the operating rod, the drive spring, the drive spring guide, and the bolt assembly. To remove the group, pull the

Figure 3-78.-Releasing the stock latch.

Figure 3-79.-Removing the buffer group.

drive spring guide and spring from the receiver and separate them. With the left hand, grasp the pistol grip and pull the cocking handle to the rear until the bolt is separated from the barrel socket. Continue to pull the operating rod and bolt to the rear by pulling the cam roller, as shown in figure 3-81, view A.

When the operating rod and bolt are exposed approximately 4 inches to the rear of the receiver, grasp them securely to prevent the bolt from "turning in," and remove them from the receiver (fig. 3-81, view B). Relax the grip and allow the bolt to rotate slowly. It is not necessary to separate the bolt from the operating rod.