Firing the M14 Rifle

If the command desires no automatic fire, the selector on your rifle will be removed and a selector shaft lock (fig. 8-9) inserted so that the rifle is capable only of semiautomatic fire.

For a rifle equipped with a selector shaft lock, simply push the safety forward and then fire a round with each squeeze of the trigger.

For semiautomatic fire on a rifle equipped with a selector, position the selector for semiautomatic fire and then fire a round with each squeeze of the trigger.

For automatic fire with a selector (rifle cocked), proceed as follows:

1. Position the selector for automatic fire.

2. Push the safety forward.

3. Squeeze the trigger, and the rifle will fire automatically as along as the trigger is squeezed and

there is ammunition in the magazine. Release the trigger to cease firing.

4. After the last round is fired, the magazine follower (a spring-driven plate in the magazine that forces cartridges upward as rounds are expended and cases ejected) actuates the bolt lock, locking the bolt in the rearward position. When an empty magazine is removed and a loaded one inserted, release the bolt lock by retracting the operating rod, thereby drawing the bolt rearward; then close the bolt. As the bolt assembly is closed, the top cartridge in the magazine is pushed forward into the chamber.

Unloading the M14 Rifle

To unload the M14 rifle, proceed as follows:

1. Push the safety to the safe (back) position,

2. Grasp the magazine with your thumb on the magazine latch, and squeeze the latch to release it. Push the magazine forward and downward to disengage it from the front catch, and then remove it from the magazine well, as shown in figure 8-13.

3. Pull the operating rod handle all the way to the rear and lock it using the bolt catch.

4. Inspect the chamber to ensure it is clear.

The rifle is clear ONLY when no round is in the chamber, the magazine is out, the safety is set (to the rear), and the bolt is in the rear position.

Figure 8-16.-The 5.56-mm M16A1 rifle, left- and right-side views.

M16A1 RIFLE

The M16A1 rifle (fig. 8-16) is a 5.56-mm (about .223-cal.) magazine-fed, gas-operated, air-cooled _{shoulder weapon.} It is designed for either semiautomatic or fully automatic fire through the use of a selector lever. The M16A1, which is the version in use by the Navy, incorporates a forward assist mechanism. The forward assist was added to allow the operator to completely close the bolt should it hang up while feeding. Heavy use in dirty conditions with the close tolerances of the bolt mechanism combined cause many such feeding problems.

A "clothespin" bipod (fig. 8-17) is used in the prone and foxhole positions. The biped is attached to the barrel directly beneath the front sight, between the bayonet lug and the front sling swivel.

Clearing the M16A1 Rifle

The first consideration in handling any weapon is to make it safe by clearing it. To clear the M16A1 rifle, place the butt against the right thigh and proceed as follows:

1. Attempt to point the selector lever toward SAFE, the position shown in figure 8-18. If the weapon is not cocked, the selector lever cannot be pointed toward SAFE. If this is the case, do not cock the weapon at this time; instead, go on to the next step in clearing.

2. Remove the magazine as shown in figure 8-19. Grasp it with the right hand (fingers curled around the front of the magazine, thumb placed on magazine catch button); apply pressure on the magazine catch button

Figure 8-17.-Attaching the clothespin bipod to the M16A1rifle.

Figure 8-18.-Selector lever pointing to SAFE.

Figure 8-19.-Removing the magazine.

with the thumb; and pull the magazine straight out of the weapon.

3. Lock the bolt open as shown in figures 8-20 and 8-21. Grasp the charging handle with thumb and forefinger of right hand; depress the charging handle latch with right thumb; and pull to the rear (fig. 8-20).

Figure 8-20.-Pulling the charging handle rearward.

When the bolt is at the rear, press the bottom of the bolt catch with the thumb or forefinger of the left hand (fig. 8-21). Allow the bolt to move slowly forward until it engages the bolt catch, and return the charging handle to its forward position.

4. Inspect the receiver and chamber of the weapon by looking through the ejection port to ensure that these spaces contain no ammunition.

5. Check the selector lever to ensure that it points toward SAFE, and then allow the bolt to go forward by depressing the upper portion of the bolt catch.

CAUTION

The selector must be in the SAFE position to prevent damage to the automatic sear.

Loading the Magazine

The magazine has a capacity of 20 rounds and may be loaded with any amount up to that capacity. The magazine follower has a raised portion generally resembling the outline of a cartridge. Cartridges are loaded into the magazine so that the tips of the bullets point in the same direction as the raised portion of the follower (fig. 8-22).

A magazine charger and magazine charger strip (fig. 8-23) are provided to facilitate loading of the magazine. The magazine charger is connected to the magazine and fully seated. The charger strip is inserted into the magazine charger until fully seated. Pushing on the top cartridge will force cartridges into the magazine.