Loading the Rifle

With the weapon cocked, place the selector lever on SAFE. The magazine may be inserted with the bolt either open or closed; however, you should learn to load with the bolt open. This reduces the possibility of a

Figure 8-21.-Locking the bolt open.

Figure 8-22.-Loading cartridges into the magazine.

Figure 8-23.-Loading cartridges into magazine with magazine loading strip and charger.

first-round stoppage and saves the time required to chamber the first round by pulling back the charging handle.

Open the bolt and lock it open as previously described. Hold the stock of the rifle under the right

arm with the right hand grasping the pistol grip, and point the muzzle in a safe direction. With the left hand, insert a loaded magazine into the magazine feedway. Push upward until the magazine catch engages and holds the magazine. Rap the base of the magazine sharply with the heel of the hand to ensure positive retention. Then release the bolt by depressing the upper portion of the bolt catch as previously described. The bolt, as it rides forward, will chamber the top round.

If you load the rifle with the bolt closed, you chamber the top round by pulling the charging handle fully to the rear and releasing it.

NOTE

Do not "ride" the charging handle forward with the right hand. If the handle is eased forward from the open position, the bolt may fail to lock. If the bolt fails to go fully forward, strike the forward assist assembly (fig. 8-20) with the heel of the right hand.

Unloading the Rifle

To unload the rifle and make it safe, place the selector lever on SAFE; press the magazine catch button and remove the magazine; pull the charging handle to the rear; inspect the chamber to ensure it is clear; lock the bolt earner to the rear by depressing the lower portion of the bolt catch; and return the charging handle forward.

The rifle is clear (and therefore safe) ONLY when no round is in the chamber, the magazine is out, the bolt carrier is to the rear, and the selector lever is on the SAFE setting.

Gun Maintenance

A clean, properly lubricated and maintained M16A1 rifle will function properly and fire accurately when needed. To keep the rifle in good operating condition, you must properly care for it and perform maintenance according to set procedures. Procedures for the care and cleaning of the rifle can be found on the 3-M System's MRCs or in the Army's TM 9-1005-249-10.

Maintenance of the M16A1 rifle is generally the same as for other small arms previously discussed. The bore and chamber must be kept free of residue and _{foreign matter.} Inspect, while cleaning and

lubricating, all sliding or working surfaces for burrs, cracks, or worn areas (repair or replace as necessary) and lubricate with a thin film of lubricant. Remove dirt, rust, grit, gummed oil, and water as these will cause rapid deterioration of the inner mechanism and outer surfaces.

SHOTGUNS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: List the technical specifications and explain the functions, loading, unloading, and mechanical safety of the Remington M870 shotgun. Describe the operating cycle of the M870 shotgun and determine the required routine maintenance. Recognize the differences between the Remington M870 and Mossberg M500 shotgun.

Shotguns used by the Armed Forces are military versions of civilian models procured from military specifications. The Remington model 870 (M870) and the Mossberg Model 500 (M500) are the Navy's standard issue riot-type shotguns. However, in this chapter, only the Remington M870 (fig. 8-24) will be described in any detail. The Mossberg 500 is very similar to the Remington 870 in construction and operation and is covered by the same MRCs for maintenance.