The first precaution to take in handling any weapon is to make it safe by clearing it. To clear the Ml 6 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 3-5. If the weapon is not cocked, the selector lever cannot be pointed toward SAFE. If that 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 3-6. Grasp it with the right hand (fingers curled around the front of the magazine, thumb placed on the magazine catch button). Apply pressure on the magazine catch button with the thumb, and pull the magazine straight out of the weapon.

3. Lock the bolt open, as shown in figures 3-7 and 3-8. Grasp the charging handle with the thumb and

Figure 3-9.-Pressing takedown pin to the right.

Figure 3-10.-Breaking upper receiver away from lower receiver.

forefinger of the right hand, depress the charging handle, latch it with the right thumb, and pull to the rear (fig. 3-7). When the bolt is fully rearward, press the bottom of the bolt catch with the thumb or forefinger of the left hand (fig. 3-8). 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 these spaces contain no ammunition.

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

CAUTION

The selector must be on SAFE to prevent damage to the automatic sear during assembly and disassembly.