Immediately after firing and on 2 consecutive days thereafter, thoroughly clean the bore, the chamber, and the parts that have become powder-fouled with bore cleaner. Do not wipe it dry. On the third day after firing, clean the M60 with bore cleaner, wipe it dry, then lightly coat it with oil.

Weekly thereafter when the M60 is not being fired, clean the bore and chamber with bore cleaner, wipe it dry, and then oil it. The rest of the machine gun should be cleaned with a dry-cleaning solvent immediately after firing and weekly thereafter. Wipe it dry and oil it. Do not clean the inside of the M60 gas system unless blank ammunition has been used or unless the gun fires sluggishly after all other reasons for sluggishness have been checked.

Lubricate the machine gun with a general-purpose lubricant when operating in an average climate. For hot, humid climates, inspect the M60 more frequently for signs of rust. Keep it free of moisture and lightly oiled with a special general-purpose lubricant. When exposed to salt air, high humidity, or water, clean and oil the M60 more frequently to remove contaminated lubricants.

ACTION BEFORE AND DURING FIRING

Before firing, wipe the bore dry, inspect the weapon, and ensure the M60 is properly lubricated. During firing, change the barrels as prescribed for the number of rounds fired in a given period of time, periodically inspecting the M60 to ensure it is properly lubricated; then follow the procedures given when malfunctions or stoppages occur.

FIELD STRIPPING

The M60 machine gun can be disassembled and assembled without the use of force. With exception of the barrel group, all disassembly can be accomplished with a cartridge or some other pointed object. As you disassemble the machine gun, be sure to place the parts in the order in which they were removed on a clean, flat surface, such as a table or workbench. This reduces the possibility of losing parts and aids in assembling the gun.

A general disassembly (field stripping), as shown in figure 13-16, and reassembly involve removing and replacing the six major groups. These groups consist of the STOCK GROUP, BUFFER GROUP, OPERATING GROUP, TRIGGER HOUSING GROUP, BARREL GROUP, and RECEIVER GROUP.

Figure 13-17.-Releasing the stock latch.

Figure 13-18.-Removing the buffer group.

General disassembly begins with the bolt forward, the cover closed, and the safety in the S position. Before the weapon is disassembled, be sure it has been cleared as outlined in previous sections of this chapter.