MCRP 3-01A
Rifle Marksmanship
U.S. Marine Corps
PCN 144 000091 00
To Our Readers
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Unless otherwise stated, whenever the masculine gender is used, bothmen and women are included.
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY Headquarters United States Marine Corps Washington, D.C. 20380-1775
29 March 2001
FOREWORD
- PURPOSE
- Marine Corps Reference Publication (MCRP) 3-01A, Rifle Marksmanship, provides techniques and procedures for Marine Corps rifle marksmanship.
- SCOPE
- Every Marine is first and foremost a rifleman. MCRP 3-01A reflects this ethos and the Marine Corps’ warfighting philosophy. This publication discusses the individual skills required for effective rifle marksmanship and standardizes the techniques and procedures used throughout the Marine Corps. It constitutes the doctrinal basis for all entry-level and sustainment-level rifle marksmanship training.
- SUPERSESSION
- MCRP 3-01A supersedes the discussion of rifle marksmanship in Fleet Marine Force Manual (FMFM) 0-8, Basic Marksmanship, and FMFM 0-9, Field Firing for the M16A2 Rifle. The discussion of pistol marksmanship in FMFM 0-8 remains in effect until it is superseded by MCRP 3-01B, Pistol Marksmanship, which is currently under development.
- CERTIFICATION
Reviewed and approved this date.
BY DIRECTION OF THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS
Commanding General Marine Corps Combat Development Command Quantico, Virginia
DISTRIBUTION: 144 000091 00
MCWP 2-12. MAGTF Intelligence Analysis and Production
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction to Rifle Marksmanship
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION TO RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP
All Marines share a common warfighting belief: “Every Marine a rifleman.” This simple credo reinforces the belief that all Marines are forged from a common experience, share a common set of values, and are trained as members of an expeditionary force in readiness. As such, there are no “rear area” Marines, and no one is very far from the fighting during expeditionary operations. The Marine rifleman of the next conflict will be as in past conflicts: among the first to confront the enemy and the last to hang his weapon in the rack after the conflict is won.
1001. ROLE OF THE MARINE RIFLEMAN
Marine Corps forces are employed across the entire range of military operations. At one end is war, which is characterized by large-scale, sustained combat operations. At the other end of the scale are those actions referred to as military operations other than war (MOOTW). MOOTW focuses on deterring aggression, resolving conflict, promoting peace, and supporting civil authorities. These operations can occur before, during, and after combat operations. Training and preparation for MOOTW should not detract from the Corps’ primary mission of training Marines to fight and win in combat. MOOTW normally does not involve combat. However, Marines always need to be prepared to protect themselves and respond to changing threats and unexpected situations. Whenever the situation warrants the application of deadly force, the Marine rifleman must be able to deliver well aimed shots to eliminate the threat. Sometimes the need for a well aimed shot may even be heightened by the presence of noncombatants in close proximity to the target. The proficient rifleman handles this challenge without unnecessarily escalating the level of violence or causing unnecessary collateral damage. The Marine rifleman must have the versatility, flexibility, and skills to deal with a situation at any level of intensity across the entire range of military operations.
To be combat ready, the Marine must be skilled in the techniques and procedures of rifle marksmanship and take proper care of his rifle. Even when equipped with the best rifle in the world, a unit with poorly trained riflemen cannot be depended upon to accomplish their mission. Usually, poorly trained riflemen either fail to fire their weapon or they waste ammunition by firing ineffectively. To send Marines into harm’s way without thorough training in the use of their individual weapons carries undue risks for every Marine in the unit. On the other hand, well trained riflemen can deliver accurate fire against the enemy under the most adverse conditions. A well trained rifleman is not only confident that he can help his unit accomplish it’s mission, he is confident that he can protect his fellow Marines and himself.
1002. CONDITIONS AFFECTING MARKSMANSHIP IN COMBAT
Many factors affect the application of marksmanship in combat; among them are—
l Most targets are linear in nature and will consist of a number of men or objects irregularly spaced along covered or concealed areas.
l Most targets can be detected by smoke, flash, dust, noise or movement, but will only be visible for a brief moment before taking cover.
l The nature of the target, irregularities of terrain and vegetation will often require a rifleman to use a position other than prone in order to fire effectively on the target.
l The time in which a target can be engaged is often fleeting.
1003. COMBAT MINDSET
In a combat environment, the Marine must be constantly prepared for possible target engagement. When a target presents itself in combat, there may be very little time to take action. A Marine must be able to engage the target quickly and accurately. The unique demands of combat (i.e., stress, uncertainty) dictate that the Marine be both physically and mentally prepared to engage enemy targets. It will not be enough to simply know marksmanship techniques and procedures. The Marine must develop the mental discipline to prepare for enemy contact. In the confusion, noise, and stress of the combat environment, the Marine must have the ability to eliminate any hesitation, fear or uncertainty of action and to focus on the actions required to fire well-aimed shots. This is accomplished through establishment of a combat mindset. The key factors in the development of a combat mindset include both physical and mental preparation.
Physical Preparation
In combat, targets can present themselves without warning. Therefore, it is essential for the Marine to maintain proper balance and control of his weapon at all times so he can quickly assume a firing position, present the weapon, and accurately engage the target. However, speed alone does not equate to effective target engagement. The Marine should fire only as fast as he can fire accurately, never exceeding his physical ability to apply the fundamentals of marksmanship. To be effective in combat, the Marine must train to perfect the physical skills of shooting so those skills become second nature. Mastery of physical skills allow the Marine to concentrate on the mental aspects of target engagement; e.g., scanning for targets, detection of targets, selection and use of cover. The more physical skills that a Marine can perform automatically, the more concentration he can give to the mental side of target engagement.
Mental Preparation
While combat is unpredictable and constantly changing, the Marine can prepare himself mentally for confrontation with the enemy. The stress of battle, coupled with the often limited time available to engage targets, requires concentration on the mental aspects of target engagement; e.g., scanning for targets, detection of targets, and the selection and use of cover.
Knowledge of the Combat Environment
The Marine must be constantly aware of the surroundings to include the terrain, available cover, possible areas of enemy contact, backdrop of the target, etc. This awareness will enable the Marine to select and assume a firing position and to quickly and accurately engage targets.
Plan of Action
In combat, the situation will dictate the action to be taken. The Marine must understand the situation, identify and evaluate possible courses of action, and then develop a plan for target engagement that accomplishes the mission.
Confidence
The Marine must believe in his ability to engage targets accurately in any combat situation. A Marine’s level of confidence is rooted in the belief that future challenges will be overcome—particularly the challenge of firing well aimed shots in a combat environment where the enemy may be returning fire. A key factor in a Marine’s level of confidence is the degree to which he has mastered the techniques and procedures of the rifle marksmanship. Mastery of rifle marksmanship can only be obtained by quality instruction. Quality instruction is the foundation for practical application of the marksmanship fundamentals during range and field firing.
CHAPTER 2. INTRODUCTION TO THE M16A2 SERVICE RIFLE
Note
+The procedures in this manual are written for right-handed Marines; left-handed Marines should reverse instructions as necessary.
2001. DESCRIPTION
The M16A2 service rifle is a lightweight, 5.56 millimeter (mm), magazine-fed, gas-operated, air-cooled, shoulder-fired rifle. (Fig. 2-1 shows a right-side view and fig. 2-2, on page 2-2, shows the left-side view.) The rifle fires in either semiautomatic (single-shot) mode or a three-round burst through the use of a selec tor leve r. The M16A2 service rifle has a maximum effective range of 550 meters for individual or point targets. The bore and chamber are chrome-plated to reduce wear and fouling. The handguards are aluminum-lined and are vented to permit air to circulate around the barrel for cooling purposes and to protect the gas tube. An aluminum receiver helps reduce the overall weight of the rifle. The trigger guard is equipped with a spring-loaded retaining pin that, when depressed, allows the trigger guard to be rotated out of the way for access to the trigger while wearing heavy gloves. An ejection port cover prevents dirt and sand from getting into the rifle through the ejection port. The ejection port cover should be closed when the rifle is not being fired. It is automatically opened by the action of the bolt carrier. The muzzle compensator serves as a flash suppressor and assists in reducing muzzle climb.
2002. OPERATIONAL CONTROLS
Selector Lever
The selector lever has three settings—safe, semi, and burst. The setting selected depends on the firing situation. See figure 2-3 on page 2-2.
Safe
The selector lever in the safe position prevents the rifle from firing.
Semi
The selector lever in the semi position allows one shot to be fired with each pull of the trigger.
Figure 2-1. M16A2 Service Rifle (Right Side View). Figure 2-2. M16A2 Service Rifle (Left Side View).
Burst
The selector lever in the burst position allows the rifle to continue its cycle of operation until interrupted by the burst cam. With each pull of the trigger, the burst cam limits the maximum number of rounds fired to three. The burst cam is not “self-indexing.” If burst is selected, the burst cam does not automatically reset to the first shot position of the three-round burst. One, two or three shots may be fired on the first pull of the trigger. Each subsequent pull of the trigger results in a complete three-round burst unless the trigger is released before the cycle is complete. If the trigger is released during the burst and the three-round cycle is interrupted, the next pull of the trigger fires the rounds remaining in the interrupted three-round cycle.
Magazine Release Button
The magazine release button releases the magazine from the magazine well. See figure 2-4.
Charging Handle
When the charging handle is pulled to the rear, the bolt unlocks from the barrel extension locking lugs and the bolt carrier group moves to the rear of the receiver. See figure 2-5.
Bolt Catch
If the charging handle is pulled to the rear when the lower portion of the bolt catch is depressed, the bolt carrier group will lock to the rear. When the bolt carrier group is locked to the rear and the upper portion of the bolt catch is depressed, the bolt carrier group will slide forward, driven by the buffer assembly and action spring, into the firing position.
Figure 2-5. Charging Handle.
2003. CYCLE OF OPERATION
Firing
The hammer releases and strikes the head of the firing pin, driving the firing pin into the round’s primer. The primer ignites the powder in the cartridge. Gas generated by the rapid burning of powder propels the projectile through the barrel. After the projectile passes the gas port, a portion of the expanding gas enters the gas port and gas tube. The gas tube directs the gas rearward into the bolt carrier key and causes the bolt carrier to move rearward. See figure 2-6 on page 2-4.
Unlocking
Figure 2-7 on page 2-4 illustrates unlocking of the bolt. As the bolt carrier moves to the rear, the bolt cam pin follows the path of the cam track located in the bolt carrier. This causes the bolt assembly to rotate until the bolt-locking lugs are no longer aligned behind the barrel extension locking lugs.
Figure 2-7. Unlocking.
Extracting
As the bolt carrier group continues to move to the rear, the extractor claw withdraws the cartridge case from the chamber. See figure 2-8.
Figure 2-8. Extracting.
Ejecting
The ejector, located in the bolt face, is compressed into the bolt body by the base of the cartridge case. The rearward movement of the bolt carrier group allows the nose of the cartridge case to clear the front of the ejection port. The cartridge case is thrown out by the action of the ejector and spring. See figure 2-9.
Figure 2-9. Ejecting.
Cocking
Continuing its rearward travel, the bolt carrier overrides the hammer, forces it down into the receiver, compresses the hammer spring, and causes the disconnector to engage the lower hammer hook. See figure 2-10.
Figure 2-10. Cocking.
Feeding
Once rearward motion causes the bolt carrier group to clear the top of the magazine, the expansion of the magazine spring forces a round into the path of the bolt. After the action spring overcomes and absorbs the rearward motion of the bolt carrier group, it expands and sends the buffer assembly and bolt carrier group forward with enough force to strip a round from the magazine. See figure 2-11.
Chambering
As the bolt carrier group continues to move forward, pushing a fresh round in front of it, the face of the bolt thrusts the new round into the chamber. The extractor claw grips the rim of the cartridge case. The ejector is forced into its hole, compressing the ejector spring. See figure 2-12.
Figure 2-12. Chambering.
Locking
As the bolt carrier group continues to move forward, the bolt-locking lugs are forced against the barrel extension and the bolt cam pin is forced along the cam track. The bolt rotates and aligns the bolt locking lugs behind the barrel extension locking lugs. The weapon is ready to fire. See figure 2-13.
Figure 2-13. Locking.
2004. Ammunition
Four types of ammunition are authorized for use with the M16A2 service rifle: ball (M193 and M855), tracer (M196 and M856), dummy (M199), and blank (M200) (see fig. 2-14).
M193 Ball
This ammunition is a 5.56mm centerfire cartridge with a 55-grain gilded-metal jacket, lead alloy core bullet. The primer and case are waterproofed. The M193 ball ammunition has no identifying marks.
M855 Ball
This ammunition is the primary ammunition for the M16A2 rifle. Identified by a green tip, its 5.56mm centerfire cartridge has better penetration than the M193. It has a 62-grain gilded-metal jacket bullet. The rear two-thirds of the core of the projectile is lead alloy and the front one-third is a solid steel penetrator. The primer and case are waterproofed.
M196 and M856 Tracer
This ammunition has the same basic characteristics as ball ammunition. Identified by a bright red tip, its primary uses include observation firing, incendiary effect, and signaling. Tracer ammunition should be intermixed with ball ammunition in a ratio no greater than 1:1. The preferred ratio is one tracer to four balls
(1:4) to prevent metal fouling in the bore.
M199 Dummy
This ammunition has six grooves along the side of the case. It contains no propellants or primer. The primer well is open to prevent damage to the firing pin. The dummy cartridge is used during dry fire and other training purposes.
M200 Blank
This ammunition has the case mouth closed with a seven-petal rosette crimp. It contains no projectile. Blank ammunition, identified by its violet tip, is used for training purposes.
2005. Preventive Maintenance
Normal care and cleaning of the rifle will result in proper functioning of its all parts. Only issue-type cleaning materials maybe used. Improper maintenance can cause stoppages, reducing combat readiness and effectiveness.
Main Group Disassembly
The M16A2 service rifle is disassembled into three main groups (see fig. 2-15). Before disassembling the M16A2 service rifle—
l Ensure the rifle is in Condition 4 (see para. 3002). l Remove the sling.
Note
To facilitate control and ease of disassembly, the handguards may be removed using the “buddy system” as described in Technical Manual (TM) 05538C-10/1A,
Operator’s Manual w/Components List
Rifle, 5.56-mm, M16A2E W/E (1005-01-
128-9936).
Upper Receiver
To disassemble the upper receiver—
l Place the rifle on the buttstock. Press down on the slip ring with both hands. Pull the handguards free (see fig. 2-16).
Use caution when the handguards are off the rifle. Handguards pro- vide protection for the gas tube. Damage to the gas tube adversely affects the functioning
of the rifle. Figure 2-16. Removing the Handguards.
| l | Move the take down pin from the left to the right as |
|---|---|
| far as it will go to allow the lower receiver to pivot | |
| down from the upper receiver. | |
| l | Move the receiver pivot pin from left to right as far |
| as it will go and separate the upper and lower | |
| receivers. | |
| l | Pull back the charging handle and bolt carrier about |
| 3 inches and remove the bolt carrier group. | |
| l | Remove the charging handle by sliding it back and |
| down, out of the upper receiver. |
No further disassembly is conducted on the upper receiver group.
Bolt Carrier
To disassemble the bolt carrier—
l Remove the firing pin retaining pin. l Push the bolt back into the bolt carrier to the locked position. l Tap the base of the bolt carrier against the palm of your hand so the firing pin will drop out. l Rotate the bolt cam pin one-quarter turn and lift the
bolt cam pin out. l Withdraw the bolt assembly from the carrier. l Press on the extractor’s rear and use the firing pin to
push out the extractor-retaining pin. Remove the extractor and spring (the spring is permanently attached to the extractor). (See fig. 2-17.)
Figure 2-17. Bolt Carrier Disassembled.
CAUTION
Be careful not to damage the tip of the firing pin while pushing out the extractor-retaining pin.
Note
The extractor assembly has a rubber insert within the spring. Do not attempt to remove it. If the spring comes loose, put the large end of the spring in the extractor and seat it. Push in the extractor pin.
Lower Receiver
To disassemble the lower receiver—
| l | Press in the buffer and depress the buffer retainer. |
|---|---|
| Note | |
| It may be necessary to use the edge of the | |
| charging handle to depress the buffer re | |
| tainer. | |
| l | Press the hammer downward and ease the buffer |
| and action spring forward and out of the receiver. | |
| l | Separate the parts. See figure 2-18. |
No further disassembly of the lower receiver is performed.
Note
In combat situations, the rifle may be partially disassembled in any sequence. However, combat situations are the exception, not the rule. Under normal operating circumstances, disassemble the rifle in the sequence just performed. Any further disassembly of the rifle is to be performed by a qualified armorer.
Magazine Disassembly
The magazine should be disassembled regularly for cleaning to avoid the possibility of malfunction or stoppage of the rifle caused by dirty or damaged magazines. To disassemble the magazine—
| l | Pry up and push base plate out from the magazine. |
|---|---|
| l | Jiggle the spring and follower to remove. Do not re |
| move the follower from the spring. See figure 2-19. |
Cleaning Materials
The following cleaning materials are used in preventive maintenance (see fig. 2-20):
l Cleaner, lubricant, and preservative (CLP). Always shake the bottle well before use.
l Rod in three sections and a handle assembly.
l Patch holder section, swabs, patches, pipe cleaners, and clean rags.
l Brushes: bore, chamber, and general purpose.
Cleaning the Upper Receiver
Basic cleaning of the upper receiver group should include the following:
| l | Attach the three rod sections together but leave each |
|---|---|
| one about two turns short of being tight. | |
| l | Attach the patch holder onto the rod. |
| l | Point the muzzle down and insert the non-patch end |
| of the rod into the chamber. Attach the handle to the | |
| cleaning rod section and pull a CLP-moistened | |
| 5.56mm patch through the bore. | |
| l | Attach the bore brush to the rod but leave it two |
| turns short of being tight. Put a few drops of CLP | |
| on the bore brush. Insert the rod into the barrel from | |
| the chamber end, attach the handle, and pull the | |
| brush through the bore. Repeat 3 times. Remove | |
| bore brush and attach the patch holder to the rod | |
| with a CLP moistened patch insert the rod into the | |
| barrel from the chamber end, attach the handle, and | |
| pull the patch through the bore. | |
| l | Inspect the bore for cleanliness by holding the |
| muzzle to your eye and looking into the bore. | |
| l | Repeat the above steps until the patches come out of |
| the bore clean. | |
| l | Attach the chamber brush and one section of the |
| cleaning rod to the handle. Moisten it well with | |
| CLP and insert it into the chamber. | |
| l | Scrub the chamber and bolt lugs using a combina |
| tion of a plunging and clockwise rotating action. |
Note
Do not reverse direction of the brush while it is in the chamber.
l Clean the interior portion of the upper receiver with the general-purpose brush and CLP.
l Dry the bore, chamber, and the interior of the receiver with rifle patches, swabs, and clean rags until they come out clean. Then moisten all interior surfaces with CLP.
l Wipe the barrel, gas tube, and handguards clean with a rag.
Cleaning the Bolt Carrier Group
l Clean the outer and inner surfaces of the bolt carrier with a general-purpose brush. l Clean the bolt carrier key with a pipe cleaner. l Clean the locking lugs, gas rings, and exterior of the bolt with the general-purpose brush. l Insert a swab into the rear of the bolt and swab out the firing pin recess and gas ports.
| l | Clean the extractor with the general-purpose brush, |
|---|---|
| ensuring all the carbon is removed from underneath | |
| the extractor lip. | |
| l | Clean extractor pin, firing pin, and firing pin retain |
| ing pin using the general-purpose brush and CLP. | |
| l | Clean charging handle assembly with the general- |
| purpose brush and patches. |
Cleaning the Lower Receiver
l Wipe dirt from the firing mechanism using a general-purpose brush, clean patch, pipe cleaners, and swabs.
l Clean the outside of the receiver with the general-purpose brush and CLP. Clean the buttplate and rear sling swivel, ensuring drain hole is clear of dirt.
l Wipe the inside of the buffer tube, buffer, and action spring. l Wipe the inside of the magazine well with a rag. l Wipe out the inside of the pistol grip and ensure that it is clean.
Cleaning the Magazine
l Clean the inside of the magazine with the general-purpose brush and CLP. l Wipe dry. l Keep the spring lightly oiled.
Inspection
While cleaning the rifle, and during each succeeding step in the preventive maintenance process, inspect each part for cracks and chips and ensure parts are not bent or badly worn. Report any damaged part to the armorer. Inspection is a critical step to ensure the combat readiness of your rifle. It is performed normally during rifle cleaning (prior to lubrication), however, it can be performed throughout the preventive maintenance process.
Lubrication
Lubrication is performed as part of the detailed procedure for preventive maintenance. Lubrication procedures are also performed in preparation for firing.
Lubricant
In all but the coldest arctic conditions, CLP is the lubricant for the rifle. Remember to remove excess CLP from the bore and chamber before firing.
| l | Lightly lube means that a film of CLP barely visible |
|---|---|
| to the eye should be applied. | |
| l | Generously lube means the CLP should be applied |
| heavily enough that it can be spread with the finger. |
Upper Receiver
l Lightly lube the inside of the upper receiver, bore, chamber, outer surfaces of the barrel, and surfaces under the handguard.
l Depress the front sight detent and apply two or three drops of CLP to the front sight detent. Depress several times to work lubrication into the spring.
l Lubricate the moving parts and elevation screw shaft of the rear sight.
Bolt Carrier Group
l Generously lube the outside of the cam pin area, the bolt rings, and outside the bolt body.
l Lightly lube the charging handle and the inner and outer surfaces of the bolt carrier.
Lower Receiver
l Lightly lube the inside of the lower receiver extension.
l Generously lube the moving parts inside the lower receiver and their pins.
Reassembly
Reassembling the Rifle
l Return all cleaning gear into the buttstock of the rifle and close the buttplate.
l Connect the buffer and action spring and insert them into the buffer tube/stock.
l Place the extractor and spring back on the bolt. Depress the extractor to align the holes and reinsert the extractor pin.
l Insert the bolt into the carrier. Do not switch bolts between rifles.
l Hold the bolt carrier with the bolt carrier key at 12 o’clock. Insert the bolt into the bolt carrier with the extractor at 12 o’clock.
Rotate the bolt counterclockwise until the cam pinhole aligns to the cam pin slot in the bolt carrier.
| l | Insert the bolt cam pin through the bolt carrier and |
|---|---|
| into the bolt. Rotate the cam pin 1/4 turn right or | |
| left. Pull the bolt forward until it stops. | |
| l | Drop in the firing pin from the rear of the bolt car |
| rier and seat it. | |
| l | Replace the firing pin retaining pin. Ensure the head |
| of the firing pin retaining pin is recessed inside the | |
| bolt carrier. The firing pin should not fall out when | |
| the bolt carrier group is turned upside down. | |
| l | Place the charging handle in the upper receiver by |
| lining it up with the grooves in the receiver. Push | |
| the charging handle partially in. | |
| l | With the bolt in the unlocked position, place bolt |
| carrier key into the groove of the charging handle. | |
| l | Push the charging handle and bolt carrier group into |
| the upper receiver until the charging handle locks. | |
| l | Join the upper and lower receivers and engage the |
| receiver pivot pin. | |
| l | Ensure the selector lever is on safe before closing |
| the upper receiver. Close the upper and lower re | |
| ceiver groups. Push in the takedown pin. | |
| l | Install the handguards. |
| l | Attach the sling. |
Reassembling the Magazine
To reassemble the magazine—
l Insert the follower and jiggle the spring to install.
l Slide the base under all four tabs until the base catches. Make sure the printing is on the outside.
2006. Function Check
A function check is performed to ensure the rifle operates properly. To perform a function check:
l Place the weapon in Condition 4 (see para. 3002).
l Pull the charging handle to the rear and release. Ensure the selector lever is on safe and pull the trigger. The hammer should not fall.
l Place the selector lever on semi. Pull the trigger and hold it to the rear. The hammer should fall. Pull the charging handle to the rear and release. Release the trigger and pull again. The hammer should fall.
l Pull the charging handle to the rear and release. Place the selector lever on burst. Pull the trigger and hold it to the rear. The hammer should fall. Pull the charging handle to the rear three times and release. Release the trigger and pull again. The hammer should fall.
l Pull the charging handle to the rear and release. Place the selector lever on safe.
2007. User Serviceability Inspection
Individual Marines must perform user serviceability inspections on their weapons before firing them. This inspection ensures the weapon is in an acceptable operating condition.
| l | Place rifle in Condition 4 (see para. 3002). |
|---|---|
| l | Conduct a function check. |
| l | Check the rifle to ensure the following: |
| l | Compensator is tight. |
| l | Barrel is tight. |
| l | Front sight post is straight. |
| l | Front sight post is adjustable. |
| l | Handguards are serviceable. |
| l | Rear sight elevation and windage knobs are adjust |
| able and have distinct clicks. | |
| l | Stock is tight on the lower receiver. |
| l | Weapon is properly lubricated for operational con |
| ditions. | |
| l | Barrel is clear of obstructions. |
| l | Gas rings are serviceable. |
| l | Ensure magazines are serviceable. |
| l | Load the rifle with an empty magazine. Ensure that |
| the magazine can be seated. | |
| l | Without depressing the bolt catch, pull the charging |
| handle to the rear. Ensure that the bolt locks to the | |
| rear. | |
| l | Depress the upper portion of the bolt catch and |
| observe bolt moving forward on an empty chamber. |
Ensure the bolt moves completely forward and locks in the chamber. Repeat this procedure with all magazines.
2008. Field Maintenance
Preventive maintenance in the field is performed when detailed disassembly and cleaning is not practical due to operational tempo or the level of threat. To perform limited field preventive maintenance—
| l | Place the rifle in Condition 4 (see paragraph 3002). |
|---|---|
| l | Break the rifle down by removing the rear take |
| down pin and rotating the upper receiver and barrel | |
| forward. | |
| l | Remove the bolt carrier group. |
| l | Do not disassemble the bolt carrier group further. |
| l | Clean the bolt carrier group. |
| l | Clean the upper and lower receiver groups (without |
| further disassembly). | |
| l | Clean the bore and chamber. |
| l | Lubricate the rifle. |
| l | Reassemble the rifle and perform a user serviceabil |
| ity inspection. |
2009. Cleaning the Rifle in Various Conditions
The climatic conditions in various locations require special knowledge about cleaning and maintaining the rifle. The conditions that will affect the rifle the most are: hot, wet tropical; hot, dry desert; arctic or low temperature; and heavy rain and fording.
Hot, Wet Tropical Hot, Dry Desert
| l | Perform normal maintenance. |
|---|---|
| l | Clean and lubricate your rifle more often. Inspect |
| hidden surfaces for corrosion. Pay particular atten | |
| tion to spring-loaded detentes. | |
| l | Use lubricant more liberally. |
| l | Unload and check the inside of the magazine more |
| frequently. Wipe dry and check for corrosion. | |
| l | When practical, keep the rifle covered. |
Hot dry climates are usually areas that contain blowing sand and fine dust. Dust and sand will get into the rifle and magazines, causing stoppages. It is imperative to pay particular attention to the cleaning and lubrication of the rifle in this type of climate.
Corrosion is less likely to form in these environments, and lubrication will attract more dirt. For this reason, use lubrication more sparingly.
Whenever practical, keep the rifle covered.
Arctic or Low Temperature
| l | Clean and lubricate the rifle in a warm room, with |
|---|---|
| the rifle at room temperature, if possible. Lubri | |
| cating oil, arctic weapons (LAW) can be used | |
| below a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit and | |
| must be used below -35 degrees Fahrenheit. | |
| l | Keep the rifle covered when moving from a warm |
| to a cold environment to allow gradual cooling of | |
| the rifle. This prevents the condensation of moisture | |
| and freezing. Condensation will form on the rifle | |
| when it is moved from outdoors to indoors. If | |
| possible, leave the rifle in a protected but cold area | |
| outdoors. When bringing the rifle inside to a warm | |
| place, it should be disassembled and wiped down | |
| several times as it warms. | |
| l | Always try to keep the rifle dry. |
| l | Unload and perform a function check every 30 min |
| utes, if possible, to help prevent freezing of func | |
| tional parts. | |
| l | Do not lay a warm rifle in snow or ice. |
| l | Keep the inside of the magazine and ammunition |
| wiped dry. Moisture will freeze and cause stop | |
| pages. |
Heavy Rain and Fording
l Keep the rifle dry and covered when practical.
l Keep water out of the barrel if possible. If water does get in, drain and (if possible) dry with a patch. If water is in the barrel, point the muzzle down and break the seal by doing a chamber check so the water will drain. If water is in the stock of the weapon, ensure the drain hole in the stock is clear so the water can run out.
l Perform normal maintenance.
CHAPTER 3. WEAPONS HANDLING
Weapons handling procedures provide a consistent and standardized way for a Marine to handle, operate, and employ the rifle safely and effectively. Proper weapons handling procedures ensure the safety of Marines by eliminating negligent discharges and reinforcing positive identification of targets before engagement. Weapons handling procedures apply at all levels of training and during combat operations.
Note +The procedures in this manual are written for right-handed Marines; left-handed Marines should reverse instructions as necessary.
3001. Safety Rules
Safe handling of the rifle is critical. If proper weapons handling procedures are not used, a Marine risks his safety and the safety of his fellow Marines. During combat, a Marine must react quickly, safely, and be mentally prepared to engage targets. To ensure that only the intended target is engaged, a Marine must apply the following safety rules at all times:
Rule 1—Treat every weapon as if it were loaded. When a Marine takes charge of a rifle in any situation, he must treat the weapon as if it were loaded, determine its condition (see para. 3003), and continue applying the other safety rules.
Rule 2—Never point a weapon at anything you do not intend to shoot. A Marine must maintain muzzle awareness at all times.
Rule 3—Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to fire. A target must be identified before taking the weapon off safe and moving the finger to the trigger.
Rule 4—Keep the weapon on safe until you intend to fire. A target must be identified before taking the weapon off safe. This rule is intended to eliminate the chance of the weapon discharging by accident (e.g., brush snagging the trigger).
3002. Weapons Conditions
A weapon’s readiness is described by one of four conditions. The steps in the loading and unloading process take the rifle through four specific conditions of readiness for live fire.
Condition 1. Safety on, magazine inserted, round in chamber, bolt forward, ejection port cover closed.
Condition 2. Not applicable to the M16A2 rifle.
Condition 3. Safety on, magazine inserted, chamber empty, bolt forward, ejection port cover closed.
Condition 4. Safety on, magazine removed, chamber empty, bolt forward, ejection port cover closed.
3003. Determining a Weapon’s Condition (Chamber Check)
A Marine must know the condition of his weapon at all times. When a Marine takes charge of a weapon in any situation, he must determine its condition. Situations include coming across an unmanned rifle in combat, taking charge of any weapon after it has been unmanned (e.g., out of a rifle rack, stored in a vehicle), or taking charge of another Marine’s weapon. To determine the condition of the weapon in any of these situations, the Marine should:
l Determine if a magazine is present.
l Ensure the rifle is on safe.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________ MCRP 3-01A
3-2
l Conduct a chamber check. l Bring the left hand back against the magazine well. l Extend the fingers of the left hand and cover the
ejection port (see fig. 3-1).
Note
The same procedure is used in daylight as during low visibility. A chamber check may be conducted at any time.
CAUTION
Pulling the charging handle too far to the rear while inspecting the chamber may cause double feed or ejection of one round of ammunition.
l Release the charging handle and observe the bolt going forward. l Tap the forward assist. l Close the ejection port cover (if time and the situation permit).
l Remove the magazine (if present) and observe if ammunition is present. If time permits, count the rounds. Reinsert the magazine into magazine well.
Figure 3-1. Position of Hand.
l Grasp the charging handle with the index and middle fingers of the right hand.
l Pull the charging handle slightly to the rear and visually and physically inspect the chamber (see fig. 3-2). Right-handed Marines, insert one finger of the left hand into the ejection port and feel whether a round is present. Left-handed Marines, insert the thumb of the right hand into the ejection port and feel whether a round is present.
3004. Weapons Commands
Weapons commands dictate the specific steps required to load and unload the rifle. Six commands are used in weapons handling:
Load. This command is used to take the weapon from Condition 4 to Condition 3.
Make Ready. This command is used to take the weapon from Condition 3 to Condition 1.
Fire. This command is used to specify when a Marine may engage targets.
Cease-Fire. This command is used to specify when a Marine must stop target engagement.
Unload. This command is used to take the weapon from any condition to Condition 4.
Unload and Show Clear. This command is used when an observer must check the weapon to verify that no ammunition is present before the rifle is placed in Condition 4.
Loading the Rifle
Perform the following steps to load the rifle (take the rifle to Condition 3):
| l | Ensure the rifle is on safe. |
|---|---|
| l | Withdraw the magazine from the magazine pouch. |
| l | Observe the magazine to ensure it is filled. |
| l | Fully insert the magazine in the magazine well. |
| Without releasing the magazine, tug downward on | |
| the magazine to ensure it is seated. | |
| l | Close the ejection port cover. |
| l | Fasten the magazine pouch. |
Making the Rifle Ready
Perform the following steps to make the rifle ready for firing (take the rifle to Condition 1):
l Pull the charging handle to the rear and release. There are two methods of doing this:
l Grip the pistol grip firmly with the right hand and pull the charging handle with the left hand to its rearmost position and release (see fig. 3-3).
Or grip the handguards firmly with the left hand and pull the charging handle with the right hand to its rearmost position and release (see fig. 3-4).
| l | To | ensure | ammunition | has | been | chambered, |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| conduct a chamber check (see para. 3003) to ensure | ||||||
| a round has been chambered. | ||||||
| l | Check the sights (to ensure proper battlesight zero | |||||
| [BZO] setting, correct rear sight aperture, etc.). | ||||||
| l | Close ejection port cover. | |||||
Fire
On the command “Fire,” aim the rifle, take the rifle off safe, and pull the trigger.
Cease-Fire
On the command “Cease Fire,” perform the following steps:
l Place your trigger finger straight along the receiver. l Place the weapon on safe.