Chapter 4.
STOPPAGES AND IMMEDIATE ACTION
16. Stoppages
(a.) A stoppage is any unintentional interruption inthe cycle of operation.
(b.) Most stoppages occur because of dirty, worn, orbroken parts, and lack of lubrication. The rifleman must betaught to watch for these defects and take corrective action toeliminate them before they cause a stoppage. Some of the morecommon stoppages, with their usual causes and remedies are shownin table II (para 19).Note that the stoppages are classified according to the steps ofthe cycle of operation.
17. Immediate Action
(a.) Immediate action is the prompt action taken by thefirer to reduce a stoppage. To apply immediate action, pull theoperating rod handle all the way to the rear with the right hand,palm up, then release it. The right hand should beheld in this manner so it will not be injured in the event of ahangfire. Next, aim the rifle and try to fire it.
(b.) If a rifleman is taught to apply immediate actionquickly and properly when his rifle fails to fire, he will beable to reduce most stoppages (tableII).
18. Misfire, Hangfire, and Cookoff
(a.) Hangfires and misfires rarely occur. Normally, thefirer will instinctively apply immediate action which in mostinstances reduces the stoppage even when caused by a hangfire ormisfire.
(b.) Misfires are caused by one of three factors - thefirer, the weapon malfunctioning (due to excessive dirt, etc.),or faulty ammunition. When there has been an excessive number ofmisfires caused by faulty ammunition, the lot number should bereported to ammunition supply personnel for inspection anddetermination of disposition.
19. Malfunction
A malfunction is a failure of the weapon to operatesatisfactorily. Some of the common malfunctions are discussedbelow.
(a.) The clip may jump out on the seventh round. Thisis usually caused by a bent follower arm or bullet guide and canbe corrected by replacing them.
(b.) The rifle may fire in bursts of two or threerounds. This is due to the sear being broken, worn, or remainingin an open position. It can be corrected by replacing the triggerassembly.
(c.) The safety may release when pressure is applied tothe trigger. This can be caused by a broken safety or by thetrigger stop on the safety being worn. It can be corrected byreplacing the safety.
(d.) Operating parts which fail to move fully to therear (short recoil) are caused by:
- Valve leak in gas cylinder lock screw. (Valve not fully seated.)
- Defective operating rod spring.
- Undersized piston. (Caused by the use of abrasives when cleaning the piston.)
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- INTRODUCTION
