STUDENT HANDOUTS

As a reserved force student, you must be informed of the different

characteristics, parts, general data, cycle of operation, how to assemble and
disassemble, maintenance of US.RIFLE 5.6MM M16A1, U.S. RIFLE 7.62MM M14
AND M14A1 and HAND GRENADE.

U.S. RIFLE 5.56MM M16A1

a. CHARACTERISTICS:

a. Functioning:

1) Magazine fed
2) Gas operated
3) Shoulder weapon
4) Air cooled
5) Semi or automatic fire

b. Features
1) The rifle is equipped with a flash suppressor which can also serve as an adapter for
grenade launching. (CAUTION: Use of this weapon for grenade launching is not
currently authorized).
2) Barrel is surrounded by two aluminum line fiberglass hand guards which also
adapter for grenade as the forearm of the rifle. The hand guards are notched to
permit air to circulate around the rifle barrel, and further serve to protect the gas
tube.
3) A hard rubber recoil pass is attached at the butt of the stock to partially reduce the
effect of the recoil.
4) A forward assist assembly is located at the upper right rear of the upper receiver.
This is use to close the bolt when closing is not done by the force of action of spring
alone.
5) A dust cover is provided to prevent dust or dirt from getting into the rifle. This opens
automatically when the rifle is fired. (NOTE: The dust cover should be closed at all
times except during firing or maintenance).
b. PARTS OF THE RIFLE CAL 5.56MM M16A1.

1) Two main groups:

a) Upper receiver group

Parts of Upper Receiver Group:

(1) Flash suppressor
(2) Barrel
(3) Bayonet Stud
(4) Front Sigh
(5) Upper Sling Swivel
(6) Hand guard
(7) Sling Spring
(8) Carrying handle
(9) Charging handle
(10) Rear Sight
(11) Forward Assist
(12) Bolt Assembly
(13) Bust cover

b) Lower receiver group

Parts of the Lower Receiver Group:

(1) Rubber recall pack
(2) Trigger Guard
(3) Pivot take down pin
(4) Stock
(5) Pistol grip
(6) Trigger
(7) Magazine release button
(8) Hammer
(9) Selector Level
(10) Lower sling swivel

c. GENERAL DATA:

1) Weights:

Rifle without magazine- - - 6.5 lbs

Empty magazine (aluminum) - .2 lbs
Full magazine (20 rds)- - - .7 lbs
Firing weight (fully loaded w/ sling) - 7.6 lbs
 2) Lengths:

Rifle with flash suppressor - - 39 inches

Barrel with flash suppressor - - 21 inches
Barrel without flash suppressor - 20 inches

NOTE: These data do not include necessary equipment such as the bayonet and the bipod.

3) Operational:

Muzzle velocity - - 3,150 ft/sec

Cycle rate of fire - - 700-800 rds/min
Maximum rate of fire:
Semi-automatic - - 45-65 rds/min
Automatic - - 150-200 rds/min
Sustained rate of fire- - 15 rds/min
Maximum range - - 2,653 meters
Maximum effective range - 460 meters

d. CYCLE OF OPERATION:

1) Firing – occurs when the firing pin strikes the primer of the cartridge.
2) Unlocking – unsealing the breach of the barrel.
3) Extracting – removing the empty cartridge from the weapon.
4) Ejecting – removing the empty cartridge from the weapon.
5) Cocking – returning the firing mechanism to cock position.
6) Feeding – placing the cartridge in the receiver.
7) Chambering – placing the cartridge in the chamber.
8) Locking – sealing the cartridge in the chamber.

e. DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY OF THE WEAPON:

NOTE: Disassembly and assembly of the weapon should be kept to the maximum
consistent with proper maintenance and instructional requirements.

1) Steps in disassembly

a) The first step in the disassembly of any weapon is to

“Clear the weapon”.
(1) The butt must rest on a flat surface. The right thing will do.
(2) Point the selector lever to “SAFE” position. (NOTE) This can be done only if the
weapon is cocked. If the rifle is not cocked, proceed to the next step.
(3) Grasp the magazine with the right hand, the right thumb resting on the magazine
catch bottom. Press the bottom and pull the magazine.
 (4) Hold the balance of the stock with the left hand, the left thumb resting on the bolt
catch. Open the bolt and lock if in the position. Return the charging handle to forward
position.
(5) Ensure the selector lever at “SAFE”.

CAUTION: The selector level must be at the “SAFE” position when clearing weapon to
prevent damage to automatic sear.

b) Field Stripping

(1) Disassembly:

(a) Remove the sling and place the rifle on a table or a flat surface with the muzzle to the
left.
(b) Turn the weapon on its right side and press on the takedown pin until the upper
receiver swings free of the lower receiver. CAUTION: The takedown pin does not come
out free of the receiver.
(c) Press the receiver pivot pin and separate the upper from the lower receiver group.
(CAUTION): The receiver pivot pin does not come out of the receiver.
(d) Work on the upper receiver group:
-Keep the muzzle in the left.
-Withdraw the bolt carrier from the receiver.
-Disassemble the bolt carrier group.
NOTE: When the bolt carrier is removed, the charging handle will fall from the receiver.
(e) Work on the lower receiver group.
CAUTION: The lower receiver shall be disassembled only when absolutely necessary
for the proper care and maintenance of the weapon.
-Push the action spring guide.
-Push down on the retaining pin by using the tip of cartridge.
-Remove the buffer and buffer spring.
-Depress the hammer to clear the buffer.
NOTE: The action spring is under the pressure, care must be taken in removing it.
CAUTION: The parts of the weapon should be laid down in the order of its disassembly
to avoid losses or misplacement.

(2) Assembly:

(a) Assemble the bolt carrier group:

CAUTION: Do not spread the ends of the firing pin retainer.

NOTE: Check for proper assembly by elevating the front of the bolt. The firing pin must not
drop out..

(b) Replace the charging handle in the upper receiver. Push forward in the group into
the open end of the sub-assembly is fully sealed.
(c)Place the two (2) receiver together and reset the pivot pin.
(d) Cock the hammer and ensures that the selector lever is at “SAFE” position.
Withdraw the takedown pin and close the weapon. Fully seat the takedown pin.
 NOTE: After the assembly of the weapon, remove the hand guards.

CAUTION: Removal of the hand guards should be done only when absolutely necessary
for the proper care and maintenance of the weapon.

2) Check the assembly of the weapon.

a) Check the proper operation of the weapon while the selector is at “SAFE”, semi and
auto positions.

(1) “SAFE” position – pull trigger, hammer should not fall.

(2) Semi-position – pull the trigger to the rear, recock the rifle (hammer) and release the
trigger. The hammer should transfer from the hammer holes and is connect to sear
engagement.
(3) Auto-position - pull the trigger. Hammer should fall. Hold the trigger to the rear and
recock the hammer. Push forward on the automatic sear, the hammer should fall.

NOTE: Any discrepancy noted from aforementioned functioning means the assembly was
incorrect. Check proper assembly and note any defective parts.

f. MAINTENANCE – normal care and cleaning will result in the proper functioning of all parts of
the weapon, improper maintenance causes stoppage and malfunctioning.

1) Cleaning and lubricating the barrel.

a) Attach a wire brush to the cleaning rod, dip it with a cleaning solvent compound (CR) of
bore cleaner, and brush the bore thoroughly. Brush from the bore to the chamber. Using
a straight though stroke. (NOTE: Never reverse the direction of the brush while it is in the
bore).
b) Continue the process until the bore is coated with the cleaning compound. Replace the
brush with a cleaning patch and continue the cleaning process until the patch comes out
clean and dry.
c) Clean the locking gauge in the barrel extension using a
small bristle brush.
d) After cleaning, lubricate the bore and locking lugs in the barrel extension by applying a
light coat of oil on the surface of the barrel enclosed by the hand guards.

2) Cleaning and lubricating the Bolt Carrier Group Lower Receiver Group:

a) Remove the bolt carrier group from the upper receiver group and disassemble. Clean all
parts with a patch dipped in a solvent cleaning compound.
b) Clean the locking lugs of the bolt, using a small brush and cleaning solvent. Dry with a
patch and oil lightly.
c) But one drop of oil in each hole on the right side of the bolt carrier and the open end of
the bolt carrier key.

3) Cleaning and lubricating the lower receiver group:

 a) Normal cleaning will not require the detailed assembly of the lower receiver group.
b) Using a clean dry patch or bristle brush remove dirt or sand from the receiver. Place a
drop of oil on each pin for lubrication.
c) After extensive or field exercise, the lower receiver must be disassembled and clean
thoroughly, apply a light coat of oil on all parts.

4) Maintenance before, during and after firing:

a) Before operation maintenance

The barrel must be wipe dry and free of oil, clean the bore with a dry patch to insure
that it is dry and free of dirt. Check the forward assist assembly and the dust cover.
b) During firing – to follow the recommended rates of fire.
Observe for any slugging operation of any moving parts. Discontinue the use of any rifle
that shows signs of wear and tear.
c) After operations – follow the normal maintenance
operations outline in the foregoing paragraphs

U.S. RIFLE 7.62MM M14 AND M16A1

a. CHARACTERISTICS:

a. Functioning:
1) Lightweight
2) Air cooled
3) Gas operated
4) Magazine fed
5) Shoulder weapon

b. Features:

1) The M14 Rifle

a) The selector and bipod are assembled to the weapon when used for automatic fire
but can be adapted for automatic fire by the installation of a selector adapter.
b) The flash suppressor is designed to reduce muzzle climb and the amount of dust
raised by the muzzle blast.
c) The lug on the rear of the flash suppressor is used for the attachment of a bayonet, a
grenade launcher and a blank firing attachment for the launching grenade.
d) The spindle valve is used to adjust the opening of the gas port when the rifle is used
for grenade launching. This prevents gas operation of the rifle during grenade
launching, and prevents damage to the weapon.
e) The hinged shoulder rest provides vertical control of the
butt end of the rifle.
f) It has fixed front sight and adjustable rear sight.
 2) The M14A1 Rifle
a) It has all the features present in the M14 Rifle.
b) It is designed primarily for automatic fire.
c) It has the following additional features that differentiate it
1) Stabilizer assembly to reduce the effect of recoil
2) Modified bipod with an additional sling swivel and a
larger pivot pin to accommodate the modified sling.

3) A folding front and a fix rear hand guards

4) A straight-line stock
5) Rubber recoil pad to reduce effect of recoil

NOTE: The folding front hand guard can be adjusted to one of five positions.

GENERAL DATA

a. Weights:
M14 with full mag & cleaning equipment - 11.5 lbs
Empty magazine - - - - .5 lbs
Full magazine - - - 1.5 lbs
M2 bipod assembly - - - - 1.75lbs
M14 bipod rifle with full magazine - 14.5 lbs

b. Lengths:
Overall length with flash suppressor 44.3 inches

c. Operational
Trigger pull - - - 5.5 lbs
7.5 lbs
Muzzle velocity - - 2,880 ft/sec
Cyclic rate of fire - - 700-750 rounds/min

Rate of fire (NOTE: These can be maintained without causing any damage to the weapon)
Semi automatic Automatic
2 minutes - - 40 rds/min 50
rds/min
5 minutes - - 30 rds/min 40
rds/min
10-20 minutes- - 20 rds/min 30 rds
up to 15 min
20 minutes - 20 rds/min 25 rds/min
30 minutes - 15 rds/min 20 rds./min
 Range in meters

Maximum - - - - 3,725
Maximum effective (semi w/ bipod) - 700
Max effective (semi w/o bipod) - 460
Max effective (auto w/ bipod - 460

CYCLE OR OPERATION:

a. Firing – occurs when the firing pin strikes the primer of the cartridge.
b. Unlocking – unsealing the breach of the barrel.
c. Extracting – removing the empty cartridge from the weapon.
d. Ejecting – removing the empty cartridge from the weapon.
e. Cocking – returning the firing mechanism to cock position.
f. Feeding – placing the cartridge in the receiver.
g. Chambering – placing the cartridge in the chamber.
h. Locking – sealing the cartridge in the chamber.

DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY

NOTES:
a. Disassembly and assembly of the weapon should be kept to a
minimum consistent with proper care and maintenance.
b. Parts of one rifle maybe interchanged with another except the bolt.
CAUTION: The bolt shall not be interchanged with other rifles to preclude accidents.

a. Steps in the disassembly of the rifle

1) Clear the weapon.
2) Pull back on the operating rod handle and allow the bolt to go forward. This operation will
ensure that all operating parts are forward. (NOTE: The weapon should be disassembled
with all the operating parts forward).
3) Separate the three groups of the weapon:

a) The firing mechanism

b) The barrel and receiver group
c) The stock
Grasp the rear of the trigger guard with the thumb and the forefinger of the right hand. Full
downward and outward until the mechanism is released. Lift the firing mechanism.
With the left hand grasp the receiver over the rear sight, raise
the barrel a few inches, with the right hand, strike down on the small of the stock and
grasp it. This separates the three main groups of the rifle.

4) Disassembly of the barrel and receiver group:

a) Remove the connector assembly – place the groups on its left side with the operating
rod handle and the muzzle away from you. (NOTE): When equipped with a selector, turn
the selector until the side marked “A” is toward the windage knob).
b) Close the bolt – right thumb on the rear of the connector assembly, first finger on the
sear release bracket and second finger inside rear of the receiver, push forward with the
 thumb until the forward end of the assembly can be lifted off the connector lock. Use the
left thumb and forefinger in lifting the assembly.
c) Turn the connector assembly clockwise until the elongated hole in the connector is
aligned with the elongated stud on the sear release.
d) Lower the front end of the connector assembly and lift the rear end off the elongated
stud on the sear release.

5) Remove the operating rod spring and the operating rod spring guide.

a) Place the groups on a flat surface, sights down and muzzle to left.
b) With the left hand, pull toward the muzzle on the operating rod spring to release the
pressure on the connector lock.
c) Pull the connector lock toward you and disconnect the operating rod spring and guide.
Remove operating rod and the bolt. NOTE: This completes the field stripping of the rifle.

b. Steps in the assembly of the Weapon – Follow the reverse steps in the
disassembly of the rifle
1) Replace the bolt and the operating rod spring guide.
2) Replace the connector assembly.
3) Assemble the three main groups.

c. Under normal conditions of maintenance, the gas system of the rifle shall not be
dissembled; however, under extreme climate conditions and after a series of operation, it
may be necessary to disassemble the system.

NOTE: The gas cylinder should not be disassembled as long as the gas piston slides freely
in the cylinder when the barrel is tilted end-for-end from on upright position.

d. Disassembly of gas system and hand guard

1) Loosen and remove the gas cylinder plug (Use a combination tool or any appropriate
substitute).
2) Tilt the muzzle down and remove the gas piston from the gas cylinder. Unscrew the gas
cylinder lock and slide the lock and cylinder forward so that the gas port is exposed.
3) Slip the front band forward toward the front sight. Push the hand guard toward the front
sight and lift it off the barrel.
e. Assembly – to assemble, the follow the reverse procedure in the disassembly of the hand
guard and the gas system.

1) Replace the hand guard (NOTE: Do not snap or force the hand guard into its installed
position.
2) Replace the front band.
3) Slide the gas cylinder forward through the front band. Tighten the gas cylinder lock by
hand. Align the loop with the gas cylinder. Replace the gas piston with the port toward the
barrel and the open end toward the muzzle. Replace the gas cylinder plug and secure it.

NOTE: When the gas piston is fully seated, it will protrude one and one half inches below the
gas cylinder.
MAINTENANCE AND PRESERVATION

a. Cleaning materials:

1) Bore cleaner (cleaning compounds solvent (CR) is commonly used however, it can
also be used on all metal parts for a temporary one day protection only).
2) Hot, soapy or plain hot water is not a substitute for the bore cleaner and will be
used only when no bore cleaner is available.
3) Dry cleaning solvent.
4) A carbon-removing compound is used on stubborn carbon deposits by soaking the
part with the carbon and brushing it.

b. Lubricants:

1) Lubricating oil, general purpose is used for lubricating the rifle during normal
condition of operation and temperature.
2) OE # 10 engine oil may be used as substitute when no oils prescribed are
available.
3) Rifle grease should be applied to working surfaces.

c. Procedure in cleaning the rifle.

1) The rifle should be cleaned after firing because firing deposits primer fouling,
powder ashes, carbon metal fouling. The ammunition has a noncorrosive primer
which makes a cleaning easier. However, it leaves a deposit which when not
remove immediately may collect moisture and promotes rusting. Upon termination
of firing, a bore-cleaning compound should be applied for ease of cleaning.
2) Pour a small quantity of bore cleaner in the gas cylinder plug and insert and rotate
the bore cleaning brush to clean the plug.
3) Swab the gas cylinder bore with a clean patch. NOTE: Do not oil the interior
surface of the gas cylinder. Do not use abrasives.
4) Clean the gas piston with a bore cleaner then wipe dry.
NOTE: Do not oil the gas piston.

5) Clean the bolt with patch and bore cleaner and oil lightly.
6) Depress the spindle valve after each firing and rotate in several times. (NOTE: Do
not disassemble the spindle valve).
7) All parts must be cleaned, wiped dry and oil when necessary.
NORMAL MAINTENANCE
The rifle should be inspected daily for any evidence of rust or fouling and to check the general
condition of the rifle. A light coat of oil should be maintained on all metal parts. (NOTE: Do not oil
the gas piston, interior of the gas cylinder and the gas plug).
Do not use a muzzle plug to cover the muzzle of the rifle. This will cause moisture to collect
inside the bore.

HAND GRENADE

a. HISTORY OF GRENADE:

From a historical point of view, the grenade as a weapon is known to have been made with the
discovery of explosives. It is reported to have been used as early as the 15 th century. During
that time, the grenade was shaped like a French pomegranate. In the middle of the 17 th
century, selected soldiers, then called “grenadiers”, were using the grenade with fatal effects.
But soon it fell into disuse as improved versions of the rifle were introduced which
consequently increased the range between frontlines. Sometimes later, particularly in the 20 th
century, attacking troops found the grenade to be an essential weapon. It was discovered to be
effective in clearing enemy trenches and bunkers and later, for stopping the advance of tanks.
A grenade is a small explosive or chemical bomb for military use against an enemy at the short
ranges. Grenades are of two (2) basic types – hand and launched. The hand grenade or
thrown away, while the launched grenade is fired from a launcher.
Grenades are further classified as explosive, chemical, and practice. Explosive grenades,
which produce fragmentation or blast are primarily use against enemy tanks or personnel.
Chemical grenades are used for anti-personnel, harassing, incendiary, smoke-screening or
signaling purposes. Practice grenades may be insert or have a small charge for making
practice throws.
Launched grenades are most likely to be either the anti-personnel explosive type, with
fragmentation warhead, or high-explosive anti-tank one. The latter shaped charge warhead is
very effective against armor.
Hand Grenades are fitted with a delayed-action fuse. For explosive grenades, the delay is
about 4 - 5 seconds. The fuse of a chemical grenade on the other hand has a delayed action
of 2 seconds and usually burns rather than explodes. Launched grenade have instant fusses.

b. PARTS OF GRENADE:

1) Full Ring 7) Primer

2) Safety Pin 8) Body
3) Safety Lever 9) Delay Elements
4) Striker 10) Detonator or Igniter
5) Striker Spring 11) Filler
6) T Lug

Main Components of Grenade:

1) Body – contains filler maybe of steel, cast iron

2) Filler – high explosive (HE) riot control agents, smoke
 3) Fuse – classified as either detonating or igniting. Upon the removal of the safety pin
and the release of the safety lever, the striker rotates, pushing off the safety lever and
continues its rotation, until it strikes the primer. The impact of the strikers set off the primer
which, in turn, fires the delay element. After the delay element burns through its length, it set
off either the detonator or the igniter cap.

c. CAPABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS:

1) Inflicts casualties to anyone within the overpressure blast radius.

2) High explosive anti-tank defeats armor by the use of a shaped

charge.
3) Capable of controlling riot by employing chemical filler such as tear and vomiting agents.
4) Can be use as screen for advancing troops, provides incendiary action.
5) The maximum casualty inflicting capability is based on the skill of the thrower.
6) Visibility affects much on the use of the grenade.

d. GRENADE THROWING:

This skill requires a lot of confidence, Here the steps in throwing a grenade:
1) Grip the hand grenade. The safest and easiest way to grip a hand grenade for throwing is to
hold it so that the safety lever is held down by the thumb, while keeping the pull ring (and
safety clip if present) free and facing the nonthrowing hand.
2) Position the body, and arm hand relative to the hand grenade. You should always be in a
comfortable and natural position. The two (2) most important points in accurate throwing are
body-target alignment and eye-target focus. Line up your body with target as through you were
going to throw a football or baseball. Keep watching the target as you throw and let your arm
swing naturally to it. Follow through with your throwing motion and take cover. If possible, you
of a buddy should watch where the grenade lands. Make sure you properly arm the grenade
before you throw it. The safety pin and clip should be removed while behind cover.

Three General Grenade Throwing Positions:

1) Standing – is when you want to throw the grenade at a

considerable distance. The drawback here is that you expose yourself to enemy fire as you lob
the grenade.
2) Kneeling – when you need to be mobile and to be able to quickly change position.
3) Prone – when you want to close in on the enemy.

e. SAFETY CONSIDERATION

1) Do not drop a grenade after the safety pin has been removed.

2) Do not use ball ammunition or blank cartridge to propel grenades.

3) Do not tamper with duds or non-exploding grenades.

4) Do not pull the safety pin until you are ready to throw the grenades.
5) If a grenade is accidentally dropped after the safety pin has
been removed, immediately pick up, throw it in the intended direction, shout “grenade” and then
seek nearby shelter or drop to the ground with the helmet toward the grenade.

-END-

REFERENCE(S):

MS-1 Manual