M249 Automatic Rifle Operators Course. OVERVIEWI Orientation and Mechanical Training II Techniques of Fire and Employment III Preparatory Marksmanship.

M249 Automatic RifleM249 Automatic Rifle

Operators CourseOperators Course

M249 Automatic RifleM249 Automatic RifleOperators CourseOperators Course

OVERVIEWOVERVIEW

II

Orientation and Mechanical TrainingOrientation and Mechanical Training

IIII

Techniques of Fire and EmploymentTechniques of Fire and Employment

IIIIII

Preparatory Marksmanship TrainingPreparatory Marksmanship Training


OVERVIEW CONTINUEDOVERVIEW CONTINUED

IVIV

Performance EvaluationPerformance Evaluation

VIVI

LIVE FIRE (Practice & Evaluation)LIVE FIRE (Practice & Evaluation)


OPRENTATION AND MECHANICAL TRAININGOPRENTATION AND MECHANICAL TRAINING

Basic Weapons Safety RulesBasic Weapons Safety Rules

1. Treat every Weapons as if it were 1. Treat every Weapons as if it were Loaded!Loaded!

2. Never point a weapon at anything you don’t 2. Never point a weapon at anything you don’t intend to shoot. intend to shoot.


3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your 3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your weapon is pointed down range and your weapon is pointed down range and your sight are on target.sight are on target.

4. Don’t shoot anything you can’t positively 4. Don’t shoot anything you can’t positively identify; know what is behind it.identify; know what is behind it.


5. Always carry your weapons so that you can 5. Always carry your weapons so that you can control the direction of the muzzle, even if you control the direction of the muzzle, even if you stumble.stumble.


CLASSROOM SAFETY RULESCLASSROOM SAFETY RULES

AND PROCEDURESAND PROCEDURES

1. Do not intentionally point the weapon at 1. Do not intentionally point the weapon at yourself or others during weapon yourself or others during weapon handling exerciseshandling exercises

(some pointing during training is (some pointing during training is unavoidable as weapons are cleared and unavoidable as weapons are cleared and made safe).made safe).


2. Handle the weapon only when told to do 2. Handle the weapon only when told to do so.so.

3. No horseplay of any kind allowed.3. No horseplay of any kind allowed.

4. Do not get ahead of the instructor or 4. Do not get ahead of the instructor or anticipate instructions.anticipate instructions.

5. Don’t let the bolt slam forward on an 5. Don’t let the bolt slam forward on an empty chamberempty chamber


6. During disassembly, ensure the bolt is 6. During disassembly, ensure the bolt is forward before removing operating rod forward before removing operating rod assembly. assembly.

7. If at any time, you don’t understand the 7. If at any time, you don’t understand the instruction or have difficulty or have instruction or have difficulty or have difficulty understanding an operation or a difficulty understanding an operation or a procedure, ask questions.procedure, ask questions.


M249 Automatic Rifle CharacteristicsM249 Automatic Rifle CharacteristicsDescriptionDescription

1. Air cooled1. Air cooled2. Disintegrating metallic split link belt fed or 2. Disintegrating metallic split link belt fed or

magazine fed (Emergency situations magazine fed (Emergency situations only)only)

3. Gas operated3. Gas operated4. Fixed headspace.4. Fixed headspace. Allows for quick barrel changes for cooling Allows for quick barrel changes for cooling

and Maintenance and Maintenance


5. Fires from the open bolt position.5. Fires from the open bolt position.

6. 5.56mm NATO 6. 5.56mm NATO

7. Weight – 16.5 lb. 7. Weight – 16.5 lb.


PerformancePerformance

RangeRange

Maximum – 3,600 metersMaximum – 3,600 meters

Maximum effective rangeMaximum effective range

1. Point target – 600 meters1. Point target – 600 meters

2. Area target – 800 meters2. Area target – 800 meters

3. Suppression – 1,000 meters3. Suppression – 1,000 meters

4. Maximum extent of grazing fire- 600 meters4. Maximum extent of grazing fire- 600 meters

5. Tracer burnout 900 meters5. Tracer burnout 900 meters

6. Basic load – 800 rds6. Basic load – 800 rds


Rates of FireRates of Fire

SustainedSustained – 50 RPM (3-5 rd. burst with4-5 – 50 RPM (3-5 rd. burst with4-5 sec. between bursts). Barrel change every sec. between bursts). Barrel change every 200 rds.200 rds.

RapidRapid – 100 RPM (8-10 rd. burst with 2-3 – 100 RPM (8-10 rd. burst with 2-3 seconds between bursts). Barrel change seconds between bursts). Barrel change every 200 rds.every 200 rds.

CyclicCyclic – 800 RPM. – 800 RPM.


AMMUNITION TYPES, CARE & HANDLINGAMMUNITION TYPES, CARE & HANDLING


AMMUNITION TYPES, CARE & HANDLINGAMMUNITION TYPES, CARE & HANDLING Storage. Ammunition is stored under cover. If ammunition is in the open, it must be kept at least 6 inches above the ground and covered with a double thickness of tarpaulin. The cover must be placed so that it protects the ammunition yet allows ventilation. Trenches are dug to divert water from flowing under the ammunition. Care, Handling, and Preservation. Ammunition should not be removed from the airtight containers until ready for use. Ammunition removed from the airtight containers, particularly in damp climates, may corrode.


AMMUNITION TYPES, CARE & HANDLINGAMMUNITION TYPES, CARE & HANDLING

Packaging The ammunition case contains 1600 rounds. Inside the case is two metal cans containing 800 rounds ( 4 assault packs with 200round each.


NOMENCLATURENOMENCLATURE

Eight Major GroupsEight Major Groups

1. Operating Rod Group1. Operating Rod Group

2. Barrel Group2. Barrel Group

3. Hand guard Group3. Hand guard Group

4. Buttstock and Buffer Assembly Group4. Buttstock and Buffer Assembly Group

5. Trigger Mechansm Group5. Trigger Mechansm Group

6. Gas Cylinder Group6. Gas Cylinder Group

7. Bipod Assembly Group7. Bipod Assembly Group

8. Receiver Group8. Receiver Group

M249 Automatic RifleM249 Automatic RifleOperators Course Operators Course

NomenclatureNomenclature


External NomenclatureExternal Nomenclature1. Barrel Assembly 1. Barrel Assembly 2. Heat Shield 2. Heat Shield 3. Rear Sight Assy. 3. Rear Sight Assy. 4. Cover Assembly 4. Cover Assembly 5. Feed Tray5. Feed Tray6. Cocking Handle Assy. 6. Cocking Handle Assy. 7. Buttstock Assy.7. Buttstock Assy.8. Bolt Assembly8. Bolt Assembly9. Slide Assembly9. Slide Assembly10.Return Rod /Transfer 10.Return Rod /Transfer

Mechanism Assy.Mechanism Assy.11. Reciever Assy.11. Reciever Assy.12. Trigger Assembly12. Trigger Assembly13. Handguard13. Handguard14.14. SlingSling15.15. Bipod AssemblyBipod Assembly16.16. Gas Cylinder Assy.Gas Cylinder Assy.17.17. Gas Cylinder PistonGas Cylinder Piston18.18. Return Rod SpringReturn Rod Spring


Clearing ProceduresClearing Procedures

1. Pull cocking 1. Pull cocking handle to the handle to the rear and lock rear and lock bolt into rear bolt into rear position, position, return cocking return cocking handle to the handle to the forward forward positionposition

2. Place safety to 2. Place safety to safesafe


Clearing Procedures cont.Clearing Procedures cont.

3. Raise the cover and 3. Raise the cover and inspect the Five Safety inspect the Five Safety PointsPoints

1) Feed Pawl Assembly 1) Feed Pawl Assembly under coverunder cover

2) Feed Tray Assembly2) Feed Tray Assembly 3) Lift feed tray assembly 3) Lift feed tray assembly

and check chamberand check chamber 4) Check the space 4) Check the space

between the bolt between the bolt assembly and chamberassembly and chamber

5) Check the magazine 5) Check the magazine wellwell

4. Close the cover ,place to 4. Close the cover ,place to fire, pull the cocking fire, pull the cocking handle to the rear and handle to the rear and ride the bolt forward ride the bolt forward while pressing the while pressing the trigger to the reartrigger to the rear


LOADINGLOADING

Full-LoadFull-Load• Lock bolt to rear and return Lock bolt to rear and return

cocking handle forwardcocking handle forward• Safety to Safe.Safety to Safe.• Raise Cover & clear Raise Cover & clear

ChamberChamber• Place link belt in feed tray Place link belt in feed tray

with first round against with first round against cartridge stopcartridge stop

• Close cover, make sure it Close cover, make sure it locks shut.locks shut.

NOTE: DO NOT PLACE NOTE: DO NOT PLACE WEAPON TO FIRE UNTIL WEAPON TO FIRE UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO USE ITYOU ARE READY TO USE IT

M249 Automatic RifleM249 Automatic RifleField Strip (Disassembly)Field Strip (Disassembly)

Clear WeaponClear Weapon1. Pull upper retaining pin to the 1. Pull upper retaining pin to the

left, butt stock will pivot left, butt stock will pivot downwarddownward

2. Push in and up on the back of 2. Push in and up on the back of transfer mechanismtransfer mechanism (TM) (TM)

3. Remove TM , spring, and return 3. Remove TM , spring, and return

rod. Separate springrod. Separate spring from from the rod.the rod.

4. Pull cocking handle to the rear 4. Pull cocking handle to the rear removing the operating removing the operating groupgroup

5. Rotate the bolt and pull it out of 5. Rotate the bolt and pull it out of slide assembly.slide assembly.

6. Separate slide assembly from 6. Separate slide assembly from piston by depressing piston by depressing retaining pin to the leftretaining pin to the left

M249 Automatic Rifle M249 Automatic Rifle Field Strip (Disassembly)Field Strip (Disassembly)

7. Remove the barrel 7. Remove the barrel group.group.

8. Remove gas 8. Remove gas regulator and collarregulator and collar


9. Remove the 9. Remove the handguard handguard assembly assembly 10. Remove butt 10. Remove butt stock stock


11. Remove 11. Remove the gas the gas cylinder cylinder and bipod and bipod groupgroup

M249 Automatic Rifle M249 Automatic Rifle AssemblyAssembly

In Reverse OrderIn Reverse Order

M249 Automatic Rifle M249 Automatic Rifle Function CheckFunction Check

Pull the cocking handle to the rear, Pull the cocking handle to the rear, locking the bolt to the rear of the locking the bolt to the rear of the receiver. receiver.

While keeping positive control of the While keeping positive control of the cocking handle place to safe and cocking handle place to safe and squeeze trigger( should not fire)squeeze trigger( should not fire)

Place to fire, squeeze trigger and ride Place to fire, squeeze trigger and ride the bolt forwardthe bolt forward

M249 Automatic Rifle M249 Automatic Rifle Malfunctions, Stoppages, Malfunctions, Stoppages,

MisfiresMisfiresand Immediate actions and Immediate actions

DefinitionsDefinitions Malfunction:Malfunction: A malfunction occurs when a A malfunction occurs when a

mechanical failuremechanical failure causes the weapon to fire causes the weapon to fire improperly. improperly.

Stoppage:Stoppage: Any interruption in the cycle of Any interruption in the cycle of operation of the gun.operation of the gun.

Immediate Action:Immediate Action: Prompt actions taken to Prompt actions taken to overcome the stoppage.overcome the stoppage.



DefinitionsDefinitions Remedial Action: Remedial Action: Action taken to identify Action taken to identify

stoppage, in immediate action fails.stoppage, in immediate action fails. Cook-off:Cook-off: Ignition of a chambered round of Ignition of a chambered round of

ammunition due to the heat of the weapon.ammunition due to the heat of the weapon.Hot or Cold gun: Hot or Cold gun: (Peacetime classification only (Peacetime classification only

in the interest of safety) in the interest of safety) Hot gun-Hot gun- more than 200 rounds fired within a 2 more than 200 rounds fired within a 2

minute periodminute period



WarningWarning

If nothing is ejected and you have a hot gun If nothing is ejected and you have a hot gun (200 rounds within a 2 minute period). Do not (200 rounds within a 2 minute period). Do not open the cover. Place safety to safe, keep open the cover. Place safety to safe, keep machine gun pointed down range, and machine gun pointed down range, and remain away from the weapon for 15 minutes. remain away from the weapon for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes clear the machine gun. The After 15 minutes clear the machine gun. The climate conditions can also affect how fast climate conditions can also affect how fast the weapons becomes “hot” the weapons becomes “hot”

M249 Automatic Rifle M249 Automatic Rifle MalfunctionsMalfunctions

Uncontrolled Fire (Runaway Gun)Uncontrolled Fire (Runaway Gun) Uncontrolled fire (the weapon continues to fire after Uncontrolled fire (the weapon continues to fire after

the trigger is released). This is usually caused by, the trigger is released). This is usually caused by, the gunner not pulling and holding the trigger all the gunner not pulling and holding the trigger all the way to the rear. The following are immediate the way to the rear. The following are immediate actions for uncontrolled fire:actions for uncontrolled fire:

(1) The gunner holds the weapon on target and (1) The gunner holds the weapon on target and fires the remaining ammunition.fires the remaining ammunition.

(2) The gunner stops the weapon from firing by (2) The gunner stops the weapon from firing by breaking the belt of ammunition.breaking the belt of ammunition.

(3) The gunner as a last resort pulls the cocking (3) The gunner as a last resort pulls the cocking handle to the rear thus, locking the bolt to the rear handle to the rear thus, locking the bolt to the rear of the receiver.of the receiver.

M249 Automatic Rifle M249 Automatic Rifle MalfunctionsMalfunctions

Sluggish OperationSluggish Operation

Sluggish operation is due to excessive Sluggish operation is due to excessive friction caused by carbon build-up, friction caused by carbon build-up, improper lubrication, or burred parts. improper lubrication, or burred parts. Corrective action includes cleaning, Corrective action includes cleaning, lubricating inspecting, and replacing lubricating inspecting, and replacing worn parts. worn parts.

M249 Automatic Rifle M249 Automatic Rifle StoppagesStoppages

STOPPAGESTOPPAGE PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION

Failure to feed. Insufficient gas pressure

Defective ammunition or links

Improper lube

Clean the gas system

Replace ammunition

Lube properly



Failure to chamber. Damaged round

Dirty chamber or receiver

Extract and replace round

Clean and lube



Failure to extract. Broken extractor or spring. Chipped or broken extractor. Defective extractor plunger. Insufficient gas pressure.

Replace.Replace.Replace.Clean and lubricate as required.

Failure to lock. Dirty Chamber.Dirty receiver or lack of lubrication.Insufficient gas pressure.

Clean WeaponClean and lubricate Clean gas regulator.

Failure to fire. Faulty ammunition.Broken or damaged firing pin or defective trigger.Insufficient gas pressure.

Replace.Replace or send to CA maintenance.Clean gas port, inserts, and gas plug.



Failure to cock. Broken sear.Worn operating rod sear notch.Broken, defective, or missing sear plunger and or spring.

Send to CA maintenance.Send to CA maintenance.Send to CA maintenance.

Short to recoil. Clean gas port and operating rod tube. Lubricate as required. Replace operating rod spring. See runaway gun (Malfunctions).

M249 Automatic Rifle M249 Automatic Rifle Immediate ActionImmediate Action

Immediate actionImmediate action is action taken to is action taken to reduce a stoppage reduce a stoppage without looking without looking for the causefor the cause.. Immediate action Immediate action should be taken in the event of either should be taken in the event of either a a misfiremisfire or a or a cook offcook off. A . A misfiremisfire is is the failure of a chambered round to the failure of a chambered round to fire. Such failure can be due to an fire. Such failure can be due to an ammunition defect or faulty firing ammunition defect or faulty firing mechanism.mechanism.


A A cook offcook off is the firing of a round by the is the firing of a round by the heat of a hot barrel and not by the firing heat of a hot barrel and not by the firing mechanism. mechanism. CookoffsCookoffs can be avoided by can be avoided by applying immediate action within 10 applying immediate action within 10 seconds after a failure to fire. If the M249 seconds after a failure to fire. If the M249 stops firing, the gunner performs the stops firing, the gunner performs the following immediate actions are taken. (An following immediate actions are taken. (An effective memory aid is effective memory aid is POPPPOPP, which , which stands for stands for pullpull, , observeobserve,, push push, and , and presspress.).)


a. Pulls and locks the cocking handle to the rear while a. Pulls and locks the cocking handle to the rear while observing the ejection port to see if a cartridge case, observing the ejection port to see if a cartridge case, belt link, or round is ejected. Ensures that the bolt belt link, or round is ejected. Ensures that the bolt remains to the rear to prevent double feeding if a remains to the rear to prevent double feeding if a round or cartridge case is not ejected.round or cartridge case is not ejected.

b. If a cartridge case, belt link, or a round is ejected, b. If a cartridge case, belt link, or a round is ejected, returns cocking handle to forward position, aim on returns cocking handle to forward position, aim on the target, and presses the trigger. If the weapon still the target, and presses the trigger. If the weapon still does not fire, takes remedial action. If a cartridge does not fire, takes remedial action. If a cartridge case, belt link, or round is not ejected, takes case, belt link, or round is not ejected, takes remedial action.remedial action.

M249 Automatic Rifle M249 Automatic Rifle Remedial ActionRemedial Action

Cold Weapon ProceduresCold Weapon Procedures When a stoppage occurs with a cold weapon and When a stoppage occurs with a cold weapon and

immediate action has failed, the gunner uses the immediate action has failed, the gunner uses the following procedures.following procedures.

(1) Pulls the cocking handle to the rear, locking the (1) Pulls the cocking handle to the rear, locking the bolt. Returns the cocking handle and places the bolt. Returns the cocking handle and places the safety to SAFE.safety to SAFE.

(2) Places the weapon on the ground or away from (2) Places the weapon on the ground or away from his face and opens the cover, performs the five-his face and opens the cover, performs the five-point safety check. Reloads and continues to fire.point safety check. Reloads and continues to fire.

(3) If the weapon does not fire, clears the weapon (3) If the weapon does not fire, clears the weapon and inspects it and the ammunition.and inspects it and the ammunition.


Hot Weapon ProceduresHot Weapon Procedures

If the stoppage occurs with a hot weapon (200 If the stoppage occurs with a hot weapon (200 rounds or more in 2 minutes or as noted above for rounds or more in 2 minutes or as noted above for training), the gunner moves the safety to SAFE, training), the gunner moves the safety to SAFE, waits 5 seconds (during training, lets the weapon waits 5 seconds (during training, lets the weapon cool for 15 minutes), uses the same procedures as cool for 15 minutes), uses the same procedures as outlined for cold weapon procedures.outlined for cold weapon procedures.


Jammed Cocking HandleJammed Cocking Handle

If a stoppage occurs and the cocking handle If a stoppage occurs and the cocking handle cannot be pulled to the rear by hand (the bolt cannot be pulled to the rear by hand (the bolt may be fully forward and locked or only partially may be fully forward and locked or only partially forward), the gunner takes the following steps.forward), the gunner takes the following steps.

(1) Tries once again to pull the cocking handle (1) Tries once again to pull the cocking handle by by handhand. .

WARNINGWARNING

Do not try to force the cocking handle to the rear with your Do not try to force the cocking handle to the rear with your foot or a heavy object. This could damage the weapon.foot or a heavy object. This could damage the weapon.


(2) If the weapon is hot enough to cause a (2) If the weapon is hot enough to cause a cook off, moves all personnel a safe cook off, moves all personnel a safe distance from the weapon and keeps them distance from the weapon and keeps them away for 15 minutes.away for 15 minutes.

(3) After the gun has cooled, the gunner will (3) After the gun has cooled, the gunner will pull the cocking handle to the rear. Ensures pull the cocking handle to the rear. Ensures rearward pressure is kept on the cocking rearward pressure is kept on the cocking handle until the TM is removed. Opens the handle until the TM is removed. Opens the cover and disassembles the gun. cover and disassembles the gun.


(4) Removes the round or fired cartridge. Uses (4) Removes the round or fired cartridge. Uses cleaning rod or ruptured cartridge extractor if cleaning rod or ruptured cartridge extractor if necessary.necessary.

(a) In a training situation, after completing the (a) In a training situation, after completing the remedial action procedures, the gun should not be remedial action procedures, the gun should not be fired until an inspection by an CA intructor has fired until an inspection by an CA intructor has been made.been made.

(b) In a combat situation, after the stoppage has (b) In a combat situation, after the stoppage has been corrected, the gunner changes the barrel and been corrected, the gunner changes the barrel and tries to fire. If the weapon fails to function tries to fire. If the weapon fails to function properly, the gunner sends it to Combat Arms properly, the gunner sends it to Combat Arms personnel.personnel.

M249 Automatic Rifle M249 Automatic Rifle Cleaning and Cleaning and

LubricationLubrication

WarningWarningBe sure weapons is cleared before disassembly, Be sure weapons is cleared before disassembly,

cleaning, inspecting, transporting and storing.cleaning, inspecting, transporting and storing.

Using gasoline, kerosene, hydraulic oil, benzene, Using gasoline, kerosene, hydraulic oil, benzene, bensol, high-pressure water, steam, or air forbensol, high-pressure water, steam, or air for

cleaning iscleaning is PROHIBITEDPROHIBITED



CautionCaution

Do not use abrasives to clean the bore, Do not use abrasives to clean the bore, piston, gas cylinder, or gas regulator plug.piston, gas cylinder, or gas regulator plug.

Do not submerge buffer in any liquid. Wipe Do not submerge buffer in any liquid. Wipe clean with wiping rag only.clean with wiping rag only.

Do not apply lubricants to composite/rubber Do not apply lubricants to composite/rubber components.components.



The M249 machine gun should be cleaned immediately after firing. At a minimum, the M249 should be cleaned after firing a basic load of 900 to 1,200 rounds. The gunner disassembles the M249 into its major groups for cleaning. All metal components and surfaces that have been exposed to powder fouling should be cleaned using CLP on a bore-cleaning patch. CLP is used on the bristles of the receiver brush to clean the receiver. After the M249 is cleaned and wiped dry, a thin coat of CLP is rubbed on using a cloth. This lubricates and preserves the exposed metal parts during all normal temperature ranges.



CAUTIONCAUTION

When using CLP, do not use other cleaners. When using CLP, do not use other cleaners. Never mix CLP with RBC or LSA. When Never mix CLP with RBC or LSA. When cleaning the barrel, avoid getting CLP or cleaning the barrel, avoid getting CLP or RBC in the gas regulator. Damage could RBC in the gas regulator. Damage could occur to the weapon.occur to the weapon.



(1) Clean the bore using CLP or RBC and a bore (1) Clean the bore using CLP or RBC and a bore brush with a cleaning rod. Do not reverse direction brush with a cleaning rod. Do not reverse direction of the bore brush while it is in the bore.of the bore brush while it is in the bore.

(a) Run the brush through the bore several times (a) Run the brush through the bore several times until most of the powder fouling and other foreign until most of the powder fouling and other foreign matter has been removed.matter has been removed.

(b) Swab out the bore several times using a (b) Swab out the bore several times using a cleaning rod and a swab wet with CLP.cleaning rod and a swab wet with CLP.

(c) Swab out the bore several times using a (c) Swab out the bore several times using a cleaning rod and a dry swab.cleaning rod and a dry swab.



(2) Clean the chamber using CLP and a chamber (2) Clean the chamber using CLP and a chamber brush attached to a cleaning rod.brush attached to a cleaning rod.

(a) Run the brush through the chamber several (a) Run the brush through the chamber several times until most of the powder fouling and other times until most of the powder fouling and other foreign matter has been removed.foreign matter has been removed.

(b) Swab out the chamber several times using a (b) Swab out the chamber several times using a cleaning rod and a swab wet with CLP.cleaning rod and a swab wet with CLP.

(c) Swab out the chamber several times using a (c) Swab out the chamber several times using a cleaning rod and a dry swab.cleaning rod and a dry swab.



(3) Clean the receiver using a receiver brush and (3) Clean the receiver using a receiver brush and CLP.CLP.

(a) Brush the receiver until most of the powder (a) Brush the receiver until most of the powder fouling and other foreign matter is removed.fouling and other foreign matter is removed.

(b) Swab out the receiver several times using a (b) Swab out the receiver several times using a cleaning rod section and a swab wet with CLP.cleaning rod section and a swab wet with CLP.

(c) Swab out the receiver several times using a cleaning rod section and a dry swab.



(4) Clean the gas regulator plug with special tools (4) Clean the gas regulator plug with special tools (scraper tool). Remove (scraper tool). Remove all all carbon dust. Do not carbon dust. Do not use CLP on the collar, gas piston, or body.use CLP on the collar, gas piston, or body.

(a) Clean The gas inlet hole of the gas regulator (a) Clean The gas inlet hole of the gas regulator plug. plug.

(b) Clean the central hole of the gas plug by (b) Clean the central hole of the gas plug by inserting the scraper tool down to the bottom of inserting the scraper tool down to the bottom of the hole and twisting firmly.the hole and twisting firmly.

(c) Clean the two grooves by inserting the scraper (c) Clean the two grooves by inserting the scraper tool into the grooves and applying pressure as tool into the grooves and applying pressure as firmly as possible.firmly as possible.



(5) Clean the gas cylinder and piston with the scraper tool. (5) Clean the gas cylinder and piston with the scraper tool. Do not use CLP on the cylinder or pistonDo not use CLP on the cylinder or piston

(a) Clean the front interior of the gas cylinder by inserting (a) Clean the front interior of the gas cylinder by inserting and turning the flat side of the scraper in a 360-degree and turning the flat side of the scraper in a 360-degree circular motion.circular motion.

(b) Clean the internal grooves of the front side of the gas (b) Clean the internal grooves of the front side of the gas cylinder the same as the interior, except insert the scraper cylinder the same as the interior, except insert the scraper farther into the gas cylinder.farther into the gas cylinder.

(c) Clean the three groves of the piston using a 360-degree (c) Clean the three groves of the piston using a 360-degree circular motion. Remove all carbon dust from the inside circular motion. Remove all carbon dust from the inside and outside of the piston.and outside of the piston.

(d) Clean the hole in front of the piston by using the flat side (d) Clean the hole in front of the piston by using the flat side of the scraper in a circular motion.of the scraper in a circular motion.

M249 Automatic Rifle M249 Automatic Rifle Preventive MaintenancePreventive Maintenance

InspectionInspection

Inspection begins with the weapon disassembled into its Inspection begins with the weapon disassembled into its eight major assemblieseight major assemblies. Note that a shiny surface on a part . Note that a shiny surface on a part does not mean the parts are unserviceable. The gunner does not mean the parts are unserviceable. The gunner inspects each area of the weapon and related equipment inspects each area of the weapon and related equipment for the conditions indicated. Any broken or missing parts for the conditions indicated. Any broken or missing parts should be repaired or replaced.should be repaired or replaced.

The gunner should perform PMCS every 90 days. If the The gunner should perform PMCS every 90 days. If the weapon has not been used in 90 days, the PMCS in the weapon has not been used in 90 days, the PMCS in the operator's manual should be performed regardless. If you operator's manual should be performed regardless. If you see rust on a weapon, the PMCS should be done see rust on a weapon, the PMCS should be done immediately. Inspect all of the components for broken or immediately. Inspect all of the components for broken or missing parts. Inspect parts for cracks, dents, burrs missing parts. Inspect parts for cracks, dents, burrs excessive wear, rust, or corrosion. Inspect external excessive wear, rust, or corrosion. Inspect external surfaces for adequate finish.surfaces for adequate finish.



Barrel AssemblyBarrel Assembly

Check barrel for bulges, bends, burrs, Check barrel for bulges, bends, burrs, obstructions and obstructions or pits in the obstructions and obstructions or pits in the chamber or bore. Disassemble, inspect, and clean chamber or bore. Disassemble, inspect, and clean the gas collar and plug. Ensure the flash the gas collar and plug. Ensure the flash suppressor is fastened securely. Inspect the front suppressor is fastened securely. Inspect the front sight for damage or looseness. Inspect carrying sight for damage or looseness. Inspect carrying handle assembly for bent, broken, or missing handle assembly for bent, broken, or missing parts. Assure the heat shield is present, on the parts. Assure the heat shield is present, on the barrel assembly, and is not bent or broken, and barrel assembly, and is not bent or broken, and does not have any missing parts.does not have any missing parts.


InspectionInspection Buttstock and Buffer AssemblyButtstock and Buffer Assembly..

Check for burrs and rough edges on mating Check for burrs and rough edges on mating grooves and flanges. Check to be sure the back grooves and flanges. Check to be sure the back plate latch locks the buffer assembly securely to plate latch locks the buffer assembly securely to the receiver assembly when installed. Make sure the receiver assembly when installed. Make sure the buffer plug sticks out through the back plate the buffer plug sticks out through the back plate and is flush or higher than the protrusion below it. and is flush or higher than the protrusion below it. Make sure there is no rattling sound when the Make sure there is no rattling sound when the buffer is shaken and that the plug cannot rotated buffer is shaken and that the plug cannot rotated by finger pressure. Inspect the butt stock for by finger pressure. Inspect the butt stock for cracks. Check to make sure the back plate locks cracks. Check to make sure the back plate locks the butt stock securely to the receiver assembly the butt stock securely to the receiver assembly when installed.when installed.



Bolt And Operating Rod Assembly. Inspect entire area of the bolt and operating rod assembly for missing parts, broken or cracked areas, burrs, bends, or pits on the surface. Looking at the bolt, you can see if the firing pin is broken. The extractor should not move. The operating rod piston should have a slight movement from left to right (about 1/8-inch turn). When the bolt and operating rod are pulled to the rear, the piston should move freely without binding



Trigger Mechanism/Housing AssemblyTrigger Mechanism/Housing Assembly. Inspect . Inspect the tripping lever and sear for burrs on edges. the tripping lever and sear for burrs on edges. Push the tripping lever back to raise the sear, put Push the tripping lever back to raise the sear, put the safety on "S," and pull the trigger. The sear the safety on "S," and pull the trigger. The sear should not drop down far enough to lock in the should not drop down far enough to lock in the downward position. Place the safety on "F," and downward position. Place the safety on "F," and pull the trigger. The sear should drop down and pull the trigger. The sear should drop down and lock in the downward position. Check the sear lock in the downward position. Check the sear spring, ensuring the leg of the spring is behind the spring, ensuring the leg of the spring is behind the trigger pin and not between the trigger and the pin. trigger pin and not between the trigger and the pin. Check grip assembly for loose or missing grip Check grip assembly for loose or missing grip screws. Check trigger guard for bends or cracks. screws. Check trigger guard for bends or cracks. Check trigger spring pin for bends, and or broken Check trigger spring pin for bends, and or broken or missing spring.or missing spring.



Cover AssemblyCover Assembly. Pivot the feed lever back and forth to . Pivot the feed lever back and forth to ensure it operates smoothly without binding. Push in on ensure it operates smoothly without binding. Push in on the cover latches to make sure the retaining clip is not the cover latches to make sure the retaining clip is not

weak or missing and that they do not bind in the housing. weak or missing and that they do not bind in the housing. Push down on the cartridge guides and feed pawls to make Push down on the cartridge guides and feed pawls to make

sure the springs are not weak or missing. Inspect sure the springs are not weak or missing. Inspect accessory mounting rail for nicks or burrs.accessory mounting rail for nicks or burrs.

Feed TrayFeed Tray. Check for cracks, deformation, broken . Check for cracks, deformation, broken welds, or loose rivets.welds, or loose rivets.

HandguardHandguard. Check handguard for cracks, broken . Check handguard for cracks, broken or missing parts.or missing parts.



Receiver AssemblyReceiver Assembly. .

Check that the rear sight assembly is securely mounted Check that the rear sight assembly is securely mounted to the receiver and operates properly. Check that the to the receiver and operates properly. Check that the cocking handle operates the slide properly. Pull the cocking handle operates the slide properly. Pull the cocking handle to the rear and allow it to slowly return cocking handle to the rear and allow it to slowly return forward, making sure that the slide does not bind in the forward, making sure that the slide does not bind in the receiver. Check for damaged or missing ejection port receiver. Check for damaged or missing ejection port cover, spring, and pin. Lower and raise the bipod legs, cover, spring, and pin. Lower and raise the bipod legs, ensuring they move freely without binding. Check bipod ensuring they move freely without binding. Check bipod legs for cracks, or twisted or incomplete assembly. legs for cracks, or twisted or incomplete assembly. Check the exterior surface of the M249 for the exterior Check the exterior surface of the M249 for the exterior protective finish.protective finish.


InspectionInspectionMachine Gun.Machine Gun.

Assemble the weapon. Be sure parts are installed Assemble the weapon. Be sure parts are installed correctly and are in good working condition. correctly and are in good working condition. When installing the barrel, move the barrel When installing the barrel, move the barrel release slowly to the right and count the number release slowly to the right and count the number of clicks. Fewer than two and more than seven of clicks. Fewer than two and more than seven clicks indicate defective parts. Check both clicks indicate defective parts. Check both barrels. Check weapon functioning with belted barrels. Check weapon functioning with belted dummy ammunition by performing a function dummy ammunition by performing a function check. If weapon does not function properly and check. If weapon does not function properly and the cause cannot be determined using troubling the cause cannot be determined using troubling shooting procedures, notify direct-support shooting procedures, notify direct-support maintenance.maintenance.

M249 Automatic Rifle M249 Automatic Rifle T&E NomenclatureT&E Nomenclature

M122A1 Tripod

M249 Automatic Rifle M249 Automatic Rifle T&E NomenclatureT&E Nomenclature

M249 Automatic rifle Mounted on Tripod and T&EM249 Automatic rifle Mounted on Tripod and T&E

1. Front receiver 1. Front receiver bushingbushing2. Pintle Assembly2. Pintle Assembly3. Quick release pin3. Quick release pin4. T & E Mechanism4. T & E Mechanism5. T & E Fork 5. T & E Fork AssemblyAssembly6. Spring Pin6. Spring Pin

M249 Automatic Rifle M249 Automatic Rifle Operators Course Operators Course

Zero the T & E MechanismZero the T & E Mechanism Installation of Equipment (Tripod, Installation of Equipment (Tripod,

Pintle(s), T & EPintle(s), T & E

M249 Automatic Rifle M249 Automatic Rifle Operator CourseOperator Course

Blank Fire AttachmentBlank Fire Attachment

DO NOT FIRE BLANK AMMUNITION AT ANY PERSON WITHIN 20 FEET BECAUSE FRAGMENTS OF A CLOSURE WAD OR PARTICLES OF UNBURNED PROPELLANT CAN CAUSE DEATH.


Attach the BFAAttach the BFA. Unscrew the . Unscrew the shaft until it slides all the shaft until it slides all the way to the rear. Install the way to the rear. Install the chamber device over the chamber device over the flash suppressor. Slide the flash suppressor. Slide the shaft into the throat of the shaft into the throat of the flash suppressor. Engage flash suppressor. Engage the threads on shaft into the threads on shaft into the body of the chamber the body of the chamber device; turn clockwise until device; turn clockwise until it is hand tight.it is hand tight.


DESTRUCTIONDESTRUCTION

Destruction of any military weapon is only Destruction of any military weapon is only authorized as a last resort to prevent enemy authorized as a last resort to prevent enemy capture or use. This paragraph discusses the capture or use. This paragraph discusses the field-expedient means of this destruction; it field-expedient means of this destruction; it does not replace published policies. In does not replace published policies. In combat situations, the commander has the combat situations, the commander has the authority to destroy weapons, but he must authority to destroy weapons, but he must report this destruction through channels.report this destruction through channels.


DESTRUCTIONDESTRUCTION

a. Disassemble the weapon as completely as time a. Disassemble the weapon as completely as time permits. Use the barrel or tripod mount to destroy permits. Use the barrel or tripod mount to destroy the bolt and operating rod assembly, barrels, rear the bolt and operating rod assembly, barrels, rear and front sights, and mounts.and front sights, and mounts.

b. Bury the disassembled weapon or dump the b. Bury the disassembled weapon or dump the parts into a stream, a sump, or a latrine.parts into a stream, a sump, or a latrine.

c. Burn the weapon by placing an incendiary c. Burn the weapon by placing an incendiary grenade on the receiver group over the bolt (with grenade on the receiver group over the bolt (with the cover resting on the grenade) and detonating the cover resting on the grenade) and detonating the grenade.the grenade.

d. Smash the traversing and elevating mechanism d. Smash the traversing and elevating mechanism and pintle assembly. Bend the tripod legs.and pintle assembly. Bend the tripod legs.


MOUNTING THE NIGHT SIGHTMOUNTING THE NIGHT SIGHT

VEHICULAR MOUNTSVEHICULAR MOUNTS


TECHNIQUES OF FIRE AND EMPLOYMENTTECHNIQUES OF FIRE AND EMPLOYMENTRoles of the Machine gunRoles of the Machine gun

1. Supports rifleman in offensive and defensive 1. Supports rifleman in offensive and defensive modemode

2. Provides heavy volume of close and continuous 2. Provides heavy volume of close and continuous fire.fire.

3. Can engage target beyond the capability of 3. Can engage target beyond the capability of rifleman.rifleman.

4. Marking or locating target.4. Marking or locating target.5. Aerial defense when necessary.5. Aerial defense when necessary.


CHARACTERISTICS OF FIRECHARACTERISTICS OF FIRE

Trajectory and maximum ordinate.Trajectory and maximum ordinate.TrajectoryTrajectory- path of projectile.- path of projectile.Almost flat at 300 meters or less, beyond 300 Almost flat at 300 meters or less, beyond 300 meters trajectory is curved and becomes meters trajectory is curved and becomes greater as range increases.greater as range increases.Maximum ordinateMaximum ordinate- Highest point trajectory - Highest point trajectory reaches from muzzle to target.reaches from muzzle to target.Occurs at 2/3 of distance between gun and Occurs at 2/3 of distance between gun and target.target.



CONE OF FIRE AND BEATEN ZONECONE OF FIRE AND BEATEN ZONE

Cone of FireCone of Fire-- Patter formed by several Patter formed by several rounds in a burst, each round taking rounds in a burst, each round taking a slightly different trajectory.a slightly different trajectory.

Primary cause: vibration of gunPrimary cause: vibration of gun

Other causes: Variations in Other causes: Variations in ammunition, and atmospheric ammunition, and atmospheric conditions. conditions.


BEATEN ZONEBEATEN ZONE- Area where cone of fire strikes the - Area where cone of fire strikes the ground.ground.

Will change when range to target changes.Will change when range to target changes.

On uniformly sloping or level terrain, the beaten zone On uniformly sloping or level terrain, the beaten zone is long and narrow.is long and narrow.

As range increases beaten zone becomes shorter and As range increases beaten zone becomes shorter and wider.wider.

With terrain sloping down and away from the gun, the With terrain sloping down and away from the gun, the beaten zone becomes longer.beaten zone becomes longer.

With terrain rising, the beaten zone becomes shorterWith terrain rising, the beaten zone becomes shorter

Terrain has no great effect on the width of the beaten Terrain has no great effect on the width of the beaten zone.zone.



Danger SpaceDanger Space – Space between gun and target where – Space between gun and target where trajectory does not rise above 1.8 meters.trajectory does not rise above 1.8 meters.

Fired over level or uniformly sloping terrain: Fired over level or uniformly sloping terrain:

Over 700 meters trajectory will rise over 1.8 meters.Over 700 meters trajectory will rise over 1.8 meters.

Some areas between gun and target may not have Some areas between gun and target may not have danger space.danger space.

Dead SpaceDead Space- area that can’t be seen or covered by gun - area that can’t be seen or covered by gun position. Caused by depression, rises, obstructions, position. Caused by depression, rises, obstructions, etc. etc.

M249 Automatic Rifle M249 Automatic Rifle Operator CourseOperator CourseCLASSES OF FIRECLASSES OF FIRE

Respect to groundRespect to ground: :

1. 1. GrazingGrazing- Center of cone of fire does not rise - Center of cone of fire does not rise above 1 meter above the ground. above 1 meter above the ground.

Maximum extent of fire over level of Maximum extent of fire over level of uniformly sloping terrain is 600 metersuniformly sloping terrain is 600 meters

2. 2. PlungingPlunging- Danger space is practically - Danger space is practically confined to beaten zoneconfined to beaten zone

Obtaining Plunging Fire-Obtaining Plunging Fire-

Target range greater than 600 meters.Target range greater than 600 meters.

Fire from high to low ground.Fire from high to low ground.

Fire into abruptly rising ground.Fire into abruptly rising ground.

M249 Automatic Rifle M249 Automatic Rifle Operator CourseOperator CourseCLASSES OF FIRECLASSES OF FIRE

M249 Automatic Rifle M249 Automatic Rifle Operator CourseOperator Course CLASSES OF FIRECLASSES OF FIRE

Respect to Respect to Target:Target:

1. Frontal- firing directly into front of target, 1. Frontal- firing directly into front of target, long axis of the beaten is at right angle to long axis of the beaten is at right angle to front of target.front of target.

2. Flanking- firing directly against flank (right 2. Flanking- firing directly against flank (right angle) of target.angle) of target.

3. Oblique- firing at an angle other a right angle 3. Oblique- firing at an angle other a right angle to target.to target.

4. Enfilade- long axis of beaten zone may or 4. Enfilade- long axis of beaten zone may or may not coincide with long axis of target.may not coincide with long axis of target.

M249 Automatic Rifle M249 Automatic Rifle Operator CourseOperator Course CLASSES OF FIRECLASSES OF FIRE

Respect to Respect to gun:gun:

1. Fixed- firing at a stationary target which the beaten 1. Fixed- firing at a stationary target which the beaten zone covers target.zone covers target.

2. Traversing- firing distributed in width by successive 2. Traversing- firing distributed in width by successive changes in direction.changes in direction.

3. Searching- firing distributed in depth by successive 3. Searching- firing distributed in depth by successive changes in elevation.changes in elevation.

4. Traversing and searching- amount of adjustment is 4. Traversing and searching- amount of adjustment is determined by slope of terrain and angle of target.determined by slope of terrain and angle of target.

5. Free gun- fire delivered against massive targets.5. Free gun- fire delivered against massive targets.


Range Determination and Range Determination and Lateral Distance MeasurementLateral Distance Measurement

Uses.Uses.

1. Accurate determination affects gunner’s marksmanship 1. Accurate determination affects gunner’s marksmanship abilities.abilities.

2. Is required in reporting of information and the 2. Is required in reporting of information and the adjustment of artillery and mortar fireadjustment of artillery and mortar fire

Methods.Methods.

1. 100 meter unit-of-measure1. 100 meter unit-of-measure

2. Pacing- 115 paces approx. 100 meters2. Pacing- 115 paces approx. 100 meters

3. Appearance of objects- Most common method used.3. Appearance of objects- Most common method used.

4. T & E method.4. T & E method.


Principles of FirePrinciples of Fire

Types of targetsTypes of targets

1. Point targets- require single aiming points.1. Point targets- require single aiming points.

2. Area targets- having considerable width 2. Area targets- having considerable width and depth.and depth.

Rates of fireRates of fire

Sustained- 100 rpm, barrel change (10 Min.)Sustained- 100 rpm, barrel change (10 Min.)

Rapid- 200 rpm, barrel change (2 Min.)Rapid- 200 rpm, barrel change (2 Min.)

Cyclic- 550 rpm, barrel change every minuteCyclic- 550 rpm, barrel change every minute


Engagement of visible targetsEngagement of visible targetsEngagement of targets during limited Engagement of targets during limited

visibilityvisibilityPredetermined firesPredetermined fires

Range CardsRange CardsNight vision sightNight vision sight

Zeroing PVS-4 night vision sightZeroing PVS-4 night vision sightEstimating range sighting and aimingEstimating range sighting and aiming


PREPARATORY MARKSMANSHIP TRAININGPREPARATORY MARKSMANSHIP TRAINING

1. 1. Firing positions-Firing positions- gunner gets into prone position gunner gets into prone position behind gun right shoulder and right hip pocket behind gun right shoulder and right hip pocket should be directly behind gun. Spread legs with should be directly behind gun. Spread legs with heels down.heels down.

2. 2. Grip- BipodGrip- Bipod Right hand on grip and index finger on trigger.Right hand on grip and index finger on trigger. Left palm down on cover.Left palm down on cover. Both hands firmly pressed down and rearward.Both hands firmly pressed down and rearward.3. 3. TripodTripod - Right hand on grip and index finger on - Right hand on grip and index finger on

trigger. trigger. Left hand on T & E Left hand on T & E


AimingAimingSight AlignmentSight Alignment

Sight PictureSight PictureTrigger ManipulationTrigger Manipulation

Pull do not squeeze triggerPull do not squeeze triggerSight AdjustmentSight Adjustment

Windage knob- one click equals 1 milWindage knob- one click equals 1 milPush forward – strike moves rightPush forward – strike moves right

Pull back- strike moves leftPull back- strike moves left


Sight Adjustment continuedSight Adjustment continued

Elevation knob- four clicks equals 1 milElevation knob- four clicks equals 1 mil

Turn left- strike moves upTurn left- strike moves up

Turn right- strike moves downTurn right- strike moves down

Adjusted Aiming PointAdjusted Aiming Point

Rapid/accurate adjustment without adjusting Rapid/accurate adjustment without adjusting sights sights


Target AnalysisTarget Analysis

Chemical Warfare Defense Ensemble Chemical Warfare Defense Ensemble (CWDE)(CWDE)

Firing from VehiclesFiring from Vehicles


PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONPERFORMANCE EVALUATION

GO/NO GO CHECKLISTSGO/NO GO CHECKLISTS

LIVE FIRELIVE FIRE

PRACTICE PHASE/EVALUATIONPRACTICE PHASE/EVALUATION

M249 Automatic Rifle Operators Course. OVERVIEWI Orientation and Mechanical Training II Techniques of Fire and Employment III Preparatory Marksmanship.

Documents

slide assembly

chamber slide

safe slide

maintenance slide

bolt assembly

rds slide

cover assembly

barrel assembly