Technical data

TM 9-1005-319-23&P 0029
0029-4
GENERAL INSPECTION CRITERIA - Continued
b. M16A2 Rifle. Minor loss of finish (shiny spots, nicks, scratches) on exterior surfaces of the barrel
and compensator shall not be cause for rejection of M16A2 rifles located in hands of troops at
training centers. Large shiny surfaces, nicks, scratches, etc., can be restored by the use of solid
film lubricant (WP 0045, item 20). Rifles (small arms) missing in excess of one-third or more of the
exterior finish resulting in an unprotected, light-reflecting surface, are considered candidates for
overhaul. The only authorized level of maintenance to phosphate finish small arms is depot.
6. Plastic components must not be cracked or damaged in such a way as to interfere with their structural
strength. Surface cracks, bruises, or dents that do not affect their strength will not be cause for
rejection. Cracks will be cause for rejection. Criteria for determining which cracks are repairable are
in WP 0008.
7. Barrels must be clean and free of corrosion such as that caused by moisture and powder fouling.
Standards of serviceability are indicated in paragraphs 7.a. through 7.i. below.
a. Pits in the chamber are allowable if they do not cause extraction difficulties.
b. Pits as wide as a land and 3/8 in. (0.95 cm) or less in length are allowable for 5.56 mm barrels. Pits
not greater than the width of a land and less than 3/8 in. (0.95 cm) long are permissible.
c. Scattered or uniformly fine pits, or fine pits in a densely pitted area are allowable.
d. Tool marks are acceptable regardless of length. They will appear as lines running laterally in the
grooves, or may run spirally across the top of lands.
e. Ringed bores or bores ringed sufficiently to bulge the outside surface of the barrel are cause for
rejection. However, faint rings or shadowy depressions do not indicate an unserviceable barrel and
will not be cause for rejection. Gap in lined barrels will not be classified as a ringed bore.
f. Lands that appear dark due to coating of gilding metal from projectiles will not be cause for
rejection.
g. Breech bore diameter will be checked on unlined barrels using the appropriate breech bore gage.
h. Barrel erosion gages are provided for lined barrels. Bore wear will be checked using barrel erosion
gage for the M16A2. For detailed instructions in the use of the above gage and for serviceability
limits, see WP 0015. The M16A1 reject mark will be used to reject worn barrels during pre-
embarkation inspection.
i. Flaking or checking (fine cracks) of chromium plate in barrels or chambers will not be cause for
rejection, unless accompanied by pitting to the degree that extraction difficulties are encountered
or accuracy is unacceptable.
8. Springs must be free of distortion and broken coils. Springs must have sufficient tension to perform
their intended function.
9. Screw heads must be in serviceable condition and threads must not be stripped. Internal threads must
not be stripped.