Manual

CHAPTER 4
STOPPAGES AND IMMEDIATE ACTION
16. Stoppages
a. A stoppage is any unintentional interruption
in the cycle of operation.
b. Most stoppages occur because of dirty, worn,
or broken parts, and lack of lubrication. The
rifleman must be taught to watch for these de-
fects and take corrective action to eliminate them
before they cause a stoppage. Some of the more
common stoppages, with their usual causes and
remedies, are shown in table II (para 19). Note
that the stoppages are classified according to the
steps of the cycle of operation.
17. Immediate Action
a. Immediate action 2 the prompt action taken
by the firer to reduce a stoppage. To apply im-
mediats action, pull the operating rod handle all
the way to the rear with the right hand, paZm
up, then release it. The right hand should be held
in the manner shown in figure 32 so it will not be
injured in the event of a hangfire.
Next, aim the
rifle and try to fire it.
b. If a rifleman is taught to apply immediate
action quickly and properly when his rifle fails to
fire, he will be able to reduce most stoppages
(table II).
18. Misfire, Hangfire, and Cookoff
a. Hang&es and misfires rarely occur. Nor-
mally, the firer will instinctively apply immediate
action which in most instances reduces the stop-
page even when caused by a hangfire or misfire.
b. Misfires are caused by one of three factors-
the firer, the weapon malfunctioning (due to ex-
cessive dirt, etc.), or faulty ammunition. When
there has been an excessive number of misfires
caused by faulty ammunition, the lot number
should be reported to ammunition supply person-
nel for inspection and determination of disposi-
tion.
19. Malfunctions
A malfunction is a failure of the weapon to
operate satisfactorily.
Some of the common mal-
functions are discussed below.
a. The clip may jump out on the seventh round.
This is usually caused by a bent follower arm or
bullet guide and can be corrected by replacing
them.
b. The rifle may ‘fire in bursts of two or three
rounds. This is due to the sear being broken,
Figure 52. Applying immediate a&on.
19