m4 carbine field manual
TRANSCRIPT
i
M4 Carbine Field Manual
Prepared for Colt’s Manufacturing Company
Prepared by Shayn Kaysing TECM 2700.006 10-11
Terry Smith
5/2/14
M4 Carbine Field Manual
2
Table of Contents
iii
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... iii
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... v
Chapter 1 Characteristics, Ammunition, and Accessories .............................................................. 3
Rifle Characteristics .................................................................................................................... 3
Rail Adapter System ................................................................................................................... 4
Ammunition Types and Characteristics ...................................................................................... 4
Chapter 2 Preliminary Rifle Instruction .......................................................................................... 9
Introduction to Basic Rifle Marksmanship and Mechanical Training ........................................ 9
Marksmanship Fundamentals I ................................................................................................... 9
Marksmanship Fundamentals II ................................................................................................ 13
Chapter 3 Troubleshooting and Destruction ................................................................................. 17
Malfunctions ............................................................................................................................. 17
Destruction Procedures ............................................................................................................. 18
Index ............................................................................................................................................. 19
Introduction
v
Introduction
The M4 Carbine is the standard issued U.S. Military firearm. This manual provides instruction
and basic training exercises for the 5.56-mm M4 Carbine. The manual compromises to achieve
maximum portability, while retaining simple instructions for the user. It is organized to provide a
basic understanding of the weapons’ characteristics and capabilities. There is a strict outline for
properly operating the rifle including methods that fix a multitude of possible mechanical errors.
This is a basic firearm manual for use in the field.
Chapter 1
3
Chapter 1 Characteristics, Ammunition, and Accessories
Rifle Characteristics The M4 Carbine (Figure 1) is specifically designed for lightweight mobility, speed of target
acquisition, and potent firepower capability. The M4 can be adjusted for comfort and is instantly
available to provide the level of firepower, dependability and accuracy of a 5.56mm rifle. The
rifle is combat certified, serving in multiple military combat operations all over the world.
Caliber – 5.56x45-mm NATO
Weight – 6.11 lbs. (2.771 kg)
Length (Stock Retracted) – 29.8 in. (75.60 cm)
Length (Stock Extended) – 33 in. (83.82 cm)
Barrel Length – 14.5 in. (36.83 cm)
Rate of Fire – 700-950 RPM
Rifling – 1/7 RH
Effective Range – 600 m
Figure 1. M4 Carbine
M4 Carbine Field Manual
4
Rail Adapter System The Rail Adapter System (RAS) consists of a series of ridges with T-shaped cross-section
interspersed with flat spacing slots (Figure 2). Weaver mounts are required in order for an
accessory to be compatible with the RAS. Each mount uses either thumbscrews or levers to
clamp on to the rail. This system allows for a multitude of accessories to be easily mounted
either by sliding them on from either ends. If unused, exposed areas can be covered by rail
panels in a similar manner to other tactical accessories.
Ammunition Types and Characteristics When storing ammunition in the open is necessary, it must be raised at least 6 inches from the
ground and protected with a cover, leaving space for air circulation. Since moisture and high
temperatures adversely affect ammunition and explosives, the following must be adhered to:
Protect ammunition from high temperatures and the direct rays of the sun.
Do not attempt to disassemble ammunition or any of its components.
Never use lubricants or grease on ammunition.
This list provides a distinction among the various types of standard military ammunition
available to the M4 Carbine. Use only authorized 5.56-mm ammunition manufactured for U.S.
and NATO specifications.
A. M193, Ball. The M193 cartridge is a center-fire cartridge with a 55-grain, gilded metal-
jacketed, lead alloy core bullet (1, Figure 3, page 6).
B. M196, Tracer. The M196 cartridge has a red or orange top. Its main use are for
observation of fire, incendiary effect, and signaling (2, Figure 3, page 6). The long-term
use of tracer rounds, which could cause deposits of incendiary material, or chemical
compounds that could damage the barrel. Therefore, when tracer rounds are fired, they
are mixed with ball ammunition in a preferred ratio of three or four ball rounds to one
tracer round.
Figure 2. Rail Adapter System, M4 Series
Chapter 1
5
C. M199, Dummy. The M199 dummy cartridge is used during dry firing and other training.
This cartridge can be identified by the six grooves along the sides of the case beginning
about 1/2 inch from its tip (3, Figure 3, page 6). It contains no propellant or primer. The
primer well is open to prevent damage to the firing pin.
D. M200, Blank. The M200 blank cartridge has no projectile. The case mouth is closed
with a seven-petal rosette crimp and shows a violet tip (4, Figure 3, page 6).
E. M855, Ball. The M855 cartridge has a 62-grain, gilded metal-jacketed, lead alloy core
bullet with a steel penetrator (5, Figure 3, page 6). The primer and case are waterproof.
This ammunition should not be used in the M16A1 except under emergency conditions,
and only at targets less than 90 meters in distance. (The twist of the M16A1 rifling is not
sufficient to stabilize the length of the 62-grain projectile of the round.)
F. M856, Tracer. The M856 tracer cartridge has characteristics similar to the M196 tracer
with a slightly longer tracer burnout distance (6, Figure 3, page 6). This cartridge has a
63.7-grain bullet. The M856 does not have a steel penetrator. It has a red tip. This
ammunition should not be used in the M16A1 except under emergency conditions, and
only at targets less than 90 meters in distance. (The twist of the M16A1 rifling is not
sufficient to stabilize the length of the 63.7-grain projectile of the round.)
G. M862, Short-Range Training Ammunition (SRTA). The M862 SRTA is designed
exclusively for training (7, Figure 3, page 6). It can be used in lieu of service
ammunition on indoor ranges and by units that have a limited range fan that does not
allow the firing of service ammunition. SRTA ammunition must be used with the M2
training bolt.
1) Although SRTA closely replicates the trajectory and characteristics of service
ammunition out to 25 meters, it should not be used to set battle sight zero of
weapons to fire service ammunition. The settings that are placed on the sights for
SRTA could be different for service ammunition.
2) If adequate range facilities are not available for sustainment training, SRTA can
be used for any firing exercise within 25 meters. This includes the 25-meter
scaled silhouette, 25-meter alternate qualification course, and quick-fire training.
SRTA can also be used for Urban Operations training.
H. M995, Armor Piercing (AP). The M995 cartridge is intended for use against light
armored targets. The M995 offers the capability to defeat these targets at ranges two to
three times that of currently available 5.56-mm ammunition. The M995 cartridge
consists of a projectile and a propelling charge contained in a brass cartridge case. The
projectile is a dense metal penetrator (tungsten carbide) enclosed by a standard gilding
metal jacket. An aluminum cup sits at the rear of the projectile for the purpose of
properly locating the penetrator within the projectile. The cartridge utilizes a
conventional brass case and double base propellant. A standard rifle cartridge primer is
used in the case to initiate the propelling charge.
M4 Carbine Field Manual
6
Figure 3. Ammunition, 5.56-mm M4 Series
Chapter 2
9
Chapter 2 Preliminary Rifle Instruction
Introduction to Basic Rifle Marksmanship and Mechanical Training A. Modes of Fire
Safe. The trigger is immobilized, incapable of discharging normally.
Semi. Each trigger pull results in a single round being discharged.
Burst. Each trigger pull results in two to three rounds being discharged.
B. Cycle of Functioning
The M4 Carbine functions due to a direct impingement system (Figure 4). This gas piston
system utilizes the high pressured gases of an expended round to push back the bolt,
allowing for another round to enter the chamber. The bolt simply slides back into place
effectively enabling another round to be discharged.
Marksmanship Fundamentals I A. The Four Fundamentals
1) Steady Position. A soldier must learn how to establish a comfortable steady
firing position. The soldier is the best judge of the quality of their position. If a
soldier can hold the front sight post steady through the fall of the hammer, then
he/she is in a good position.
2) Aiming. The soldier must align the rifle with the target in exactly the same way
for each discharge. The soldier is the final judge as to where his eye is focused. At
this point, it is crucial to position the firing eye in line with the rear sight aperture.
3) Breathe Control. A soldier must learn to control his/her breath at any moment in
the breathing cycle. There are two types of breath control techniques are taught,
breath control for engaging single targets and breath control while engagement of
short-exposure targets. The soldier must be aware of the rifle's movement while
sighted on a target.
Figure 4. Gas Piston System, M4 Series
M4 Carbine Field Manual
10
4) Trigger Squeeze. A soldier can learn to place the rifle in a steady position and to
correctly aim at the target following the basic principles. If the trigger is not
properly squeezed, the rifle will be misaligned with the target at the moment of
firing.
B. Firing Positions with Interceptor Body Armor
a) Prone Supported Firing Position. To assume the prone supported firing
position, the soldier faces his target and drops to the ground, breaking his fall with
the butt of the weapon (Figure 5). Legs are spread apart with the firing leg bent to
relieve pressure on the lower body. The prone supported firing position uses
sandbags or any other suitable object to support the hand-guard. The non-firing
hand in this position remains free for use on any part of the rifle. Both elbows are
placed on the ground to support the upper body. The firing hand is placed on the
pistol grip; the non-firing hand is placed on the upper hand-guard. Elbow and
knee pads can be worn to relieve IBA induced pain and pressure in these areas.
The butt of the weapon should be placed between the SAPI plate and bicep to
help stabilize the weapon and absorb recoil.
b) Prone Unsupported Firing Position. To assume the prone unsupported firing
position, the soldier faces his target and drops to the ground, breaking his fall with
the butt of the weapon. Legs are spread apart with the firing leg bent to relieve
pressure on the lower back (Figure 6). Both elbows are placed on the ground to
support the upper body. The firing hand is placed on the pistol grip; the non-firing
hand is placed on the upper hand-guard. Elbow and knee pads can be worn to
relieve pressure and IBA induced pain in these areas. The butt of the weapon
should be placed between the SAPI plate and bicep to help stabilize the weapon
and absorb recoil.
Figure 5. Prone Supported Firing Position
Chapter 2
11
c) Kneeling Unsupported Firing Position. To assume the kneeling firing position,
the soldier keeps his left foot in place, steps back with the right foot, then drops to
the right knee (Figure 7). He places the left non-firing hand on the upper hand-
guard with the upper arm (triceps) on the left knee for support. The right firing
hand is placed on the pistol grip with the butt of the weapon between the SAPI
plate and bicep to help stabilize the weapon and absorb recoil. The ball of the
right foot should rest firmly on the ground so the soldier can sit back with his
buttock on the heel. Relaxing and leaning forward into the position can help
absorb recoil. The butt of the weapon should be placed between the SAPI plate
and bicep to help stabilize the weapon and absorb recoil.
d) Standing Unsupported Firing Position. To assume the standing unsupported
firing position, the soldier faces his target, executes a facing movement to his
firing side, then spreads his feet a comfortable distance apart (Figure 8). With his
firing hand on the pistol grip and his non-firing hand on the upper hand guard or
bottom of the magazine, the soldier places the butt of the rifle between the SAPI
plate of the IBA and his bicep. This stabilizes the weapon and absorbs recoil. The
soldier shifts his feet until aiming naturally at the target and his weight is evenly
distributed. The standing position provides the least stability, but can be assumed
Figure 6. Prone Unsupported Firing Position
Figure 7. Kneeling Unsupported Firing Position
M4 Carbine Field Manual
12
quickly while moving, and is a good position for target area observation. Support
for any portion of the body or rifle improves stability. More stability can be
obtained by adjusting the ammunition pouch to support the non-firing elbow. This
allows the rifle magazine to rest in the non-firing hand.
e) Standing Supported Firing Position Around Obstacles. To assume the
standing firing position, the soldier faces his target, executes a facing movement
to his firing side, and then spreads his feet a comfortable distance apart (Figure 9,
page 13). With his firing hand on the pistol grip and his non-firing hand on the
upper hand-guard, the soldier places the butt of the rifle between the SAPI plate
and his bicep. This helps stabilize the weapon and absorbs the recoil. The soldier
then leans into the wall or obstacle with his non-firing forearm, shoulder, and
non-firing thigh touching the obstacle for support. The soldier shifts his feet until
he is aiming naturally at the target and his weight is evenly distributed.
Figure 8. Standing Unsupported Firing Position
Chapter 2
13
Marksmanship Fundamentals II A. Weaponeer
The Weaponeer is capable of simulating all of the Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM)
live-fire scenarios without firing rounds. Immediate feedback is available for critiquing
the soldier’s application of the integrated act of firing while using the Weaponeer device
to include misfire procedures. This exercise incorporates all four fundamentals while
giving immediate downrange feedback.
B. Engagement Skills Trainer 2000
The engagement skills trainer (EST) 2000 is a portable firearms training simulator system
that provides training of marksmanship, squad tactical, and close-range shoot-don’t shoot
techniques and skills for small arms weapons. EST 2000 is not a substitute for live fire
qualification. The EST 2000 features superior accuracy and state of the art graphics in
simulating a combat scenario.
Figure 9. Standing Supported Firing Position Around Obstacles
Chapter 3
17
Chapter 3 Troubleshooting and Destruction
Malfunctions The M4 Carbine is similar to the original AR-15/M16. This means there are imperfections in the
design, which if improperly managed, can cause a catastrophic malfunctions (Figure 10) in the
functionality of the rifle; the weapon ceasing to fire. A soldier may encounter the following
malfunctions with their rifle:
Failure to feed, chamber or lock
Failure to fire cartridge
Failure to Extract
Failure to Eject
Figure 10. Malfunctions, M4 Series
M4 Carbine Field Manual
18
Destruction Procedures Functionality issues are inevitable with firearms. Whether a malfunction or maintenance, it is
important to understand how to properly break down a firearm. Before a break down, make sure
the magazine is removed and that the firearm is unloaded, so it is unable to fire. Lay components
in an orderly fashion to prevent loss of small components. Refer to the rifle characteristics
section (Figure 1, page 3) for a detailed image of the M4 Carbine.
1. Press the rear take down pin in from the left hand side of lower receiver, and pull the pin
out on the right hand side of the receiver until it comes to a positive stop.
2. Pivot the lower receiver down and away from the upper receiver.
3. Completely separate the upper receiver from the lower receiver by pressing the front take
down pin from the left hand side of the lower receiver and pulling out the pin on the right
hand side of the receiver until it comes to a positive stop.
4. Pull charging handle to rear and remove the bolt carrier group.
5. Remove the charging handle by pulling it backwards to keyway and then down and out of
the upper receiver.
6. Push in the firing pin retaining pin from right to left of the bolt carrier group and remove
the pin by pulling it out to the left.
7. Tilt the bolt face up and remove the firing pin.
8. Push the bolt in towards the carrier until bolt rotates and comes to a stop, then turn the
bolt cam pin through 90°.
9. Remove the cam pin by lifting it out and away from the bolt and bolt carrier.
10. Pull the bolt forward and remove it from the bolt carrier.
11. Hand-guard Removal (removal unnecessary unless damaged or dirty):
1) Remove the six flat head screws that secure the upper and lower rails together.
2) With a 5/64” allen wrench, loosen the four set screws at the rearward portion of
the rail system.
3) With the set screws loose, remove the rail system by lifting upward on the upper
rail and pulling downward on the lower rail.
12. Remove the butt-stock from lower receiver:
1) Push the release lever up and extend the butt-stock fully
2) Push the release lever down and pull the butt-stock rearward.
13. Depress the buffer, maintaining pressure as the buffer is under spring tension, to prevent
it from being ejected when the buffer retainer pin is depressed. Depress the buffer
retainer pin to permit the buffer and the action spring to move forward. Depress the
hammer to allow the action spring and the buffer assembly to continue moving forward
and be completely removed from the receiver extension.
Index
19
Index
Aiming, 9
Ammunition, 4
Breathe Control, 9
Burst, 9
Cycle of Functioning, 9
Engagement Skills Trainer 2000, 13
Firing Positions with Interceptor Body
Armor, 10
Four Fundamentals, 9
Kneeling Unsupported Firing Position, 11
M193, Ball, 4
M196, Tracer, 4
M199, Dummy, 5
M200, Blank, 5
M4 Carbine, 3
M855, Ball, 5
M856, Tracer, 5
M862, Short-Range Training Ammunition
(SRTA), 5
M995, Armor Piercing (AP), 5
maintenance, 18
malfunction, 18
malfunctions, 17
Modes of Fire, 9
Prone Supported Firing Position, 10
Prone Unsupported Firing Position, 10
Rail Adapter System (RAS), 4
Safe, 9
Semi, 9
Standing Supported Firing Position Around
Obstacles, 12
Standing Unsupported Firing Position, 11
Steady Position, 9
storing ammunition, 4
Trigger Squeeze, 10
Weaponeer, 13