FM23 8 PDF
FM23 8 PDF
Copy 3
~ -
U.S.RIFLE
7.62-MM
M14
RESCINDED
FOR HISTDRICAl USE ONLY
3. Description of Rifle
a. The M114 rifle * * * installin at selector. The M14 with bipod
attached (fig. 1.1) and the selector installed is designed primarily
for automatic fire.
e. (Added) The final production model of the rifle (fig. 1.1) will
be equipped with a slotted handgua: d and a hiiiged blitt plate.
4. General Data
a. lVeigltts in PI'oInds.
~~~~~~~~-i D
.4
1
2
TAGiO 5S-,3B
2
I' I
Ig ss
Figure532. (Splllerse(led ) S tol-tge of Uac(escosic in bit I st:o(k.
[AG 474.2 (25 Mar 6(0)]
Ily Order of lilWber M. Bruckeer, Secretary of the Army:
L. L. LEMNITZER,
General, United States A rmy,
Official: Chief of Staff.
R. V. LEE,
llajor General, Untited States Avrmy:
The Adjultant General.
Distri bition:
Active Army:
To be distributedl in accordance with DA Form 12-7 requirements for
FM1 23-series (unclassified ) plus the following additional formula:
Tech Stf, DA (1) Armid Bn (3)
US ARADCO.M (2) ADA IBn (3)
US ALADCOM Rgn (2) MrP IBn (3)
MIDW (5) Inf Co (5)
Div (5) except Armor Div (20), Armd Co (3)
(15 each Al'md Combat Conil) Abn Inf Co (5)
Bde (3) Btry (3)
Engrl Gi) (3) Cml Co (3)
Inf 13G (:5) Ord Co (3)
Comnbat Clinld (3) QMl Co (3)
Amid Cav Regt (3)
M P Co (3)
Arty Gp) (3)
~~~~~~~Cal fin (3)
Engr Bn (3) USAIS (15S5)
Arty Bn (3) USAAMS (12o0)
Ord Bu (3) USA.ES (10)
QM rn (3) USA Ord Sch (50)
Sig Bn (3) USASCS (49)
yG: State AG (3).
'S:I R: UInits samne ls Active Army exceplt allowance is two copies for each
unit. For exilanaition of alilrevilitiolis used. see AL 3120-0().
TAGO 5873B
U. GOvERNMENr PRINtln orcGS1,
19ON
FM 23-8
C2
FIELD MANUAL
FM 23-8 HEADQUARTERS,
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
CHANGES No. 2 WASHINGTON 25, D. C.,'15 Aitgust 1962
4. General Data
(Superseded)
a. Physical and Mechanical Characteristics.
Weights:
Complete with full magazine (steel), cleaning
equipment and selector ________________._____11.34 pounds
Complete with full magazine (steel), cleaning
equipment, selector, and bipod _-___.____13.09 pounds
Empty magazine (steel) _.---_.________.50 pound
Full magazine (steel, with ball ammunition) .-----1.50 pounds
Cleaning equipment .-.____________
. .........63 pound,
Bipod M2 ________.-._______________________ 1.75 pounds
Length:
Overall with flash suppressor ................ 44.31 inches
Sights:
Front ______________________________________ Fixed
Rear .-.................................... Adjustable. One click
of elevation or wind-
age equals one min-
ute of angle.
Trigger pull:
Minimum ______- _____________________ __ 5.5 pounds
Maximum _______-_______________________ 7.5 pounds
Ammunition _______.______________________
.-. . .. See chap. 6.
b. Firing Characteristics.
Muzzle velocity (approximate) ___...__
. ..... 840 meters per second
Cyclic rate of fire… ___.___- -_-_______________
700-750 rounds per
minute
Rates of fire: (The following rates of fire can be maintained with-
out danger to the firer or damage to the weapon.)
Semiautomatic:
1 minute _.___.______._______ 40 rounds
2 minutes ___-- -------- ------ ___40 rpm ( 80 rd total)
5 minutes …___________________________ 30 rpm (150 rd total)
10 minutes _________________ ________20 rpm (200 rd total)
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5385B
15 minutes .. 20 rpm (300 rd total)
.....................
20 minutes .. 20 rpm (400 rd total)
..................
30 or more minutes ___._______________ 15 rpm
Automatic:
1 minute .. .............
60 rounds
2 minute -------------- .....
50 rpm (100 rd total)
5 minutes ------- ..........
40 rpm (200 rd total)
10 minutes ____....---30 rpm (300 rd total)
15 minutes _..___.._..________________30 rpm (450 rd total)
20 minutes ___…___ 25 rpm (500
--------------------------- rd total)
30 minutes or more ______________________ _ 20 rpm
Range:
Maximum effective (semiautomatic without bipod) 460 meters
Maximum effective (semiautomatic with bipod) 700 meters*
Maximum effective (automatic with bipod) .------
460 meters**
Maximum (M59 ball ammunition) .- 8-_____
3725 meters
c. Definitions.
Cyclic rate … ... The rate at which the weapon fires automatic-
ally.
Maximum effective range .-.. The greatest distance at which a rifleman can
he expected to fire accurately to inflict
casualties or damage.
b. To load the magazine using a filler, slide the filler over the top
*The addition of the bipod adds much to the stability of the rifle and enables the auto-
matic riflema to effctively engage targets semiautomatically in excess of 460 meters.
**Enemy squad formations and hasty crew-served weapons emplacements may be effec-
tively engaged up to this range; bunker apertures, windows, and like targets which require
precise accuracy can best be engaged by using semiautomatic fire.
AGO 5385B 3
rear portion of the magazine (fig. 34.1). Insert a 5-round * * * the
magazine filler.
Page 56.
Chart 2. Stoppages: Their Causes and Remedies
Failure to lock * * * * * *
Weak operating rod Replace spring.
spring.
Failure to fire * * * * *
Failure to unlock _ __ * * *
Insufficient gas. Tighten gas cylinder
plug.
Spindle valve closed. Open valve.
38. Description
(Superseded)
The types of ammunition are easily identified by their individ-
ual markings.
a. Ball. The M59 ball cartridge has a boattailed bullet (the
rear of the bullet is tapered). The bullet consists of a gliding
metal jacket, a steel core, and a lead antimony point and base
filler. The M80 ball cartridge bullet consists of a gliding metal or
gilding metal clad steel jacket with a lead antimony slug. Ball
ammunition is unpainted.
FRONT BAND
t t
HAND GUARD
'
GAS CYLINDER PLUG
t GAS CYLINDER LOCK
Figure 19. (Superseded) Partsof the gas system, handguard and front band.
4 AGO 5385B
MAGAZINE CHARGER -
MAGAZINE FILLERsj
MAGAZINE -
6 AGO 6385B
APPENDIX
REFERENCES
G. H. DECKER,
General, United States Army,
Official: Chief of Staff.
J. C. LAMBERT,
Major General, United States Army,
The Adjutant General.
Distribution:
Active Army:
DCSPER (2) ARADCOM Rgn (2)
ACSI (2) USCONARC (5)
DCSLOG (2) LOGCOMD (2)
DCSOPS (2) MDW (5)
ACSRC (2) Armies (5)
CRD (1) Corps (3)
COA (1) Div (2) (CC (1))
CINFO (1) Bde (1)
TIG (1) Regt/Gp/bg (1)
TJAG (1) Bn (5)
TPMG (1) Co/Btry (5)
Tech Stf, DA (1) except USATC (5)
CofOrd (5) Instl (1)
ARADCOM (2)
NG: None.
USAR: Same as active Army except allowance is one copy to each unit.
For explanation of abbreviations used see AR 320-50.
AGO 63856 7
FM 23-8
U.S. RIFLE
7.62-MM, M14
Paragraph Page
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
Purpose and scope ----.-----.----------------- 1 3
Importance of mechanical training -________ 2 3
Description of rifle _______________
.-...... 3 3
General data ….____._______________________
4 5
2. MECHANICAL TRAINING
Section I. DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
General ________________----------
.----- 5 7
Separation of the three main groups .-. .
6 ......7
Assembly of the three main groups_________ 7 9
Disassembly of the barrel and receiver group_ 8 10
Assembly of the barrel and receiver group_____ 9 15
Disassembly of the bolt __________
.-.... 10 17
Assembly of the bolt- ___________
.-..... 11 19
Disassembly of the rear sight. .------------- 12 22
Assembly of the rear sight .-. .............13 23
Disassembly of the gas system and handguard_ 14 24
Assembly of the gas system and handguard___ 15 26
Disassembly of the firing mechanism assembly_ 16 26
Assembly of the firing mechanism assembly___ 17 28
Disassembly of the magazine________________
-18 32
Assembly of the magazine _________________- 19 32
II. CONVERSION FOR SEMIAUTOMATIC
AND AUTOMATIC FIRE.
Converting to fire selectively _______________ 20 34
Converting to fire semiautomatically only - 21 35
CHAPTER 3. OPERATION AND FUNCTIONING
Section I. OPERATION
Loading the magazine- 22
.-------------------- 40
Loading the rifle ___-_________.._________. 23 40
Top loading with 5-round magazine charger___
- 24 41
Unloading and clearing the rifle ___-______
.- 25 41
Firing the rifle_-- _------
____________ 26 41
AGO 2766B 1
Paragraph Page
Section II. FUNCTIONING
--------------------
Semiautomatic ______.-- 27 43
Automatic ____________.-------------------- 28 54
CHAPTER 4. STOPPAGES AND IMMEDIATE ACTION
Stoppage_
-_-_____ ____--____ -______---- 29 56
Immediate action- .-.........
____._______. 30 56
5. MAINTENANCE
General ______________.---------------- - 31 59
Cleaning materials, lubricants, and equipment 32 59
Cleaning the rifle -------------------------- 33 62
Normal maintenance --.---------------------- 34 68
Special maintenance …_________8_______.___
35 68
Storage ……______________……8_.___---
----- 36 70
CHAPTER 6. AMMUNITION
General -_______________________________ 37 71
Description ____________________________…__. 38 71
Ballistic data ........................... 39 71
Packaging_ ___________..-..........____ 40 72
Care, handling, and preservation .-.- ........
41 72
Storage …___________________________________ 42 73
APPENDIX. REFERENCES -. ____ 74
AGO 2766B
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
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c. The sear release, selector shaft, and connector assembly,
mounted on the right side of the receiver and positioned by the
selector shaft lock, do not operate during semiautomatic firing.
d. The web sling is used for firing on the distance range and for
carrying the weapon. Each rifleman adjusts his sling accord-
ing to individual need.
4. General Data
a. Weights in Pounds.
Rifle without magazine and sling __- ______ 8.33
Empty magazine (aluminum alloy) ________ .27
Full magazine (20 rounds) . . ............1.07
Sling . _______ .. ____________- .....---
.31
Cleaning equipment ___- __________.
.... .61
Firing weight (fully loaded, with sling) ___10.32
b. Lengths in Inches (Approximate).
Rifle, overall, with flash suppressor ..... 44.14
Barrel _________.__-------_______.- 22.00
c. Mechanical Features.
Rifling - --.... _..-------------- _ four grooves, right hand twist.
Sight ---------- ______-____________._ e I e v a t i o n graduated in
meters; windage graduated
in clicks.
Trigger pull:
Maximum -- ___ -___ __________7.5 lb.
Minimum - -____________-________5.5 lb.
Loading devices - -_________________ ___20-round magazine and 5-
round magazine charger.
Method of operation . … ........... gas.
Type of mechanism ___.___.__
. ..-... rotating bolt.
Method of feeding _______________________magazine,
-- 20-round capacity.
Chamber pressure -- -- ---
_____________._- 50,000 p.s.i.
Cooling_ …______-___.____
_ _ air.
d. Ammunition.
Caliber__ ---------------- _______7.62-mm
Type _.s_________________________ See chapter 6.
e. Firing Characteristics.
Muzzle velocity (approximate) - -__
________2,800 f.p.s.
Cyclic rate of fire ------------ . ..........
700-750
Maximum rate of fire:
Semiautomatic _ 40-60
Automatic ……_________________________=.120-150
Sustained rate of fire .. ______ 8-10'
Maximum effective rate of fire:
Semiautomatic . ..---
____ .__ 20-30*
Automatic _ _ 40-60*
Maximum range 3,750 meters
Maximum effective range . _-_---------
. ... 460 meters
Based on limited tests.
AGO 2766B 5
f. Definitions.
Cyclic rate ..............
_______________.the rate at which the weapon
fires automatically.
Maximum rate of fire ____________________-the fastest rate at which a
well-trained rifleman can
fire.
Sustained rate of fire ____________________. the rate at which a weapon
can fire indefinitely without
seriously overheating.
Maximum effective rate of fire -------------- the maximum number of
rounds the average rifleman
can fire and still get a rea-
sonable number of hits on
the target.
Maximum range- .-...........
___________. the greatest distance the
weapon can fire.
Maximum effective range __________________the greatest distance at which
a rifleman can be expected
to fire accurately to inflict
casualties or damage.
6 AGO 2766B
CHAPTER 2
MECHANICAL TRAINING
Part .0 E|
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E·"
cc E ·iC$
SEPARATION:
INTO THREE MAIN X
GROUPS.
DISASSEMBLY:
BARREL AND RECEIVER X
GROUP.
Except:
Front sight.____ _-__ ______. ______ _____ X
Rear sight __ _ .-.. _____ X
Flash suppressor . .... ............. I X
Valve spindle -_______- __-___.- -___ - -______ X
Sear release -________= ___-___._____ - - X
Selector & selector ______.______ _I X X
shaft lock.
Connector assembly …_… __- __ _________ X
(spring and plunger).
Bolt lock __________ .______.______ ______ X
Magazine charger guide -........ ___..---__------.. .i X
Operating rod guide_____
--.- _ ____-- __-___ ____ X
Barrel from receiver…---............................ X
STOCK GROUP:
Stock liner ________.. ___ _____.__-------- .. __ __._-I .. X
Upper sling swivel bracket -- --.-- __ __ ______----I X
Stock ferrule ------------- -------------- .------ --..... I X
MAGAZINE GROUP-__________ X
BOLT GROUP _______________-
- -- .___ X
Except:
Bolt roller from bolt stud -... . ...........
I X
FIRING MECHANISM X __ _
ASSEMBLY.
Except:
Magazine latch _ -__-________- ____-- ___ -__ ___ X
Sear from trigger __......................... X
CONVERTING RIFLE TO --______ ______ -____ X
FIRE SELECTIVELY.
8 AGO 2766B
a. To remove the firing mechanism assembly, grasp the rear of
the trigger guard with the thumb and forefinger of your right
hand and pull downward and outward as far as the guard will
go (fig. 3). Lift out the firing mechanism assembly.
b. Lay the weapon on a flat surface with the sights up and
muzzle to the left. Grasp the receiver with the left hand over
the bolt and raise the rifle a few inches. With the right hand,
strike down on and grasp the small of the stock, separating the
stock group from the barrel and receiver group.
c. The three main groups are shown in figure 4.
7. Assembly of the Three Main Groups
a. Place the barrel and receiver group on a flat surface, sights
down. Pick up the stock group and engage the stock ferrule in
I I
AGO 2766B 9
the front band, then lower the stock group onto the barrel and
receiver group.
b. Unlatch and open the trigger guard. Place the firing mecha-
nism assembly straight down into the receiver, making sure that
the guide rib on the assembly enters the recess' in the receiver
(fig. 5). Close and latch the trigger guard.
8. Disassembly of the Barrel and Receiver Group
a. (1) Removing the connector assembly. Turn the barrel
and receiver group on its left side with the operating
rod handle up and the muzzle away from you. On rifles
modified for selective firing press in and turn the selector
until the face marked A is toward the windage knob
(fig. 6). With the bolt closed, place the right thumb.
10
10 AGO
AGO 2766B
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AGO 2766B
Figure 5. Replacing the firing mechanism assembly.
12 AGO 2766B
ceiver group so the sights are up and the muzzle is
pointing away from you. Pull back the operating rod
handle until the guide lug on its inside surface is alined
with the disassembly notch on the right side. of the
receiver (fig. 9). Rotate the operating rod downward
and outward, then pull it to the rear, disengaging it from
the operating rod guide.
(4) Removing the bolt. Grasp the bolt by the roller and,
while sliding it forward, lift it upward and outward to
the right front with a slight rotating motion.
b. The rifle is now field stripped and basic assemblies such as
the bolt may be disassembled, if required.
c. The parts of the barrel and receiver group in their order of
disassembly are shown in figure 10.
AGO 2766B 13
Figure 7-Continued. (2)
14 AGO 276'B
Figure 8. Removing the operating rod spring and operating rod spring
guide. (1)
AGO 2766f 15
b. Replacing the Operating Rod. Hold the operating rod at
the handle, place the front end into the operating rod guide, and
position the rod so that the recess in the hump fits over the bolt
roller. Turn the operating rod to the left until the guide lug will
fit in the disassembly notch on the receiver as shown in figure 9,
then move the operating rod forward until the bolt is closed.
c. Replacing the Operating Rod Spring and Operating Rod
Spring Guide. Turn the barrel and receiver over so the sights are
down and the muzzle is to the left. Place the operating rod spring
guide into the operating rod spring, hump end up, and place the
spring and guide inside the operating rod. Grasp the spring and
guide with the left hand and compress the spring until the hole
in the guide can be alined with the connector lock. Lower the
guide and push the connector lock in with the right thumb (fig.
11).
d. Replacing the Connector Assembly. Turn the barrel and
receiver on its side with the operating rod handle up, muzzle
away from you. Place the hole in the rear end of the connector
assembly on the elongated stud of the sear release (fig. 12(1)).
Place the right thumb on the rear of the connector assembly, the
index finger on the sear release bracket, and the middle finger
in the rear of the receiver. Push toward the muzzle with the right
16 AGO 2766B
CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY OPERATING ROD
BOLT
OPERATING ROD
SPRING GUIDE
OPERATING ROD
SPRING BARREL AND RECEIVER
Figure 10. Paris of the barrel and receiver group in the order of
disassembly.
thumb and, at the same time, turn the front of the assembly
counterclockwise until it can be lowered onto the connector lock
(fig. 12(2)).
10. Disassembly of the Bolt
a. Bolt Out of Rifle. Holding the combination tool as shown
in figure 13, push it into the face of the bolt with the screwdriver
blade beneath the extractor. Turn the tool clockwise, maintain-
ing pressure against the ejector and spring. Lift the extractor
from the bolt. When the extractor is clear, allow the ejector to
slowly push the combination tool away from the face of the bolt
until it is no longer under spring pressure. Remove the ejector
AGO 2766B 17
and spring. Lift out the extractor spring and plunger. Do not
separate the ejector from its spring nor the extractor spring from
its plunger. Remove the firing pin from the rear of the bolt. Do
not disassemble the bolt roller from the stud. The parts of the
bolt in the order of disassembly are shown in figure 14.
b. Bolt in Rifle. The wrench head portion of the combination
tool is used to remove the extractor, extractor spring and plunger,
Figure 11. Replacinfg the operating rod spring and operating rod spring
guide.
EXTRACTOR SPRING
AND PLUNGER
EJECTOR jFIRING PIN BOLT
EXTRACTOR AND SPRING
20 AGO 2766B
Figure 15. Unseating extractor Figure 15-Continued. (2)
(bolt in rifle). (1)
the extractor into position and allow the tool to turn as the ex-
tractor pushes on the screwdriver blade.
b. Bolt in Rifle. Insure that the tang of the firing pin is seated
in the recess in the rear of the bolt. Install the ejector and ejector
AGO 2766B 21
spring so that the cut on the ejector is toward the bolt roller.
Replace the extractor spring and plunger. Insert the extractor
into position and insert the wrench head into the chamber with
the screwdriver blade in position as shown in figure 17. Slowly
close the bolt on the wrench until the wrench is fully seated. As
the bolt closes, the ejector will contact the wrench first. Take
care to prevent the ejector from slipping off the wrench. Holding
the bolt forward, push the extractor down into position. If
necessary, push the extractor with a rod section to fully seat it
in the bolt.
Note. In disassembling and assembling the bolt, hold the rifle muzzle
down to keep the firing pin in the bolt. If the firing pin is to he replaced,
take the bolt out of the rifle and disassemble it as described in paragraph
10a.
ELEVATING
KNOB
APERTURE I
AGO 276GB 23
and screw it in until it draws the base to the center position on
the windage gage. Push forward, lightly, on the right rear of
the base while inserting the elevating pinion assembly from the
left, meshing the pinion with the teeth on the aperture until the
threaded end of the pinion contacts the windage knob. Tighten
the nut in the center of the windage knob until you feel a stiffen-
ing resistance. When it is tight, back it off one complete turn.
This should give the correct tension. Make sure that the reading
that was on the elevating knob before disassembly is opposite the
index mark on the receiver when the aperture is at its lowest
position. Then tighten the elevating knob screw.
b. Obtaining the proper tension is extremely important; with-
out it, the sight will not hold its adjustment in elevatidn. If you
cannot hear clear, sharp clicks when you turn the elevating knob,
or if the aperture drops when the rifle is fired, check the tension
as follows:
(1) Run the aperture up about 20 clicks.
(2) Press down on top of the aperture with the thumb.
(3) If the aperture drops, the tension must be adjusted.
c. To adjust the tension, first make sure that the elevating
knob screw is tight. Next, tighten the windage knob nut one
click at a time. Test the tension as described in (1) and (2)
above after each click and continue the process until the aperture
does not drop. If the proper tension cannot be set by doing this,
the sight must be repaired or replaced.
d. When sight tension is properly applied, the windage knob
may be hard to turn. This may be overcome by pressing inward
on the elevating pinion assembly with the left thumb while turn-
ing the windage knob with the right hand,
14. Disassembly of the Gas System and Handguard
a. Using the wrench of the combination tool, loosen and remove
the gas cylinder plug. 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.
Slip the front band forward toward the front sight. Push the
handguard toward the front sight and lift it from the barrel.
Note. The sharp edges of the grooves and other surfaces on the piston
help to permit proper functioning of the gas system. Do not dull these
sharp edges. Also, NEVER use any abrasive material to clean any com-
ponents of the gas system. Tolerances are close and must not be altered.
Remember, a clean system is not necessarily a shiny one.
b. The parts of the gas system, and the handguard and front
band are shown in figure 19.
24 AGO 2766?
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AGO 2766 >B
AGO 2766B 25
15. Assembly of the Gas System and Handguard
Place the rifle on a flat surface, sights up and muzzle to the
right. Engage the ends of the band on the handguard with the
front (muzzle) end of the slots that are on the rear of the barrel
and slide the handguard rearward. (Do not snap the handguard
into its installed position.) Replace the front band. Slide the
gas cylinder rearward through the front band. Tighten the gas
cylinder lock by hand to its fully assembled position, then back it
off until the loop is alined with the gas cylinder. Replace the gas
piston, the flat part toward the barrel and the open end toward
the muzzle. Replace the gas cylinder plug and tighten it securely
with the wrench of the combination tool.
Note. Before tightening the gas cylinder plug, be certain that the piston
moves freely and protrudes through the cylinder. Then, tighten the gas
cylinder plug, making certain it is secure.
VERTICAL FACEF
26 AGO 2766B
guard to the left, forefinger over the sear, thumb on the vertical
face, and apply a pinching pressure with the thumb and index
finger as shown in figure 21 and remove the trigger pin. Slowly
release the pressure, allowing the hammer spring to expand.
b. Transfer the firing mechanism assembly to your left hand
with the vertical face still toward your body and the open face up.
With your right hand, remove the trigger and sear assembly,
hammer spring housing, hammer spring, and hammer spring
plunger.
c. Unlatch and open the trigger guard. Hold the firing mecha-
nism assembly in your left hand with the vertical face away from
AGO 2766B 27
your body and the open face down. Push out the hammer pin
with the tip of a cartridge (fig. 22). Turn the trigger housing
over; move the hammer slightly to the rear and lift it oht.
d. Leave the trigger guard unlatched. Turn the trigger hous-
ing over so the open face is down and push the stud of the safety
from its hole with the tip of a cartridge. Remove the safety and
safety spring by lifting them out of the trigger housing.
e. Hold the rear of the trigger housing with the left hand as
shown in figure 23. Grasp the trigger guard with your right hand
and slide it to the rear until the hammer pin holes in the wings
of the trigger guard are just forward of the safety stud hole.
Cant the guard to the right, push it forward and up, and remove
it from the trigger housing.
f. The magazine latch should not be removed from the trigger
housing.
g. The parts of the firing mechanism assembly in the order of
disassembly are shown in figure 24.
17. Assembly of the Firing Mechanism Assembly
a. Hold the rear of the trigger housing with your left hand,
the vertical face away from you, open face to the right. Place the
28 AGO 2766B
hammer stop on the trigger guard on the floor of the trigger
housing just forward of the safety slot, then rotate the trigger
guard down and to the left.
b. Hold the trigger housing with your left hand, vertical face
to the left, open face up. Place the loop of the safety spring on
its stud in the trigger housing (fig. 25) and rotate it clockwise
into position. (The short arm of the spring should be along the
base of the trigger housing.)
c. Place the right forefinger over the safety spring stud to hold
the safety spring in place. Insert the finger piece of the safety
through its slot in the base of the trigger housing and turn the
trigger housing over so the open face is down. Seat the safety
stud in its hole in the trigger housing with the left hand by forc-
ing the safety down against the pressure of the safety spring
(fig. 26).
d. Hold the trigger housing in your left hand, the vertical face
away from you and the open face up. Place the safety in the off
AGO 2766B 29
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AGO 2766B
30
Figure 25. Replacing the safety spring.
AGO 2766B 33
Figure 28. Seating the trigger pin.
AGO 276B 35
MAGAZINE BASE t MAGAZINE FOLLOWER
MAGAZINE
MAGAZINE SPRING
and place the selector shaft lock on the shaft. Press the selector
shaft lock and shaft together while rotating the lock until the
point on the selector shaft engages in the recess of the lock. Re-
place the pin. Replace the connector assembly and assemble the
rifle. The rifle will now fire semiautomatically only.
36 AGO 2766B
Figure 31. Replacing the magazine base.
AGO 2766B 37
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38 AGO 266B_
Figure 13. Replacing the selector shaft pin.
AGO 2766B 39
CHAPTER 3
OPERATION AND FUNCTIONING
Section I. OPERATION
40 AGO 2766B
Figure 34. Loading the magazine.
42 AGO 27668
Figure 36. Top loading.
b. When the rifle is set for automatic fire, it will fire as long as
the trigger is held to the rear and there is ammunition in the
magazine. When the last round is fired, the bolt is held to the
rear by the bolt lock.
c. The spindle valve must remain in the open position (the slot
in the valve spindle head perpendicular to the barrel) during all
firing except when using a grenade launcher.
d. When you press the trigger, the round is fired, the empty
case ejected, the hammer cocked, a new round inserted into the
chamber, and the rifle is ready to fire again-all in about one
eight-hundredth of a minute. This rapid mechanical action allows
the rifleman to deliver a large number of aimed shots in a short
time.
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the gas ports are no longer alined and no more gas can
enter the piston (fig. 41). The remaining gas in the
barrel follows the bullet out of the muzzle. There is
about three-eighths of an inch rearward movement of the
operating rod before unlocking begins. This is a safety
feature to insure that all the unneeded gas has gone out
the barrel before unlocking begins. After the operating
rod has moved this short distance, the camming sur-
face inside its hump forces the bolt roller upward, dis-
engaging the locking lugs on the bolt from the locking
recesses in the receiver. The bolt is thus unlocked and
ready to be moved to the rear (fig. 42). Any gas that
is left in the gas cylinder or piston after the bolt is all
the way to the rear escapes through the lower gas port
in the cylinder.
(6) Extracting. Extracting is pulling the empty cartridge
from the chamber. As the bolt unlocks, slow initial
extraction takes place. When the bolt is moved to the
rear, it pulls the empty cartridge with it (fig. 43).
(7) Ejecting. Ejecting is throwing the empty cartridge out
of and away from the receiver. As soon as the bolt has
withdrawn the empty cartridge case clear of the cham-
ber, the force of the ejector spring and plunger pushes
the bottom edge of the cartridge base away from the
bolt face. This causes the front (neck) of the cartridge
case to move upwards and to the right. The rapid
rearward movement of the bolt causes the cartridge
case to strike the angle on the lower right corner of the
magazine charger guide as the cartridge case is turned
sideways. The rapid forward movement of the operat-
ing rod handle causes the leading edge of the "caimming
hump" to strike the cartridge case with the angle on
the outer edge of this "hump" continuing the movement
of the empty case to the right front. When the last
round has been fired and the bolt is held in the rear-
ward position by the bolt lock, the ejector propels the
last round out and away from the receiver (fig. 44).
(8) Cocking. Cocking occurs when the hammer is forced
into the proper position for firing the next round. This
happens as the bolt continues to the rear. The rear end
of the bolt forces the hammer back and rides over it.
The hammer is caught by the sear if the trigger is still
held to the rear, but by the trigger lugs if the trigger
pressure has been released (fig. 44).
50 AGO 2766B
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28. Automatic
a. The selector must be set for automatic fire (the A facing
the firer). Turning the selector to automatic rotates the sear
release until it is in a position to make contact with the sear.
b. After the first round has been fired (and with the trigger
held to the rear), the operating rod starts its rearward movement
under pressure of the expanding gases. As it moves to the rear,
the connector assembly moves rearward one-eighth of an inch
under pressure of the connector assembly spring. The movement
of the connector assembly rotates the sear release on the selector
shaft so that the flange on the sear release allows the sear to
move forward into a position where it can engage the rear
hammer hooks (fig. 45). Then, when the bolt drives the hammer
to the rear, the sear engages the rear hammer hooks and holds the
hammer in the cocked position!.
c. After the bolt moves forward and locks, the shoulder on the
operating rod engages the hook of the connector assembly and
forces it forward one-eighth of an inch. This rotates the sear
release on the selector shaft, causing the flange on the sear release
to push the sear to the rear, disengaging it from the rear hammer
hooks (fig. 46). The hammer will then go forward if the trigger
a - ,@ .0 - :4 0" .
SEAR RELEASE
ROTATED FORWAROD
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54 AGO 2766B
is held to the rear. If the trigger is released at any time prior to
the firing of the last round, the hammer will be held in the cocked
position by the trigger lugs, and automatic actuation of the sear
release by the connector assembly will not release the hammer to
fire the chambered cartridge.
SETA7EREAtWARD
AGO 2766D 55
CHAPTER 4
STOPPAGES AND IMMEDIATE ACTION
29. Stoppage
a. A stoppage is any unintentional interruption in the cycle of
operation. It may be caused by faulty ammunition, a faulty
magazine, or by improper functioning of the rifle (a malfunc-
tion). When a stoppage occurs, the firer immediately takes cer-
tain steps to reduce it without considering the cause. This is
known as immediate action.
b. The M14 rifle will function efficiently if it is properly cared
for. Most stoppages occur because of dirty, worn, or broken
parts. The firer must watch for these defects and correct them
before they cause a stoppage. Some of the more common stop-
pages, their usual causes, and remedies are shown in chart 2.
30. Immediate Action
Many stoppages can be prevented before they occur if the rifle,
magazine, and ammunition are cared for properly. Some stop-
pages may still occur, but a knowledge of immediate action will
enable the firer to take the necessary steps to reduce them. Im-
mediate action is taught in two phases.
a. The first phase is taught as a drill so that the rifleman learns
to perform it quickly and instinctively without thought as to the
cause of the stoppage. To apply the first phase, pull the operating
rod handle all the way to the rear with the right hand, palm up,
then release it. Next, aim the rifle and attempt to fire.
b. If the first phase of immediate action fails to reduce a stop-
page, make a detailed examination of the rifle to determine the
cause. The five key words used to help you remember the steps
in the second phase are: TAKE, LOOK, PULL, LOCATE, and
REDUCE.
Chart 2. Stoppages: Their Causes and Remedies
Stowppaes Caxae Remedy
56 AGO 2.766B
Chart 2. Stoppages: Their Causes and Remedies-Continued.
58 AGO 2766B
CHAPTER 5
MAINTENANCE
31. General
Maintenance includes all measures taken to keep the rifle in
top operating condition. This includes normal cleaning, inspec-
tion for defective parts, repair, and lubrication.
111
*
I
60 AGO 2766B
screwdriver blade is an extension of the wrench head.
Although the tool may be used without the cap, it is
better to use it to prevent the slotted end of the handle
from digging into the palm of the hand.
(b) The handle of the combination tool is also used as the
cleaning rod handle. To do this, allow the cleaning
rod extension of the tool to fall from the tool handle
so that it hangs perpendicular. Assemble the four
sections of the cleaning rod and screw into the
threaded hole in the cleaning rod extension. Either
the bore brush or the cleaning patch holder may be
attached to the end of the cleaning rod.
(c) The plastic oiler case (fig. 50) holds about 7 cubic
centimeters of oil. The case is closed with a screw
cap which has a stem (applicator) attached that is
used to apply oil drop by drop. The cap is fitted with
a gasket to prevent oil leakage.
(d) The grease container (fig. 51) is also a plastic unit.
It consists of a standard grease cup with a cap. One
end of the grease cup cap screws onto the grease cup.
The other end fits over the end of the handle of the
combination tool (fig. 47) for storage. Inside the
cap is a bent stem (applicator) that is used to apply
the grease. The stem is bent to make it easier to
AGO 2766B 61
Figure 49. Combinationtool used as wrench.
remove the last bit of grease from the cup. The con-
tainer holds about 3 cubic centimeters of grease.
Maintenance equipment is stored in the butt stock
(fig. 52).
33. Cleaning the Rifle
a. The rifle must be cleaned after it has been fired because
firing produces deposits of primer fouling, powder ashes, carbon,
and metal fouling. The ammunition has a noncorrosive primer
which makes cleaning easier, but no less important. The primer
still leaves a deposit that may collect moisture and promote rust
if it is not removed. The cleaning described below will remove
all deposits except metal fouling which is relatively uncommon
and is removed by ordnance personnel.
b. The rifle should be field stripped and cleaned in the following
manner after it has been fired:
(1) Bore. Run patches dampened with bore cleaner or hot,
soapy water back and forth through the bore several
times. Next, attach the rifle bore brush to the cleaning
rod and run it back and forth through the bore one or
two times. Follow this with more wet patches. Run
several dry patches through the bore and inspect each
62 AGO 2766B
Figure 50. Oiler case (in right hand), cap and stem (in left hand).
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AGO 2766B ~5
AGO 2761 6
Figure 53. Rotating brush to clean chamber.
BOLT
CAMMING LUG
LIP Of
rECEIVER
AGO 2766B 69
covered during sand and dust storms. Wooden parts must be kept
oiled with raw linseed oil to prevent drying. The rifle should be
relubricated when sandy or dusty conditions decrease or when
it begins to show rust.
f. Special instructions on caring for the rifle when it is subject
to nuclear, biological, or chemical contamination may be found
in FM 21-40.
36. Storage
a. Preparationfor Storage. Thoroughly clean and then com-
pletely dry the bore, all parts of the mechanism, and the exterior
of the weapon. In damp climates, make sure that the rags used
for cleaning are dry. After metal parts have been dried, be care-
ful not to touch them with the bare hands. Coat them with either
medium preservative lubricating oil or, if the weapon is to remain
in storage for a very long time, medium rust preventive com-
pound. Before placing the rifle in the packing chest, paint the
weapon supports for the butt and muzzle with rust preventive
compound. Never store a rifle in a cloth or similar cover and
never plug the bore. Such articles collect moisture that causes
the rifle to-rust.
b. Cleaning When Rifles Have Been in Long-Term Storage.
Weapons received from long-term storage usually have a coat of
light or medium preservative oil and are inclosed in a volatile
corrosion inhibitor (VCI) type, sealed aluminum foil, barrier type
bag. These weapons can be fired as soon as the VCI tube is re-
moved from the bore, but they should normally be cleaned and
lubricated as prescribed in paragraphs 33-35.
70 AGO 2766B
CHAPTER 6
AMMUNITION
37. General
The M14 rifle fires several types of ammunition. The rifleman
should be able to recognize them and know which type is best
for certain targets. He should also know how to care for the
ammunition.
a. Figure 56 shows the parts of a typical cartridge.
b. The term "bullet" refers only to a small arms projectile; the
term "ball" was originally used to describe the ball-shaped bullet
of very early small arms ammunition. The term "ball ammuni-
tion" now refers to a cartridge with a general purpose solid core
.bullet intended for use against personnel and material targets.
38. Description
The four types of ammunition are easily identified by their
individual markings.
a. Ball. The M59 ball cartridge has a boat-tailed bullet (the
rear of the bullet is tapered) and weighs 147 grains. It is com-
posed of a gilding metal jacket, a soft steel core, a lead antimony
base, and a point filler. The tip of the bullet is not colored.
b. Armor Piercing. The M61 armor piercing cartridge has a
boat-tailed bullet, weighs 147 grains, and is composed of a gilding
metal-clad jacket, a hardened steel core, a lead antimony base,
and a point filler. The tip of the round is painted black.
c. Tracer. The M62 tracer cartridge has a boat-tailed bullet
and weighs 141 grains. It is composed of a gilding metal or gild-
ing metal-clad steel jacket, a lead antimony core, a tracer, sub-
igniter and igniter composition, and a closure cap. The tip of the
round is painted orange.
d. Dummy. The M63 dummy cartridge is identifiable by the
six longitudinal flutes in the case.
40. Packaging
a. 5-Round Magazine Charger. Ammunition is prepacked in
5-round magazine chargers. Twelve chargers are packed in a
cloth bandoleer.
b. Magazine Filler. The magazine filler is an adapter which
fits over the top of an empty magazine (when the magazine is
not in the weapon) and makes it easier to load. One magazine
filler is packed in each case of ammunition.
AGO 2766B 73
APPENDIX
REFERENCES
74 AGO 2766B
[AG 474.2 (22 Oct 59)]
By Order of Wilber M. Brucker, Secretary of the Army:
L. L. LEMNITZER,
General, United States Army,
Official: Chief of Staff.
R. V. LEE, ..
Major General, United States Army,
The Adjutant General.
Distribution:
Active Army:
Tech Stf, DA (1) Sig Bn (3)
Tech Stf Bd (2) Armor Bn (3)
USCONARC (25) ADA Bn (3)
USA Arty Bd (2) MP Bn (3)
USA Armor Bd (2) Inf Co (5)
USA Inf Bd (2) Armor Co (3)
USA AD Bd (2) Cml Co (3)
USA Abn & Elet Bd (2) Ord Co (3)
USA Avn Bd (2) QM Co (3)
USATB (2) MP Co (3)
US ARADCOM USMA (30)
(Incl ea Rgn) (2) PMST Sr Div Unit (2)
OS Maj Comd (10) PMST Jr Div Unit (2)
OS Base Comd (5) PMST Mil Sch Div Unit (2)
Log Comd (5) Mil Msn (1)
MDW (5) USATC (10) except
Armies (10) except USATC (Inf) (25)
First US Army (12) Svc Colleges (5)
Corps (5) Br Svc Sch (5) except
Div (8) (ea CC) (3) USAIS (1000)
Bde (3) USAAMS (1200)
Engr Gp (3) USAES (10)
Inf Bg (5) USA Ord Sch (50)
Arty Gp (3) USASCS (49)
Cml Bn (3) Mil Dist (1)
Engr Bn (5) Sector Comd (Res) (1)
Arty Bn (3) USA Corps (Res) (1)
Ord Bn (3) Units org under fol TOE:
QM Bn (3) 17-52 (3)
NG: State AG (3); units-none.
USAR: Units-same as Active Army except allowance is two (2) copies
to each unit.
For explanation of abbreviations used, see AR 320-50.
AGO 2766B 75
* U. S GOVERNMENT
PRINTINGOFFICE:1960 0-s55518