SMALL ARMS MAINTENANCE
Before you fire any weapon, be sure there are no
obstructions in the bore.
The cleaning, preservation, and care given to small
arms are determining factors in their operation and
Before you fire any weapon, be sure the
shooting accuracy. You have undoubtedly heard that an
ammunition you are using is the right ammunition. For
ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This can
example, M14 ammunition cannot be used in the M16
aptly be applied to the maintenance of all ordnance
rifle. Nor should illumination signals be used in
weapons and equipment. To properly maintain these
shotguns, even though they look much like shotgun
weapons, you must use a system of preventive
shells.
maintenance. The preventive maintenance procedures
for Navy small arms are set forth in the appropriate 3-M
Before firing, be sure there is no grease or oil on
Systems MRCs.
the ammunition or in the bore or chamber. Although
lead bullets may be lightly waxed or greased, there must
Preventive maintenance is the systematic care,
never be any lubricant on the cartridge case.
inspection, and servicing of material to maintain it in a
serviceable condition, to prevent breakdowns, and to
Keep ammunition dry and cool. Keep it out of
assure operational readiness. To maintain your small
the direct rays of the sun. Keep ammunition clean, but
arms in a state of readiness, you must ensure that they
do not polish it or use abrasives on it. Do not attempt to
are serviced (including lubrication) each time they are
use dented cartridges, cartridges with loose bullets, or
used and periodically when in stowage.
cartridges eaten away by corrosion. Be particularly
Inspections of each weapon are an important part of
careful with tracer ammunition, which can ignite
preventive maintenance. Inspections to see if items are
spontaneously if it gets damp.
in good condition, correctly assembled, secure, not
Misfires and hangfires can occur withsmall arms
worn, and adequately lubricated, apply to most items in
ammunition as well as with other types. On some
preventive maintenance procedures.
weapons, like the automatic pistol, you can recock and
attempt to fire again without opening the breech. If,
after a couple of tries, this proves unsuccessful, or if you
STOWAGE AND ISSUE OF
cannot recock the weapon without opening the bolt,
SMALL ARMS
wait at least 10 seconds, then open the bolt and eject the
defective round. Dispose of defective small arms
Small arms should always be stowed in an
ammunition according to current regulations.
authorized and secure stowage to prevent pilferage. A
strict accountability must be maintained at all times.
A misfire with blank cartridges may leave
This includes access control, key custody, and storage
unburned powder deposited in the bore; always check
requirements.
the bore after any misfire and clean it if necessary.
Since all small arms are considered equipage, a
If you experience a light recoil or report, clear the
signature of subcustody is required before they are
weapon and check the bore for an obstruction. This may
issued from their normal place of stowage. Any type of
indicate a partial burning of the propellant that may not
signed custody record may be used as long as it bears the
have, been sufficient to force the bullet clear of the
receiving individual's signature. Your armorer has a list
muzzle.
of personnel who are qualified to be issued weapons.
Anyone who is not on that list will not be able to draw a
weapon from the armory. Out-of-the-ordinary requests
WARNING
for weapons are usually prearranged and authorized.
Questionable requests for weapons are referred to the
Never try to dislodge a bullet from the
chief, the division officer, or the command duty officer.
barrel by firing another bullet.
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