base is clear of the hole in the upper surface of the fore-
end bracket. Keeping the lug clear of the hole, pull
forward on the fore-end assembly until it is free of the
receiver assembly.
To remove the barrel group from the receiver group,
fast actuate the barrel locking latch and open the
breech. Then, holding the stock and receiver stationary,
move the barrel rearward in the receiver until it is
disengaged from the fulcrum pin as shown in figure 2-
70. Separate the barrel from the receiver group.
To separate the stock from the receiver group, use a
combination wrench assembly, as shown in figure 2-71,
and remove the pin-headed machine screw that secures
Figure 2-71.--Removing receiver group attaching screw.
the stock to the receiver group.
For further information on the M79 grenade
launcher, refer to U.S. Army TM 9-1010-205-24 and
pointedupward. Of course, if the chamber is loaded, the
TM 9-1010-205-10.
round will be extracted and ejected when you operate
the slide. I didn't know it was loaded is never an excuse
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR
for the accidental discharge of a weapon. All weapons
SMALL ARMS
must be considered loaded when the slide or bolt is
Semiautomatic pistols in the hands of
forward or the magazine is in the weapon. A weapon is
inexperienced or careless persons are largely
safe only when the slide or bolt is locked in the open
responsible for the saying, It's always the unloaded gun
position, the magazine is out of the weapon, and the
that kills. Many accidental deaths and injuries are due
chamber is visibly empty.
to the mistaken belief that removing the magazine from
a pistol (or other magazine-fed weapon) is all that is
When you handle revolvers, a simple visual
necessary to unload it. Simply removing the magazine
inspection is sufficient to determine if any chambers in
DOES NOT unload the weapon. To completely unload
the cylinder are loaded.
a pistol or other magazine-fed weapon and render it safe
Keep the hammer fully down when a pistol or
to handle, you must not only remove or empty the
revolver is not loaded. When the pistol is cocked, keep
magazine, but also make absolutely certain that the
the safety lock in the ON (SAFE) position until you are
chamber is empty. The only way you can do this is to
ready to fire.
pull back the slide or bolt andinspectthe chamber either
visually or, it if is dark, by feel. You should do this after
Let us review briefly some of the safety precautions
you have removed the magazine and with the muzzle
that apply to the handling of all small arms:
Never point a weapon at anyone or anything you
are not ready to destroy.
Unless you plan to use the weapon immediately,
never carry it with a round in the chamber.
Unless you are about to fire a weapon, always
keep its safety in the SAFE position. Always keep your
finger away from the trigger. When the safety is moved
from the SAFE to the FIRE position, many small arms
will fire if the trigger is pressed as the safety is released.
Consider a gun loaded until you have opened the
chamber and verified that it is empty. It is not enough to
wail afterward, I didn't know it was loaded. The empty
weapon is the dangerous one.
Figure 2-70.--Removing the barrel group.
2-35
