WEAPONS TRAINING

US PISTOL CALIBER .45 M1911

The commercial Cal .45 automatic pistol was designed by John Moses Browning. It was first mass-produced by Colt, as its M1905,
then adopted, in modified form, by the U.S. Army in 1911 as the Automatic Pistol, Caliber .45, Model of 1911, chambered for the .45 cal. ACP
cartridge. It won fame in WWI and was re-designated as the "Pistol, U.S. Caliber .45 Model 1911A1" in 1922 when some minor design
improvements were introduced. About 150,000 were produced before World War II. Colt, Remington-Rand, Union Switch & Signal and the
Ithaca Gun Company manufactured 1,800,000 pistols during WWII.

The classic .45 cal. Colt automatic pistol was much sought after by GIs as a personal back-up weapon. It was officially issued to
officers, NCOs, demolition personnel and vehicle crews. Many other soldiers and officers obtained and carried a "45" without authorization.
I. CHARACTERISTICS

1. Air cooled
2. Light weight
3. Hand weapon
4. Magazine feed
5. Semi automatic

II. GENERAL DATA

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Overall length 8.25 in Wt. Pistol w/ empty magazine 2.44 lbs
Barrel length – 5.03 in Wt. Magazine (empty) 0.16 lbs
Maximum range 1,500 m Wt Magazine (loaded 7 rds) 0.48 lbs
Maximum effective range 50 m Trigger pull 5 to 6.5 lbs
Chamber pressure (max 17,000 lbs/sqi Muzzle velocity 825 ft/sec
Land & grooves 6 Cartridge .45 in

III. PARTS

IV. AMMO

.45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol)

V. DISASSEMBLY

1. Remove Magazine - Press the magazine catch and remove the magazine, cock three (3) times to check the chamber.
2. Remove Recoil Spring Plug and Spring – Press recoil spring plug with your left thumb and rotate barrel bearing counter
clockwise with your right hand and keep the finger and thumb over the spring plug while releasing slowly the spring plug then pull out.
 3. Remove Barrel Bushing – Turn barrel bushing clockwise to remove.
4. Remove Slide Group – Cock the slide rearward until the middle notch in the slide aligned with projection on the thumb piece
on the slide, push pin from the right to left to remove the slide stop.
5. Remove slide from Receiver Group – Turn the pistol upward and pull the receiver group from slide group to disconnect.
6. Remove the spring Guide and Barrel from Slide - Full the spring guide rearward and slide the barrel from slide group to pull
out.

VI. ASSEMBLY

1. Hold the slide group upside down with the barrel outward and push the barrel, recoil spring and guide as far as possible.
2. Turn the receiver group upside down and assemble it to the slide in that position.
3. Push the receiver forward as far as possible
4. Turn the pistol right side up, and align the hole in the barrel link with the hole in the receiver.
5. Insert the pin end of the slide stop from the left side of the pistol.
6. Move the slide forward until the middle notch is directly opposite the projector on the slide stop.
7. Push the slide stop pin inward and upward into position.
8. Cock the hammer and engage the safety lock
9. Place the recoil spring plug over the end of the recoil spring and push the plug and spring into position and slide.
10. Turn the barrel bushing counterclockwise until the lips hold the recoil spring and plug compressed in place.
11. Insert the magazine by pushing smoothly and firmly into position until it is engage by the magazine catch.

VII. LOADING
Draw the pistol from the holster and hold it at the position of raise pistol. Insert a magazine loaded with from one to seven rounds of
ammunition. Pull the slide fully to the rear, release and press the safety lock up to the SAFE position with the left forefinger.
VIII. FIRING
To fire the pistol, press the safety lock down to the FIRE position with the left thumb to prevent disturbing the firing grip of the right
hand. Obtain the correct sight alignment and sight picture and squeeze the trigger. To fire successive shots, the trigger must be release and
squeezed again. When the last cartridge from the magazine has been fired, the slide remains to the rear.
IX. UNLOAD
To unload come to the position of raise pistol. Press the magazine catch and remove the magazine. If the slide is in the forward
position, pull the slide to the rear and push the slide stop up. Inspect the chamber to insure that the pistol is clear. Press the slide stop down,
allowing the slide to go forward. Remaining at raise pistol, squeeze the trigger, then holster the weapon.
X. IMMEDIATE ACTIONS IN CASE OF FIRING MALFUNCTIONS

1. Immediate action is the prompt action taken by the firer to reduce a stoppage. The procedure for applying immediate action
should become instinctive than the operator of the pistol. If a stoppage occurs, immediate action is applied automatically in an effort to reduce
the stoppage without attempting to discover the cause at that time.
2. In the event the slide is fully forward, the hammer falls, and the pistol fails to fire, apply immediate action as follows:

a. Manually cock the hammer without opening the chamber and make one additional attempt to fire. It the pistol still
fails to fire, wait 10 seconds, and then raise the pistol.
b. Grasp the slide with the thumb and first finger of the non-firing hand, keeping the thumb on the right side of the
slide.
c. Pull the slide rearward rapidly, to its full extent, rotate the pistol to the right allowing the unfired round to drop out,
release the slide and allow it to return to the forward position, chambering a new cartridge.
CAUTION: Keep the weapon pointed down range during this operation. Aim and attempt to fire.

3. In the event the slide is not fully forward, remove the trigger finger firm the trigger guard and with the non-firing hand attempt
to push the slide fully forward- If the slide will not move forward, proceed as follows:

a. Bring the weapon to a safe position.

b. Remove the magazine.
c. Grasp the slide with the left hand, pull the slide to the rear, and lock it with the slide stop.
d. Inspect the chamber. Remove any obstructions.
e. Insert another loaded magazine into the pistol.
f. Release the slide.
g. Aim and attempt to fire.

4. If the weapon does not fire after the application of immediate action as outlined above, a detailed inspection should be made
to determine the cause of the stoppage.
5. Operation under Unusual Conditions
 In addition to the normal operation of the pistol, special care in cleaning and lubrication must be observed where extremes
of temperature, humidity, and atmospheric conditions exist or are anticipated. Proper cleaning, lubrication, storage, and handling of lubricants
not only insure operation of the weapon, but also guard against wear of the working parts and deterioration of the materiel.

US RIFLE CAL 5.56 M16A1 – Armalite

It is the basic rifle of the Philippine Army. Because of its proven reliability in worst conditions, this weapon is widely used in the Infantry
Battalions. It was introduced during the Vietnam War in the late 1960’s and was found to be effective in tropical areas like the Philippines.

Features of a US 5.56mm M16

1. Can be fired either automatic or semi-automatic.

2. The barrel assembly has an adjustable sight and flash suppressor.
3. The barrel is surrounded by heat resistant materials made of fiberglass, which is shape into hand guard and forearm.
4. The butt of the stock has a rubber recoil pad. It helps absorb the recoil when firing the M16 Rifle.
5. For M16A1 butt of the stock has storage for cleaning gear/materials.
6. It has a forward assist assembly located on the rear of the upper receiver. It assists the action spring in driving the bolt fully
home.
7. A bipod can be attached to the rifle.

General Characteristics of the M16 Series Weapons

1. Lightweight 4. Shoulder or Hip Weapon

2. Air Cooled 5. Gas Operated
3. Magazine Fed 6. Automatic and Semi-automatic

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS TYPE OF RIFLES

Weight (pounds) M16A1 M16A2/A3
Without magazine and sling 6.35 7.78
With sling and loaded:
20-round magazine 6.75 8.48
30-round magazine 7.06 8.79
Bayonet Knife, M9 1.50 1.50
Scabbard 0.30 0.30
Sling, M1 0.40 0.4
Length (inches)
Rifle with bayonet knife 44.25 44.88
Overall rifle length 30.00 39.63
Butt stock closed N/A N/A
Operational Characteristic
Barrel rifling hand 1 twist in 9 inches 12 7
Muzzle velocity (fps) 3,250 3,100
Cyclic rate of fire (rounds per minute) 700-800 700-900
Maximum Effect Rate of Fire
Semi-automatic (rounds per minute) 45-90 45
Burst (3-round burst; rpm) N/A 90
Automatic (rounds per minute) 150-200 150-200A3
Sustained (rounds per minute) 12-15 12-15
Maximum range 2653 m 3600 m
Maximum effective range: 460m 550m

PARTS OF THE M16A1 OR M16A2 RIFLE

Upper Receiver Group

1. Flash Suppressor 10. Barrel Extension
2. Ejecting Assist Assembly 11. Carrying Handle
3. Front Sight Assembly 12. Gas Tube
4. Dust Port Cover 13. Rear Sight
5. Bayonet Stud 14. Windage Drum
6. Barrel 15. Slip Ring
7. Upper Sling Swivel 16. Charging Handle
8. Bolt Carrier 17. Forward Assembly
9. Hand Guard

Lower Receiver Group Bolt Carrier Assembly

 1. Butt Plate 1. Bolt Carrier
2. Trigger 2. Firing Pin Retaining Pin
3. Storage Cleaning Gear (M16 A1) 3. Bolt
4. Magazine Release Button 4. Bolt Cam Pin
5. Stock 5. Firing Pin
6. Magazine Catch 6. Extractor
7. Rear Sling Swivel
8. Selector Level
9. Takedown Pin
10. Bolt Catch
11. Pistol Grip
12. Receiver Pivot Pin
13. Trigger Guard

EIGHT (8) CYCLES OF OPERATION

1. Feeding – the forward movement of the bolt, stripping the top round from the magazine and moving it toward the chamber.
2. Chambering – refers to fully seating the round in the chamber.
3. Locking -the step in the cycle of operation that is a counterclockwise rotation of the bolt, securing it into the barrel locking
lugs.
4. Firing – refers to pulling the trigger, releasing the hammer to strike the firing pin, which strikes the primer. The primer ignites
and, in turn ignites the powder charge within the cartridge care.
5. Unlocking– refers to the clockwise rotation of the bolt after firing, freeing the bolt from the barrel locking lugs.
6. Extracting – the steps in the cycle of operation that pulls the round from the chamber.
7. Ejecting - the step in the cycle of operation that removes the expended cartridge from the weapon out of the ejection port.
8. Cocking – refers to the rearward movement of the bolt riding over the hammer, resetting the weapon for subsequent firing.
Different types of ammunition of a US 5.56mm M16 rifle

1. Cartridge, 5.56-mm, Ball, M193 – is the standard cartridge for field use with the M16 rifle and has no identifying marks. This
cartridge has a projectile weight of 55 grains and is 1.9 cm long, with a solid lead core.
2. Cartridge, 5.56-mm, Ball, M855 (Used in the M16A2/3/4 and M4-series) - fielding metal, jacketed, lead alloy core bullet with
a steel penetrator. Has 62 grains. A NATO standard round. A green tip identifies it.
3. Cartridge, 5.56-mm, Tracer, M196. (Used in the M16A1 rifle) – is used for observation of fire, incendiary effect, and
signaling. A red- or orange painted tip identifies it.
4. Cartridge, 5.56-mm, Dummy, M199. (Used in all rifles.)- used during dry firing and other training. The cartridge can be
identified by the six grooves along the side of the case.
5. Cartridge, 5.56-mm, Blank, M200 - has no projectile. The case mouth is closed with a seven-petal rosette crimp practice
and shows a violet tip.
6. Cartridge, 5.56-mm, Plastic Practice Ammunition, M862 – is designed exclusively for training, it can be used in lieu of
service ammunition on indoor ranges, and by units that have limited range and does not allow the firing of service ammunition.
7. Cartridge, 5.56-mm, Tracer, M856. (Used in the M16A2/3/4 and M4-series weapons.) - The M856 tracer cartridge has
characteristics similar to the M196 tracer with a slightly longer tracer burnout distance. This cartridge has a 63.7-grain bullet. The M856
does not have a steel penetrator. It has a red tip (orange when linked 4 to 1 for the M249). This ammunition should not be used with 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 projectile of the heavier ammunition).
8. Cartridge, 5.56-mm Short-Range Training Ammunition (SRTA), M862 . (Used in all rifles.) The M862 SRTA is designed
exclusively for training.

Malfunction. Malfunction is a failure of a weapon to function normally and one common form of malfunction is stoppage. Stoppage is
a failure of automatic or semi-automatic firearms to complete the cycle of operation.

Immediate Action for Stoppage. When the rifle fails to operate you must attempt to clear it as soon as possible and do this by applying
immediate action. Immediate is recognized by using the acronym “SPORTS”.

S- Slap bottom of magazine to make sure it is properly seated.

P- Pull charging handle all the way to the rear.
O- Observe ejection of case or cartridge. Eyeball chamber and check for obstruction.
R- Release the charging handle to feed new round. (Don’t ride charging handle).
T- Tap the forward assist.
S- Shoots, if it won’t fire, look for trouble and apply remedial action.

Remedial Action. Remedial Action is a continuing effort to determine the cause of stoppages or malfunctions and to try to clear the
stoppage once it had been identified.
DISASSEMBLY/ASSEMBLY

Disassembly

1. Remove the sling and place the rifle on a table or flat surface with its muzzle to the left.
2. Push the magazine catch button on the right side of the receiver and remove the magazine.
3. Pull the charging handle to the rear and look inside the chamber to make sure the weapon is clear. Then release the
charging handle and put the selector lever on safe position.
4. Keeping the muzzle to the right, use cartridge or nail to press the takedown pin and pivot pin until the upper receiver is free
of the lower receiver.
 5. Pick-up the upper receiver, grasp the charging handle, pressing in and pull to the rear to withdraw the bolt carrier from the
receiver. Grasp the bolt carrier and pull it from the receiver.
6. To disassemble the bolt carrier group, press out the firing pin retaining pin by using nail or the nose of a cartridge. Elevate
the bolt carrier and allow the firing pin to drop from the bolt. Pull the bolt and remove the cam pin then the bolt is easily remove from the bolt
carrier.

Assembly

1. Assemble the bolt carrier group. (CAUTION: Do not spread ends of the firing pin retainer). Check for proper assembly by
elevating the front of the bolt. The firing pin must not drop out.
2. Place the charging handle in the upper receiver. Place the bolt carrier group into the open end of the receiver. Push forward
in the upper receiver until the sub-assembly is fully seated.
3. Place the two receivers together and reset the pivot pin.
4. Place the buffer assembly in the lower receiver.
5. Cock the hammer and ensure that the selector lever is at ‘SAFE’ position. Withdraw the takedown pin and close the
weapon. Fully set the takedown pin.

Check the Assembly of the Weapon

1. Check the proper operation of the selector lever at “SAFE”, “SEMI” and “AUTO” position.

2. The upper and

NOTE: Never reverse the direction of the brush while it is still in the bore.
lower receiver groups must be in the
open position, hammer cock
and the weapon cleared.

3. “SAFE” POSITION – pull the trigger, hammer should not fall.

4. “SEMI” POSITION – pull the trigger to the rear, recock the rifle (Hammer) and release the trigger. The hammer should
transfer from the hammer hooks and disconnect to the rear engagement.

5. “AUTO” POSITION – pull trigger. Hammer should fall. Hold the trigger to the rear and recock the hammer. Push forward on
the automatic sear, the hammer should fall.
Maintenance. Care and Cleaning: Normal care and cleaning result in the proper functioning of all parts of the weapon. Improper
maintenance causes stoppages and malfunctioning.
Cleaning and Lubricating the Barrel. Attach a wire brush to the cleaning rod, dip it in a cleaning solvent compound or bore cleaner and
brush the bore thoroughly. Brush from the bore to the chamber using a straight through stroke.

Continue the process until the bore is coated with the cleaning compound. Replace the brush with a cleaning patch and continue the
cleaning process until the patch comes out clean and dry.

Clean the locking lugs in the barrel extension using a small bristle brush.

After cleaning, lubricate the bore and locking lugs in the barrel extension by applying a light coat of oil to prevent pitting and corrosion.
Rub a light coat of oil on the surface of the barrel enclosed by the hand guards.

Cleaning and Lubricating the Bolt Carrier Group. Remove the bolt carrier group from the upper receiver group and disassemble. Clean
all parts with a patch dipped in a solvent - cleaning compound. Clean the locking lugs of the bolt using a small brush and cleaning solvent. Dry
with a patch and oil lightly. Put one drop of oil in each hole on the right side of the bolt carrier and the open of the bolt carrier key.

Cleaning and Lubricating the Lower receiver Group. Normal cleaning will not require the detailed disassembly of the lower receiver
group. With a clean dry patch or bristle brush remove dirt or sand from the receiver. Place a drop of oil on each pin for lubrication. After
extensive use or field exercise, the lower receiver must be disassembled and cleaned thoroughly. Apply a light coat of oil on all parts.

MAINTENANCE BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER FIRING

NOTE: After the assembly of the weapon, replace the hand guard. Removal of the hand guard
should be done only when absolutely necessary for the proper care and maintenance of the
weapon.
Operation/Firing. The barrel must be wiped dry and free of oil. Clean the bore with a dry patch to ensure that it is dry and free of dirt. Check the
forward assist assembly and the dust cover.
During Firing. Follow the recommended rates of fire. Observe for any sluggish operation of any moving parts. Discontinue the use of
any rifle that shows signs of wear or tear.
After Operation/ Firing. Follow the normal maintenance operation outlined in the foregoing paragraphs.
 US Rifle Cal. 7.62mm M14
Characteristics

1. Lightweight
2. Air Cooled
3. Shoulder Weapon
4. Gas Operated
5. Magazine Fed
IMPORTANT FEATURES

Flash Suppressor. The flash suppressor is designed with a wide rib on the bottom to reduce muzzle climb and lessen the amount of
dust raised by muzzle dust.

Lug. The M14 is designed with a lug on the rear of the flash suppressor to accommodate a bayonet and a grenade launcher. Blank
firing device can also be attached.

Spindle Valve. The spindle valve is used for launching a grenade to prevent gas operation of the rifle, thus avoid damage of moving
parts and the discharge of unburned powder near the firer’s face.

GENERAL DATA
`
Rifle complete with full magazine steel, cleaning Rifle complete with full magazine steel,
11.34 lbs 13.09 lbs
equipment, and selector cleaning, equipment, and bipod
Magazine with full ammo 1.50 lbs Bipod M2 1.75 lbs
Empty magazine steel 0.50 lbs Cleaning equipment 0.63 lbs
Maximum effective range (semi-auto w/o bipod) Maximum effective range (semi-auto w/
460m 700m
bipod)
Overall Length w/ Flash Suppressor 44.50in Maximum range 3,725m
SIGHTS
Front Sights Rear Sight one click of elevation or windage moves the
Fixed Adjustible strike of the bullet 7 cm up at 25 mtrs.
Semi – automatic 40 - 60 rds/min Trigger Pull
Automatic 120-150 rds/min Maximum 7.5 lbs
Sustained 8-10 rds/min Minimum 6.5 lbs

PARTS OF AN M14 RIFLE

1. Flash Suppressor 11. Windage Knob Nut

2. Cartridge Clip Guide 12. Selector
3. Rear Sight 13. Operating Rod
4. Bolt Lock 14. Connector Assembly
5. Elevating Knob 15. Spindle Valve
6. Bayonet Stud 16. Gas Cylinder
7. Magazine 17. Gas Cylinder Plug
8. Safety 18. Trigger
9. Trigger Guard 19. Magazine Release
 10. Hinged Shoulder Rest 20. Sling

CYCLE OF OPERATION

1. Feeding takes place when a round is forced into the path of the bolt.
2. Chambering occurs when a round is moved into the chamber.
3. Locking begins as the bolt roller engages the ramming surface in the hump of the operating rod.
4. Firing occurs when the firing pin strikes the primer.
5. Unlocking happens after the firing of the round.
6. Extracting is pulling of the empty cartridge from the receiver.
7. Ejecting is removing the empty cartridge from the receiver.
8. Cocking is positioning the hammer so that it is ready to fire again.

TYPES OF AMMUNITION

1. Armor Piercing (M61) - used against lightly armored targets. Identified by its black tip.
2. Ball (M59) - general purpose solid core bullet intended for used against personnel and material targets.
3. Tracer (M62) - Used for indicating targets areas and adjusting fires.
4. Dummy (M63) - It has six longitudinal corrugations approximately one third of its length of the case. No markings on the
bullet and no primer in the base of the cartridge. Used for training and dry firing exercises.
5. Blank (M62) - Used to aid realism in training. It has long narrow neck.
6. Grenade Cartridge (M64) - Used for launching grenade and pyrotechnics. Identified by its five printed, star-crimpled end.

MALFUNCTION, IMMEDIATE ACTIONS AND REMEDIAL ACTIONS

Stoppage. Stoppage is any unintentional interruption in the cycle of operation. It may be cause by improper functioning of the rifle or
faulty ammunition.

TYPES OF STOPPAGE

Misfire. A misfire itself is not dangerous, but since it can be immediately distinguished from a delay in the functioning of the firing
mechanism, or from a hang fire, it should be considered as a possible delay in firing until the possibility has been eliminated.
It is a delay in the functioning of the firing from the presence of foreign matter such as sand grit, oils and grease. This might create a
mechanical restraint, which, after some delay is overcome with continued force applied by the spring and firing pin then striking the primer.

Hang Fire. A hang fire is a delay in the functioning of a propelling charge at the time of firing. The amount of delay is unpredictable. A
hang fire cannot be distinguished from misfire.

Cook – Off. A cook-off is the functioning of the chamber round due to the heat of the weapon. If the primer or the propelling charge
should cook-off, actuating firing mechanism will propel the projectile. No round should be left in a hot weapon any longer than necessary
because of the possibility of cook-off.

IMMEDIATE ACTION

Immediate action is the unhesitating application of a probable remedy to reduce stoppage without investigating the cause. Immediate
action is taught in two phases:

Phase I
The first phase is taught as a drill so that the rifleman will learn to perform it quickly and instinctively without thought as to the cause of
the stoppage. To apply the first phase, with the right hand, palm up, pull the operating rod handle all the way to the rear, release it, aim and
attempt to fire. The palm is up to avoid injury to the hand in the event of cook-off or hang fire.

Phase II
If the first phase of immediate action fails to reduce a stoppage, the second phase is applied. The five key words used to help
remember the steps in the second phase are:
Take - Take the rifle from the shoulder
Pull - Pull the operating rod handle slowly to the rear
Look -Look in the receiver
Locate – Locate the stoppage by observing; as the operating rod handle is pulled to the rear, what is in the chamber and
what has been ejected.
Reduce – reduce the stoppage and continue to fire

The normal cause of misfire is faulty ammunition. Therefore, further use of ammunition from that lot should be suspended and
reported to maintenance for disposition.
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY OF AN M14 RIFLE

1. Unload the rifle, remove the magazine, and place the safety in the safe position.
2. Clear the weapon by

a. Turning on the safety

b. Locking the bolt to the rear
c. Deactivate safety
d. Fire the weapon in the air

3. Work charging handle and reapply safety.

4. Remove sling assembly.
5. Turn the M14 on its back and pull up on the trigger guard, which should result in it popping open.
6. Gently slide the trigger guard and attached firing mechanism out of the stock, which will cause the stock to slide free of the
weapon.
7. Locate the assembly rod, press inward on the back, and turn the rod. Carefully lift the rod out of its place.
8. Press the spring-guide and slide the guide-pin out of the way, careful not to let the spring/guide shoot out at you.
9. Slide the operating rod back, turning it slightly so it falls out.
10. Grab the bolt, slide it forward, and angle it down so it comes out.
11. Repeat these steps in reverse order to reassemble it. Note: When sliding the assembly rod back on, put it back in place,
press in on the back, and turn it to its original position.
12. Once done, pull the bolt to the rear, aim into the air, and fire.
13. Put the safety back on your weapon.

Maintenance. There are two types of maintenance, the general and normal maintenance

General. General maintenance includes all measures taken to keep the weapon in operating condition. This includes normal cleaning,
inspection of defective parts, repair and lubrication.

Normal Maintenance. The rifle should be inspected daily, when in use, for evidence of rust, and general appearance. A light coat of oil
should be maintained on all parts except in the gas piston, interior of the gas cylinder and the gas plug. The daily inspection should also reveal
any defects such as burred, worn or cracked parts. Defects should be reported to the armorer for corrections.

M203 GRENADE LAUNCHER, 40MM

The M203 is a single shot 40 mm grenade launcher designed to attach to a rifle. It uses the same rounds as the older stand-alone
M79 break-action grenade launcher, which utilizes the High-Low Propulsion System to keep recoil forces low. Though versatile, and compatible
with many rifle models, the M203 was originally designed for the U.S. M16 and its variant, the M4 Carbine. The launcher can also be mounted
onto a C7, a Canadian version of the M16 rifle, however, this requires the prior removal of the bottom hand guard.

Stand-alone variants of the M203 exist, as do versions designed specifically for many other rifles. The device attaches under the
barrel, the launcher trigger being in the rear of the launcher, just forward of the rifle magazine. The rifle magazine functions as a hand grip when
firing the M203. A separate sighting system is added to rifles fitted with the M203, as the rifle's standard sights are not matched to the launcher.
The version fitted to the Canadian C7 has a sight attached to the side of the launcher, either on the left or right depending on the user's needs.
The M203 grenade launcher is intended to be used as close fire support against point and area targets. The round is designed to be
effective at breaking through windows and exploding inside, blowing up doors, producing multiple casualties, destroying bunkers or
emplacements, and damaging or disabling soft-skinned vehicles. In the Vietnam war U.S. Navy and Coast Guard personnel on boats would lob
M203 grenades into the water (using the M79 grenade launcher), this to preemptively attack Viet Cong swimmers ("sappers") attempting to plant
explosives on anchored or moored U.S. water craft.

Its primary purpose is to engage enemies in dead space that cannot be reached by direct fire. A well-trained M203 gunner can use his
weapon to suppress the enemy, based on movement and sight. In addition, the M203 can be used as a crowd control weapon when equipped
with the M651 Tactical CS (tear gas) grenade. Classified an anti-personnel weapon the M203 is not intended to be used against armored or
heavy vehicles.
 CHARACTERISTICS GROUP / ASSEMBLY
o Lightweight
o Single shot o Hand Guard & d Sight Assembly
o Breech Loaded o Receiver Assembly
o Pump Action (sliding barrel) o Quadrant Sight Assembly
o Shoulder Weapon o Barrel Assembly

FUNCTION / PURPOSE

• Hand Guard- houses the rifle barrel

• Trigger guard- protects the trigger
• Barrel assembly- holds the cartridges ready for firing and directs the projectile
• Receiver assembly- houses the firing mechanism and ejection system and supports the barrel assembly
• Quadrant sight assembly – when attached to the left side of the rifle’s carrying handle, enables the grenadier to adjust for
elevation and windage
• Leaf sight assembly- is attached to the top of the hand guard. It consists of the sight, its base and mount, an elevation
adjustment screw, and a windage adjustment screw. The front sight post of the M16-series rifle serves as the front aiming post for the M203 leaf
sight.
• Safety- safety is inside the trigger guard, just in front of the trigger. For the launcher to fire, the safety must be forward.
When the safety is rearward, the launcher is on SAFE. The safety is manually adjusted.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Model M203
Complete Name 40mm Grenade Launcher
Country of Origin USA
Year Introduced 1969
Length of rifling 25.4 cm (10 inches)
Weight of launcher loaded 1.6 kg (3.5 pounds)
Weight of launcher unloaded 1.4 kg (3.0 pounds)
Weight of rifle and grenade launcher with
5.0 kg (11.0 pounds)
both fully loaded
Number of lands 6
Minimum combat load 36 HE rounds
Length of rifle and grenade launcher (overall 39 inches
Length of barrel only 30.5 cm ( 12 inches )
OPERATION AND PERFORMANCE
Rate of Fire 5 to 7 rounds per minute
Action Single Shot
Minimum Arming Range 14 – 38 meters
 Maximum Range 400 meters ( 1,312 feet approximately )
Maximum Effective Range 350 meters
Chamber pressure 206,325 kilopascals
Muzzle velocity 76 mps ( 250 fps )
Fire-team sized area target 350 meters
Vehicle or weapon point target 160 meters
AMMUNITION
Caliber 40 mm
Weight 227 grams ( 8 ounces )
Fixed Type Cartridge Case / Projectile
HE, Training, Multiple Projectile
Varieties
(Buck Shot ) Illuminating and Signaling
SIGHTS
Front Sight post
Rear Leaf

OPERATION AND FUNCTIONING

A. Operation

1. Check the bore to be sure it is clean and dry.

2. Check the launcher to be sure it is clean.
3. Inspect for defective parts.

B. Functioning

1 Unlocking: depress the barrel latch and slide assembly forward.

2. Cocking:
a. The weapon is cocked when the barrel is opened.
b. The barrel latch, when depressed, unlocks the barrel assembly so that it can be moved forward along
the receiver assembly.
c. The barrel extension, which is interlocked with the cocking lever is forced downward which in turn forces
the spring loaded firing pin rearward.
d. The spring loaded follower moves forward with the barrel extension.
e. When the barrel assembly move rearward the follower is also forced to the rear. The cocking lever again
engages the barrel extension and the firing pin moves slightly forward and engages the primary trigger sear. The weapon is then cocked.
3. Extraction:
a. Extraction and cocking takes place at the same time.
b. As the barrel assembly is opened, the extractor keeps the case.
4. Ejection - Empty case is pushed away from the receiver.
5. Loading - Cartridge is manually inserted into the breech.
6. Chambering-takes place during the closing of barrel assembly.
7. Locking - the barrel latch engages to the barrel assembly and cocking lever engages the barrel extension.
8. Firing - when the trigger is pulled rearwards, the sear disengages from the firing pin.

C. Clearing Procedures

1. Push in the release button, and pull the barrel forward.

2. Watch to see if a round extracts.
3. Place the safety on SAFE.
4. Inspect the breech to ensure a round is not present.
5. Pull the barrel to the rear until it clicks. This cocks the weapon.
6. Place the safety on FIRE

STOPPAGES AND IMMEDIATE ACTION:

1. Stoppage - any unintentional interruption in the functioning of the weapon.

2. Immediate Action - unhesitating application of probable remedy without considering the cause of the stoppage.
3. Malfunction - is a failure of the weapon to function satisfactorily without breaking the cycle of operation.

a. Hang fire - delay in the functioning of the propelling charge.

b. Misfire - complete failure to fire.