OPERATOR’S MANUAL FOR RIFLE, 5.56-MM, M16 (1005-00

Section Ill. TECHNICAL PRINCIPLES OF OPERATIONNOTEMagazine may be loaded with boltassembly open or closed.123456789Place selector lever on SAFE.Insert loaded caftridge magazine inmagazine well and chamber a round.Face the target, move the selector lever fromSAFE to SEMI or AUTO, and place the rifleto your shoulder.Aline the front and rear sight with the targetand squeeze the trigger.Squeezing the trigger releases the firing pinand allows it to impact the primer on theround.The primer ignites the propellant in the round.Gas from the burning propellant pushes the projectile along the barrel of the rifle.The rifling in the barrel causes the projectile to rotate which provides stability during flight to thetarget.When round reaches approximate end of barrel, expanding gases from burning propellantpass out through gas port and into gas tube. Gas goes into bolt carrier assembly, ejects oldcartridge, and chambers a new round.1-5

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CHAPTER 2OPERATING INSTRUCTIONSSection I. DESCRIPTION AND USE OF OPERATOR’SCONTROLS AND INDICATORS2-1. M16/M16A1 MECHANICAL CONTROLS.REAR SIGHT (1) - zeros weapon and engages targers to 460 meters.HAND GUARD SLIP RING (2) - keeps hand grards in place.FLASH SUPPRESSOR (3)- reduces the amount of flash from muzzle when weapon is fired.EJECTION PORT COVER (4) - protects upper receiver from foreign matter when weapon IS not in use. Keepport cover closed when not used.CARTRIDGE MAGAZINE (5) - supplies 30 rounds of ammunition to the weapon.MAGZINE CATCH BUTTON (6) - releases cartridge magazine (5) from weapon when pushed.LOWER RECEIVER AND EXTENSION ASSEMBLY (7)- provides firing control for the weapon and providesstorage for basic cleaning materials.FORWARD ASSIST ASSEMBLY (M16A1 ONLY) (8) - ensures that bolt is fully forwardand locked.SHOULDER GUN STOCK ASSEMBLY (9) - stabilizes rifle.CHARGING HANDLE ASSEMBLY (10) - cocks weapon when preparing to fire or clearing weapon.2-1

2-1. M16/M16A1 MECHANICAL CONTROLS (CONT).FRONT SIGHT POST (11) - adjustable for elevatlonCARRYING HANDLE ASSEMBLY (12) - provides the means for hand-carrying the rifle,SELECTOR LEVER (13) - arms the rifle in SEMI or AUTO or safes the rifle.TRIGGER (14) - controls the firing of the weaponSMALL ARMS SLING (15) - provides the means for shoulder-carrying the weapon,BOLT CATCH (16) - moves the key and bolt carrier assembly forward when depressed,BAYONET STUD (17) - holds bayonet in placeUPPER RECEIVER AND BARREL ASSEMBLY (18) - directs the projectile upon firing.2-2

2-2. THROW AWAY THE WHITE GLOVES FOR RIFLE INSPECTIONS.a. CLP will leave a film, or layer, of Teflon that builds up over a period of time This is one of thebenefits of using CLP, especially in combat, where you might not have time to lube your rifle asoften as you think it needs it. So, throwaway your white gloves. But carry a rag with you to wipeyour harnds when you inspect rifles because your fingers are going to get, a little slick if your troopshave used the right amount of CLP on their rifles.b. Now, if you are going to inspect rifles the following day, give your troops a few minutes to wipetheir rifles down again. Remember, CLP is a cleaner and it never stops working. So, overnightwhile the Teflon has been forming a film for lubrication, the cleaning solvents in the CLP have beenat work in the nooks and crannies (actually in the pores of the metal) seeking out carbon and firingresidue.2-3. ARMORY AND ORDNANCE INSPECTORS. You professionals who inspectweapons and armories should be the experts who are out there insisting that a light coat of CLP bekept on rifle metal parts at all times. Since it’s always at work cleaning, expect “a little” carbon to bepresent. If there is doubt as to whether the rifle is or was cleaned properly or not, field-strip it. As theexpert, you should be able to tell from plenty of other indicators, e.g., carbon under extractor, onfiring pin or bolt, etc. whether or not the rifle was cleaned, Iubed, and preserved properly.2-3

Section Il. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE CHECKSAND SERVICES (PMCS)2-4. GENERAL. Perform after (A) operations PMCS if: you are the assigned operator andthe weapon has been stored in the arms room and not used for a period of 90 days, or you havebeen issued the weapon for the first time.NOTEAn inactive weapon is a weapon, whether assigned or not assigned to an individual,that is stored in an arms room for a period of 90 days. Performance of normal cleaning(PMCS) of an inactive weapon will be performed every 90 days,a. Before You Operate. Always keep in mind the CAUTIONS and WARNINGS. Perform yourbefore (B) PMCS.b. While You Operate. Always keep in mind the CAUTIONS and WARNINGS. Perform yourduring (D) PMCS.c. After You Operate. Be sure to perform your after (A) PMCS.d. If Your Equipment Fails to Operate. Troubleshoot with proper equipment. Report anydeficiencies to organizational maintenance using the proper forms. See DA PAM 738-750.2-4

2-5. PMCS PROCEDURES. The PMCS table lists those required checks and servicesto be performed to ensure accurate performance of the rifle. When recording results of PMCS,entries in the PMCS item No. column shall be used for the TM Item No. column on DA Form 2404.The third column lists the item to be inspected. The fourth column contains conditions that makethe rifle not ready/availabie because of inability to perform its primary combat mission. If anythinglooks wrong, and you cannot correct it yourself, notify organizational maintenance,OPERATOR PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE CHECKS ANDSERVICES (PMCS)p 2-331ESSENTIAL TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT. Check the authorized toolsand equipment and auxiliary equipment for completeness andserviceability. (See appendix C, section Il.)2-5

OPERATOR PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE CHECKS ANDSERVICES (PMCS) (CONT)B- Before OperationD- During OperationA After OperationMAINTENANCE READINESS. Clear and clean bore with dry swab(Item 5, app D) (p 3-31).SELECTOR LEVER FUNCTIONING.a. Cock the rifle and place the selector lever in SAFE position. Squeezethe trigger; the hammer should not fall.2-6

OPERATOR PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE CHECKS ANDSERVICES (PMCS) (CONT)B - Before OperationD- During OperationA - After OperationSELECTOR LEVER FUNCTIONING (CONT)b. SEMI/Posifiorr. Squeeze tigger; hammer should fall. Hold triggertothe rear and recock rifle. Release the trigger. You should hear a clickas you release the trigger. Again squeeze trigger; hammer shouldfall.2-7

OPERATOR PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE CHECKS ANDSERVICES (PMCS) (CONT)B- Before OperationD- During OperationA- After OperationSELECTOR LEVER FUNCTIONING (CONT).c. AUTO Position. Cock the rifle.Squeeze the trigger; hammershould fall Hold trigger to the rearand cock the rifle. Release thepressure on the trigger andsqueeze it to the rear again. Thehammer should not fall because itshould have fallen when the boltwas allowed to move forward during the cocking sequence.2-8

OPERATOR PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE CHECKS ANDSERVICES (PMCS) (CONT)D - During OperationB - Before OperationA - After Operationp 2-192-9

OPERATOR PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE CHECKS ANDSERVICES (PMCS) (CONT)B - Before OperationD - During OperationA - After OperationMAGAZINE CATCH (FUNCTION). Insert magazine (l) into the well,The magazine catch should hold the magazine in place. Pressing themagazine catch button (2) should release the magazine. To adjust themagazine catch, use cleaning rod to press in on the magazine catchbutton until the left side of the magazine catch (3) sticks out beyond thereceiver. To tighten, turn the magazine catch clockwise; to loosen, turn itcounterclockwise.2-10

OPERATOR PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE CHECKS ANDSERVICES (PMCS) (CONT)B - Before OperationD - During OperationA - After OperationVISUAL INSPECTION OF RIFLE.WARNINGBe sure rifle is clear. Refer to pages 2-33 thru 2-35.Look the rifle over for missing or damaged parts. Report missing ordamaged parts to emit armorer.2-11

OPERATOR PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE CHECKS ANDSERVICES (PMCS) (CONT)D - During OperationB - Before OperationA - After OperationPERIODIC INSPECTION OF RIFLE. Periodically check rifle to makesure It’s clean and there IS no foreign material in bore. If foreign materialis in bore, clean bore (p 3-29).MAINTENANCE PERFORMED DURING FIRING OPERATIONS.Be sure rifleISWARNINGclear. Refer to pages 2-33 thru 2-35.Clean and Iubricate rifle after firing approximately 200 rounds ofammunition (p 3-28).MAINTENANCE OF RIFLE AND EQUIPMENT. Field-strip rifle(p3-14).Clean and lubricate according to pages 3-28 thru 3-33. Disassemblemagazine. Clean and Iubricate according to pages 3-26 and 3-27. Cleanand lubricate bayonet, scabbard, and bipod. Report all damaged ormissing parts to unit armorer.2-12

Section Ill. OPERATION UNDER USUAL CONDITIONS2-6. PREPARATION FOR STORAGE IN ARMS ROOMS.WARNINGBe sure rifle is clear. Refer to pages 2-33 thru 2-351 Place selector lever (1) on SEMIand squeeze trigger (2) to uncockrifle.2 Close ejection cover (3) andplace in rack.2-13

2-7. ASSEMBLY AND PREPARATION FOR FIRING - CLEANAND LUBRICATE.p 2-33.3 Remove and disassemble (p 3-17) bolt carrier assembly and clean carbon and oil from firingpin (1) and all surfaces of bolt assembly (2) and bolt carrier assembly (3) with dry swabs (item 5,app D). Clean firing pine hole (4) and bolt carrier key (5) with pipe cleaner (item 2, app D). Lightlycoat with CLP (item 1, app D). Pay special attention to bolt cam pin area (6). Lightly lube bolt campin (7) and firing pin retaining pin (8).2-14

CAUTIONDon’t bend or flex cleaning rod.4 “Swab out” (from chamber to muzzle). Make sure swab (item 5, app D) goes all the way throughflash suppressor.5 Clean and lubricate lugs (p 3-29).6 Reassemble and install bolt carrier assembly (p 3-45).2-15

2-8. INITIAL ADJUSTMENTS - STANDARD DAYLIGHT SIGHT SYSTEM.NOTESee page 2-20 for adjusting front and rear sights.UNMARKEDAPERTUREAPERTUREMARKED LREAR SIGHT1 REAR SIGHT - Has two apertures for range. Use the unmarked aperture for targets from 0 -300 meter. Use the aperture marked L for targets from 300-400 meters.2 FRONT SIGHT - Has five notches of elevation per revolution.2-16FRONT SIGHT

2-9. INITIAL ADJUSTMENTS - LOW LIGHT LEVEL SIGHT SYSTEM.NOTESee page 2-21 for adjusting the sights.1 Use the low light level sight system when visibility is limited. Not every rifle will have this sightsystem.2 REAR SIGHT - Has two apertures. Use 7-mm rear sight aperture (unmarked aperture) for night firing and when visibility islimited. Use 2-mm rear sight aperture (aperture marked L) to zero the weapon and to hit targets Up to460 meters under normal conditions.2-17

2-9. INITIAL ADJUSTMENTS - LOW LIGHT LEVEL SIGHT SYSTEM(CONT).WARNINGThe front sight post contains a small glass vial ofradioactive Tritium H 3. Take care not to bump,abuse, tamper or alter the post in any manner.FRONT SIGHTCAUTIONDo not blacken or soot-up the front sight,3 FRONT SIGHT - Has only four notches of elevation per revolution, Split post holds vial ofIuminous material. Material can be seen from two sides only. If you cannot see the vial afterzeroing, turn the sight one click down for use during periods of limited visibility.2-18

2-10. INITIAL ADJUSTMENTS - BATTLESIGHT ZERO.NOTETo zero the rifle, adjust the front sight (elevation) and the rear sight (windage) so thatyou can hit aiming point at a given range.1 Battlesight zero is that setting on the M16’s sights which will cause the point of aim and strike ofthe bullet to be the same at 250 meters.2 When using the L-marked aperture, the path of the bullet will cross the line of sight at 25 meters.Hence, zeroing is now conducted with point of aim and point of impact being the same.3 The 25 meter zero target (NSN 6920-01-167-1392) has complete zeroing instructions printedon its face. The target is printed on both sides: one side is printed for the standard sights and theother side is printed for use with the low light level sight system. The grid printed on each target isset up so that one click of elevation of windage is equal to one block change in elevationor windage.2-19

2-11. INITIAL ADJUSTMENTS - SIGHT ADJUSTMENT (LOW LIGHTLEVEL AND STANDARD DAYLIGHT SYSTEMS).REAR SIGHT To adjust windage, depress detent and rotate drum to direction you want:1 To move point of impact to right, turn drumclockwise in directlon of arrow and letter R2 To move left, move drum counterclockwise3 Each notch moves the point of impact of bulletas Indicated in chartFRONT SIGHT To adjust elevation,depress detent and rotate post:1 To raise strike of bullet, rotate post in thedirection of arrow marked up2 Reverse the direction of rotation to Iower strikeof bullet3 Each notch moves the point of impact of bulletas indicated in chartDISTANCEIMPACT (1 CLICK)STANDARD SYSTEM0.7cm (17/64 in. )2.8cm (1-3/32 in. )5.6cm (2-13/64 in.)ATLOW LIGHT LEVEL SIGHT SYSTEM25 meters100 meters200 meters0.9cm (23/64 in. )3.5cm (1-3/4 in. )7.0cm (2-3/4 in. )I2-20

2-12. INITIAL ADJUSTMENTS - USING LOW LIGHT LEVELSIGHT SYSTEM.1 Use aperture marked L.2 Effective range is 250 meters (original battlesight zero); beyond that use hold-off (aiming abovedesired point of impact).3 Aim about 11 inches above top of target at 350 meters and about 22 inches above top of target at460 meters.4 To become and remain proficient, practice hold-off,2-21

2-12. INITIAL ADJUSTMENTS - USING LOW LIGHT LEVELSIGHT SYSTEM (CONT).NIGHT AND LIMITED VISIBILITY5 Use unmarked (7-mm) aperture6 Use daylight hours procedure to obtaingood sight picture.7 After detecting target, aline sight by centering top of lminous portion of front sight postwithin 7-mm aperture on target, and fire.8 Under certain light conditions, you can see front sight post, but you can’t determine whether youare looking through, above, or to the side of rear sight aperture.9 Practice positioning stock against shoulder and looking through rear aperture.2-22

2-13. INITIAL ADJUSTMENTS - CARE AND CLEANING OF FRONT SIGHT.HANDLING AND CARECLEANING OF FRONT SIGHT POSTThe low light level front sight post has a smallTake care not to bump, abuse, alter or tamperwith the post in any manner.CAUTIONDo not blacken or soot-up the front sight.CAUTIONDO NOT use a wire brush to clean the sight.Clean front sight post with:NOTEFrequently check the sight post for damage. Ifdamage is evident or suspected, have sightpost checked by the unit armorer.ToothbrushSwabs (item 5, app D)Cleaner, Lubricant and Preservative(CLP) (item 1, app D).2-23

2-14. OPERATING PROCEDURE - LOADING.1 Pull charging handle assembly (1) rearward, lock bolt, and release charginghandle. Place selector lever (2) on SAFE.2-242 Pull charging handle assembly (1 ) rearwardand check to see that chamber is clear, Release charging handle assembly,

NOTEMagazine may be loaded with bolt assembly open or closed.3 Push upward on cartridge magazine (3) until magazine catch (4) engages and holds cartridgemagazine.4 Tap upward to make sure cadridge magazine is seated correctly.2-25

2-15. OPERATING PROCEDURE- CHAMBERING AND FIRING A ROUND.3 Move selector lever (3) to SEMl or AUT0.2-264 Squeeze the trigger (4) and fire.

BOLT ASSEMBLY CLOSEDassembly (2). Let it go on its own.2-27

2-15. OPERATING PROCEDURE - CHAMBERING AND FIRING AROUND (CONT).BOLT ASSEMBLY CLOSED (CONT)5 Tap forward assist assembly (3) toensure bolt is fully forward andlocked (M16A1 only).2-286 Squeeze the trigger (4) and fire.

2-16.OPERATINGPROCEDURE-IMMEDIATE ACTION.1 Slap upward on cartridgemagazine (1) to make sure it’sproperly seated.2 Pull charging handle assembly (2) all the way back.Observe ejection of case or cartridge. Inspectchamber (3) and check for obstruction. If chamber isnot clear, apply remedial action (p 2-31)2-29

2-16. OPERATING PROCEDURE- IMMEDIATE ACTION (CONT).4 Tap forward assist assembly (4) (Ml 6A1only).3 Release charging handle assembly (2) tofeed new round. (Don’t ride the charginghandle assembly (2).)5 Now shoot. If it won’t fire, look for the troubleand apply remedial action (p 2-31).2-30

2-17. OPERATING PROCEDURE - REMEDIAL ACTION.WARNINGIf rifle stops firing with a live round in the chamber of a hot barrel, remove the roundfast. However, during training, if you cannot remove it within 10 seconds, wait 15minutes with the rifle pointing in a safe direction This way you won’t get hurt by apossible ammunition cook-off, which could happen 10 seconds after contact with a hotchamber. Clear the rifle.2 If a cartridge case is in the chamber, tapout with a cleaning rod.1 Check for jammed cartridge case.NOTEIf your rifle still fails to fire, checktroubleshooting.2-31

2-18. PROJECTILE LODGED IN BORE.WARNINGIf an audible “pop” or reduced recoil is experienced during firing, immediately cease fire. Donot apply immediate action.WARNINGBe sure bolt carrier assembly is closed (forward).If barrel is hot, wait 15 minutes for barrel andextension assembly to cool so you won’t be hurtby an ammunition cook-off.1 Remove cartridge magazine, lock bolt, and return charginghandle (p 2-33).CAUTIONIf projectile is lodged in bore, do not attempt toremove it. Turn weapon in to organizationalmaintenance.2 Visually inspect and/or inserf a cleaning rod into bore to ensure there is not a projectile lodged inbore.2-32

2-19. OPERATING PROCEDURES - CLEARING YOUR RIFLE.WARNINGTo avoid accidental firing, always look into chamber afterclearing weapon to make sure it does not contain a round.1 Place selector lever (1) on SAFE.NOTEIf weapon is not cocked, lever cannot be pointed toward SAFE.2 Remove cartridge magazine (2) by depressing magazine catch button (3) and pullingcartridge magazine (2) down.2-33

2-19. OPERATING PROCEDURES - CLEARING YOUR RIFLE (CONT).3 To lock bolt open, pull charging handleassembly (4) rearward, press bottom of boltcatch (5), and allow bolt to move forwarduntil it engages bolt catch. Return charginghandle assembly (4) forward.NOTEEnsure that selector lever (1) is onSAFE.4 Check receiver and chamber (6) to ensurethese areas contain no ammunition.2-34

5 With selector lever (1) pointing towardSAFE, allow bolt to go forward by pressingupper portion of bolt catch (5).NOTEIf weapon is to be stored, it should be dryfired to release tension on hammerspring.2-356 Place selector lever (1) on SEMI andsqueeze trigger to release tension onhammer spring.2-35

2-20. OPERATION OF AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT.CARTRIDGE DEFLECTOR - FOR “LEFTYS”There is a cartridge deflector for left-hand shooters available f

This copy is a reprint which includes current pages from Changes 1 and 2. TM 9-1005-249-10 OPERATOR’S MANUAL FO