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STUDENT OUTLINE

INTRODUCTION TO COMBAT MARKSMANSHIP TABLE III

CS0101LP

LESSON PURPOSE CLASS

STUDENT INFORMATION

OVERVIEW: The purpose of this lesson is to refresh weapons handling procedures and combat marksmanship skills covered in tales I and II. This lesson will cover the three point sling, weapons carries, weapons transports, weapons handling, firing techniques, target engagement, shooting positions, loading, unloading, reloading procedures and then we will cover the type of stoppages and malfunction that occur with the service rifle. Your safety and the safety of your fellow Marines depend upon your ability to perform these skills without error. This class relates to all the classes you will receive here at the School of Infantry on Combat Marksmanship.

CLASS PREPARATION: Read this handout prior to class.

OUTLINE.

1. THREE POINT SLING. Tactical sling positions a long gun horizontally or diagonally across the front of the body.  With its 3-point design, a tactical sling allows you to carry your weapon "hands-free" taking weight off both your hands while still keeping the weapon quickly accessible.  This facilitates quick weapon transitions between handgun and rifle.  A tactical sling also makes simple tasks like reading maps and opening doors easier while maintaining control and accessibility of your weapon. A Rifle slings feature a "quick release" system for rapid separation from the operator and comes standard on all our tactical slings. A combination of metal snap hooks, nylon cords and stock adapters are used depending on the rifle and tactical sling model. Your tactical gear is not complete without a 3-point tactical sling.

2. WEAPON CARRIES. As a Marine you will find yourself in many unexpected situations engaging targets at close ranges. Weapons carries provide a safe and effective method for handling the service rifle.

a. Tactical Carry. The tactical carry is used when no immediate threat is present. It permits control of the rifle while moving and still allows quick engagement of the enemy.

(1) The butt-stock of the rifle is placed alongside the body at approximately hip level, and the barrel is angled upward approximately 45 degrees in the general direction of the enemy.

b. Alert Carry. The alert carry is used when enemy contact is likely. Engagement of the enemy is faster from the alert carry than from the tactical carry.

(1) The butt-stock of the rifle is placed in the shoulder with the muzzle angled down approximately 45 degrees and pointed in the likely direction of the enemy.

(2) In the alert carry, the Marine keeps both eyes open and scans for any threat with the weapon always in line with the Marine’s LINE OF SIGHT (this is called “guns ’n’ eyeballs”).

(3) When a threat is spotted, the Marine quickly snaps his weapon into a firing position, looks over the rear sight aperture and aligns the tip of the front sight post center mass on the target.

(4) Once the threat has been eliminated, the Marine returns to the alert carry and continues to scan for targets.

(5) Accuracy is the primary goal.

c. Ready Carry. The ready carry is employed when contact with the enemy is imminent. It allows for immediate target engagement.

(1) The butt-stock of the rifle is in the shoulder with the muzzle of the rifle pointed in the direction of the enemy.

(2) Sight alignment and sight picture are achieved as the shot is fired.

(3) Marines should always strive for a clear tip of the front sight post and center mass hold.

3. WEAPONS TRANSPORTS. Weapons transports are used to carry the rifle over the back or shoulders when moving for long periods. Weapon transports provide a more relaxed position for walking. You should only use weapons transports if no immediate threat is present. They are also used whenever one or both hands are needed for other work.

a. Strong Side Sling Arms (Muzzle Up) Transport. To assume the strong side sling arms (muzzle up) transport from the tactical carry, a Marine performs the following steps:

(1) Release the hold on the pistol grip.

(2) Lower the butt-stock and bring the rifle to a vertical position.

(3) With the right hand, grasp the sling above the left forearm.

(4) With the left hand, guide the rifle around the right shoulder.

(5) With the right hand, apply downward pressure on the sling. This stabilizes the rifle on the shoulder.

b. Weak Side Sling Arms (Muzzle Down) Transport. The weak side sling arms (muzzle down) transport can be used in inclement weather to keep moisture out of the rifle's bore. To assume this transport from the tactical carry, a Marine performs the following steps:

(1) Release the hold on the pistol grip.

(2) With the left hand, rotate the muzzle down and bring the rifle to a vertical position on the left side of the body.

(3) The pistol grip is pointed outboard.

(4) With the right hand, place the sling on the left shoulder.

c. Cross Body Sling Arms Transport. A Marine uses the cross body sling arms transport if he requires both hands for work. The rifle is slung across the back with the muzzle up or down. Normally, the rifle is carried with the muzzle down to prevent pointing the muzzle in an unsafe direction.

(1) Ensure the muzzle of the rifle is maintained in a safe direction when assuming this transport.

d. Show Clear Transfer. To properly pass a rifle between Marines, perform the following procedures:

(1) The Marine handing off the rifle must:

(a) Ensure the rifle is on safe.

(b) Remove the magazine if it is present.

(c) Lock the bolt to the rear.

(d) Visually inspect the chamber to ensure there is no ammunition present.

(e) Leave the bolt locked to the rear and hand the weapon to the other Marine.

(2) The Marine receiving the weapon must:

(a) Ensure the rifle is on safe.

(b) Visually inspect the chamber to ensure there is no ammunition present.

(c) Release the bolt catch and observe the bolt going forward on an empty chamber.

(d) Close the ejection port cover.

4. WEAPONS HANDLING PROCEDURES. Weapons handling procedures are a consistent and standardized way for a Marine to handle, operate, and employ the rifle safely and effectively. Proper weapons handling procedures ensure the safety of Marines by reducing negligent discharges and reinforcing positive identification of targets before engagement. Weapons handling procedures apply at all levels of training and during combat operations.

a. Weapons Conditions. A weapon's readiness is described by one of four conditions. The steps in the loading and unloading process take the rifle through four specific conditions of readiness for live fire.

(1) Condition 1. Magazine inserted, round in chamber, bolt forward, safety on, ejection port cover closed.

(2) Condition 2. Not applicable to the service rifle.

(3) Condition 3. Magazine inserted chamber empty, bolt forward, safety on, ejection port cover closed.

(4) Condition 4. Magazine removed chamber empty, bolt forward, safety on, ejection port cover closed.

b. Determining A Weapon’s Condition (Chamber Check). When a Marine takes charge of a weapon in any situation, he must determine its condition. Situations include coming across an unmanned rifle in combat, taking charge of your own weapon after it has been unattended (e.g., out of a rifle rack, left in a vehicle), or taking charge of another Marine’s weapon that is attended or unattended. To determine the condition of the weapon in any of these situations, the Marine should:

1) Ensure the rifle is on safe.

(2) Conduct a chamber check to determine the condition of the weapon:

(a) Bring your left hand back against the magazine well. Extend the fingers of your left hand and cover the ejection port.

(b) Grab the charging handle with the index and middle fingers of your right hand. Pull the charging handle slightly to the rear and visually inspect the chamber.

c. Safety Rules. Safe handling of the rifle is critical. If weapons handling procedures are not used, a Marine risks his safety and the safety of his fellow Marines. During combat, a Marine must react quickly, safely, and be mentally prepared to engage targets. To ensure that only the intended target is engaged, a Marine must apply the following safety rules at all times.

(1) Treat every weapon as if it were loaded. When a Marine takes charge of an unattended or attended rifle in any situation, he must treat the weapon as if it were loaded, determine its condition, and continue applying the other safety rules.

(2) Never point a weapon at anything you do not intend to shoot. Maintain muzzle awareness at all times.

(3) Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to fire. A target must be identified before taking the weapon off safe and moving the finger to the trigger.

(4) Keep the weapon on safe until you intend to fire. A target must be identified before taking the weapon off safe.

(a) This rule is intended to eliminate the chance of the weapon discharging by accident (e.g., brush snagging the trigger) rather than by negligence.

5. PAIR TO THE TORSO.

a. We will always fire two shots or a pair, to the largest target area of the body; this increases our chances of not only hitting the target with a killing shot, but also causing twice the amount of trauma in rapid secession and increasing the chance of fatal shut down of the enemies’ body.

b. Range will determine weather to use hammer pairs or control pairs.

c. The three methods to describe shot delivery are:

(1) Hammer Pairs. Hammers are two shots fired in rapid succession with the confirmation of one sight picture.

(a) Fire a hammer pair for ranges between fifteen yards and closer with the service rifle/carbine. You must aim to accurately hit the vital organ areas.

(b) The closer you are to the target the better the chances are for an adversary to shoot you.

(2) Control Pairs. Two shots fired using a slight pause to re-confirm sight alignment and sight picture, between the shots, is a controlled pair.

(a) Fire a controlled pair for ranges between fifteen yards and farther with the service rifle/carbine. You must aim to accurately hit the vital organ areas.

(b) Engage single targets with controlled pairs (two single shots).

(3) Failure To Stop Drill. A failure to stop drill is if the pair to the torso fails to stop the threat.

(a) The shooter engages the target with a single well-aimed shot to the soft tissue area of the head. The soft tissue area of the head is formed by a triangle that goes across the eyebrows and comes to a point at the tip of the nose.

6. TARGETS.

a. Moving Targets. In combat, it is unlikely that a target will remain stationary. The enemy will move quickly from cover to cover, exposing himself for the shortest possible time. Therefore, a Marine must quickly engage a moving target before it disappears.

(1) Types of Moving Targets. There are two types of moving targets: moving targets and stop and go targets.

(a) Moving targets move in a consistent manner and remain in a Marine's field of vision. A walking or running man is an example of a moving target.

(b) Stop and Go targets appears and disappears during its movement. A stop and go target will present itself for only a short time before it reestablishes cover. An enemy moving from cover to cover is an example of a stop and go target. This target is most vulnerable to fire at the beginning and end of its movement to new cover because the target must gain momentum to exit its existing cover and then slow to avoid overrunning the new cover position.

b. Leads. When a shot is fired at a moving target, the target continues to move during the time the bullet is in flight. Therefore, a Marine must aim in front of the target otherwise the shot will fall behind the target. This is called taking a lead. Lead is the distance in advance of the target that the rifle sights are placed to accurately engage the target when it is moving.

(1) Amount of Lead Required. Factors that affect the amount of lead are the target’s range, speed, and angle of movement.

(2) Types of Leads. There are three types of leads.

(a) Full Lead. The target is moving straight across a Marine’s line of sight with only one arm and half the body visible. This target requires a full lead because it will move the greatest distance across a Marine’s line of sight during the flight of the bullet.

(b) Half Lead. The target is moving obliquely across a Marine’s line of sight (at a 45-degree angle). One arm and over half the back or chest is visible. This target requires half of a full lead because it will move half as far as a target moving directly across a Marine’s line of sight during the flight of the bullet.

(c) No Lead. The target is moving directly toward or away from a Marine and presents a full view of both arms and the entire back or chest. No lead is required. A Marine engages this target as if it were a stationary target because it is not moving across his line of sight.

c. Multiple Target Engagement. When engaging multiple targets, a Marine must prioritize targets and carefully plan his

engagements to ensure successful target engagement. Mental preparedness and the ability to make split-second decisions is the key to successful engagement of multiple targets. The proper mindset allows a Marine to react instinctively and to control the pace of the battle rather than just reacting to the threat. After the first target is engaged, a Marine must immediately engage the next target and continue to engage targets until they are eliminated. While engaging multiple targets, a Marine must be aware of his surroundings and not fixate on just one target. He must rapidly prioritize the targets, establish an engagement sequence, and engage the targets. A Marine also must maintain constant awareness and continuously search the terrain for additional targets.

d. Prioritizing Targets. The combat situation will usually dictate the order of multiple target engagement. Target priority is based on factors such as proximity, threat, and opportunity, and no two situations will be the same. The principal method is to determine the level of threat for each target so all may be engaged in succession from the most threatening to the least threatening.

(1) The target that poses the greatest threat (e.g., closest, greatest firepower) should be engaged first. Prioritizing targets is an ongoing process. Changes in threat level, proximity, or the target itself may cause a Marine to revise his priorities. Therefore, a Marine must remain alert to changes in a target's threat level and proximity and other target opportunities as the battle progresses.

e. Technique Of Engagement. To engage multiple targets, the Marine performs the following steps:

(1) Engage the first target with two rounds.

(2) The recoil of the rifle can be used to direct the recovery of the weapon on to the next target. As the weapon is coming down in its recovery, the Marine physically brings the sights onto the desired target.

(3) Pressure is maintained on the trigger throughout recovery and trigger control is applied at a rate consistent with the Marine’s ability to establish sight picture on the desired target.

(4) When possible, such as when all targets are of equal threat, the Marine should engage targets in a direction that maximizes support and control of the weapon.

(5) The preceding steps are repeated until are targets are engaged.

6. SHOOTING POSITIONS.

a. Supported Shooting Positions. The firing position selected should be adjusted to fit the type of cover that will provide stability to the position. It should also be adjusted to cover and stabilize the rifle sights and allow the management of recoil to recover on target. A good firing position will must permit the shooter to maintain mobility. The position should be adjusted to cover to permit lateral engagement of dispersed targets and movement to other cover. A good firing position will allow observation of the area/enemy while minimizing exposure to the enemy.

(1) Supported Prone. If possible, a Marine should use the supported prone position when firing from behind cover. It is the steadiest position and provides the lowest silhouette. This position provides maximum protection from enemy fire.

(a) The body must be adjusted to conform to the cover. For example, if the cover is narrow, keep the legs together. The body should be in line with the rifle and directly behind the rifle. This presents a smaller target to the enemy and provides more body mass to absorb recoil.

(2) Supported Kneeling. When the prone position cannot be used because of the height of the support, the supported kneeling position may be appropriate. The kneeling position provides additional mobility over the prone position.

(a) The kneeling position allows shooting from all sides and from cover of varying sizes. This position may be altered to maximize the use of cover or support by assuming a variation of the kneeling position (high, medium, or low).

(3) Supported Sitting. A supported sitting position may be used to fire over the top of cover when mobility is not as critical. A sitting position can be comfortably assumed for a longer period of time than a kneeling position and it can conform to higher cover when a prone position cannot be used.

(4) Supported Standing. The supported standing position provides greater mobility than the other positions and usually provides greater observation of the enemy. The supported standing position is effectively used behind high cover (e.g., window, over a wall) or narrow cover (e.g., tree, telephone pole).

b. Unsupported Shooting Positions. In special cases when supported shooting positions cannot be used. An unsupported shooing position may need to be used.

(1) A great example of an unsupported shooting position would be a Marine that establishes an unsupported firing position from a window. The shooter would need to back away from the opening of the window so that the muzzle of his weapon does not protrude from the window. Also the interior shadows will provide concealment so as not to provide a silhouette to the enemy.

7. LOADING THE SERVICE RIFLE. An easy way to discern the type or quality of training an individual has received is to watch how well or poorly, the Marine manipulates his weapon. Like most weapons handling procedures, there are several techniques from which to choose. The techniques Marines choose to utilize are ones that are tactically sound, and consider economy of motion, and compliment safety. As a reminder, everything that we do in Combat Marksmanship, to include weapons handling, is all built around a "Conditioned Response/Muscle Memory". Magazines are positioned on the support side of the body. The magazines are positioned so that they are easily accessible with the shooters support hand. Magazines should be inverted with the projectiles pointed toward inboard/belt buckle.

a. Loading Procedures For The Service Rifle.

(1) Pull back firmly on the pistol grip keeping the top edge of the butt stock of the weapon tucked firmly in the underarm. This will ensure that the shooter keeps the barrel of the weapon parallel to the deck so that the shooter may still engage a threat.

(2) With the support hand, obtain a full magazine from a tactical reload pouch in a firm “beer can” grip and feel the top round making note of which side it is on. Insert the magazine into the magazine well, back-to-back, flat-to-flat, rock it forward and seat it firmly. Then tug once on the magazine to ensure that it is fully seated (Don’t slap the bottom of the magazine, as it can cause a malfunction if the bolt is to the rear).

(3) Support hand moves to the charging handle, and using the knife-edge of your non-firing hand or pinching grasp between thumb and pointer finger, rack the action all the way to the rear, slapping your shoulder. By slapping your shoulder you ensure a full range of motion for the bolt, which prevents the tendency of short stroking and not chambering a round. Using the knife-edge of the hand allows us to use gross motor skills rather than fine motor skills.

b. Press Check.

(1) Conduct a press check with the non-firing hand by using the knife edge of the hand on the charging handle to pull back slightly on the charging handle and observing the chamber for brass, release the charging handle, and tap the forward assist. If the shooter verified which side of the magazine the top round was on, he or she may remove the magazine, and feel the top round, as it should now be on the other side. This verifies that a round has been chambered. Now re-insert the magazine and tug to complete the loading process. Either check is fine, preferred method for night is removing magazine and feeling round placement.

8. UNLOADING THE SERVICE RIFLE.

a. Pull back firmly on the pistol grip keeping the top edge of the butt stock of the weapon tucked firmly in the underarm. This will ensure that the shooter keeps the barrel of the weapon parallel to the deck so that the shooter may still engage a threat.

b. Grip the magazine with the support hand, and depress the magazine release button with the trigger finger (Thumb of the support hand for a left-handed shooter). Grasping this magazine with the support hand, place in a drop pouch or pocket (do not put back into your magazine pouch).

c. Support hand pulls back on the charging handle ejecting the round in the chamber tilting the weapon aiding the round to eject. Then tilt the weapon opposite and visually inspect the chamber to ensure the weapon is in condition 4. Pick up the round.

9. COMBAT RELOADING. There are some considerations for reloading when moving from the Table I to Table II. Remember that filled magazines are stored so you can index the magazine to ensure that you did not put an empty one in the magazine pouch. Empty or partially filled magazines are stored with the follower up or in a dump pouch. Filled magazines are stored in a manner in which the grip, when the magazine is removed will aid in the loading process. You must consider the battlefield situation and how it affects the opportunities to reload.

a. Stay In The Fight. The first priority when performing a reload is to get the rifle reloaded, and back into action.

b. Retain If Possible. The second priority when performing a reload is to retain the magazine so when you move, the magazine moves with you. When time permits, retain magazines securely on your person (e.g., a drop pouch, cargo pocket, load-bearing vest). The combat situation may dictate dropping the magazine to the deck when performing a reload. This is acceptable as long as it is picked up before moving to another location. However, a dirty or damaged magazine can cause a stoppage.

c. Cover. Before leaving cover take advantage of the protection provided by cover. (Reloads, gear adjustments)

d. Reload Then Move. Every effort should be made not to reload on the move. When reloading, your focus should be on reloading only. When moving, your focus should be on moving.

e. Priority. The magazine change is the priority but you must maintain situational awareness of the down range area at all times.

f. Push/Pull. When the new magazine is inserted, tug on it to ensure it is seated. Do not slam the magazine into the weapon hard enough to cause a round to partially pop out of the magazine. This action will cause a double feed and require remedial action. Retain your empty magazines. When there is a lull in the action, refill those magazines so they will be available for future use.

g. During a lull in the action, replace your magazine when you know you are low on ammunition. This ensures a full magazine of ammunition in the rifle should action resume.

(1) Do not wait until the magazine is completely empty to replace it.

(2) If a reload in any position other than prone is required, use a magazine from the hardest to reach magazine pouch. This leaves filled magazines on the easiest to reach side for reloading in the prone position.

10. PRECEDURES TO RE-LOADING THE WEAPON. Once the Marine is in an engagement there will be times when he needs to put a fresh ammunition source in his weapon to continue to fight. Dependent on the tactical situation the Marine will conduct a Tactical or Speed Re-load.

a. Rifle Tactical Re-load. A tactical re-load is conducted when the time and opportunity presents itself. If there is a lull in the fight and you have the ability due to the tactical situation to conduct a tactical re-load. Tactical reloads are usually conducted after a press check, but if not, then a press check of the chamber should be done confirming the weapon is condition 1.

(1) The trigger finger comes off the trigger.

(2) Maintain focus down range for tactical purposes.

(3) Obtain a full magazine from a tactical reload pouch and establish a low grip on the new magazine and grasp the magazine in the weapon as high as possible. Press the magazine release button and remove the old magazine, move the hand over and insert the new magazine and tug firmly to ensure that it is seated.

(4) The magazine is removed and placed in a drop pouch or a cargo pocket. Never place an empty or partially spent magazine back in your magazine pouch.

b. Rifle/Carbine Speed Re-load. A speed reload is conducted when the shooter is in the middle of a fight and the service rifle/carbine has run dry and the bolt has locked to the rear. It is also imperative to mention that this is only done when the distance to the target is great enough that the Marine has the time to conduct this type of reload.

(1) The trigger finger comes off the trigger.

(2) The support hand moves and acquires a fresh magazine.

(3) The trigger finger moves and presses the magazine release button while at the same time the support hand brings the new magazine to the magazine well (this is called “Passing in Flight”) inserting it firmly and then tugging to ensure that it is fully seated. Left-handed shooters will utilize their support hand to conduct both of these actions.

(4) The shooter slaps the bolt release with the meaty portion of the palm of the support hand, sending the bolt home chambering a round. Left handed shooters will use their support hand to reach over the top of the rifle/carbine to hit the bolt release and then place it back onto the hand-guards.

(5) The support hand moves back to help support the Service rifle/carbine and Marine is back into the fight.

11. STOPPAGES AND MALFUNCTIONS. Remember that the corrective actions taken in combat marksmanship remains the same as taught in the Table I course of fire.

a. Definition Of A Stoppage. A stoppage is an unintentional interruption in the cycle of operation.

b. Definition Of A Malfunction. A malfunction is failure of the rifle to fire satisfactorily or to perform as designed.

c. Rules For Clearing Stoppages.

(1) The trigger finger comes off of the trigger, must be kept straight, and placed it on of the rifle outside of the trigger guard when clearing all malfunctions, there are no exceptions.

(2) Treat the symptom. Each stoppage will have its own specific symptoms. Identify the stoppage and take the appropriate corrective action.

(3) Keep your head and eyes oriented toward the threat throughout the process.

d. Identifying Types Of Stoppages.

(1) Type one stoppage.

(a) Definition. A type one stoppage is a failure to feed or a failure to fire.

(b) Cause. The magazine is not properly seated, so during the feeding process, the bolt is not able to strip a round from the magazine and chamber it.

1 The round has a bad primer. When the firing pin strikes the primer, it does not ignite the powder.

(c) Symptom. When you press the trigger, the hammer falls, and the weapon fails to fire.

(d) Corrective action.

1 Already aimed in and having attempted to fire you experience the symptom of the stoppage; “CLICK”. Remain on target. Maintain a straight trigger finger outside the trigger guard. Tilt the weapon slightly outboard, with the ejection port down.

2 Release the support hand from the hand guard.

3 Strike the bottom of the magazine with the palm of the support hand. If the magazine was not properly seated, this will correct that problem.

4 Rack the charging handle of weapon with the Knife Edge of the support hand slapping your strong shoulder. This is all done in one fluid movement. The purpose of racking the charging handle is to eject a possible bad round and to insert a fresh round into the chamber. (We release and strike the strong shoulder to ensure that we do not short stroke the bolt (possibly not chambering a round). The use of the Knife Edge of the hand is to use blunt objects and not attempting Fine Motor Skills).

5 Re-grip with the support hand, acquire the sights, and re-engage the target.

6 We describe the clearing of a type one malfunction as "Tap, Cant, Rack, and Bang".

(2) Type two stoppages.

(a) Definition. A type two stoppage is a vertical stovepipe.

(b) Cause. Normally a worn, dirty, or broken ejector is the cause.

(c) Symptom and Indicator. The symptoms are a “CLICK” or a “Clunk” of the Sere engaging and the hammer falling slightly, as well as the spent casing protruding out of the ejection port.

(d) Corrective action.

1 While aiming in and attempting to fire you experience the symptom of the malfunction “CLICK” or “Clunk”. Take your finger off of the trigger, keep it straight, and place it outside of the trigger guard. Tilt the weapon slightly outboard, ejection port down.

2 Release your supporting hand from the hand guard.

3 Strike the bottom of the magazine with the palm of the support hand. If the magazine was not properly seated, this will correct that problem.

4 Rack the charging handle of weapon with the knife-edge of the support hand slapping your strong shoulder with the support hand. This is all done in one fluid movement. The purpose of racking the charging handle is to eject a possible bad round and to insert a fresh round into the chamber. We release and strike the strong shoulder to ensure that we do not short stroke the slide (possibly not chambering a round). The use of the knife edge of the hand is to use blunt objects and not attempting Fine Motor Skills.

5 Re-grip with your support hand, acquire your sights, and re-engage the target.

6 We describe the clearing of a type two stoppage as "Tap, Cant, Rack, and Bang.”

(3) Type three stoppages.

(a) Definition. A type three stoppage is a double feed.

(b) Cause. The main cause for a service rifle to double is a weak, worn, dirty, or broken extractor. A classic double feed is when after unlocking, the extractor is does not grasp the lip of the spent shell casing, as the bolt makes its rearward movement, it does not pull the spent casing out of the chamber.

1 A defective magazine can also cause a type three stoppage. The top of the magazine may be cracked, causing the "wings" on the magazine to spread, and or there may be an overloaded magazine that causes excessive tension on the magazine follower. During the bolts forward movement, two rounds may spring out of the magazine, which are then forced into the chamber, causing a double feed.

(c) Symptom and Indicator. A spongy or mushy trigger.

(d) Corrective action. A type three stoppage is the most serious of all stoppage, in that it will take you longer to clear.

1 While aiming in and attempting to fire you experience the symptom of a type three malfunction, remain on target. Take your trigger finger off the trigger, keep it straight, and place it outside of the trigger guard. Tilt the weapon slightly and observe the chamber to identify the stoppage (it is possible that you are at bolt lock and simply, need to speed reload, where the symptom for this is also a mushy trigger).

2 Seek cover while attempting to clear a type three stoppage. If no cover is available, with your head and eyes facing down range drop to a knee, sounding off loudly “MALFUNCTION, MALFUNCTION, MALFUNCTION”. While dropping to a knee, grip the charging handle with the strong hand and pull the bolt to the rear. Lock the bolt to the rear by pressing the bolt catch with the thumb of the support hand. This takes tension off of the magazine.

3 Depress the magazine release with the shooting hand thumb and drop the magazine out of the weapon. If the magazine remains in the magazine well use the support hand to strip it out.

4 Slap the bolt catch with the support hand, allowing the bolt to go home on it’s own power. This allows the extractor to grip the lip of any casing still in the chamber. To ensure the extraction of the spent casing from the chamber you will rack the charging handle with the knife-edge of the support hand slapping the strong shoulder two to three times.

5 Grasp a fresh magazine from the speed reload pouch and while briefly looking at the magazine well, insert the magazine.

6 Once again, rack the charging handle with the knife-edge of the support hand and strike the strong shoulder, allowing the bolt to chamber a round as it goes home.

7 Re-grip with the support hand, present the weapon back on target and re-engage the target with the full engagement. Once an assessment has been conducted down range, announces “STANDING” and wait for a reply of “STAND” from another shooter, then stand and re-assess from the standing position since your field of vision has changed, then place the weapon on safe.

(4) Type four stoppage.

(a) Definition. A type four stoppage is where a round is over and behind the bolt face, preventing the bolt from moving.

(b) Cause. When the weapon fails to extract or feed properly.

(c) Symptom and Indicator. The bolt is usually half way through the cycle of operation with a round wedged between the charging handle and the gas key preventing the bolt from moving.

(d) Corrective action.

1 While aiming in and attempting to fire you experience the symptom of the stoppage remain on target. Take the trigger finger off the trigger, keep it straight, and place it outside of the trigger guard. Tilt the weapon slightly and observe the chamber to identify the stoppage. The Marine observes that there is round in between the bolt face and the charging handle.

2 Seek cover and then take the weapon out of your shoulder and attempt to place the weapon on safe. If no cover is available, with your head and eyes facing down range drop to a knee, sounding off loudly “MALFUNCTION, MALFUNCTION, MALFUNCTION”. Place the butt stock on the deck, and remove the magazine and place it in a dump pouch or cargo pocket. While holding the bolt face back with a stripper clip or similar object, simultaneously push the charging handle forward remove the obstructed round.

(5) Audible pop or reduced recoil.

(a) An audible pop occurs when only a portion of the propellant is ignited. It is normally identifiable by reduced recoil and a lowered report. This is sometimes accompanied by excessive smoke escaping from the chamber area.

(b) The tactical situation may dictate the procedures the shooter will take once an audible pop is identified.

(c) To clear the rifle/carbine, perform the following steps:

1 Place the rifle/carbine in condition 4.

2 Remove the bolt carrier group.

3 Inspect the bore for an obstruction. This will require the shooter to visually inspect the rifle from the chamber end.

4 The shooter will then be required to physically inspect the rifle by inserting a cleaning rod into the bore from the muzzle end and clear the obstruction.

5 Re-assemble the rifle/carbine, conduct a tactical re-load, and engage target.

REFERENCES:

NUMBER TITLE PAGE

MCO 3574.2K Marine Corps Combat Entire Document

Marksmanship Program

MCRP3-01A Rifle Marksmanship Entire Document

NOTES:

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