PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-577
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 577
DECEMBER 2000
M16-Series Rifle . . .
PS 577
42
DEC 00
Dear Editor,
As an arms room inspector, I see too many M16
rifles with loose receiver extensions or
buttstocks. Some extensions have actually come
off during firing, damaging the lower receiver.
If armorers carefully do the checks from Page 2-
17 in TM 9-1005-319-23&P during their quarterly
PMCS, they will catch loose extensions and
buttstocks before they come completely loose.
For instance, can you move the buttstock
forward or backward? Is there a gap of
1
/
32
inch or
more between the buttstock and lower receiver? If
there is movement or a gap, replace the
buttplate’s self-locking screw.
hey!
come back
here
!
Is there buttstock movement or a
1
/
32-
in gap?
If so, replace self-locking screw
PS 577
43
DEC 00
If that doesn’t eliminate the movement or gap,
take off the buttstock and check the lower
receiver extension for looseness.
If the extension is loose, don’t try to tighten it.
Support has the right tool and needs to tighten
it to 35–39 lb-ft.
If the extension’s not loose, try replacing the
buttplate. If the buttstock still moves forward or
backward or there’s still a gap, support needs to
check it out. The rifle probably needs a new
buttstock.
It’s also a good idea to check the buttplate
self-locking screws when rifles come back from
the field. If it looks like a screw has been removed
and screwed back in, replace the screw. It’s a one-
time use fastener and can no longer hold the
buttstock tight.
SSG Gerald Knipe
HHC 1ST AD, MAIT
Bad Kreuznach, Germany
If buttstock is still loose, check lower receiver extension
nyah!
nyah!
catch
me
if you
can
!
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