PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-588
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 588
NOVEMBER 2001
MK 19 Machine Gun…
Align ’em Right
PS 588
NOV 01
47
M2 Machine Gun…
Let the Bolt Down Easy
I
f you let the M2’s bolt slam for-
ward with no barrel installed, the
bolt bangs against the barrel
extension and chips its rear
threads. That could ruin the
extension.
So never dry fire your M2
when the barrel’s not installed.
Instead, ease the bolt forward.
x
Chips or cracks on the first thread on the
bolt end of the extension and at the barrel
end can be stoned smooth as long as the chip
or crack doesn’t extend beyond the thread.
x
The remaining full threads cannot have
more than one chip or crack. The crack or
chip can’t extend beyond the thread and the
stoned area can’t be longer than
1
∕
2
inch.
Have direct sup-
port file or stone the
chipped or cracked
areas smooth. If the
barrel can then be
easily screwed on,
the M2 is OK to use.
so, when you load the
belt
correctly,
the links
make a straight line
across the receiver
evenly and flush against
the ammo's copper band.
right! and if the
links
don't
do
that, realign the
ammo belt links.
I won't shoot
long if you don't
carefully
align
my ammo belt
during loading.
Some gunners
twist
the belt
during loading.
That misaligns
the ammo links
and makes me
quickly jam.
What
did I do
wrong?
Armorers,
if the extension
threads are
only
chipped
,
the M2’s likely
still usable.
Here are the
criteria…
OUCH!
there go
my barrel
extension
threads!
Aligned
Misaligned
Ease bolt forward when
barrel’s not installed
Check extension
threads for
cracks or chips
588. 46-47 (C)
9/20/01
11:00 AM
Page 1
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