PS 594
MAY 02
42
M2 Machine Gun…
The
Real
Thing
H
aving your M2 machine gun fail
on the battlefield is a life-or-death
problem. You don’t want to find
out as the enemy is bearing down
on you that you didn’t pay enough
attention to PMCS.
Field strip
your M2 and
check the
following
for cracks…
Barrel liner
and threads
Barrel
extension’s
threads
and
locking
spring
Bolt’s firing
pin slot,
T-slot and
breech
lock slot
Armorers
M2s used in
battle need more
attention from
direct support
-
twice
as much.
Instead of
support annually
checking barrel
erosion, the
barrel liner,
barrel extension,
headspace and
timing, the breech
lock and the
bolt, have them
do the checks
every 6 months.
Look
for excessive wear
on the breech lock.
Eyeball
the firing
pin’s tip for flat
spots.
Check
the driving rod spring for flat spots and
make sure the driving rod and its locking pin are
not bent.
Tell your armorer
about any problems.
Of course,
clean
and
lube
your gun
as
often as possible.
Time and headspace
your
M2 with both barrels to
make sure
both
are usable.
uh-oh!
Now is
not
the time to find
out I
didn’t
pay enough
attention
to PMCS!
Faithfully
follow the
PMCS spelled
out in TM
9-1005-213-10.
But
also
do these checks
whenever there’s a
spare
moment
in the field to ensure
you’re ready for those
life-
or-death situations.
594. 42-43 (C)
4/1/02
12:40 PM
Page 1