PS 602
19
Early/Late Timing
JAN 03
How to Time
After headspacing comes timing.
Headspace Too Loose
If the NO GO end of the
gauge fits into the T-slot, the
headspace is too loose. To fix
loose headspace, do the same
five steps you did for too tight
headspace, except screw in the
barrel one click.
Repeat the five steps until the
GO end fits, but the NO GO
end doesn't.
1.
Pull the charging handle all the
way back and cock the weapon. Ease
the bolt forward.
1.
Take the gauge out of the receiver.
Cock the M2, then ease the bolt
forward.
2.
Take off the back plate.
7.
After the gun fires, turn the nut to
the right two more clicks and stop.
8.
Take out the gauge and put on
the back plate. Cock the gun, then
ease the bolt forward.
9.
Recheck the timing two more
times with the back plate on. If the
timing still isn't right, do the
early/late timing procedure one
more time.
Still no luck? Tell your armorer.
Something's wrong.
2.
Pull the bolt back far enough to
insert the NO FIRE gauge between the
barrel extension and trunnion block.
Insert the beveled edge of the timing
gauge against the barrel notches.
Slowly release the charging handle.
3.
Turn the timing nut all
the way down to the left.
4.
Pull the bolt back only far enough
to insert the FIRE gauge, and slowly
release the charging handle.
4.
Pull the bolt back just far
enough to take out the NO FIRE
gauge and put in the FIRE gauge
with the beveled edge against the
barrel notches. Slowly release
the charging handle.
3.
Press the trigger. If the gun doesn't
fire, go to the next step. If it does fire,
you've got early timing.
5.
Push up on the trigger bar.
The gun shouldn't fire.
6.
Turn the timing adjustment nut
one click to the right. Push up on
the trigger bar. Continue to alter-
nate turning the timing adjustment
nut one click right and pushing up
on the trigger bar until the M2 fires.
5.
Press the trigger. If the M2
fires, timing is OK. If it doesn't
fire, you have late timing.
Never cock your M2 with the back
plate off.
The driving spring rod could go
through your chest. The bolt must be
for-
ward
before you take off the back plate.
It will
help
protect
your unit
and your
M2s.
do you have
time for
early/late
timing?
you’d
better
have the
time!
Armorers, if you
have M2s in your
arms room, copy
this article and
use it to train
your M2 gunners.