PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-709
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 709
DECEMBER 2011
43
PS 709
DEC 11
42
PS 709
Dear Editor,
We continually run into the problem of M16 rifles and M4/M4A1 carbines
being stored with the selector set to SAFE and the hammer cocked back.
Leaving the hammer cocked wears out its spring. To replace the spring,
you must take out the pins in the lower receiver. But removing the pins
repeatedly enlarges the pinholes so much they can no longer securely hold
the pins. Then the whole lower receiver must be replaced.
I think a big part of the problem is that Soldiers must clear their
weapons before they turn them in to the arms room. To do that, they lock
back the bolt and put the M16 or M4 on SAFE. They leave the weapon
that way when they give it to the armorer. And the armorer leaves it that
way when he puts the weapon in the rack. Soon the hammer spring is shot.
If armorers would stress to
their units that after they clear
their weapons they need to set
them to SEMI with the hammer
and bolt forward and the dust
cover
closed,
this
problem
would be greatly reduced. And,
of course, armorers need to
check that weapons have been
cleared before they store them
in the rack.
SGT Elijah Kramer
Camp Beauregard, LA
Editor’s note:
A simple check can save armorers and units time and
money.
And remember that your machine guns and pistols should also
be stored uncocked with the bolts forward. Otherwise, their springs
wear out, too. All springs should be relaxed for storage.
For storage, weapon should be set
on SEMI with hammer forward
M16-Series Rifle, M4/M4A1 Carbine…
Storage Problem Solved!
here’s a
suggestion
that will save
units money
replacing
m16s and
m4s…
…and
it’s
easy
to
do!
Caution
Do
not
mix different skid types on a container. Skids PN 13031726 and PN 13365803
should
not
be mixed due to differences in their height.
Storage Temperature Limits
Temperature limits are -30°F to 160°F (-35°C to 71°C). Missiles or rockets
exceeding these limits are to be placed in Condition Code J and reported to AMCOM
LCMC via the Ammunition Condition Report.
For additional
information, email
mlrs.fieldconcerns@
msl.army.mil
GMLA and RP Handling Guidelines
•
Lift only one GMLA or RP per move
•
Always use a 6,000-lb (or heavier) forklift
•
Position forklift tines properly and ensure forklift guides are securely attached to
GMLAs or RPs
•
When forklift tines extend past the bottom rail of the opposite side, position dunnage
between the forklift and GMLA or RP to prevent damage to adjacent containers during
stacking
•
Never lift from either end of
GMLAs to prevent connector and/
or end cover damage
•
Be sure stacking pins are aligned
with holes in skids
•
Use a strap to stabilize GMLAs
or RPs when moving over rough
terrain
•
Do not walk or stand on top of
GMLAs or RPs
•
Do not drop, tumble, drag, pull
or push GMLAs or RPs
Use caution when placing dunnage to prevent
damage to end covers and radial blocks located on
top and bottom of FWD end of the GMLAs or RPs
•
Place dunnage between GMLAs
or RPs. Ensure skids are attached
709 42-43.indd
1-2
11/7/11
5:30 PM
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