PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-729

PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly

ISSUE 729

AUGUST 2013
PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-729 - Page 20 of 33
36
PS 729
AUG 13
37
PS 729
AUG 13
if you have CROWS questions,
contact TACOM’s Fred Torres
at DSN
7
86-1368,
(586) 282-1368, or email:
wilfredo.f.torresestevez.civ@
mail.mil
Once that happens,
their DODAACs
will be loaded
into the logistics
modernization
program (LMP)
and they will be
authorized to get
parts.
CONUS units that
haven’t
received
the CROWS II yet
can’t
order ASL
parts until their
scheduled fielding
is
completed.
Dear Editor,
Your article on Pages 36-37 in PS 716 (Jul 12) gave a good procedure
for checking the bolt carrier key on the M16 and M4. But you said in Step
4 that if the carrier key still won’t mate easily with the gas tube after
you’ve used the carrier key tool, you should replace the carrier key.
I would suggest before repairers replace the carrier key or bolt carrier
assembly that they first check for a bent gas tube. Follow these steps:
1.±
Disassemble the bolt carrier assembly. Remove the bolt, fring pin, cam pin and fring
pin retaining pin.
2.±
Remove the hand guards and the charging handle so you can see the gas tube.
3.±
Slowly insert the carrier assembly until you Feel contact with the gas tube. While
checking the gas tube where it enters the upper receiver, continue to push the carrier
assembly into the receiver. IF the gas tube is bent, you’ll see movement where it
enters the upper receiver.
4.±
The bolt carrier assembly should close under its own weight. IF it doesn’t, remove
the bolt assembly From the bolt carrier assembly. Move the carrier assembly back
and Forth in the upper receiver and barrel assembly. IF the gas tube hits the carrier
key on the inside oF the upper receiver or iF the gas tube binds in the carrier key,
slightly bend the gas tube in the area oF the hand guard assemblies. Use your fngers
only. A screwdriver can damage the end oF the gas tube.
After adjustment of the tube, check to see if the bolt carrier can be
inserted and removed with no movement of the gas tube.
James Garner
TACOM Armament LAR
Vilseck, Germany
Editor’s note:
Excellent suggestion, Mr. Garner.
Repairers can do this procedure in minutes and it
may save having to replace the carrier key.
Check
Gas Tube
First!
M153 CROWS II…
Orders Priority,
Tool Set NSN
if you have the M153
common remotely
operated weapon
station (CROWS II),
here are a couple of
things to remember…
OCONUS/theater
units have
priority
in authorized
stockage list
(ASL) orders.
These units
should order ASL
parts through
the CROWS Nest
serving their area.
The operator’s tool kit
has
changed
from
don’t forget
‘em! they’re
important!
M16-Series Rifle,
M4/M4A1 Carbine…
Check
Gas Tube
First!
carrier key on
your M16 or m4
won’t slide on
or off the gas
tube?
if you’ve straightened
out the key with the
carrier tool, try
adjusting the gas
tube like this…
If gas tube moves when pushing carrier assembly in receiver,
it’s bent. Try adjusting end of tube with your fingers
Gas tube
Carrier
key
729 36-37.indd
1-2
7/1/13
5:43 PM
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