PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-742

PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly

ISSUE 742

SEPTEMBER 2014
PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-742 - Page 23 of 33
Dear Editor,
I’ve noticed with the new
M2A1 machine gun that
Soldiers sometimes don’t
secure the barrel correctly.
As a result, the barrel shifts
during firing and the locking
pin shears off. Then you must
replace the whole $1,200
barrel.
If Soldiers will first
completely raise the feed tray
cover, they can easily see
whether or not the locking pin
is secured in the retention
slot. That quick check will
save barrels of trouble.
CW2 Gerard Clohessy
501 Sustainment Bde
Camp Carroll, S. Korea
42
PS 742
SEP 14
43
PS 742
SEP 14
N
ot just any screw will do when it comes to the grounding screw for the AN/PSQ-23 and
-23A small tactical optical riFe mounted (STORM) laser range ±nder.
If you use the wrong screw, it can pierce the exterior of the STORM. That lets in
moisture and debris, which ultimately can ruin the STORM. The only ±x is to replace it.
If the grounding screw is missing or
damaged, order a new one with NSN
See
TM
9-5855-
1913-13&P and TM 9-5855-1920-13&P
for guidance, instructions and procedures.
If you have STORM questions, contact
TACOM’s Dennis Timmons at DSN 786-
1371, (586) 282-1371, or email:
dennis.c.timmons.civ@mail.mil
Or Anthony Smith at DSN 786-1233,
(586) 282-1233, or email:
anthony.g.smith30.civ@mail.mil
G
ood news for Soldiers who have to lug around the M3 tripod for the M2/M2A1 and
MK 19 machine guns. The Army is now ±elding the new M205 lightweight tripod.
At 34 pounds, it’s 32 percent lighter than the M3.
The M205 includes an integral traverse and elevating mechanism.
The Army began ±elding the M205 in October, 2013. ²ielding will continue for
the next 4-5 years, so it may be a while before your unit receives the M205.
Once you receive the M205,
turn in your M3s so other units
can use them until they get
the M205.
Editor’s note:
Good point, Chief.
Soldiers need to follow the barrel install-
ation procedure that begins on WP 0005-00-
2 in TM 9-1005-347-10.
Raise the feed tray cover all the way up.
Grasp the retracting slide handles to align
the barrel locking spring lug with the
3
/
8
-in
hole in the right side of the receiver while
inserting the barrel.
Insert the barrel into
the barrel support until
the locking pin engages
the camming slot.
Then rotate the barrel clockwise and
secure the locking pin in the retention slot.
Release the retracting handle and allow the bolt to go
forward. Then place the weapon on automatic Fre. Charge the
weapon to ensure that the barrel moves back and forth freely. Making sure
the barrel moves back and forth while charging veriFes the barrel is secure.
New Tripod a Lighter Load
M2A1 Machine Gun…
Raise
Cover to
Save
Barrel
Stay on Solid Ground with
Correct Grounding Screw
AN/PSQ-23,
-23A STORM…
First raise
feed tray cover
completely
Order new
grounding screw
camming slot
locking pin
Engage
locking pin
in camming
slot
O
W
W
W!
my barRel locking
Pin just
sheared OfF
because you didn’t
secure my barrel!
M2/M2A1, MK 19 Machine Guns…
New Tripod a
Lighter
Load
New M205 tripod is 32 percent lighter than old M3 tripod
O
W
W
W
!
742 42-43.indd
1-2
7/29/14
4:38 PM
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