Correct Malfunctions of an M16A2 Rifle
 

Posted Saturday, October 8, 2005

CONDITIONS
Given a loaded M16A2 rifle that has a malfunction and has stopped firing.

STANDARDS
Eliminate the stoppage so that firing is resumed.

TRAINING AND EVALUATION
Training Information Outline

WARNING!!! If your rifle malfunctions with a live round in the chamber of a hot barrel, quickly remove the round. If you can not remove the round within 10 seconds, remove the magazine and wait 15 minutes with the rifle pointed in a safe direction. Keep your face away from the ejection port while clearing a hot chamber to avoid possible injury from a cookoff.

1. Perform immediate action.
NOTE: If your rifle malfunctions, remember S-P-O-R-T-S. This key word will help you remember these actions in sequence: Slap, Pull, Observe, Release, Tap, Shoot.

a. Slap upward on the magazine to make sure it is properly seated.

b. Pull the charging handle all the way back.

c. Observe the ejection of the case or cartridge. Look into the chamber and check for obstructions.

d. Release the charging handle to feed a new round in the chamber. Do not ride the charging handle.

e. Tap the forward assist.

f. Shoot. If the rifle still does not fire, inspect it to determine the cause of the stoppage or malfunction and take appropriate remedial action.

2. Perform remedial action.

NOTE: If your rifle still fails to fire after performing steps 1a through 1f, check again for a jammed cartridge case in the chamber.

a. If a cartridge case is in the chamber, tap it out with a cleaning rod.

NOTE: If your rifle still fails to fire, you may have a mechanical failure.

b. Correct a mechanical malfunction.

c. Clear the rifle.

d. Disassemble the rifle.

e. Inspect for dirty, corroded, missing, or broken parts.

f. Clean dirty or corroded parts.

g. Replace missing or broken parts.

h. Assemble the rifle.

i. Perform a function check.

j. Load the rifle.

k. Fire the rifle.