HEADQUARTERS

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS

SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

WEAPON (M16 RIFLE)

I. OVERVIEW
All soldier of the armed forces, must familiar with the general data and
cycle of operation of the soldier basic weapon. Basically the weapon is his
protection and safeguard against the enemy not only during combat operation
but in his daily life particularly in the performance of duty. For its maximum
serviceability, soldier also take care his issued firearm. This includes trouble
shooting such as malfunction, probable cause and correction action.
II. OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the students must be able:
1. To understand the entire scope of the subject matter.
2. To know the description, characteristic, parts of the m16 rifle,
general data, eight (8) cycle of operation and disassembly/ assembly
of m16 rifle.
3. To participate actively in the discussion of the lesson.

III. LESSON PROPER

A. Definition of terms/description of m16 rifle

a. M16 rifle - The rifle is light weight, air-cooled, gas operated,
magazine-fed shoulder weapon, designed for semi-automatic fire and
utilizes a M203 magazine. The Rifle can accommodate the 40 MM
M203 and bayonet knife.
b. Barrel - is surrounded by two aluminum-lined fiberglass hand guards
that are notched to permit air to circulate around the barrel, and further
serve to protect the gas tube.
c. Hard rubber pad - is attached to the butt of the stock to partially reduce
the efforts of recoil.
d. Forward assembly - located on the right rear of the upper receiver
permits manual locking of the bolt when this is not done by the force of
the action spring.
e. Clothespin bipod - is provided as part of the equipment with the rifle. It
is attached to the barrel directly beneath from the sight between the
bayonet lug and the front sling swivel.
f. Trigger guard - is easily adopted to winter operations by simply
depressing the spring loaded retaining pin with the nose of a cartridge to
allow the trigger guard to be rotated down against the pistol grip to permit
the firer ready access to the trigger when he is wearing gloves.

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DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

g. Dust cover - is provided to prevent dirt and sand from getting into the
rifle through the ejection port. It should be kept closed at all times when
the rifle is not being fired. It is opened automatically by the forward or
rearward movement of the bolt carrier.
h. Barrel assembly - has an adjustable sight and a flash suppressor.
B. Characteristics of M16 rifle
1. Lightweight
2. Magazine Fed
3. Gas Operated
4. Air Cooled
5. Shoulder or Heap Weapon
6. Semi – Automatic or Auto
C. Parts of M16 rifle
o Two Main Group of M16 Rifle
1. Upper Receiver Group
a. Flash Suppressor
b. Front Sight
c. Bayonet Stub
d. Upper Sling Swivel
e. Upper Hand guard
f. Sling Swivel
g. Carrying Handle
h. Dust Cover
i. Bolt Carrier Assembly

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DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

j. Barrel

2. Lower Receiver Group

a. Rubber Recall Pack
b. Trigger Guard
c. Trigger
d. Pivot/Take Down Pin
e. Pistol Grip
f. Lower Sling Swivel
g. Selector Lever
h. Dust Cover
i. Magazine Release/Catch Button
j. Butt of the Stock
k. Bolt Catch

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DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

l. Hammer

D. General data
1. Weight and lengths.
a. Rifle without magazine and sling------------------------- 6.5 lbs
b. Firing weight (fully loaded with sling)
1. 20 rounds mag---------------------7.5 lbs
2. 30 rounds mag---------------------7.9 lbs
c. Full magazine (20 rounds)----------------------------------0.70 lbs
1. (30 rounds)-------------------------1.01 lbs
d. Empty Mag 20 rounds---------------------------------------0.20 lbs
e. Empty Mag 30 rounds---------------------------------------0.25 lbs
f. Bipod M3-------------------------------------------------------0.60 lbs
g. Bayonet knife M7--------------------------------------------0.60 lbs
h. Rifle with Bayonet knife M7-------------------------------44.25inche

i. Rifle overall with Flash Suppressor-----------------------39 inches

j. Barrel with Flash Suppressor------------------------------ 21 inches
k. Barrel without Flash Suppressor---------------------------20 inches

2. Operational characteristics
a. Maximum rate of fire
1. Semi-Automatic---------------- 45 to 65 rounds per min
2. Automatic------------------------ 150 to 200 rounds per min
3. Sustained Rate of Fire---------- 12 to 15 rounds per min

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DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

b.
Maximum Range--------------------------2,653 meters
c.
Maximum Effective Range------------- 460 meters
d.
Cyclic Rate of Fire------------------------ 700 to 800 rounds per min
e.
Muzzle Velocity---------------------------3,250 fps (approximately)
f.
Magazine Capacity
1. Long---------------------------- 30 rounds
2. Short--------------------------- 20 rounds
E. Ammunitions used
TYPES
1) BALL, M193 - standard cartridge for field use with the M16 rifle and
has no identifying marks. This cartridge has a projectile weight of
55 grains and is 1.9 cm long, with a solid lead core.
2) BALL, M855 - fielding metal, jacketed, lead alloy core bullet with a
steel penetrator. Has a 62 grains. A NATO standard round. A green
tip identifies it.
3) TRACER, M196 -used for observation of fire, incendiary effect, and
signaling. A red- or orange painted tip identifies it.
4) DUMMY, M199 - used during dry firing and other training. The
cartridge can be identified by the six grooves along the side of the
case.
5) BLANK, M200 - it has no projectile. The case mouth is closed
with a seven-petal rosette crimp practice and shows a violet tip.
6) PLASTIC PRACTICE AMMUNITION, M862 - designed exclusively
for training, it can be used in lieu of service ammunition on indoor
ranges, and by units that have a limited range that does not allow
the firing of service ammunition.
F. Eight (8) cycles of operation/functioning
1) Feeding – the forward movement of the bolt, stripping the top round from
the magazine and moving it toward the chamber.
2) Chambering – Refers to fully seating the round in the chamber. As the
bolt carrier group continues to move forward, the face of the
thrusts the new round into the chamber at the same time
the extractor claw grips the rim of the cartridge, and the ejector is
compressed.
3) Locking – The step in the cycle of operation that is a counterclockwise
rotation of the bolt, securing it into the barrel locking lugs.

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DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

4) Firing – Refers to pulling the trigger, releasing the hammer to strike the
firing pin, which strikes the primer. The primer ignites and, in turn ignites
the powder charge within the cartridge care.
5) Unlocking – Refers to the clockwise rotation of the bolt after firing,
freeing the bolt from the barrel locking lugs.
6) Extracting – The steps in the cycle of operation that pulls the round from
the chamber.
7) Ejecting – The step in the cycle of operation that removes the expended
cartridge from the weapon out of the ejection port.
8) Cocking – Refers to the rearward movement of the bolt riding over the
hammer, resetting the weapon for subsequent firing.
G. Disassembly of m16 rifle
1) Remove the sling and place the rifle on a table or flat surface with its
muzzle to the left.
2) Push the magazine catch button on the right side of the receiver and
remove the magazine.
3) Pull the charging handle to the rear and look inside the chamber to make
sure the weapon is clear. Then release the charging handle and put the
selector lever on sage position.
4) Keeping the muzzle to the right, use cartridge or nail to press the
takedown pin and pivot pin until the upper receiver free of the lower
receiver.
5) Pick-up the upper receiver, grasp the charging handle, pressing in and
pull to the rear to withdraw the bolt carrier from the receiver. Grasp the
bolt carrier and pull it from the receiver.
6) To disassemble the bolt carrier group, press out the firing pin retaining
pin by using nail or the nose of a cartridge. Elevate the bolt carrier and
allow the firing pin to drop from the bolt. Pull the bolt and remove the
camp pin then the bolt is easily remove from the bolt carrier.
H. Assembly of m16 rifle
1) Assemble the bolt carrier group. (CAUTION: Do not spread ends of the
firing pin retains). Check for proper assembly by elevating the front of the
bolt. The firing pin must not drop out.

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DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

Bolt Carrier Assembly

1. Bolt Carrier
2. Bolt
3. Firing Pin
4. Firing Pin Retaining Pin
5. Bolt Cam Pin
6. Extractor
2) Place the charging handle in the upper receiver. Place the bolt carrier
group into the open end of the receiver. Push forward in the upper
receiver until the sub-assembly is fully seated.
3) Place the two receivers together and reset the pivot pin.
4) Place the buffer assembly in the lower receiver.
5) Cock the hammer and ensure that the selector lever is at ‘SAFE’ position.
Withdraw the takedown pin and close the weapon. Fully set the takedown
pin.
Note: After the assembly of the weapon, replace the hand guards. Removal of the
hand guards should be done only when absolutely necessary for the proper care and
maintenance of the weapon.
I. Check the assembly of the weapon
a. Check the proper operation of the selector lever at “SAFE”, “SEMI” and
“AUTO” position.
1) “SAFE” POSITION – pull trigger, Hammer should not fall
2) “SEMI” POSITION – pull the trigger to rear. Re-cock the rifle
(Hammer) and release the trigger. The hammer should transfer
from the hammer hooks and disconnect to the rear engagement.
b. The upper and lower receiver groups must be in the open position,
hammer cock and the weapon cleared.
J. Maintenance
Normal care and cleaning result in the proper functioning of all parts of the
weapon. Improper maintenance causes stoppages and malfunctioning.
a. Cleaning and lubricating the barrel
1) Attach a wire brush to the cleaning rod, dip it in a cleaning solvent
compound or bore cleaner and brush the bore thoroughly. Brush
from the bore to the chamber using a straight through stroke.

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SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

Note: Never reverse the direction of the brush while it is still in the bore.
2) Continue the process until the bore is coated with the cleaning
compound. Replace the brush with a cleaning patch and continue
the cleaning process until the patch comes out clean and dry.
3) Clean the locking lugs in the barrel extension using a small bristle
brush.
4) After cleaning, lubricate the bore and locking lugs in the barrel
extension by applying a light coat of oil to prevent pitting and
corrosion. Rub a light of oil on the surface of the barrel enclosed
by the hand guards.
b. Cleaning and lubricating the bolt carrier group
1) Remove the bolt carrier group from the upper receiver group and
disassemble. Clean all parts with a patch dipped in a solvent-
cleaning compound.
2) Clean the locking lugs of the bolt using a small brush and cleaning
solvent. Dry with a patch and oil lightly.
3) Put one drop of oil in each hole on the right side of the bolt carrier
and the open of the bolt carrier key.
c. Cleaning and lubricating the lower receiver group
1) Normal cleaning will not require the detailed disassembly of the
lower receiver group.
2) Using a clean dry patch or bristle brush, remove dirt or sand from
the receiver. Place a drop of oil on each pin for lubrication.
3) After extensive use or field exercise, the lower receiver must be
disassemble and cleaned thoroughly. Apply a light coat of oil on
all parts.
d. Maintenance before, during and after firing
1) Before operation/firing - The barrel must be wiped dry and free
oil. Clean the bore with a dry patch to ensure that it is dry and free
of dirt. Check the forward assist assembly and the dust cover.
2) During firing - Follow the recommended rates of fire. Observe
for any sluggish operation of any moving parts. Discontinue the
use of any rifle that shows signs of wear or tear.

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DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

3) After operation/firing - Follow the normal maintenance

operation outlined in the foregoing paragraphs.
K. Malfunction
1. Malfunction is a failure of a weapon to function normally and one
common form of malfunction is stoppage. Stoppage is a failure of
automatic or semi-automatic firearms to complete the cycle of operation.
2. Immediate action for stoppage - When the rifle fails to operate you
must attempt to clear it as soon as possible and do this by applying
immediate action. Immediate is recognized by using the acronym
“SPORTS”.
S - slap bottom of magazine to make sure it is properly seated.
P - pull charging handle all the way to the rear.
O - observe ejection of case or cartridge. Eyeballs chamber and
check for obstruction.
R - release the charging handle to feed new round. (Don’t ride the
charging handle).
T - tap the forward assist.
S - shoots, if it won’t fire, look for trouble and apply remedial
action.
3. Remedial action - is a continuing effort to determine the cause of
stoppages or malfunctions and to try to clear the stoppage once it had
been identified.

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DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

IV.EVALUATION.

Test I. True or False. Write the word “True” if the statement is correct and “False
if the statement is wrong.

______1. The first step in handling any weapon is to clear it.

______2. The M16 rifle is designed for either semi-automatic or automatic fire
though the use of selector lever.
______3. The muzzle velocity of the M16 rifle is approximately 3,250 ft./sec.
______4. The overall length of the M16 with flush suppressor is 44.3 inches.
______5. A Stoppage is any unintentional interruption in the cycle of operation.
______6. Maximum range is the greatest distance at which a weapon may be
expected to fire accurately to inflict casualties or damage.

______7. The front site of the M16 rifle is adjustable.

______8. The barrel is surrounded by three aluminum-lined fiberglass handguard.
______9. There is no compartment in the M16 rifle to store cleaning equipment.
_____ 10. The trigger guard is easily adaptable to winter operations.
Test II. Matching Type. Match Column B to Column A.

EIGHT (8) CYCLES OF OPERATION/FUNCTIONING

Column A Column B
Refers to the rearward movement of the bolt riding
____1. Feeding a. over the hammer, resetting the weapon for
subsequent firing.
The step in the cycle of operation that removes the
____2. Chambering b. expended cartridge from the weapon out of the
ejection port.
The steps in the cycle of operation that pulls the
____3. Locking c.
round from the chamber.
Refers to the clockwise rotation of the bolt after
____4. Firing d.
firing, freeing the bolt from the barrel locking lugs.

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DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

Refers to the clockwise rotation of the bolt after

____5 Unlocking e.
firing, freeing the bolt from the barrel locking lugs.
Refers to pulling the trigger, releasing the hammer
to strike the firing pin, which strikes the primer. The
_____6. Extracting f.
primer ignites and, in turn ignites the powder
charge within the cartridge care.
The step in the cycle of operation that is a counter
_____7. Ejecting g. clockwise rotation of the bolt, securing it into the
barrel locking lugs.
Refers to fully seating the round in the chamber. As
the bolt carrier group continues to move forward,
the face of the thrusts the new round into the
_____8. Cocking h.
chamber at the same time the extractor
claw grips the rim of the cartridge, and the
ejector is compressed.

V.REFERENCES:
ROTC Manual issued by ARESCOM

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