Machine Gun 7.62 MM, M60 FM 23 67

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FM 23-67

VIACHINEGUN
7.62-MM,M60

==
nal

FEBRUARY 19384

This publication contains technical or operational information that is for official
government use only. Distribution is limited to US Government agencies. Requests from
outside the US Government for release of this publication under the Freedom of information
Act or the Foreign Military Sales Program must be made to: HQ TRADOC, Fort Monroe. VA
23651.

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Field Manual

No. 23-67

CHAPTER 1

HEADQUARTERS

FM 23-67 *

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Washington, DC, 29 February 1984

MACHINEGUN 7.62-MM, M60

INFRODUCTION PAGE
Employment ........................000 0c eae 1-1
Description .............. 0000. cc eee eee eens 1-1

DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
PIOGCCOWNES sce teceve oh c080e eee he wknd hceewes 2-7
DMDES 4.52.4 ostaewites YES ie eee a eae as 2-1
General Disassembly .......... ae eae seta dee 2-1
General Assembly ...........0............0... 2-8
Detailed Disassembly
and Assembly ................-0....0...-00- 2-12

MOUNTS
Bipod Assembly .....................-.------ 3-1
Tripod Mount ........0......0..2.-........00. 32
Vehicular Mounts ......................-006- 3-6

OPERATION AND CYCLE OF FUNCTIONING
WPeatiOn «253664 456ea0es bade eee nhs eeseaus 4-4
Cycle of Functioning.......................2- 4-2

MALFUNCTIONS, STOPPAGES., IMMEDIATE
ACTION, REMEDIAL ACTION, MAINTENANCE,
AND DESTRUCTION

Maifunctions...............0000 000.0000 ccc ea. 5-1
SLODPAQES 2 code dene bee eee eS oe we aad Gees 5-2
immediate Action ........................... 5-6
Remedial Action........0...0..0....0-22.20-205- 0-6
Maintenance ...... 0.2... ee eee 5-7
CREW DRILL
Preparation for Drill......................... 6-7
Bipod Assembly .... 12... 20... ee. 6-3
Tripod Mount...........0.0. 00.0 ccc cece eee 6-8
Prone Position ............................ 6-71

“THIS MANUAL SUPERSEDES FM 23-67, 26 October 1964.

—FM 23-67

APPENDIX A

OnmMoow

TECHNIQUES OF FIRE
DURING GOOD VISIBILITY
Fundamentals and

Firing Techniques ....................-.
Fire Control Requirements.......... otis
Principles of Application of Fire........

TECHNIQUES OF FIRE
DURING LIMITED VISIBILITY

Limitations and Terms .................-

Engagement of

Visible Targets ...........-------- eee
Predetermined Fires ............. 0000065
RANGe Cards 2220 cnn coece bower eeeetaantes

MARKSMANSHIP TRAINING
Phases and Organization

Ot Tram). cc000 cca dae e Seed segex eas
Objectives ............----+--- sist deetestes
Fire Commands .........----.-----e0eee

Target Analysis

and SCOlMAGs: <2... Aare cenn Sins ee ee daees
Bipod Training.............-.------.---
Transition Fraining .....-.--..055++-.-4.

FIELD TARGET FIRING COURSES

Ranges and Organization ..............

Training Requirements, Day

Defensive Firing Range.................-

Training Requirements, Predetermined

Firing Range ...... ee ee ee re ee

Training Requirements,

Assault Firing Range ................-.-

REFERENCES iiccnxeeedenuretiee eee5acs

AMMUNITION

BLANK FIRING ATTACHMENT

MOUNTING AND ZEROING THE

NIGHT VISION DEVICES................-

Fo fr. 4 27 &« © F&F EF F F ®*

a ee ee |

SARE YT woe 5 os Etat bet pera aes
TRAINING PROGRAM ...................
M60 IN AIR DEFENSE...................

aes #-15

FM 23-67 _
eee

Users of this manual may submit recommended changes or comments,
referring to the page and linets) of the text. Reasons should be provided to
Insure understanding and complete evaluation. Comments should be
iorwarded on DA Form 2028 ¢ Recommended Changes to Publications)
addressed to the Commandant, US Army Infantry School, ATTN: ATSH-
W-DAB, Fort Benning, GA 31905.

The words “he.” “him,” “his.” “man,” and
“men, when used in this publication. represent

both the masculine and feminine genders, unless
otherwise specifically stated.

Se Se oe

rr pen emee Fil 2-O FT

CHAPTER 1
Introduction

EMPLOYMENT

The 7.62-mm M60 machinegun supports
the rifleman in both offense and defense. It
provides the heavy volume of close and
continuous fire he needs to accomplish his
mission. [t can engage targets beyond the
capability of individual weapons, with
controlled and accurate fire. The long-range,
close defensive, and final protective fires
delivered by the M60 form an integral part of
a unit’s defensive fires.

DESCRIPTION

The M6G is a general purpose
machinegun. [tis used on a bipod, a tripod, or

a vehicular mount. Chapter 3 covers the
mounts in detail. The M60 is air-cooled, belt-
fed, gas-operated, and automatic. It fires
from the open-bolt position. Ammunition is
fed by a metallic split-link blet. As the gun is
fired, the belt links become unlinked and are
ejected from the gun. A spare barrel with a
bipod assembly is issued with each M60, and
barrels can be quickly changed because the
sun has fixed head space.

es ae

se aE,

ve
ee

i Re
OE 2

Bt mig

— FM 23-67

M60 MACHINEGUN, BIPOD- AND TRIPOD-MOUNTED.

CARRYING
HANDLE

FLASH

SUPPRESSOR BARREL

“Teo )
| US

| Pe iL

——:

GAS SYSTEM

SHOULDER GUN
STOCK

TRIPGD

zy
SF

SIGHTS

The front sight is attached to the barrel.
‘The rear sight is mounted on a spring-type
dovetail base, and it can be folded down when
the gun is moved. The range plate scale on
the rear sightis marked for each 100 meters,
from 300 to 1,100 meters. Ib can be adjusted
for zeroing. Range chanzes are made by
using either the slide release or the elevation
knob, The slide release is used to make major
adjustments in elevation. The elevation knob
is used to make minor adjustments, such as
during zeroing. Four clicks on the elevation
knob are equal toa 1-mil change in elevation.
From the rear of the gun, turning the
elevation knob clockwise raises the rear sight
and the sieak.i of the roune. Taming it
counterclockwise towers the 2:.nt and the

1-2

FEEDWAY

COVER LATCH COVER

HINGED
SHOULDER
RES

REAR SIGHT FRONT SiGHT

BARREL-LOCKING LEVER j

Too

4 fel 2 eed ee
: pare CEP es0o coco 0 Ny | SP

BIPOD FOLDED

TRAVERSING AND ELEVATING
MECHANISM

REAR SIGHT ASSEMBLY.
REAR-SIGHT

174) Supe
RANGE PLATE - ——_ ie
al | |/

APERTURE ——— SLIDE
{| +— RELEASE
RANGE-PLATE ____"p———=7y
SCREW fina? -—— ELEVATION

WINDAGE of 7 [ a
stn itd

ZERO INDEX L

strike of the round. The rear sight 1s
adiustable fer windage, 5 mils right or left of

I 23-67

the zero index. The windage knob is on the
left side of the rear sight. One click on the
windage knob equals a |-mil change in
deflection. Turning the windage knob toward
the muzzle of the gun will move the sightand
the strike of the round to the right. Turning it
toward the rear will move the sight and the
strike of the round to the left.

SAFETY LEVER

The safety lever is on the left side of the
tigger-mechanism group. It has an §
(SAFE) and an F (FIRE) position. On the
SAFE position, the bolt cannot be pulled to
the rear or released to ge forward. The

cocking handle is on the right side of the gun.
[tis used to pull bolt to the rear. EACH TIME
THE BOLT IS PULLED TO THE REAR,
THE COCKING HANDLE MUST BE
RETURNED MANUALLY TO ITS
FORWARD POSITION TO PREVENT
DAMAGE TO THE COCKING HANDLE
AND INJURY TO THE GUNNER.

FLASH SUPPRESSOR

A flash suppressor is fastened to the
muzzle of the gun. During firing, the
suppressor spreads out the smoke and flash
from the muzzle, thus making it harder for
the enemy to locate the pun and firing
position.

SAFETY LEVER.

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GENERAL DATA

FUREAUEI TIO 2 ee 7-62-MM BALL. TRACER. ARMCR-PIERCING,
BLANK, AND OUMMY AMMUMNITIGN IS PACKAGED
IN TOC-ROUND BANDOLEERS EACH WEIGHING
APPROXIMATELY 2.95 KG {6.5 i1.B}.

TRACER BURNOUT ...........00.0002.0.020000.. 20.0204. 900 METERS OR MORE.
LENGTH OF MACHINEGUN ..........-..........0... 170.5 CM (43.5 IN}.
WEIGHT OF MACHINEGUN.....-.................... 10.4 KG {23 LB) APPROX).

WEIGHT OF TRIPOD MOUNT M122 WITH TRAVERS-
ING AND ELEVATING MECHANISM AND OLD PINTLE
PSSEMBLY otceeccte arene chao cues eeeuadashenie? 8.5 KG (19.5 LB) (APPROX).

1-3

— FM 23-67

GENERAL DATA
(CONTINUED)

WITH NEW PINTLE ASSEMBLY.............+22e05
MAXIMUM RANGE.............2.0 000 cee eee

RANGE AT WHICH A 5 PROBABILITY OF HIT IS
ACHIEVABLE WHEN FIRING A 6-TO 3-ROUND
BURST:
MOVING POINT TARGET, BIPOD .........+...-
POINT TARGET, BIPOD OR TRIPOD ........----
AREA TARGET, BIPOD
AREA TARGET, TRIPGD......---.--..-502- 22>

HEIGHT OF MACHINEGUN ON TRIPOD MOUNT..... -

RATES OF FIRE:
SUS PE be aia teye coat ha we Geena ae ese eee

7.6 KG (17.5 LB) (APPROX).
3,725 METERS.

2600 METERS.
600 METERS.
300 METERS.
1.100 METERS.

42 CM (16.5 iN} {APPROX}.

100 ROUNDS PER MINUTE.
(RECOMMEND BARREL CHANGE EVERY 106
MINUTES.}

200 ROUNDS PER MINUTE. (RECOMMEND BARREL
CHANGE EVERY 2 MINUTES.!

550 ROUNDS PEA MINUTE (APPROX).
(RECOMMEND BARREL CHANGE EVERY MINUTE.)

600 TO 300 ROUNDS. (BASIC LOAD IS DESIGNATED
BY COMMANDER.)

NOTE: Gunner carries three 100-round bandoleers (one attached to weapon). Assistant
gunner (if assigned or designated) carries three 100-round bandoleers. Ammunition bearer

(when present) carries three 100-round bandoleers.

MAXIMUM EXTENT OF GRAZING FIRE OBTAINABLE

OVER LEVEL OR UNIFORMLY SLOPING TERRAIN.. 600 METERS.
MAXIMUM ELEVATION. TRIPGD CONTROLLED..... + 200 MILS.
MAAIMUM ELEVATION, TRIPOD FREE.........--.- +445 MILS.
MAXiMUM DEPRESSION, TRIPOD CONTROLLED.... - 200 MILS.
MAXIMUM DEPRESSION, TRIPOD FREE.....-.-..-. -445 MILS.
MAXIMUM TRAVERSE, CONTROLLED BY

TRAVERSING HANDVWHEEL ..........-.-2e205 100 MILS.
MAXIMUM TRAVERSE, CONTAGLLED BY

TRAVERSING BAR... 1. ce eee eee eee £75 MILS.

1-4

pre] 2 3-GH 7 _—

CHAPTER 2

Disassembly and Assembly

PROCEDURES

The M60 machinegun can be
disassembled and assembled without special
tools or equipment. With the exception of the
barrel group and the cocking handle, general
disassembly requires only a cartridge or
other pointed object. Detailed disassembly
requires a combination tool,

In disassembly, as each part is removed,
it should be placed on a clean, flat surface
such as a table, shelter half, or disassembly
mat. This makes it easy to keep track of parts,
and il aids in their assembly since the parts
are assembled in reverse order from
disassembly,

Disassembly and assembly of the gas
system and adjustment of the rear sight
elevation scale must be kept to a minimum to
avoid excessive wear.

Disassembly of the M60 beyond that
described in this manual must be done by
ordnance personnel.

TYPES

There are two types of disassembly and
assembly, general and detailed.

General disassembly and assembly
pertain to removing and replacing the eight
major groups.

Detailed disassembly and assembly
pertain to removing and replacing the parts
of those major groups.

GENERAL DISASSEMBLY
The eight major groups of the M60 are:

® Barrel Group

Trigger-Mechanism Group
Stock Group

Forearm Assembly Group

Cover, Feed Tray, and
Hanger Group

® Buffer and Operating-Rod
Group

® Bolt Group

Receiver Group

—FM 23-67

BARREL GROUP

_ ra THT Tee Ort Dk

FOREARM ASSEMBLY GROUP

BUFFER AND OPERATING
ROD GROUP

A BUFFER YOKE
EB BUFFER ASSEMBLY
C ORIVING-SPRING GUIDE

D DRIVING SPRING
(c) E OPERATING ROD

ca
BOLT ASSEMBLY

EIGHT MAJOR ASSEMBLIES OR ¢

TRIGGER-MECHANISM
GROUP

A LEAF SPRING

B RETAINING PIN
© TRIGGER MECHANISM
GRIP ASSEMBLY

COVER, FEED TRAY, AND
HANGER GROUP

A HINGE-PIN LATCH
B HINGE PIN

C SPRING

D COVER ASSEMBLY
E TRAY ASSEMBLY

2-2

OR ASSEMBLIES OR GROUPS

RIGGEAR-MECHANISM
FROUP

A LEAF SPRING

B RETAINING PIN

OVER, FEED TRAY, AND
ANGER GROUP

. HINGE-PIN LATCH

+ HINGE PIN
SPRING

J) COVER ASSEMBLY
TRAY ASSEMBLY

RECEIVER GROUP

2-2

FM 23-6/_

CLEARING

Clearing is always the first slep upon
receiving an M60 or preparing it for
disassembly. To clear the M60:

rear, and pull the trigger while
manually easing the bolt forward.

(7) Place the safety on SAFE and raise
(i) Put the safety on FIRE. the cover. (If not disassembling the
Sun, sited the cover down.)

«CAUTION |
THE- “BOLT” MUST: BE - EASED FORWARD - TO -
(3) Put the safety on SAFE and return 7

the cocking handle to its forward BLY AND-O ERATING-ROD ASSEMBLY. DO NOT :
position. LOSE FHE COVER WITTE THE-BOLTFORWARD, TQ |

DO"SO, WOULD ern PARTS: ‘OF ‘BOTH THE :

{2} Cock the gun.

COVER AND THE BOLT... ee
(45 Raise the cover, inspect the tray, ;
and remove links or ammunition. REMOVING THE STOCK
To remove the stock, raise the shoulder
(5) Raise the tray and inspect the rest, insert the nose of the cartridge inte the
chamber to insure that no rounds latch hole, and depress the latch.

Ere Pr esene: With the latch depressed, remove the
stock by pulling it directly to the rear. It is
important that the stock group be removed in
this way to prevent damage to the buffer lock.

(6) Close the cover, place the safety on
FIRE, pull the cocking handle tothe

REMOVING THE STOCK

a =

a
.

ae |

LATCH

2-3

—FM 23-67

REMOVING THE BUFFER AND
OPERATING-ROD ASSEMBLIES,
AND THE BOLT

The buffer assembly consists of the
buffer and the buffer yoke. The uperating-rod
assembly consists of the driving-spring
guide, driving spring, and operating rod. The
balt is removed with the operating-rod
assembly.

To remove the buffer assembly, hold the
palm of the hand against the exposed buffer
and press forward LIGHTLY. Remove the

buffer yoke by pulling it straight up and.

away from the receiver assembly.

Withdraw the buffer slowly. Allow the
driving spring to expand until the end of the
driving-spring cuide is exposed at the rear of
the receiver group.

Separate the buffer from the driving-
spring guide.

eee

Pull the driving spring and driving-
spring guide from the receiver Froup and
separate the two parts.

With the left hand, grasp the trigger-
mechanism group to stabilize the gun. With
the right hand, pull the cocking handle
slowly to the rear until the bolt is separated
from the barrel socket about 2 inches. Return
the cocking handle to the forward Position.
Place a finger on the face of the balt and push
until the finger makes contact. with the
bridge at the end of the receiver.

The operating rod and bolt are now
exposed approximately 10 cm (4 in} to the
rear of the receiver. Held them securely, to
keep the belt from rotating, and remove them
from the receiver: then relax the grip and let
the bolt rotate slowly to the right.

REMOVING THE BUFFER AND OPERATING-ROD
ASSEMBLIES, AND THE BOLT

RECESS

REMOVING THE BUFFER-YOKE

2-4

DRIVING-SPRING GUIDE
BUFFER PLUNGER

SEPARATING THE BUFFER

FROM THE DRIVING - SPRING GUIDE

FM 23-67

REMOVING THE SUFFER AND OPERATING-ROD
ASSEMBLIES, AND THE BOLT
(CONTINUED)

BRIDGE OF RECEIVER

—

©)

WITHDRAWING THE BOLT AND
MOVING THE BOLT TO THE OPERATING-ROD FROM THE RECEIVER
REAR OF THE RECEIVER GROUP GROUP

SEPARATING THE BOLT
ASSEMBLY FROM THE
OPERATING ROD ASSEMBLY

Hold the bolt with one hand, operating

and up on the operating rod, and disengage it
red on top. With the other hand push forward

from the bolt.

SEPARATING THE BOLT ASSEMBLY FROM
THE OPERATING-ROD ASSEMBLY

2-5
464-464 O- 85 - 3: OL 3

—FM 23-67

REMOVING THE
TRIGGER-MECHANISM GROUP

The trigger-mechanism group consists of Remove the retaining pin by pushing it
the gnp, leaf spring, and retaining pin (this to the left.
retaining pin is interchangeable with the :
sear pin).

‘To remove the trigger-mechanism gfroup,
depress the rear of the leaf spring and rotate

the rear end up to clear it from the sear pin. Shde the trigger-mechanism group
Pull to the rear to disengage the front notch of slightly forward, rotating the front down,
the leaf spring from the retaining pin. and remove it.

REMOVING THE TRIGGER-MECHANISM GROUP

“i a — Pe Pha, Fi fi

Wag
CZ

RETAINING PIN

SEAR PiN
Lo

a ——
i - —

HOLDING

REMOVING THE LEAF SPRING REMOVING THE TRIGGER-MECHANISM
GROUP

REMOVING
THE BARREL GROUP

Fhe barrel group consists of the barrel,
flash suppressor, front sight, bipod
assembly, and gas system. Push in on the
barrel-locking-lever plunger and raise the
barrel-locking lever ta the vertical position.
Remove the barrel group by pulling it
straight to the front.

2-6

FM 23-67

REMOVING THE BARREL GROUP

BARREL-LOCKING-LEVER PLUNGER

UNLOCKING THE BARREL REMOVING THE BARREL GROUP

REMOVING THE COVER, FEED
TRAY, AND HANGER GROUP
With the cover raised, use a pointed Remove the hinge pin by pulling it from
object to unlock the hinge pin latch and push the right side. Lift the cover from the receiver
it through the hinge pin by pushing on the assembly. Remove the spring from the cover.
half-moon-shaped end. Remove it from the Raise the feed tray and hanger group and
left side. remove them from the receiver assembly.

REMOVING THE COVER, FEED TRAY. AND HANGER GROUP
lace |

—7_— =

= ‘i
f COVER
“

;

FEED TRAY A
HINGE PIN ira val
ASSEMBLY Io

HINGE-PIN
LATCH

==.

Lane

(A) semoviie THE HINGE PIN AND REMOVING THE FEED TRAY AND
THE HINGE-PIN LATCH HANGER GROUP

—FM 23-67

REMOVING
THE FOREARM ASSEMBLY

Press down with a pointed object to
release the forearm latch. Shghtly raise the

rear of the forearm assembly and remove it
toward the front.

REMOVING THE FOREARM ASSEMBLY

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-

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i

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY

REPLACING
THE FOREARM ASSEMBLY

To replace the forearm assembly, slide it
over the operating-rod tube, insuring that the
operating-rod tube does not strike the baffles
inside the forearm assembly. Aline the recess
in the forearm assembly with the end of the
operating-rod tube.

Tap upward on the bottom rear of the
forearm assembly with the palm of the hand
to lock it into position,

2-3

REPLACING THE COVER.
FEED TRAY, AND HANGER GROUP

To replace the feed tray and hanger
group, aline the guides on the left side of the
cover-mounting brackets.

To replace the cover, insert the spring
into the cover and then insert the cover
spring in the well of the receiver assembly.
Aline the cover with the mounting bracket.

Insert the hinge pin from the right side,
and then insert the hinge-pin latch fram the
left. side, making sure that the hinge pin and
hinge-pin latch interlock.

REPLACING THE FEED TRAY AND HANGER GROUP.

COVER

ll | |
uD hs ig
zi

FEEDTRAY AND
HANGER
ASSEMBLY

—

" gaan.

@m!

™

—_—=-

REPLACING THE FEED TRAY
AND HANGER GROUP

REPLACING
THE BARREL GROUP

Insure that the barrel-locking lever is in
the vertical position.

Insert the rear of the barrel into the
forearm assembly and aline the gas system

LATCH

REPLACING THE HINGE PIN
AND HINGE-PIN LATCH

on the bottom of the barrel with the
operating-rod tube.

Lower the barrel-locking lever. Insure
that the gas system and operating-rod tube
are fully seated.

REPLACING THE BARREL GROUP

2-9

FM 23-67.

—FM 23-67

REPLACING THE
TRIGGER-MECHANISM GROUP

Engage the holding notch of the trigger-
mechanism group in its recess on the bottom
of the receiver group. Rotate the front of the
trigger mechanism up and aline the holes of
the grip with the mounting bracket on the
recelver group.

eee

When replacing the retaining pin, insert
it from the left. Attach the leaf spring
by placing the open end of the leaf sprm¢
on the forward retaining pin, and then
engage the hooked end over the sear pm
(rear pin).

REPLACING THE TRIGGER-MECHANISM GROUP

™,
"
x

HOLDING
NOTCH

REPLACING THE TRIGGER-MECHANISM
GROUP

JOINING THE BOLT TO THE
OPERATING ROD

Hold the belt securely in one hand with
the face of the bolt toward the body and the
camming slot up. With the other hand, put
the rear of the operating-rod yoke against the
rear firing-pin spool,

Push the operating rod forward and
down, compressing the firing-pin spring, and
put the operating red yoke between the two
firing-pin spools.

2-10

on he 2 |
1. ol bie

= —, et Re “Pet | 7a
a

SEAR PIN

——
—

ATTACHING THE LEAF SPRING

JOINING THE BOLT TO THE
OPERATING ROD
a

BOLT §*
iv

@ OPERATING-ROD YOKE
Sa
;

CAMMING SLOT A pcan FIRING-PIN SPOOL
A thee s Z

eM 33-6 7

REPLACING THE BOLT AND
QPERATING-ROD GROUP

Insert the end of the operating rod into
the receiver until the face of the holt is
approximately 5 cm (2 in) from the rear of the
receiver. Hold the rod with one hand, and
push forward on the rear of the bolt with the
other hand, causing it to rotate until the
locking lugs are in a vertical position.

With the cam roller up, push the
operating rod and belt inte the receiver until

the end of the operating rod is even with the
rear of the receiver.

Insert the driving-spring guide into the
driving spring, then insert the free end of the
driving spring into the opening of the
operating rod. Pull the trigger and push
forward on the cam roller, following the
forward action of the operating rod with the
driving spring.

REPLACING THE BOLT AND OPERATING-ROD GROUP

OPERATING ROD

INSERTING THE BOLT AND OPERATING

ROD INTO THE RECEIVER GROUP

REPLACING THE BUFFER
ASSEMBLY

Insert the buffer phinger into the driving-
spring guide. Push forward on the buffer

REPLACING THE BUFFER YOKE

BUFFER YOKE

BUFFER

until the recess on the buffer is alined with
the recess in the receiver group. Replace the

CAM ROLLER

DRIVING-SPRING GUIDE

‘a De

y oak Pah
wan OPERATING-ROU OPENING

INSERTING THE DRIVING SPRING

buffer yoke in the top of the receiver group.
Insure that the buffer is locked in place.

REPLACING THE STOCK

Aline the guide rails of the stack with the
guide rails on the receiver group. Push

REPLACING THE STOCK

—FM 23-67

forward until the stock 1s fully seated. The
luteh will make a cdistinet click when it
cngares.

- CAUTION.

EASE. THE BOLT FORWARD .TO AVOID DAMAGE

TO THE TRAY. AND PARTS OF THE BOLT.

CONDUCTING
A FUNCTION CHECK

A function check must be made to Insure
that the M60 1s correctly assembled. Place the

safety on FIRE. Pull the cocking handle ta
the rear, cocking the M60: CLOSE THE
COVER; PLACE THE SAFETY ON SAFE
AND PULL THE TRIGGER (should NOT
fire); place the safety on FIRE and pull the
tigger WHILE HOLDING the cocking
handle to allow the belt to HASE forward.
Move safety to SAFE.

If the bolt does not go forward, the M60
must be disassembled and then reassembled.
It the M60 fires with the safety on SAFE, the
squad leader must be notified and the run
must be turned in to maintenance to get the
safety repaired.

DETAILED DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY

Detailed disasembly at wumit level is
limited to the barrel group, trigger-
mechanism group, receiver assembly, and
bolt assembiy.

DISASSEMBLY OF THE
BARREL GROUP

To disassemble the barrel group, place
the bipod legs in the dawn position.

Use the combination tocol to unscrew and
remove the gas-cylinder nut. Allow the gas
piston to slide out the rear of the cylinder. In
training, the gas-port plug and leck wire are

disassembled by the operator only under
supervision. Unserew and remove the gas-
cylinder extension. This completes the
disassembly of the barrel group.

NOTE: The gas cylinder components are
disassembled only when the piston does
not move freely as the barrel is tilted end-
for-end. Disassembly of the gas system
must be supervised by the unit armorer or
organizational maintenance personnel be-
cause only they are authorized to wire the
assembied parts.

BARREL GROUP

GAS CYLINDER

GAS PORT PLUG

=s\\P 7 a’) i a
My ae a ee ))

GAS CYLINDER NUT

GAS PISTON

LOCK WIRE
GAS CYUNDER EXTENSION

eS ee

COMBINATION TOOL

FM 23-67

DISASSEMBLING THE BARREL GROUP

GAS CYLINDER I Sm
: \ oe t GAS CYLINDER PLUG
ple CO
AY — REMOVE

KEY WASHER
CORROSION STEEL WIRE

(a) (SAFETY WIRE}

REMOVING THE NUT AND WASHER REMOVING THE WIRE PLUG

BOTTOM THE REAMER
TO INSURE THAT ALL
=~ CARBON HAS BEEN
, REMOVED =~ &4

on —

—_

Ue
1 - NUT a
en
3.4 2 - WASHER Pp RS
a - WERE
4- PLUG ee ae Ee eee eee eee ae ee
(c) 5 - BARREL (D) E 2S 2 ioe. see
CLEANING THE GAS PLUG CLEANING THE GAS SYSTEM

— FM ee

DISASSEMBLY OF THE
FRIGGER-MECHANISM GROUP

Tc disassemble the trigger-mechanism Remove the sear plunger and sear-
group: plunger spring.

Depress the sear and remove the Remove the trigger pin by pulling it to
retaining pin by pulling it to the left. the right.

Remove the sear from the top of the Remove the trigger through the top of the
trigger-mechanism group. grip.

DISASSEMBLING THE TRIGGER-MECHANISM GROUP

SEAR PLUNGER

(A) REMOVING THE TRIGGER PIN

REMOVING THE SEAR PLUNGER

REMOVE THE TRIGGER| F ‘2 A af
THROUGH THE TOP OF THE
GRIP.

= ie
\
(c) REMOVING THE SEAR (v) |

RETAINING PIN REMOVING THE TRIGGER

2-14

DISASSEMBLY OF THE RECEIVER
GROUP (COCKING HANDLE)

To disassemble the receiver group
(eocking handle):

Unscrew and remove the cocking-
handle-guide screw and lock washer.

FNM 23-67

Remeve the cocking-handle guide by
rotating it downward and away from the
recerver.

Pull the cocking handle to the rear and
remove it from the guide slot.

REMOVING THE COCKING-HANDLE-GUIDE ~
SCREW AND LOCK WASHER

COCKING-HANDLE-GUIDE

COCKING-
HANDLE-GUIDE

DISASSEMBLY OF THE BOLT

Rotate the cam-roller assembly on the
bolt until the holes are alined with the bolt-
plug pin at the rear of the bolt. Using the
pointed object, remove the bolt-plug pin.
Remove the belt plug by turning it
counterclockwise.

REMOVING THE BOLT-PLUG PIN

SCREW AND LOCK WASHER

Remove the cam roller assembly by
pulling it from the rear of the bolt.

Remove the spring, firing-pin bearing,
and firing pin from the bolt body.

DISASSEMBLED BOLT

FIRING PIN CAM ROLLER

BOLT BODY BEARING ASSEMBLY

FIRING PIN BOLT-PLUG
SPRING PIN

FIRING PIN

—FM 23-67

ASSEMBLY OF THE
BARREL GROUP

To assemble the barrel, replace the gas-
cylinder extension and tighten, using the
combination tool.

Position the gas piston so that the gas
escape holes are closed and are to the rear.
Insert the gas piston into the gas cylinder
(open end gees in first).

Replace the gas-cylinder nut and tighten,
using the combination tool.

NOTE: The safety wire must be installed by
the unit armorer or organizational

maintenance personnel.

BARREL GROUP

“ ; fe)
@ J cas cvunpen

EXTENSION

ASSEMBLY OF THE
TRIGGER-MECHANISM GROUP

Insert the trigger (with the trigger spring
to the rear) through the top of the trigger
mechanism so that the spring is under the
channel surface. Aline the hole in the trigger
with holes in the trigger mechanism. Replace
the trigger pin from the right. Replace the

2-16

LOCK WIRE

GAS CYLINDER

GAS PORT PLUG

GAS CYLINDER NUT
GAS PISTON

COMBINATION TOOL

sear-plunger spring and sear plunger in the
well im the channel surface.

Position the sear with the shoulder up
and to the rear. Press down on the sear and
replace the sear pin from the left.

FM 23-67

ASSEMBLING OF THE TRIGGER-MECHANISM GROUP

TRIGGER SPRING

a TRIGGER PIN

REPLACING THE TRIGGER PIN

©) REPLACING THE SEAR PLUNGER (©) REPLACING THE SEAR PiN

ASSEMBLY OF

1 REPLACING THE
THE COCKING-HANDLE COCKING-HANDLE-GUIDE

SCREW AND LOCK WASHER

Position the cocking-handle in the eee.
square opening at the rear of the cocking- Zo ocean AE Taso
handle-guide slot and push it forward. { :

oat

Position the cocking-handle guide over
the cocking-handle by inserting the hottem
tabs in the slots in the receiver, then properly
aline the screw holes and rotate it upward
into position.

COCKING-HANDLE-GUIDE
SCREW AND LOCK WASHEA

COCKING
HANDLE GUIDE

Replace the lock washer and screw.

—FM 23-67

ASSEMBLY OF THE BOLT

Hold the bolt body in the palm of the
hand, face down, and insert the striker end of
the firing pin into the rear of the bolt body.

Insert the firing-pin bearing into the bolt
body with the partially closed end first.

Position the firing-pin spring within the
firing-pin bearing.

Place the cam-roHer assembly over the
rear of the bolt body with the cam roller
toward the front of the bolt.

Serew the bolt plug finger-tight into the
bolt body. Rotate the cam-roller assembly
until the holes are alined with the holes in the
bolt body. Insert the bolt-plug pin into the
cam-roller assembly. The cam-roller
assembly should rotate freely around the
bait.

ASSEMBLING THE BOLT

(A) HOLDING THE BOLT

zo ae

ac Se

Ci “awe,

POSITIONING THE FIRING-PIN
SPRING

PLACING THE CAM-ROLLER
(0) ASSEMBLY

(E) TIGHTENING THE SOLT

2-18

—————— eee 33-67

CHAPTER 3
Mounts

BIPOD ASSEMBLY

The biped assembly can be used to fire
from the prone position. The shoulder rest LOWERING THE BIPOD LEGS
provides support for the gun. The bipod is
part of the barrel assembly and is not
removed at unit level. The bipod yoke fits
around the barrel and is held in place by the
flash suppressor.

BIPOD ASSEMBLY

FLASH _ BIPOD YOKE
SUPPRESSOR

MOVEMENT OF KAND

BIPOD LEG
REINFORCEMENT BIPOD-LEG
Ris PLUNGER

T'o lower the bipod legs, push or pull them
to the rear (compressing the lock springs) and
allow them to swing down into the locked
position,

—FM 23-67

To adjust the bipod-leg extension. pull
down on the fool until the leg is the right
height. The plunger locks the bipod leg in
position. The bipoddey plunger has to he
depressed Lo unlock and return the bipod-leg
extension to the original position.

ADJUSTING THE BiPOD LEGS

BIPOD-LEG
PLUNGER

BIPOD-LEG
EXTENSION

BIPOD FOOT

To fold the biped legs, pull down on the
legs (to compress the lock springs) and fold
them until they lock into position alongside
the barrel.

USING BIPOD ASSEMBLY
IN PRONE POSITION

SHOULDER REST

TRIPOD MOUNT

The M122 triped provides a stable mount
for the M60 machinegun, and it permits a
high degree of accuracy and centrol. The

3-2

tripod mount 1s recommended for
marksmanship trams and defensive
employment.

DESCRIPTION

The tripod mount consists of the tripod
group (M122), the traversing and elevating
mechanism, and the pintle assembly.

MACHINEGUN IN RELATION
TO TRIPOD

Tripod Group. The tripod group consists of
the tripod head with the pintle bushing and
the pintle-lock assembly, one front and two

rear legs, and a traversing bar. The
traversing bar connects the two rear legs and
supports the traversing and elevating

M122 TRIPOD GROUP

POD HEAD PINTLE BUSHING
\ FRONT LEG

TRI

af PINTLE LOCK
ASSEMBLY
f SLEEVE LATCH
A SLEEVE
ZA

REAR LEG

FOSITION
STOP

TRAVERSIN
BAR WITH SCALE |

mechanism. Engraved on the bar is a mil
scale graduated in 5-mil increments. It is
numbered every 425 mils right of center. A
siding sleeve connects the traversing bar
and the rear leys to permit folding of the legs.
Position stops are provided to stop the
traversing bar in the open and close position.
The sleeve latch on the right rear leg secures
the traversing bar when the legs are in the
open position.

Traversing and Elevating Mechanism.
The traversing and elevating mechanism
consists of the elevating adapter, the
traversing handwheel, the elevating hand-
wheel, and the traversing-slide-lock lever.

The elevating adapter connects to the
mounting plate on the bottom of the receiver
FroOUp.

The traversing handwheel has a milelick
device built inte it. One chek equals a change
of lo omuil. Attached to the traversing hand-
Wheel is a ml scale which is divided into 1-
mil increments. Ome compiete turn of the
handwheel equals 25 mils. With the travers-
ing handwheel, the #un can be traversed
approximately 100 mils (50 mils right and A0
mils left of center}.

The elevating handwheel has a milclick
device built inte it. One click equals a change
of 1 mil. Engraved on the handwheel is a
scale divided into 5-mil divisions and 1-mil
subdivisions for a total of 50 mil increments.
There are 200 mils above and 200 mils below
the zero mark for a total of 400 mils in
elevation change. Elevation readings are
taken in two parts. First, the major reading is
taken from the handwheel. The two readings
are separated by a slash (//) when they are
recorded.

The traversing-slidelock lever allows
rapid lateral adjustments along the travers-
ing bar. lHreetion readings are taken from
the seale on the traversing bar, using the left
side of the traversing slide as an index. The
direchion of the reading. te. right or left,
comes from the position of the muzzle, not the
position of the slide.

Pintie Assembly. The platform and pintle
group (OLD ISSUE) consists of the gun
piatiorm, to which the M60 is attached, and
the pintle, which is secured to the tripod
mount.

The pintle assembly (NEW ISSUE)
eliminates the need for a gun platform.

TRE MECHANISM WITH NEW AND OLD PINTLES

TRAVERSING
HANDWHEEL

PLATFORM
LATCH

ELEVATING-
SCALE PLATE

UPPER ELEVATING SCREW

ELEVATING HANDWHEEL

3-3

FM 23-67

—-M 23-67

MOUNTING THE GUN

Mounting the Gun--Old Issue. To mount the
M60 using the platform and pintle group (oid
issue), first lock the platform and pintle
froup into the pintle bushing and engage the
platform lock. WNext, position the front
mounting pin {in the forearm assembly) in

MOUNTING THE GUN - OLD ISSUE

PLATFORM AND PINTLE GROUP

the front mounting lug. Then, lower the
receiver so that the rear mounting pin snaps
into the platform latch.

Mountmg the Gun--New Issue. To mount
the M60) using the pintle assembly (new

3-4

eoeoOeor FM 93-86 7

issue), first lower the receiver so the
mounting pin snaps into the pintle latch.
Then, lock the pintle assembly into the pintle
bushing.

Aftaching the Traversing and elevating
Mechanism. To attach the traversing and

elevating mechanism to the gun mounted on
the triped, first center the elevating and
traversing handwheels. Next, disengage the
platform lock (OLD ISSUE), allowing the
muzzle of the gun lo point downward: with
the NEW ISSUE, just allow the gun to 0)
forward.

MOUNTING THE GUN - NEW ISSUE

PINTLE LATCH

PINTLE ASSEMBLY

PINTLE BUSHING

3-5

peint downward; with the NEW ISSUE, just
allow the gun to go forward.

With the slide lock lever to the REAR and
the traversing handwheel to the LEFT, place
the mounting-plate recess on the rear of the
mounting plate. Pull dewn on the locatingpin
release and push the adapter assembly
forward. The locating pin autematically
locks into position in the bottom of the
mounting plate.

ATTACHING THE TRAVERSING
AND ELEVATING MECHANISM.

Lower the rear of the gun, place the
traversing slide on the traversing bar with
the locking lever to the rear, and lock 1t into
position. Index the left edge of the slide lock
at zero unless instructed to do otherwise.

DISMOUNTING THE GUN
To remove the traversing and elevating

mechanism, release the traversing-slide lock
lever and raise the rear of the gun. Pull down

3-6

mI FL

on the mounting-pin release and pull the
adapter assembly to the rear and off the
mounting plate.

To dismount the M60 using the platform
and pintle group (OLD ISSUE), engage the
platform lock and grasp the carrying handle
with the left hand. With the right hand,
depress the platform latch and raise the rear
of the gun slightly, thus removing the rear
locating pin from the platform latch. Place
the right hand on top of the stock, pull the
gun shghtly to the rear, push down on the
stock, and lift the gun from the mount.

To dismount the M60 using the pinitle
assembly (NEW [SSUE), grasp the carrying
handle with the left hand and depress the
pintle latch with the nght hand. Lift the gun
from the pintle assembly.

VEHICULAR MOUNTS

The standard vehicular mount for M60
machinegun is the M4 pedestal mount used
on the M151 series, 1/4-ton truck. One
component of the pedestal mount, the M142
machinegun mount (which serves as a cradle
for the gun), is adaptable to other vehicles.

M142 GUN MOUNT

PLATFORM LATCH
GUN PLATFORM

FRONT
pees (§ cs MOUNTING LUG

nee. we \7 ea

AMMUNITION
TRAY 7
GUN STOP ai hai

PINTLE

M4 PEDESTAL MOUNT
ON 1/4-TON TRUCK

MOUNTING, FIRING, AND
DISMOUNTING THE GUN
ON THE M142 MOUNT

To Mount the Gun. Lock the platform in the
horizontal position by inserting the travel-
lock pin into the travel lock.

Place the front mounting pin (in the
forearm assembly} in the front mounting lug.

Lower the receiver so that the rear
locating pin snaps into the platform latch.

To Fire the Gun. Assume the gunner’s
pesition and grip as shown below. (The
hinged shoulder rest is up to help stabilize
fun.)

While moving, lower the rear sight slide
all the way down. When firing, get the target
area and front sight post somewhere within
the rectangular window formed by the top,
sides, and slide of the rear sight. Fire a 9- to
12-round burst.

While stationary, use the sight the same
as described for the sight on a ground-
mounted gun.

THE GUNNER‘S POSITION
AND GRIP

/
ai
a

I
mrs coon me «mmm CLL Oe

nq SR capes

To Disrmmount the Gun. Insure that the
travel lock is engaged (holding the platform
in a henzontal position).

Grasp the carrying handle with one
hand and depress the platform latch with the
other. Raise the rear of the gun slightly and
litt it from the mount.

MOUNTING, AND FIRING THE GUN
ON THE M122 TRIPOD ON
THE M118A1 APC

The M122 tripod mount can be strapped
on either side of the cargo hatch. To allow the
cargo hatch to close, the tripod’s rear iegs
should not be fully extended. The tripod is
strapped down using equipment tie-down
straps to wrap the legs and secure it te the top
deck of the APC.

Firing is as described for the M14?
machinegun mount.

3-/

FM 273-67

| eee rz

CHAPTER 4

Operation and Cycle of Functioning

OPERATION

The M60 machinegun is leaded, fired,
unloaded, and cleared from the open-bolt TRAY UNLOADED
position. The safety lever musi be placed on
FIRE before the bolt can be pulled to the rear.

Before using ammunition, insure that:

® It is properly linked.
® It is free of dirt and corrosion.

® The double link is at the opening
end of the bandoleer.

Place the safety lever on FIRE. Puil the
bolt ic the rear by the cocking handle with the
palm facing UP. When the bolt is held to the
rear by the sear, manually return the cocking
handle to the forward position and place the
safety lever on SAFE. Raise the cover and
insure that the tray, receiver group, and
chamber are clear. Place the first round of the
belt in the tray groove, double link leading,
open side of links down. INSURE THAT
THE ROUND REMAINS IN THE TRAY
GROOVE, AND CLOSE THE COVER. Hold
the belt up, approximately six rounds from
the loading end, while closing the cover.

—FM 23-67

TRAY LOADED

DOUBLE LINK

UNLOADING AND CLEARING

Pull the bolt to the rear, ifitis net already
there. Place the safety lever on SAFE and
manually return the cocking handle to its
forward position. Raise the cover and remove
any ammunition or inks from the tray. Lock
in the chamber to insure that it is clear.
Clearing procedure is covered in chapters 2
and 5.

CYCLE OF FUNCTIONING

Crew members can recognize and correct
stoppages when they know how the gun
functions. The gun functions automatically
as long as ammunition is fed into it and the
tigger is held to the rear. Each time a round
fires, the parts of the pun function in
sequence. Many of the actions occur at the
same time and are separated only for
teaching purposes. The sequence of function-
ing is known as the CYCLE OF FUNCTION-
ENG. As a “minimum” standard, the soldier
should know the eight basic terms and short
definitions in the paragraph below.

4-2

STEPS OF THE CYCLE

Fhe complete cycle of functioning is
taught in eight separate steps, as follows:

(1) Feeding. A round is positioned in the
feed-tray groove.

(2) Chambering. A rcund is stripped from
the belt and placed mto the chamber.

(3) Locking. The bolt is locked inside the

barrel socket.

(4) Firing. The firing pin strikes and fires
the primer, which fires the cartridge.

(o>) Unlocking. The bolt is unlocked from
the barrel socket.

(6) Extracting. The empty cartridge case
is pulled from the chamber.

(7) Ljecting. The empty cartridge case is
threwn from the receiver.

(8} Coecking. The sear engages the sear
notch on the operating rod.

Start the cycle by putting the first round
of the belt in the tray groove. Then, pull the
trigger, releasing the sear from the sear
notch. When the trigger is pulled to the rear,
tne rear of the sear is lowered and disengaged
from the sear notch. This allows the
operating rod and boit to be driven forward
by the expansion of the driving spring. The
cycle stops when the trigger is released and
the sear again engages the sear notch on the
operating rod.

SEAR DISENGAGING FROM
sateen NOTCHe

> Va —, = we
ieee aa cee Shae.

=
a
Pal

secineec SK 7 G

ROD
| TRIGGER
SEAR NOTCH
SEAR

SEQUENCE OF FUNCTIONING

Feeding. As the bolt starts its forward
movement, the feed cam is forced to the right,
causing the feed-cam lever to turn in the
opposite direction. This forces the belt-feed
pawl over the next round in the bolt, and itis
ready to place the next round into the tray
eroove when the rearward action occurs
again.

FEEDING
BOLT FORWARD

- BELT-FEED PAWL

FEED-CAM LEVER” :
‘ ry
*FEED-CAM-RETURN:

SPRING :

FEED CAM

As the bolt moves to the rear after firing,
the cam roller forces the feed cam to the left.
The feed-cam lever is forced to turn, moving
the feed paw] to the right, and this movement
places a round in the tray groove.

Chambering. As the bolt travels forward,
the upper locking lug engages the rim of the
round, The pressure of the front and rear
cartridge guides holds the rounds soe that
positive contact 1s made with the upper
locking lug of the bolt. The front cartridge
guide prevents forward movement of the link
as the round is stripped from the belt.

FM 23-67

BOLT CONTACTING CARTRIDGE
ROUND IN FEEDTRAY
UPPER LOCKING GROOVE

LUG LINK

— —
ata ,

SOLT MOVIN
FORWARD

LOWER LOCKING LUG

The upper locking lug carries the round
forward. The chambering ramp causes the
nose of the round to be cammed downward
into the cham ber.

ROUND BEING DEFLECTED
INTO CHAMBER

HAMBERING RAMP

BOLT MOVING FORWARD 57 (RECEIVER)

C{ ) BOLT LUGS HELD IN
pw=—’"_- VERTICAL POSITION BY

OPERATING-ROD
YOKE HELD TO THE
REAR OF THE BOLT
CAMMING SLOT

CHANWEL IN TOP OF
RECEIVER

When the round is fully seated in the
chamber, the extractor snaps over the rim of
the round, and the ejector on the face of the
bolt is depressed.

Locking. As the round ts chambered, the
bolt enters the barrel socket. The upper and
lower locking lugs contact the bolt camming
surfaces inside the barrel and start turning

4-3

the belt clockwise. The action of the
operating-rod yoke against the belt-camming
slot, as the operating rod continues forward,
turns the bolt to complete its 90-degree (one-
quarter turn) clockwise rotation. Locking ts
now complete.

GUN LOCKED, READY TO FIRE

RIGHT AND LEFT
BOLT CAMMING
SURFACES IN

BARREL SOCKET

Firing. After the bolt is fully forward and
locked, the operating rod continues to go
forward, independent of the bolt, for a short
distance. The yoke, engaged between the
firing-pin speols, carries the firing pin
through the opening in the face of the bolt.
The firing pin strikes the primer of the round,
and the primer fires the round.

FIRING AND COCKING

FIRING PIN SPOOLS &

Rex
‘ie,

FIRING PIN

Wa i
Cl operatine.
~ ROD
YORE

OPERATING ROD

4-4

Uniocking. After the round 1s fired and the
bullet passes the pas port, part of the
expanding gases go into the gas cylinder
through the gas port. The rapidly expanding
gases enter the hollow gas piston and force it
to the rear. The operating rod, being in
contact with the piston, is then forced to the
rear.

ACTION OF GASES

GAS PORT

PISTON

PLUG EXCESS GAS
ESCAPING THROUGH
BLEEDER HOLE

As the operating rod continues to the
rear, the operating-rod yoke acts against the
bolt-camming slot. This causes the bolt te
begin its counterclockwise rotation. The
upper and lower locking lugs of the belt
contact the bolt-camming surfaces inside the
barrel socket, and, asthe bolt continues to the
rear, it completes a onequarter turn
counterclockwise. The rotation and
movement to the rear unlocks the bolt from
the barrel socket. Unlocking begins as the
yoke of the operating rod contacts the curve
of the bolt-camming slot, and ends asthe bolt
clears the end of the barrel socket.

Extracting. Extracting begins during the
unlocking cycle. The rotation of the bolt
loosens the cartridge case in the chamber.

EXTRACTION AND EJECTION
BOLT EJECTOR

ET AC ae

EXTRACTOR

EJECTION PORT

As the operating rod and bolt move to the
rear, the extractor pulls the cartridge case
from the chamber.

Ejecting. As the cartridge case 1s pulled
from the chamber, the ejector spring
expands. This causes the ejector to press on
the base of the spent case, forcing the front of
the case against the nght side of the receiver.
As the bolt continues to the rear, the action of
the ejector pushing against the base of the
cartridge case and the extractor gripping the
right side of the case causes the cartridge
case to spin from the gun as the case reaches
the ejection port. The empty belt links are
forced out of the ejection port as the rearward
movement of the bolt causes the next round to
be positioned in the tray groove.

rere FM 23-5 Fae

Cocking. As the expanding gases force the
gas piston to the rear, the operating rod first
moves independently of the bolt. The yoke of
the operating rod acts against therear firing-
pin spool, pulling the firing pin from the
primer of the spent cartridge case. The action
of the operating-red yoke, continuing to the
rear against the rear firing-pin spool, fully
compresses the firing-pin spring.

As long as the trigger is held to the rear,
the M60 will continue to complete the right
steps of functioning automatically. When the
trigger is released and the sear again
engages the sear notch, the cycle of
functioning is stopped and the gun is cocked.
To prevent undue wear to the sear and sear
notch, the gunner must hold the trigger
firmly to the rear during fimng.

4-5

— a FP

CHAPTER 5

Maifunctions, Stoppages, Immediate Action,
Remedial Action, Maintenance, and Destruction

MALFUNCTIONS

A malfunctioning machinegun is a gun
that is not firing properly. Defective
ammunition or improper operation by the
gunner is not a malfunction. Twe of the more
common malfunctions of the M60
machinegun are sluggish operation and
uncontrolled fire(runaway gun). Thetableon
the next page shows malfunctions, their
probable causes, and corrective actions.

SLUGGISH OPERATION.

Sluggish operation of the M60 usually is
due to excessive friction caused by carbon,
lack of proper lubrication, burred parts, or
excessive loss of gas due to a loose or missing
gas-port plug. Corrective action includes
cleaning, lubricating, inspecting, and
replacing parts as necessary.

UNCONTROLLED FIRE
(RUNAWAY GUN).

Uncontrolled fire (the gun continues to
fire after the trigger 1s released) is usuaily
caused by the gunner not pulling and holding
the trigger allthe way to the rear. This results

in the sear not clearing the sear notch, which
causes wear to both parts. The following are
immediate actions for uncontrolled fire-

® The gunner holds the gun on target
and fires the remaining ammuni-
tion.

® The assistant gunner stops the gun
from firing by breaking the belt
(twist quickly In either direction),

® When the gun has stopped firing,
the gunner checks ti to find the
eause of the malfunction.

5-7

ne a ee eee

MALFUNCTION PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION

SLUGGISH OPERATION. CARBON IN GAS PORT.

LOSS OF GAS.

UNCONTROLLED FIRE WORN OR BROKEN
(RUNAWAY GUN). SEAR.

WORN OR BROKEN
SEAR NOTCH.

SEAR INSTALLED
BACKWARDS.

BOLT AND OPERAT-
ING-ROD GROUP
IMPROPERLY JOINED.

CARBON BUILDUP IN
GAS PORT.

CLEAN GAS PORT.

TIGHTEN OR REPLACE
GAS-PORT PLUG.

SEND TO DIRECT
SUPPORT MAINTEN-
ANCE.

SEND OPERATING
ROD TO DIRECT
SUPPORT MAINTEN-
ANCE.

INSTALL CORRECTLY.

INSTALL CORRECTLY.
NOTE: iTS
IMPORTANT THAT THE
OPERATING-ROD
YOKE BE INSTALLED
BETWEEN THE TWO
FIRING- PIN SPOOLS.

CLEAN GAS PORT.

STOPPAGES
A stoppage is any interruption in the eycle of functioning. The following table
cycle of functioning caused by faulty action shows types of interruptions or stoppages
of the gun or faulty ammunition. Stoppages and their probable causes and corrective
are classified by their relationship to the actions.

5-2

FM 23-672

STOPPAGES

STOPPAGES PROBASLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION

FAILURE TO FEED.

INSUFFICIENT GAS
PRESSURE.

IMPROPER LUBRI-
CATION.

DEFECTIVE LINKS OR
AMMUNITION.

AMMUNITION BELT
INSTALLED
WRONG.

DAMAGED OR
WEAK OPERATING-
ROD SPRING.

GOBSTRUCTION IN
RECEIVER.

DAMAGED OR
WEAK FEED PAWLS
AND SPRINGS OF
FEED LEVER.

FRONT/REAR CAR-
TRIDGE GUIDE
DEFECTIVE.

BOLT-CAM ACTUATOR
ROLLER DEFECTIVE.

DEFECTIVE COVER
LATCH.

FEED-CAM ASSEM-
BLY DEFECTIVE.

DEFECTIVE LATCH-
LEVER ASSEMBLY.

CLEAN GAS PORT.

LUBRICATE AS
REQUIRED.

INSERT NEW LINK OR
AMMUNITION.

REVERSE BELT WITH
OPEN SIDE OF LINK
DOWN.

REPLACE.

REMOVE OBSTRUC-
TION: CLEAN AND
LUBRICATE AS
REQUIRED.

SEND TO DIRECT
SUPPORT MAINTEN-
ANCE.

REPLACE ACTUATOR
ASSEMBLY.

SEND TO DIRECT
SUPPORT MAIN FEN-
ANCE.

SEND TO DIRECT
SUPPORT MAINTEN-
ANCE.

SEND TO DIRECT

SUPPORT MAINTEN-
ANCE.

5-3

—FM 23-67

STOPPAGES
(CONTINUED}
STOPPAGES PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION

FAILURE TO CHAMBER. RUPTURED CAR- REMOVE (TM 39-1005-
TRIDGE CASE. 224-10).

CARBON BUILDUP REMOVE CARBON.
IN GAS CYLINDER.

CARBON BUILDUP REMOVE CARBON.
IN RECEIVER.

DAMAGED ROUND. REMOVE ROUND
AND RELOAD GUN.

DIRTY CHAMBER. CLEAR BARREL
AND CLEAN AND
LUBRICATE AS
REQUIRED.

WEAK OR SHORT REPLACE.
OPERATING-ROD
SPRING.

FAILURE TO LOCK. WEAK OR SHORT REPLACE.
OPERATING-ROD
SPRING.

FOREIGN MATTER IN CLEAN AND LUBRI-
CHAMBER OF CATE AS REQUIRED.
RECEIVER.

FAILURE TO FIRE. FAULTY REPLACE.
AMMUNITION.

BROKEN OR DAMAGED REPLACE.
FIRING PIN OR FIRING-PIN
SPRING.

DEFECTIVE SEND TO DIRECT
TRIGGER. SUPPORT MAIN-
TENANCE.

BROKEN OR DEFORMED SEND TO DIRECT
SEAR PLUNGER AND/OR SUPPORT MAIN-
SPRING. TENANCE.

FAILURE TO LOCK. SEE FAILURE TO LOCK.

5-4

NY 23-67

STOPPAGES
(CONTINUED)

STOPPAGES PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION

FAILURE TO EXTRACT. GAS PISTON INSTALLED INSTALL PROPERLY
BACKWARDS. {TM 9-1005-224-10).

BROKEN EXTRACTOR
SPRING.

REPLACE.

CHIPPED OR BROKEN
EXTRACTOR.

REPLACE.

DEFECTIVE EXTRACTOR
PLUNGER.

REPLACE.

SHORT RECOIL. CLEAN GAS PORT AND
OPERATING-ROD
TUBE, AND LUBRICATE
AS REQUIRED. RE-
PLACE DRIVER

SPRING.

FAILURE TO COCK. BROKEN SEAR. SEND TO DIRECT
SUPPORT MAINTEN—

ANCE.

SEND TO DIRECT
SUPPORT MAINTEN-
ANCE.

WORN OPERATING-
ROD SEAR NOTCH.

BROKEN, DEFECTIVE,
OR MISSING SEAR
PLUNGER ANO/OR
SPRING.

SEND TO DIRECT
SUPPORT MAINTEN-
ANCE.

SHORT RECOIL. CLEAN GAS PORT AND
AND OPERATING-
ROD TUBE, AND
LUBRICATE AS RE-
QUIRED. REPLACE

DRIVER SPRING.

464-464 0 - 85-4: on 3 5-5

IMMEDIATE ACTION

Immediate action is action taken to
reduce a malfunction or stoppage without
looking for the cause. Immediate action
should be taken in the event of either a
misfire or a cookoff.

A MISFIRE is the failure of achambered
round to fire. Such failure can be due to an
ammunition defect or faulty firing
mechanism. A misfire is not dangerous, butit
is handled as described below.

A COOKOFF is the firing of a round by
the heat of a very hot barre!, and not by the
firing mechanism. A cookoff may be avoided
by applying immediate action within 10
seconds after a failure to fire.

If an M60 machinegun stops firing, the
following actions are taken WITHIN 10
SECONDS:

@ Cock the gun, and watch the
ejection port to see if a cartridge
case, belt link, or round is ejected.
Insure that the bolt remains to the
rear to prevent double feeding if a
round or cartridge case is not
eiected. (See TM 9-1005-224-24 for
detailed explanation of double
feeding.)

@ if a cartridge case, belt link, or a
round is ejected, return cocking
handle to forward position, re-lay
on the target, and try to fire. Hf the
gun still does not fire, clear it and
inspect the ammunition and the gun
to determine the cause of the
stoppage.

® If a cartridge case, belt link, or
round IS NOT ejected, take
remedial action as outlined in the
following paragraphs.

5-6

_ EM 23-67 ees |

REMEDIAL ACTION

Remedial action is also taken
immediately in case of a stoppage, but it
includes an attempt to determine the cause.

COLD GUN

If the stoppage occurs with a cold gun,
raise the cover and remove the belt of
ammunition. Raise the feed tray and inspect
the chamber.

If there is no round in the chamber,
reload and try to fire. If the gun fires,
continue firing. [If it does not fire, reapply
immediate and remedial action as necessary.
Inspect the gun and the ammunition.

If there is a round in the chamber, close
the cover and try to fire. If the gun fires,
reload and continue firing. If it does not fire,
clear the gun and inspect the gun and
ammunition.

HOT GUN

If the stoppage occurs with a hotgun (200
rounds in 2 minutes), move the safety to
SAFE, raise the cover, and remove the
ammunition belt. Raise the feed tray and
inspect the chamber.

NOTE: During training, an experenced
gunner should wait 15 minutes and then
clear the gun.

If there is no round in the chamber,
reload and try to fire. If the gun fires,
continue firing. [f it does not fire, reapply
immediate and remedial action as necessary.
Inspect the gun and the ammunition.

If there is a round in the chamber, close
the cover and try to fire. If the gun fires,
reload and continue firing. If it does not fire
during combat, change barreis, reload, and
continue firing. If the gun does not fire during
training, wait 15 minutes and then clear the
gun and inspect it for cause.

sill SSS ne ee eee ee ee eee eee

JAMMED COCKING HANDLE

If a stoppage occurs and the cocking
handle cannot be pulled to the rear by hand
(the bolt may be fully forward and locked or
only partially forward), the foilowing steps
should be taken:

® Try once again to work the cocking
handle by hand. Do not try to force
the cocking handle to the rear with
your foot or a heavy object. This
could damage the gun.

@ Ifthe gun is hot enough to cause a
cookoff, move al] soldiers a safe
distance from the gun and Keep
them away for 15 minutes.
{Reference chapter 3, TM 9-1005-
224-25.)

® After the gun has cooled, open the
cover and disassemble it, keeping
rearward pressure on the cocking
handle until the buffer is removed.
(Two soldiers will be required to do
this.)

@® Remove the round or fired
cartridge. A cleaning rod or
ruptured-cartridge extractor
should be used if necessary.

In a training situation, after completing
the remedial action procedures, the gun
should not be fired until it has been inspected
by an ordnance speciahst.

In acombat situation, after the stoppage
has been corrected, change the barrel and try
to fire. lf the gun fails to function properly, it
should be sent to the unit armorer.

MAINTENANCE

Maintenance of the M60 machinegun
includes inspection, cleaning, and
replacement of parts. A complete operator's
and organizational maintenance guide is
found in TM $-1005-224 and TM 9-i1005-224-
24.

INSPECTION

Inspection begins with the gun dis-
assembled in its major groups or assemblies.
Note that shiny surfaces on parts do not
mean the parts are unserviceable.

Inspect the following parts of the gun
and related equipment for the conditions
indicated:

Stock Group. The stock group should not be
cracked and must fit securely on the receiver
assemblhy.

The guide rails should not be cracked,
bent, or burred.

The shoulder rest and stock latch should
function correctly.

The rubber coating (covering the stock,
forearm, trigger mechanism, cover, and
carrying handle) should be checked for signs
of summing or cracking. If these parts are
cleaned with scivents, they may soften and
become unserviceable.

Buffer and Operating-Rod Group. The
yoke and yoke recess should not be be durred,
cracked, or bent.

The buffer plunger must fit easily into
the recess in the driving-spring guide.

The driving spring should not have any
kinks, and the wires should not be broken or
separated,

The driving-spring guide should be
straight, and the spool should be tight on the
shaft.

Fhe sear notch on the operating red
should not show excessive wear or DUrrINE.

Bolt Group. The bolt plug, bolt-plug pin, and
actuatorcam assembly should be checked for
visible damage.

The firing pin should be checked for
cracks and wear on the tap.

5-/

FM 23-67

—FM 23-67

The ejector and extractor should he
checked to insure that they are under spring
tension and are not chipped or worn.

Trigger-Mechanism Group. The shoulder
of the sear should not show excessive wear.

The group should be checked For cracks
near the retaining pins.

The ieaf spring should be under tension.

The safety should function properly.
(The sear should move only shghtiy when the
safety lever is on SAFE, and freely when the
safety lever is on FIRE.)

Barrel Group. (Both barrels should be
checked.) The flash suppressor should be
tieht. The front sight and barrel-locking cam
should not be bent, cracked, burred. or
excessively worn,

a ee

The bipod assembly should be cheeked to
insure that it functions properly.

The gas mston and gas cylinder should
not be burred, and the gas piston should
move freely when the barrel is tilted end-for-
end. The tolerance between the wall of the
gas cylinder and the pas piston is so small
that the moving gas piston cleans itself.
Therefore, the gas system should be
disassembled and cleaned ONLY when the
gun fires sluggishly and no other reason for
the sluggishness can be found. The detent on
the tab lock washers of the gas-cylinder nut
and gas-cylinder extension should not be
broken.

The bieeder hole in the gas-cylinder
extension should be clear.

Cover, Feed Tray, and Hanger Group.
The cover latch should werk properly.

CARRYING CASE WITH CONTENTS

RECEIVER BRUSH
CHAMBER BRUSH

BORE BRUSH

EXTRACTOR

ti ~a
RUPTURED-CARTRIDGE oa
_

SPARE-BARREL CASE

SLING

2-8

ASBESTOS MITTEN

COMBINATION TOOL

| CLEANING ROD

All parts inside the cover should be under
spring tension.

The cover should not be bent or tern.

When reassembled, the cover should
remain open without support.

The belt-holding pawl must be under
spring tension.

Forearm Assembiy.The assembly must
not be bent.

The spring in the latch hole must work
properly.
Recetwer Group. The receiver should not be
bent or cracked.

The cocking handle shouid slide freely
within its puide.

The elevation scale on the rear sight
must be movabie and legible. The eleyahon-
scale screw should not be burred or worn.

Mount. The traversing and elevating
mechanism should not bind. The numbers on
the scales and dials must be legible.

Thstinct clicks must be heard when the
handwheels are turned. Index lines should be
calibrated with the indicator pointer.

The pintle should fit snugly in the pintle
bushing, and the pintle lock should held the
pintle securely.

The sleeve latch should function
properly, and the traversing bar should be
tight when the tripod legs are spread and
latched.

Carrying Case. Maintenance tools and
equipment should be complete and
serviceable.

The case should be serviceable. Frequent
washing of the case should be aveided. Such
washing may destroy the waterproofing and
shrink the case.

CLEANING AND LUBRICATION

‘The M60 machinegun should be cleaned
immediately after firing.

lt should be chisassembled inte its major
groups or assemblies for cleaning.

All metal components and surfaces that
have been exposed te powder fouling should
be cleaned using cleaner, lubricant,
preservative (CLP) on a borecleaning patch.
Use CLP on the bristles of the receiver brush
to clean the receiver. CAUTION: TAKE
CARE TO AVOID GETTING CLP IN THE
GAS CYLINDER WHEN CLEANING THE
BARREL, POSITION THE GAS CYLIN-
DER ABOVE THE BARREL DURING
CLEANING.

The gas-cylinder components will be
removed and cleaned only when inspection
shows that the piston will no longer move
within the cylinder under its own weight
when the barrel is tilted end-for-end. Under
supervision of organizational maintenance
personnel, disassemble and clean the gas
cylinder and gas port. The receiver brush and
swab-holding section of the cleaning rod may
be used to clean the interior of the gas
cylinder. When CLP is used, wipe the gas
cylinder and gas piston dry before assembly.
After assembly, check for free movement of
the gas piston by tilting the barrel assembly.
‘Fhe unit armorer will rewire the gas-port plug
(not removed by operator).

After the M60 1s cleaned and wiped dry,
apply a thin ceat of CLP by rubbing with a
cloth. This will lubricate and preserve the
exposed metal parts under all normal
temperature ranges.

Lubricate moving parts, as described
below, with CLP:

Barrel group. On the camming surfaces of
the bolt-locking lugs.

Operating rod. On the rollers and those

surtaces, immediately below the yoke, that
nde within the receiver rails.

9-9

FM 23-67

Cover. In the feed-cam assembly.

Bolt. On the bolt-locking lugs and actuator
cam roller, andin the camming recess (forthe
operating rod).

Receiver. Gn the receiver rails.

After lubricating, cycle the components
by hand to spread the CLP.

Guns fired infrequently or stored for
prolonged periods should have a light film of
CLP applied to the interior of the gas cylinder
and the gas piston immediately after
cleaning or after inspection. Preventive
maintenance will be performed every 90
days, unless inspection reveals more fre-
quent servicing 15 necessary. The use of the
lubricant will NOT eliminate the require-
ment for cleaning and inspecting to insure
that corrosicn has not formed. Before uSsINE,
the gas system and components must he
clean and free of oil and lubricants.

Clean all exposed surfaces of the MLz2
tripod, pintle assembly, and traversing and

elevating mechanism. Wipe dry and lubri-
cate with CLP.

The following procedures apply to clean-
ing and lubricating the M60 under unusual
conditions:

@ Below "18 degrees Celsius (0)
degrees Fahrenheit)--use lubricat-
ing oil, arctic weather (LAW) andoil
lightly to avoid freezeup.

@ Extremely hot--use CLP.

® Damp or salty air--use CLP. Clean
and apply frequently.

@® Sandy or dusty areas--use CLP.
Clean and apply frequently. Wipe
with a rag after each application to
remove Excess.

5-10

I RF a

ACTIONS BEFORE, DURING, AND
AFTER FIRING

Before firing:
® Wipe bore dry.

® Inspect the gun as outlined in crew
drill.

@ Inspect the spare barrel.

®@ Insure that the gun is properly
lubricated.

During firing:

@ Change the barrels as prescribed in
chapter 1. Barrel changing will
prelong the life of both barrels.

® Periodically imspect the gun to
insure that itis properly lubricated.

@ When malfunctions or stoppages
occur, follow the procedures
previously given.

After firing:

@ Clear and clean the gun immediate-
ly.

© During periods of inactivity, clean
and lubricate every 90 days unless
inspection reveals more-frequent
servicing is necessary (paragraph
2-lla, TM 9-1005-224 -24).

MAINTENANCE UNDER NBC
CONDITIONS

If contamination is anticipated, apply
oil to all outer metal surfaces of the gun and
accessories. DO NOT OIL AMMUNITION.
Keep the gun covered as much as possible.

If the gun is contaminated, decontam1-
nae it as prescribed by FM 21-40 and TM
3290, and then clean and lubricate.

DESTRUCTION

The gun and mount will be destroyed
only on the authority of the unit commander,
in accordance with orders or pohcy of the
Army commander. Report the destruction
through command channels.

Disassemble the gun as completely as
time permits. Using the barrel or tripod
mount, destroy the parts in the order listed
below:

(1) Bolt.

(2) Buffer and operating-rod
froup.

(3) Barrels.

FM 23-67

(4) Sights, rear and front.

(5) Mounts.

To destroy the gun by burning, place an
incendiary grenade on the receiver proup
over the bolt (with the cover resting on the
frenade) and fire the grenade.

Bury the disassembled pun or dump the
parts into streams, mud, snow, sumps, or
latrines.

Smash the traversing and elevating
mechanism and pintle assembly. Bend the
tripod les.

CHAPTER 6
Crew Drill

PREPARATION FOR DRILL

Crew drill gives squad and platoon
members training in the fundamentals of
machinegun operation and confidence in
their ability to put the gun into action with
precision and speed. Rotation of duties
during training insures that every member
becomes trained in the duties of each crew
position. Precision is attamed by learning
and practicing correct procedures, to include
inspecting the gun before firing and
observing safety procedures. Speed 18
acquired after precision has been developed.
PRECISION IS NEVERSACRIFPICED FOR
SPEED.

Crew drill can be conducted during
transition firing, concurrently during other
courses of fire, or anytime at the discretion of
the unit commander. The organization for
crew drill described in this chapter 1s for
training crews in the fundamentals of
machinegpun operation; it is not the
organization to be employed in every tactical
situation.

To instill reahsm and relate crew drill to
actual situations, the unit leader should vary
his method of instruction. Possible
approaches to tims include the following
methods:

® Conduct crew drill from the prone
position.

@® Initiate crew drill from all types of
tactical formations.

® Performcrew drill under simulated
tactical situations.

FM 23-67

—FM 23-67

Crew drill, as discussed here, involves
the leader and one machinegun crew. The
machinegun crew will normally consist of at
least two members (a gunner and an
assistant gunner), but a complete crew
consists of a gunner, an assistant gunner,
and an ammunition bearer. There are two
complete machinegun crews in the
headquarters section of infantry, airmobile
infantry, and airborne infantry piatoons.

There are no assigned (decicatec)
machinegun crews in the mechanized
infantry platoon, but there are five M60
machineguns (two in the headquarters APC
and one in each squad APC}. It is imperative
that squad members be designated for
training in crew drill as well as machinegun
marksmanship.

All commands are given by a leader. This
leader may be a team leader, squad leader, or
someone placed in charge of the crew. The
gunner and assistant gunner repeat all
commands. After the gun is mounted, the
assistant gunner transmits all signals from
the leader to the gunner and from the gunner
to the ieader.

ASSIGNING CREW EQUIPMENT

In addition te individual arms and
equipment, crew members carry equipment
for both biped and tripod training. The
following is a suggested assignment of the
equipment tothe machinegun crew members:

@ Leader (designated)----Binoculars,

compass.

6 Gunner------- Machinegun, three
bandoleers (with dummy
aAMMUnItLON}.

® Assistant gunner------- Spare-

barrel case jspare barrel and
accessories}, traversing and
elevating mechanism, and three
bandoleers (with dummy
ammunition).

@® Ammuntion bearer------- MI22
tripod, pintle assembly, and three
bandoleers (with dummy
Ammunition).

If there is no ammunition bearer, the
assistant gunner carries the spare-barrel
case, the tripod, and the pintle assembly. He
performs the duties of the ammunition bearer
that pertain to those ttems of equipment.

FORMING FOR CREW DRILL
(BIPOD OR TRIPOD MOUNT)

The leader commands, FORM FOR
CREW DRILL. The crew forms in a file with
five steps between men in this order: gunner,
assistant Zunher, and ammunition bearer.
The gunner 1s five steps from and facing the
leader. When the crew members reach their
positions, each assumes the prone pesition
and 1s ready fer crew dmill.

CREW IN PRONE POSITION
FORMED FOR CREW DRILL

ROTATING DUTIES DURING
CREW DRILL

Duties are rotated during crew dnl to
train each man in the duties of all crew
mem bers.

The command to rotate duties is FALL
OUT, GUNNER. At this command, the
gunner becomes the ammunition bearer, the
assistant gunner becomes the gunner, and
the ammunition bearer becomes the

EM 29-86

assistant gunner. When crew members have
assumed their new positions, they call out
their new duties in order: AMMUNITION
BEARER, ASSISTANT GUNNER,
GUNNER.

BIPOD ASSEMBLY
INSPECTING

An inspection of equipment is made at

the beginning of each exercise. Afterthe crew
is formed for crew drill, the leader commands,
INSPECT EQUIPMENT BEFORE FIRING,
BIPOD. At this command, each crew member
inspects his equipment as explained below.

inspection by Gunner. The gunner
inspects the ammunition first. He insures
that the ammmuniliva is properly linked and
free of dirt and corrosion, and that the double
link is up (ready for loading). After he
inspects the ammuntition, he reinserts the
cardboard flaps in the bandoleers and places
the cloth sings over his shoulder (except for
one handoleer, which he prepares for
loading}.

He then inspects the machinegun as
follows:

® Holding the forearm assembly with
his left hand, he reaches over with
his right hand, pulls to the rear on
the right bipod leg, and lowers it.
Then, reaching under the right
bipod leg, he lowers the left bipod
leg and rests the gun on the bipod.

@® Attaches the bandoleer to the
machinergun,

® Places the safety lever on FIRE,
pulls the cocking handle tothe rear,
pulls the trigger, eases the bolt
forward manually with the cocking
handle, and places the safety lever
on SAFE.

® Calls for the cleaning rod and
combination tool and receives them
from the assistant gunner.

Crawls forward and runs the
cleaning rod through the barrel to
insure that it ts clear. While in this
position, he visually checks the
bleeder hole of the gas-cylinder
extension to insure that it is clear.

Checks the flash suppressor for
cracks.

Checks the front sight for tightness
and for damage to the blade.

Uses the combination tool to check
the gas-cylinder extension, gas-
port plug, and gas-cylinder nut for
tightness, and insures that the
retaining wire is secured.

Checks the carrying handle to
insure that it can be positioned so it
will not be m the way during aiming
and firing.

Insures that the barrel-locking
lever is down and the barrel is
securely locked to the receiver.

Returns the cleaning rod and
combination tool to the assistant
gunner.

Moves to the rear of the gun and
cheeks the moving parts in the feed
cover,

Insures that the feed cam is
clean and properly lubricated.

Pushes back and forth on the
feed cam to check for freedom
of movement.

Pushes on the beit-feed pawl to
insure that it has spring
tension.

Pushes on the cartridge guides

to insure that they have spring
tension.

® Pushes the belt-holding pawl to

insure that it has spring tension.

6-3

® Lowers and tatches the cover
(without inserting the belt).

@® Pulls the trigger to check the
funetioning of the safety.

@® Places the safety lever on FIRE,
pulls the cocking handle tothe rear,
pulls the trigger, eases the bolt
forward manually with the cocking

handle, and places the safety on
SAFE.

® Checks the rear sight, sets it at 500
meters and zero windage, then
lowers the sight.

® Checks the hinged shoulder resttor
proper operation and leaves it in
the down position.

This completes the gunner’s inspection:
he resumes his position parallel to the
machinegun (his head on line with the
feedway).

Inspection by Assistant Gunner. Re-
maining prone, the assistant gunner begins
by inspecting his ammunition.

He takes the cleaning rod and the
eombination tool from the carrying case and
assembles the cleaning rod.

He then takes the traversing and
elevating mechanism from the case and
prepares it as follows:

® Rotates the elevating handwheel,
exposing 4 cm (1-1/2 inches or the
width of two fingers) of threads
above the elevating handwheel.

® Rotates the traversing slide sleeve,
exposing 4 em (1-1/2 inches or the
width of two fingers) of threads
below the elevating handwheel.

® Centers the traversing mechanism
as prescribed in chapter 8.

@® Checks the locating pin of the
elevating adapter to insure that it
functions and has spring tension.

6-4

Oe Ye ey ec ee a

@® EKeplaces the traversing and
elevating mechanism in its case and
removes the spare barrel from the
spare-barrel case.

The assistant gunner next inspects the
spare barrel as follows:

@® Checks the barrel and the bleeder
hole of the gas-cylinder extension
to insure that they are clear.

@® Checks the flash suppressor for
cracks.

® Cheeks the front sight for tightness
and for damage to the blade.

@ Checks the bipod assembly for
proper operation.

® Uses the combination tool to check
the gas-cylinder extension, gas-
port plug, and gas-cylinder nut for
tightness, and insures that the
retaining wire Is secure.

The assistant gunner’s inspection 1s
complete when he returns the spare barrel to
its case: closes the case; disassembles the
cleaning rod and returns it and the
cormbination tool to the accessory pocket:
and checks the ruptured-cartridge extractor,
bore brush, chamber brush, receiver brush,
and asbestos mitten for serviceability.

Inspection by Ammunition Bearer.
Remaining prone, the ammunition bearer
inspects his ammunition as described above
for gunner and assistant gunner. He then
inspects the tripod and pintle assembly as
follows:

® Insures that the legs are folded
closely together.

@ Checks the sleeve latch to insure
that it has spring tension and will
function.

® Inserts the pintle assembly mto the
pintle bushing and engages the
pintle iock.

® Checks the pintle assembly to
insure that it is locked tnto the

pintke bushing and that the pinile
rotates freely within the bushing,

® Checks the front mounting lug to
insure that it 1s free of dirt and
pointing forward (checks the
platform and pintle group, OLD
ISSUE).

® Lowers the platform lock (lowers
the platform and pintle group, OLD
ISSUE).

® Depresses the pintle platform latch
on the OLD ISSUE, insuring that it
is free of dirt and has spring
tension.

This completes the ammunition bearer’s
inspection.

REPORTING COMPLETION OF
INSPECTION

When all members of the crew have
completed their inspections of equipment.
they call out their report, without command,
starting from the rear:

® AMMUNITION BEARER COR-
RECT (or reports deficiencies}.

®@ AMMUNITION BEARER AND
ASSISTANT GUNNER CORRECT
lor reports the ammunition
deficiences).

® The gunner announces, ALL
CORRECT (or deficiencies found
during the tnspections).

PLACING THE MACHENEGLUN
INTO ACTION

‘To place the gun into action, the leader
commands and signals, GUN TO BE
MOUNTED HERE (pointing to the position
where the gun is to be mounted), FRONT
{pointing in the direction of fire), ACTION
(raising fist to shoulder level and thrusting it
several times in the direction of the selected
position).

At the command ACTION, the gunner
rises to his feet, grasps the carrying handle
with his left hand, grasps the top of the stock
with his nght hand, raises the gun to a
carrying position {muzzle to the front) and
moves to the selected position.

GUNNER MOVING TO THE
MACHINEGUN POSITION

Upon arnval at the position, the gunner
places the gun on the ground. He then
assumes the prone position to the rear of the
fun, positions the carrying handle to the left
so that it will not interfere during a barrel
change or aiming and firing, alines the gun
in the direction of fire, and raises the rear
sight and hinged shoulder rest. He places the
safety on FIRE, pulls the bolt to the rear,
places the safety on SAFE, and returns the
cocking handle to the forward position. He
then raises the feed cover, places the first
round of ammunition in the cartridge feed-
tray groove, and closes the feed cover,
insuring that the round does not slip out of
the cartridge feed-tray groove. He then places
the gun to his shoulder and puts the safety on
FIRE.

The assistant gunner times his
movements so that he arrives at the position
as the gunner is assuming the prone position.
He lies prone on his left hip, feet to the rear,
and on the left side of the gunner. He places

6-5

FM 23-67 __

—FM 23-67

=_ SS SS Scr SS yr i iS

the spare-barrel case parallel to the gun with extends the biped legs and places the spare
the zippered side toward the gun. He opens barrel on the case, muzzle to front and even
the case and removes the spare barrel. He with the muzzle of the gun.

GUNWNER IN FIRING POSITION

6-5

The ammunition bearer times his
movements so that he arrives at the position
as the assistant gunner is assuming the
prone position. He places the folded tripod
one step to the left of the muzzle of the gun
and on line with the gun. He unslings his
bandoleers and places them next to the folded
tripod legs. He then lies prone approximately
10 meters to the left and on line with the
position, provides security, and prepares to
fire mto the target area with his rifle.

If the bipod legs must be adjusted, the
assistant gunner crawls forward and
supports the muzzle of the gun by holding the
bipod yoke with his left hand. He adjusts the
height of the bipod iegs with his right hand.
(The assistant gunner wears an asbestos
mitten as required.)

When ready to fire, the gunner puts the
safety lever on FIRE and reports, UP. The
assistant punner signals, READY, to the
leader.

CHANGING THE BARREL

To insure proficiency and speed in
changing barrels, the barrel-changing
process 1s inciuded in crew drill.

When the gunner has reported UP, and
the assistant gunner has signaled READY,
the leader commands, CHANGE BARRELS.

The gunner insures that the bolt is to the
rear, puts the stock on the ground, and puts
the safety lever on SAFE. He then pushes to
the right on the barrel-locking-lever detent
with his left hand and raises the barrel-
locking lever with his right hand. Next, he
moves his nght hand to the top of the stock.
He puts his left hand under the forearm
assembly and raises the muzzle of the gun.

When the gunner raises the muzzle, the
assistant gunner (wearing the asbestos
mitten) grasps the gas system, removes the
barrel, and puts it down with the barrel
socket on the spare barrel case. He holds the
spare barrel by the gas system and mserts it
into the forearm assembly.

The gunner lowers the barrel-locking
lever, moves the safety lever to FIRE,
assumes the correct firing position, and
reports, UP. The assistant gunner signals,
READY, to the squad leader.

TAKING THE MACHINEGUN
OUT OF ACTION

To take the gun out of action, the
leader commands and signals OUT GF
ACTION. The gunner and assistant
gunner repeat the command.

At the command OUT OF ACTION, the
ammunition bearer moves to the position,

CORRECT POSITION FOR BARREL CHANGE

6-7

FM 23-67,

—FM 73-67

slinging his rifle. He picks up and slings the
bandoleers that he previously left there. He
gets the triped and moves 15 steps to the rear
of the gun. He lies prone, facing the position
with the tripod in front of him.

The assistant gunner closes the bipod
legs on the spare barrel and places it and the
asbestos mitten in the spare-barrel case.
Before rising, he closes the spare-barrel case
enough to retain the spare barrel and the
traversing and elevating mechanism. He
moves 10 steps to the rear of the position and
lies prone, facing the position. At this time,
he fully closes the spare-barrel case.

The gunner places the stack on the
ground, insures that the bolt is to the rear,
places the safety lever on SAFE, and raises
the feed cover. He removes the ammunition
from the tray, puts it into the bandoleer, and
closes the bandoleer. The gunner examines
the chamber to insure that it is clear: closes
the feed cover; pulls the cocking handle tothe
rear; puts the safety lever on FIRE: pulls the
trigger, easing the bolt forward; and puts the
safety lever on SAFE. He lowers the shoulder
rest with his right hand and the rear sight
assembly with ois left hand. He grasps the
carrying handle with his left hand and the
stock with his right hand. Rising, he pivots
on his right foot; without turning the gun, he
raises it to his left hip and moves five steps to
the rear. He visually checks toinsure thatthe
ammunition bearer and the assistant gunner
are in their proper positions. He lies prone,
facing the position with the gun on his right.
He folds the biped legs alongside the barrel
and reports, UP, to the squad leader.

TRIPOD MOUNT

The mspection of equipment for tripod
training 1s the same as for biped training
except the leader’s command to start the
inspection of equipment is INSPECT EQUIP-
MENT BEFORE FIRING, TRIPOD.

6-8

Also, the gunner inspects the bipod legs
and folds them to their position alongside the
barrel.

PLACING THE MACHINEGUN
INTO ACTION

The leader commands and signals, GUN
TO BE MOUNTED HERE, FRONT,
ACTION, in the same manner as for bipod
training.

Upen the command ACTION, the
ammunition bearer rises to his feet, holds the
tripod with his right hand, and moves
forward to the position. He kneels on his right
knee and rests the shoes of the rear tripod
legs on the ground, with the mount in a
vertical position. Steadying the mount with
his right hand near the tripod head, he raises
the front leg with his left hand. He grasps the
right shoe with his right hand and the left
shoe with his left hand, and raises the tripod
chest high. He separates the tripod legs with
a quick jerk. Insuring that the sleeve latch
engages the sieeve, he places the tripod onthe
ground with the front leg pointing in the
direction of fire. He rises to his feet and
stamps the rear shoes into the ground. He
then unslings his bandoleers and places
them on line with the front leg of the tripod,
one step to the left. He moves approximately
10 meters to the left of the position, unslings
his rifle, lies prone, provides security, and
prepares to fire into the target area.

The assistant gunner times his
movements and arrives at the position as the
ammunition bearer leaves. He places the
spare-barrel case (zippered side toward the
triped) parallel to and on line with the spot
where the muzzle of the gun will be when it is
mounted. He hes on his left side, with his hip
near the left tripod shoe. He unzips the spare-
barrel case and removes the spare-barrel and
the traversing and elevating mechanism. He
places the spare barrel on the spare-barrel
case with the muzzle forward.

FM 23-67 _

OPENING THE TRIPOD

MOUNTING THE MACHINEGUN

ATTACHING THE FRAVERSING AND ELEVATING MECHANISM

6-3

_ FM 23-67

The gunner times his movements and
arrives at the position as the assistant
funner assumes the prone position. He rises
to his feet, holds the carrying handle in his
left hand and the stock in his nght hand,and
raises the gun to the carrying position
(muzzle to the front). He mounts the gun in
accordance with chapter 3. He then positions
the carrying handle to the left so it will not
interfere with aiming and firing, raises the
rear-sight assembly, and hes prone.

The assistant punner hands the gunner
the traversing and elevating mechanism and
then steadies the gun. The punner then
positions and locks the traversing and
elevating mechanism on the gun and the
traversing bar.

The gunner places the safety on FIRE,
pulls the bolt to the rear, places the safety on
SAFE, and returns the cocking handle to the
forward position. The assistant gunner
places the first round of ammunition in the
tray groove and supports the belt while the
gunner closes the cover. The gunner takes the
correct position and grip, places the safety
lever on FIRE, and reports, UP. The
assistant gunner signals, READY, to the
squad leader.

CHANGING THE BARREL

When the gunner has reported, UP, and
the assistant gunner has sivnaled, READY,
the leader commands, CHANGE BARRELS.

The gunner puts the safety lever on
SAFE and pushes to the right on the barrel-
locking-lever detent with his left hand. He
raises the barrel-locking lever with his nght
hand and keeps his hand at that position.

The assistant gunner grasps the bipod
legs, removes the barrel from the gun, and
places it on the carrying case. He then holds
the spare barrel by the dipod legs and inserts
it into the forearm assembly.

6-10

The gunner lowers the barrel-locking
lever, moves the safety lever to FIRE,
assumes a correct firing position, and
reports, UP. The assistant gunner signals,
READY, to the squad leader.

TAKING THE MACHINEGUN
OUT OF ACTION

At the command OUT OF ACTION, the
funner insures that the bolt is to the rear,
places the safety lever on SAFE, and raises
the cover. The assistant gunner removes the
ammunition from the tray, returns it to the
bandoleer, and closes the bandoieer. The
sunner inspects the chamber to insure that it
is clear; closes the cover; pulls the cocking
handle to the rear; puts the safety lever en
FIRE; pulls the tigger, easing the bolt
forward; and puts the safety lever on SAFE.
The gunner removes the traversing and
elevating mechanism from the tripod and
hands it to the assistant gunner.

The assistant gunner puts the traversing
and elevating mechanism into the spare-
barrel case. He puts the spare barrel and
mitten into the case and closes it enough to
retain the contents. He rises, moves 10 steps
to the rear of the position, and les prone,
facing to the front. At this time, he fully
closes the spare-barrel case.

MACHINEGUN CREW GOING

a rr rnc FM 25-67

After handing the traversing and
elevating mechanism to the assistant
gunner, the gunner rises to his feet, lowers
the rear sight, and holds the carrying handle
with his left hand. With his right hand, he
depresses the pintle latch and removes the
gun from the tripod. Holding the steck with
his right hand, he pivots to his right as he
raises the gun to the carrying position. He
then moves five steps to the rear of the
position and hes prone, facing to the front.

The ammunition bearer rises, slings his
nifle, moves to the fun, and secures his
bandoleers, timing his arrival so that the

z x

CLOSING THE TRIPOD LEGS

punner and assistant gunner will be clear of
the tripod. He grasps the tripod with his left
hand and moves five steps to the rear of the
position. He turns, facing the front, and

kneels on his right knee. He places the tripod
in a vertical position with the rear shoes on
the ground and supports it with his rizht
hand near the head of the tripod. He reaches
up with his deft hand and lowers the front leg.
shdes his right hand down the right leg. and
releases the sleeve latch. He then grasps the
shoes and closes the tripod lees. He lowers
the tripod to the ground, head to the left, lies
prone behind it, and reports, UP.

PRONE POSITION

Crew drill, as it ois deseribed in the
preceding paragraphs, i an excellent
training vehicle for the machinerun crew.
However, it is not realistic for any situation
Other than traming. A continuation or
second phase of crew drill (crew drill in the
prone position) 1s outlined in this section. [t
should be used only asa technique for adding
realism to tramine.

INSPECTING EQUIPMENT
BEFORE FIRING

‘The inspection of equipment for crew
drill from the prone position is the same as
that for bipod training and tripod trainings.

PLACING THE GUN INTO ACTION

The leader commands and signals, GUN
TO BE MOUNTED HERE, FRONT.
ACTION, in the same manner as for bipod
training.

The procedures for bipod training are the
same, with one exception. Crew members do
not get to their feet, and all movements are
executed in the iow crawl. Once in position,
all actions are performed from the prone
position.

PRAINING WITH THE TRIPOD

Upon the command ACTION. the
ammunition bearer crawls forward to the

6-11

_FM 23-67

designated position and extends the front leg
of the triped. Grasping the rear legs firmly,
he emplaces the front leg. Applying
downward pressure, he emplaces the rear
legs. He then crawis to a position about 10

meters to the left of the machinegun and gets
into a good firing position with his rifle.

The assistant gunner crawls forward,
timing his movement to wurrive as the
ammunition bearer leaves. Positioning him-

EXTENDING FRONT LEG OF TRIPOD

6-12

self on the left side and facing the tripod, he
places the spare-barrel case alongside the
tripod, unzips the case, and removes the
spare barrel and the traversing and elevating
mechanism.

The gunner crawls forward to the rear of
the tripod. The assistant gunner grasps the
forearm assembly with his left hand (while
the gunner holds on to the stock) and guides
the mounting pins into the pintle latch until

the gun locks into place. The gunner takes the
traversing and elevating mechanism from
the assistant gunner and mounts it on the
gun and tripod. The assistant gunner then
loads the gun.

The procedures for taking the gun out of
action remain the same except ali are
performed in the prone position and all
movements are in the low crawl

FM 23-607 __

a ee.

CHAPTER 7

Techniques of Fire During Good Visibility

FUNDAMENTALS AND
FIRING TECHNIQUES

Eacn member of the machinegun crew
must be trained in standard methods of
applying fire with the machinegun, bothasa
member of the crew and as a gunner.

The easiest and quickest means of
delivering fire with the gun mounted on iis
bipod, tripod, or vehicular mount is by
alining the sights of the gun on the targetand
properly applying fire. This technique of fire
is called DIRECT LAY.

At times, techniques of fire other than
direct lay are more effective. When delivering
fire in the assault, overhead fire, and fire
from position defilade, the gunner must use
the techniques described in this chapter.

To teach crew members to employ the
machinegun to the best advantage, this
chapter provides guidance in the funda-
mentals of characteristics of fire, classes of
fire, range determination, and lateral dis-
tance measurements.

CHARACTERISTICS OF FIRE

Trajectory. This is the path of a bullet
during flight. It is almost flat at ranges of 300
meters or less. At ranges beyond 300 meters,
the trajectory is curved, and the curve
becomes greater as the range increases.

TRAJECTORY AND MAXIMUM
ORDINATE

H = MAXIMUM ORDINATE
(HIGHEST POINT OF TRAJECTORY!

Maxtmum Ordinate. This is the highest
point the trajectory reaches between the
muzzle of the gun and the base of the target.
It always occurs at a point approximately
two thirds of the distance from the gun to the
target. The maximum ordinate increases as
the range increases.

Cone of Fire. This is the pattern formed by
the different trajectories in each burst as they
travel downrange. When several rounds are
fired in a burst from a machinegun, each

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Tap May oh :
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—FM 23-67

round takes a slightly different trajectory.
This is primarily caused by the vibration of
the gun. Variations in ammunition and
atmospheric conditions also contribute tothe
different trajectories.

CONE OF FIRE AND BEATEN
ZONE

CONE OF FIRE BEATEN ZONE

Beaten Zone. This is the pattern formed by
the rounds within the cone of fire striking the
ground or the target. The size and shape of
the beaten zone changes when the range to
the target changes or when the machinegun
is fired into different types of terrain. On
uniformly sloping or level terrain, the beaten
zone is long and narrow. As the range to the
target increases, the beaten zone becomes
shorter and wider. When fire is delivered into
terrain sloping down and away from the gun,
the beaten zone becomes longer. When fire 1s
delivered into rising terrain, the beaten zone
becomes shorter. The terrain has no great
effect on the width of the beaten zone.

Danger Space. This is the space between
the pun and the target where the trajectory
does not rise above 1.8 meters (the average
height of a standing soldier). This includes
the area of the beaten zone.

When a machinegun (on its bipod or
tripod mount) is fired over level or uniformly
sloping terrain at a target less than 700
meters away, the trajectory will not nse
above the average height of a standing
soldier,

f-2

RELATIVE SIZE AND SHAPE
OF BEATEN ZONE

4100 METERS

—— B00 METERS
400 METERS

When engaging targets over level or
uniformly sloping terrain at ranges greater
than 700 meters, the trajectory will rise above
the average height of a standing soldier.

DANGER SPACE

PARTIAL

COMPLETE

Therefore, not all the distance between the
gun and the target is danger space.

CLASSES OF FIRE

Machinegun fire ts classified with re-
spect to the GROUND, the TARGET, and the
GUN.

Fire with respect to the GROUND
includes:

Grazing Fire - when the center of the cone
of fire does not rise more than | meter above
the ground. When firing over level or
uniformly sloping terrain, a maximum of 600
meters of grazing fire can be obtained.

Plunging Fire - when danger space is
practically confined to the beaten zone.
Plunging fire occurs when firing at long
ranges, when firing from high ground te low
ground, when firing into abruptly rising
ground, or when firing across uneven terrain,
resulting in a loss of grazing fire at any point
along the trajectory.

CLASSES OF FIRE WITH
RESPECT TO THE GROUND

GRAZING FIRE

PLUNGING FIR
3 mS rin

Fire with respect to the TARGET
includes:

Frontal Fire - when the long axis of the
beaten zone 1s at a right angle to the front of
the target. Simply stated, that means when
firing directly into the front of a tarvet.

Flanking Fire - when delivered directly
against the flank of a target.

Oblique Fire - when the long axis of the
beaten zone is at an angle other than a right
angle to the front of the target.

infifade Fire - when the long axis of the
beaten zone comeides or nearly coincides
with the long axis of the target. This type of
fire 1s either frontal or flanking. Itis the most
desirable type of fire with respect to a target
because 1t makes maximum use of the beaten
zone.

CLASSES OF FIRE WITH
RESPECT TO THE TARGET

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7-3

FM 23-57

—FM 23-6/

Fire with respect to the GUN includes:

Fixed Fire - that delivered against a
stationary point target when the depth and
width of the beaten zone will cover the target.

Traversing Fire - that distributed im
width by successive changes in direction.
With the trpod-mounted gun, the changes
are made m 2- to 6muil increments on the
traversing handwheel between bursts. If
denser fire is needed, a 21mil change in
direction will cause an overlap of beaten
zones to insure complete coverage of the
target.

CLASSES OF FIRE WITH RESPECT
TO THE MACHINEGUN

Brees wD

SEARCHING
TRAVERSE
TRAVERSING AND SEARCH

22PPPEP QAP OD

SWINGING
TRAVERSE

FREE GUN

searching Fire - that distributed in depth
by successive changes in elevation. When
firing the tripod-mounted gun over level or
uniformly sloping terrain, the changes are
made on the elevating handwheel in ?mil
increments. When fires are delivered into
terrain sloping away from the gun, less than
2 mils of change may be required. Gunners
will learn the amount of change to apply
through experience. To pet good target
coverage, a burstis fired after each elevation
change.

Traversing and Searching Fire - that
distributed in width and depth by successive

7-4

changes in direction and elevation. With the
tripod-mounted pun, the changes in direction
are made in 2- to 6rml mecrements on the
traversing handwheel, The amount of eleva-
tion change is determined by the slope of the
terrain and the angle of the target. To get
good coverage, a burst is fired after each
COMBINED change in direction and eleva-
tion.

Swinging Traverse Fire - that delivered
against targets too wide ta cover with the
traversing handwheel, or targets moving so
rapidly across the gunner’s front that he
cannot maintain effective fire while using
the traversing handwheel. To deliver this
type of fire, the gunner loosens the travers-
ing-slide-lock lever to allow the traversing
and elevating mechanism to slide freely on
the traversing bar. Changes in direction are
made by applying pressure (left or right) to
the rear of the gun. Changes in elevation are
made by turning the elevating handwheel.

Free Gun Fire - that dehvered from the
tripod mount against targets requiring rapid
major changes in direction and elevation
which cannot be applied with the traversing
and elevating mechanism. This fre can also
be debvered from the vehicular mount
against targets that cannot be adequately
covered by selecting aseries of atming points.
To deliver this type of fire from the tripod
mount, the gunner removes the traversing
and elevating mechanism from the bottom of
the receiver, allowimege the pun to be moved
freely in any direction. To deliver this type of
fire from the vehicular mount, the gunner
changes direction and elevation by applying
pressure to the rear (left or nght) of the gun.

NOTE: Swinging-traverse and free-gun fire
cannot be delivered with the bipod mount.
The other types of fire can be delivered with

the gun mounted on the bipod, tripod, or
vehicle mount.

RANGE DETERMINATION

Range determination is the process of
finding the distance between two points. In
most situations, one of these points will be
the cbserver’s own position. The other point
may be a target or prominent terrain feature.
THE ABILITY TO DETERMINE RANGE
ACCURATELY IS A KEY SKILL NEEDED
BY THE GUNNER TO ACCOMPLISH HIS
MISSION. Not only does the accurate
determination of range affect his marks-
manship, but it is also required in the
reporting of information and the adjustment
of artillery and mortar fire.

There are several methods of deter-
mining range, to include measuring distance
on a map, pacing the distance between two
points, estimating range, using an optical
rangefinder, and using registration fire.
However, the gunner does not usually have a
map, and he rarely has access to an optical
rangefinder. He can pace the distance
between two points if the enemy is not within
range. Firing rounds just to determine the
range 15 not desirable since it may reveal the
machinegun position to enemy observers.
Most of the time, the gunner must use
techniques that require no equipment and
that can be used without exposing himself or
revealing his position. There are two meth-
ods of determining range which meet these
requirements: the 100-METER-UNiT-OF-
MEASURE method and the APPEAR-
ANCE-OF-OBJECTS method.

100-Meter-Unit-of-Measure Method. To
use this method, the gunner must be able to
visualize a distance of 100 meters on the
ground. For ranges up to 500 meters, he
determines the number of 10G-meter in-
crements between the two points he wishes to
measure. Beyond 500 meters, the gunner
must select a pomt halfway to the target,
determine the number of 100-meter incre-
ments to the halfway point, and then deuble
it to find the range to the target.

APPLYING THE 100-METER-UNIT-
OF-MEASURE METHCD FOR
RANGES UP TO 500 METERS

_-. 4
“S500
gt See

= ea

APPLYING THE 100-METER-UNIT-
OF-MEASURE METHOD FOR
RANGES UP TO 800 METERS

HALFWAY POINT
— -¥g00

‘ F
a =? :
-

During training periods, gunners must
become familiar with the effect that sloping
terrain has on the appearance of a 100-meter
increment. Terrain that slopes upward fives
the illusion of longer distance, and observers
have a tendency to underestimate a 106-
meter increment. Terrain that slopes down-
ward gives the illusion of shorter distance. In
this case, the observer's tendency is to
overestimate a 100-meter increment.

7-5

FM 23-67

—FM 23-67

FACTORS OF RANGE ESTIMATION

FACTORS AFFECTING
RANGE ESTIMATION

FHE CLEARNESS OF OUT-
LINE AND DETAILS OF
THE TARGET. :

NATURE OF TERRAIN OR
POSITION OF THE OB-
SERVER.

LIGHT AND ATMOSPHERE.

FACTORS CAUSING
UNDERESTIMATION
OF RANGE.

WHEN MOST OF THE
TARGET IS VISIBLE AND
OFFERS A CLEAR OUT-
LINE.

WHEN LOGKING ACROSS
A DEPRESSION THAT IS
MOSTLY HIDDEN FROM
VIEW.

WHEN LOOKING FROM
LOW GROUND TOWARD
HIGH GROUND.

WHEN LOOKING DOWN A
STRAIGHT, OPEN ROAD,
OR ALONG 4 RAILROAD.

WHEN LOOKING OVER
UNEFFORM SURFACES
LIKE WATER, SNOW,
DESERT. OR GRAIN
FIELDS.

IN BRIGHT LIGHT OR
WHEN THE SUN iS
SHINING FROM BEHIND
THE OBSERVER.

WHEN THE TARGET IS IN
SHARP CONTRAST WITH

FHE BACKGROUND ORIS
SILHOUETTED BECAUSE
OF ITS SIZE, SHAPE, OR
COLOR.

WHEN SEEN IN THE
CLEAR AIR OF HIGH
ALTIFUDES.

FACTORS CAUSING
OVERESTIMATION
OF RANGE.

WHEN ONLY A SMALL
PART OF THE TARGET
CAN BE SEEN OR THE
TARGET IS SMALL IN
RELATION TO iTS SUR-
ROUNDINGS.

WHEN LOOKING ACROSS
A DEPRESSION THAT IS
TOTALLY VISIBILE.

WHEN LOOKING DOWN-
WARD FROM HIGH
GROUND.

WHEN VISION IS NAR-
ROWLY CONFINED, ASIN
STREETS, DRAWS, OR
FOREST TRAILS.

IN POOR LIGHT SUCH AS
DAWA AND DUSK: IN
RAIN. SNOW, FOG, OR
WHEN THE SUN ES IN THE
OBSERVER'S EVES.

WHEN TARGET BLENDS
INTO THE BACKGROUND
OR TERRAIN.

between the range as determined by the
gunner and the actual range as determined
by pacing or other, more accurate means of
measurement, The best training technique is

Proficiency m the 100meter-unit-of-
measure method requires constant practice.
Throughout the training in this technique,
comparisons should be frequently made

7-6

to require the gunner to pace the range after
he has visually determined it. In this way, he
discovers the actual range for himself, which
makes a much greater impression than if he
is simply told the correct range.

A limitation of the 100-meter-unit-of-
measure method is that its accuracy is
directly related to the amount of terrain
visible to the observer. This is particularly
true at the greater ranges. If a target appears
at a range of 500 meters or more, and the
observer can only see a portion of the ground
between himself and the target, it becomes
- difficult to use the 100-meter-unit-of-measure
method of range determination with any
degree of accuracy.

Appearance-of-Objects Method. The ap-
pearance-of-objects method is a means of
determining range by the size and other
characteristic details of the object. This is a
common method of determining distances
and is used by most people. For example, a
motorist trying to pass another car must
judge the distance of oncoming vehicles
based on his knowledge of how vehicles
appear at various distances. In this example,
the motorist is not interested in precise
distances but only in having enough road
space to safely pass the car in front of him.
Suppese, however, the motorist knew that at
a distance of 1 kilometer an oncoming vehicle
appeared to be 1 centimeter wide and ?
centimeters high, with about a half centi-
meter between headlights. Then, anytime he
saw other oncoming vehicles which fitted
these dimensions he would know they were
about 1 kilometer away. This same technique
can be used by gunners to determine ranges
on the battlefield. If the gunner knows the
characteristic size and detail of men and
equipment at known ranges, he can compare
these characteristics to similar objects at
unknown ranges. When the characteristics
match, so does the range.

To use the appearance-of-objects method
with any degree of accuracy, the gunner must

be familar with the characteristic details of
objects as they appear at various ranges. For
example, the gunner should study the
appearance of a man standing at a range of
100 meters. He fixes the man’s appearance
firmly in his mind, carefully noting details of
size and the characteristics of uniform and
equipment. Next, he studies the same man in
a kneeling position and then in a prone
position. By comparing the appearance ofthe
man at known ranges from 160 to 500 meters,
the gunner can establish a series of mental
images which will help determine range on
unfamiliar terrain. Training should also be
conducted in the appearance of other
familar objects such as weapons or vehicles.
Because the successful use of this method
depends upon visibility, anything which
limits visibility (such as weather, smoke, or
darkness) will also limit the effectiveness of
this method.

Combination of Methods, Under ideal
conditions, either the 100-meter-unit-of-
measure or the appearance-of-objects method
is an effective method of determining range.
However, ideal conditions rarely exist on the
battlefield, so the gunner must use a
combination of methods. The terrain might
limit the use of the appearanceof-objects
method. For example, a gunner may not be
able to see all the terrain out to the target:
however, he may see enough to get a general
idea of the distance. A slight haze may
obscure many of the target details, but the
gunner should still be able to judge its size.
By carefully considering the ranges esti-
mated by both methods, an experienced
gunner should arrive at a figure close to the
true range. [he best way to reduce ranging
errors using these two methods is to train
frequently.

LATERAL DISTANCE
MEASUREMENT
In addition to being able to determine
range accurately, the gunner needs a quick
method of measuring lateral distance (right
or left) from a reference point to a target.

i-7

—FM 23-6/

When the gun is mounted on the tripod,
width can be measured by aiming on a point,
manipulating the traversing handwheel, and
counting the checks from one point of aim to
another point of aim. Each click equals 1 mil
and is equivalent to 1 meter at 1,000 meters,
or half a meter at 500 meters.

The fingers can be used to measure the
lateral distance between a reference point
and a target. Extend the arm with the palm
outward, lower the fingers, and lock the
etbow. Close one eye, raise the index finger,
and sight along its edge, placing the edge of
the finger along the flank of the target or
reference point. Note the space remaining
between the pomts, and then fill this space by
raising fingers until the space 1s covered. The
measurement from the reference point to the
target 1s then stated as being one or more
fingers, depending upon how many fingers
are raised to cover this distance.

APPLYING THE FINGER-

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_ iF a = Fak
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[Sr a it
meters Fy

Pare 4 signing, 3 =
BREFEHENCE POINT § hic
ot kG oh ee eee a

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FIRE CONTROL
REQUIREMENTS

fire control includes all actions of the
leader and crews in planning, preparing, and
actually applying fire on a target. It is the
ability to select and designate targets, open
fire at the instant desired, adjust fire,
regulate the rate of fire, shift from one target
to another, and cease fire.

7-8

Fire control depends upon the ability of
the leader and the discipline and training of
the crew. Failure to exercise fire control
results in ineffective employment of the gun
and can result in danger to friendly troops,
loss of surprise, premature disclosure of
positions, fire on unimportant targets, loss of
time in adjusting frre, and wasted ammuni-
tion.

METHODS OF FIRE CONTROL

The noise and confusion of battle may
hmit the use of some of these methods:
therefore, the leader must select a method or
combination of methods that will best
accomplish the mission,

Oral. This is an effective method of control,
but at times the leader may be too far away
from the crews, or the noise of battle may
make it impossible for the crews to hear him.

Arm-and-Hand Signais. This is an ef-
fective method when the crews can see the
leader. All crew members must understand
the standard arm-and-hand signals,

Prearranged Signals. These are either
visual or sound signals such as pyrotechnics
or blasts on a whistle. These signals should
be included in standing operating precedures
and must be understood by all squad
mem bers.

Personai Contact. In many situations, the
leader must move to individual crew mem-
bers to issue orders. This method of control is
used more than any other by small-unit
leaders. The leader must use maximum cover
and concealment to keep from disclosing the
position.

Standing Operating Procedures. SOPs
are actions to be executed without command.
SOPs are developed during the training of
the gun crews. Their use eliminates many
commands and simplifies the leader’s job of
fire control.

PURPOSE OF

FIRE COMMANDS
A fire command is given to deliver
effective fire on a target quickly and without
confusion. When the leader decides to engage
a target which is not obvicus to the gunners,
he must provide them with the information
they need to effectively engage the target. He
must alert the crews, and give a target
direction, description, and range; the method

of fire; and the command to fire.

There are initial fire commands and
subsequent fire commands. Initial fire com-
mands are given to begin firing at a target,
and subsequent fire commands are given to
adjust direction and elevation, change the
rate of fire after a fire missicn 18 1n progress,
interrupt fire, or terminate the alert.

Elements of Fire Commands. Fire com-
mands for ail direct fire weapons follow a
pattern that includes similar elements. There
are six elements in the fire command for the
machinegun: ALERT, DIRECTION, DE-
SCRIPTION, RANGE, METHOD OF FIRE,
and COMMAND TO OPEN FIRE. The crew
repeats each element of a fire command as it
18 gIVeN,

Alert

This element gets the crews ready to
receive further instructions. The leader may
alert both crews or only one, depending upon
the situation. To alert and fire both guns, the
leader announces, FIRE MISSION. [If the
leader desires to alert and fire only one gun,
he will announce, GUN NUMBER ONE
{TWO}, FIRE MISSION. [fhe desires to alert
both guns but fire only one, he will announce,
FIRE MISSION, GUN NUMBER ONE
(TWO), Once alerted, the assistant gunner(s)
continuously observes the leader in order to
relay instructions.

Direction

This element indicates the general
direction to the target and may be given in

one or a combination of the following
methods:

® Oraliy. The leader gives the direec-
tion to the target in relation to the
position of the gun.

® Pointing. The leader can designate
a smail or obscure target by point-
ing with his arm or aiming with a
gun. When he points with his arm, a
man standing behind him shouid be
able to look over his shoulder and
sight along his arm and index
finger to locate the target. When a
gun has been aimed at a target, a
soldier looking through the sights
should be able to see the target.

® Using tracer ammunition. Tracer
ammunition is a quick and sure
method of designating a target
which is not ciearly visible. When
using this method, the leader should
first give the general direction in
order to direct the crew’s attention
to the target area. To prevent the
loss of surprise when using tracer
ammunition, the leader does not
fire until he has given all of the
elements of the fire command ex-
cept the command to fire. The
leader may fire his individual wea-
pon or fire one or more bursts from
a machinegun. The firing of the
tracer(s) then becomes the last
element of the fire command and is
the signal to open fire.

Example:

FIRE MISSION

FRONT

500

WATCH MY TRACERS)

7-9

FM 23-67

—FM a

® Using reference points. Another
method of designating obscure tar-
gets is to use easy-to-recognize
reference points. All leaders and
crews must be familiar with terrain
features and the terminology used
to describe them (FM 21-26). When
using a reference point, the word
‘reference’ precedes its descrip-
tion. This is done to avoid confusion.
The general direction to the refer-
ence point should be given.

An example of the use of a reference point
is as shown below.

FIRE MISSION, GUN NUMBER ONE
FRONT
REFERENCE: LONE PINE TREE

Sometimes a target must be designated
by using successive reference points.

Example:
GUN NUMBER TWO, FIRE MISSION
RIGHT FRONT

REFERENCE: RED-ROOFED HOUSE,
LEFT TO HAYSTACK, LEFT TO BARN

Finger measurements can be used to
direct the crew’s attention to the right or left
of reference points.

Example:
FIRE MISSION
LEFT FRONT

REFERENCE:
FOUR FINGERS

CROSSROADS, RIGHT

When the guns are mounted on tripods,
lateral distance from reference points cap be
announced in mils. Lateral distance is
assumed to be in mils so the word “mils” is
not necessary.

7-10

Example:
FIRE MISSION
FRONT

REFERENCE: KNOCKED-OUT TANK,
LEFT FOUR ZERO

Description

The target description is used to create a
picture of the target in the minds of the crew.
To properly apply their fire, the crew must
know the type of target they are to engave.
The leader should describe it briefly. The
word “target” precedes the target descrip-
tion, as in TARGET: TROOPS; TARGET:
TANKS: TARGET: AIRCRAFT, etc. If the

target is obvicus, no description 1s necessary.
Range

The leader will always announce the
estimated range to the target. The range 1s
given so the crews know how far to look for
the target and what range setting to put on
the rear sight. Range is announced in meters.
Since the meter is the standard unit of range
measurement, the word “meters” 1s not used.
With machineguns, the range is determined
and announced to the nearest hundred or
thousand (in other words, THREE HUN-
DRED, or ONE THOUSAND, or ONE ONE
HUNDRED).

Example:
FIRE MISSION
FRONT

REFERENCE: KNOCKED-OUT TANK,
LEFT FOUR ZERO

TARGET: TROOPS
THREE HUNDRED
Method of Fire

This element includes manipulation and
rate of fire.

ee ee = ee

Manipulation is used to prescribe the
class of fire with respect to the gun. It is
announced as FIXED, TRAVERSE, SEARCH,
TRAVERSE AND SEARCH, SWINGING
TRAVERSE, or FREE GUN.

Rate is used to contrel the amount of fire.
There are three rates which may be
announced: sustained, rapid, and cyclic. The
rate of fire may be omitted from the fire
command; however, when a rate is omitted,
the rapid rate is implied.

Example:
FIRE MISSION
FRONT

REFERENCE: KNOCKED-OUT TANK,
LEFT FOUR ZERO

TARGET: TROOPS
THREE HUNDRED
TRAVERSE
RAPID
Command to Open Fire

ltis often important that fire be withheld
so that surprise fire can be delivered on a
target, or to insure that both guns open fire at
the same time. The leader may preface the
command to commence firing with, AT MY
COMMAND, or AT MY SIGNAL. When the
gunners are ready to engage the target, they
report, UP, to the assistant gunners who
signal, READY, to the leader. The leader
then gives the command, FIRE, at the
specific time desired.

Example:

FIRE MISSION
FRONT
TROOPS

400)

464-46d O- a5 5. On 3

AT MY COMMAND or AT MY SIGNAL
(Pause until crew members are ready and fire
is desired.)

FIRE {or prearranged signal)

If immediate fire 1s required, the com-
mand, FIRE, ts given without pause and the
gunners fire as soon as they are ready.

Subsequent Fire Commands. Subsequent
fire commands are used to make adjustments
In direction and elevation, change rates of
fire after a fire mission is in progress,
interrupt fires, or terminate the alert. If the
gunner fails to properly engage a target, the
leader must promptly correct him by an-
nouncing or signaling the desired changes.
When these changes are given, the gunner
makes the corrections and resumes firing
without further command, When firing under
the control of a leader, the assistant gunner
observes the ieader for instructions which he
passes on to the gunner,

Adjustment for direction is given first.
(Examples: RIGHT ONE ZERO: LEFT
FIVE.) Adjustment for elevation is given
next. (Examples: ADD FIVE; DROP ONE
FIVE.) These may be given orally or with
arm-and-hand signals. Adjustments in direc-
tion and elevation with the bipod or
venicular-mounted gun are always given in
meters by using one finger to indicate 1
meter. Adjustments in direction and eleyva-
tran on the tripod-mounted gun are always
given in mils; one finger indicates 1 mil.

Changes in the rate of fire are given
orally or by arm-and-hand signals.

To interrupt firing, the leader announces,
CEASE FIRE, or signals to cease fire. The
crews remain on the alert. They resume firing
when given the command, FIRE.

To terminate the alert, the leader
announces, CEASE FIRE, END OF MIS.
SION.

Doubiful Elements and Corrections.
When the gunner is in doubt about any

?-1i

me FF

element of the fire command, he replies, SAY
AGAIN RANGE, TARGET, etc. The leader
then announces, THE COMMAND WAS,
repeats the element in question, and con-
tinues with the fire command.

When the leader makes an error in the
initial fire command, he corrects it by
announcing, CORRECTION, and then gives
the corrected element.

Example:

FIRE MISSION
FRONT

TROOPS

5D0

CORRECTION

600

TRAVERSE

AT MY COMMAND

When the leader makes an error in the
subsequent fire command, he may correct it
by announcing, CORRECTION, and then
repeating the entire subsequent fire com-
mand.

Example:

LEFT FIVE, DROP ONE
CORRECTION

LEFT FIVE, DROP ONE ZERO

Abbreviated Fire Commands. Fire com-
mands need not be complete to be effective. In
combat, the leader’s fire command will give
only the elements necessary to place fire ona
target quickly and without confusion. During
training, however, he should use all of the
elements to get crew members in the habit of
thinking and reacting properly when a target
is to be engaged. After the crew’s imitial
training in fire commands, they should be
taught to react te abbreviated fire com-

7-12

mands, using the various methods of control,
as follows:
Oral

The leader wants to place the fire of one
sun (on triped) on an enemy machinegun he
has located.

Example:

FIRE MISSION, GUN NUMBER ONE
MACHINEGUN

600

FIRE
Range Card

When a range card has been prepared,
the leader, by using only the alert, descrip-
tion, and the command to fire, can piace fire
on targets that the gunner cannot see. The
leader describes the target by its number,
saying the word “target” before the number
of the target.

Example:
FIRE MISSION, GUN NUMBER ONE
TARGET NUMBER THREE
A'T MY COMMAND
FIRE
Abbreviated Arm-and-Hand Signals

The leader gets the gunner’s attention
and then points to the target. When the
assistant gunner returns the, READY,
signal, the leader commands, FIRE.

Prearranged Signals

If the leader wants to shift fire at a
certain time, he gives a prearranged signal,
such as smoke cr pyrotechnics. Upon seeing
the signal, the gunners shift their fire to a
prearranged point.

Personal Contact

The leader may also move to the gunner
whose fire he wants to shift, get his attention,

point out the pew target, and command,
FIRE.

Standing Operating Procedures. SOPs
for certain actions and commands can be
developed to make crews more effective.
Some examples follow:

Observation

The crew members continuously ohserve
their sector.

Fire

Gunners open fire without command on
appropriate targets that appear within their
sector,

Check

While the gunner ts firing, the assistant
cunner checks with the leader for instruc-
tions.

Return Fire

The crews return enemy fire, concen-
trating on enemy automatic weapons, with-
out order.

Shift Fire

Gunners shift their fire without com-
mandg when more dangerous targets appear.

Rate of Fire

When gunners engage a targel, they
initially fire at the rate necessary to gain and
maintain fire superiority.

Mutual Support

When two or more guns are envaying th’
same target and one pun stops firing, the
other gunner(s) increases the rate of fire and
covers the entire target. When only one funis
required to engage a target and the leader has
alerted two or more crews, the gun not firing
lays on the target and tollows the movements
of the tarvet so that it can fire instantly
should the other gun malfunction or cease
fire before the target has been eliminated.

Arm-and-Hand Stpnats. Battlefield noise
and the distance between guns and the leader
often make it necessary to use arm-and-hand
signals to contro] fire. When an action or
movement is to be executed by only one of the
crews, a preliminary signal is given to
designate the crew to act. When necessary,
all signals are relayed to the gunner by the
assistant gunner. The following are com-
monly used signals for fire control.

@® Ready. The assistant gunner sig-
nals that the gunner 1s ready to fire
by raising his right hand and arm
above his head toward the leader.

® Commence Firing, or Change Rate
of Firing. The leader brings his
hand, palm down, to the front of his
body, about waist level, and moves
it horizontally in front of his body.
To signal faster fire, he increases
the speed of the hand movement; to
fire slower, he decreases the speed
of the hand movement.

® Change Direction/Elevation (Tri-
pod-, Bipod-, or Vehicular-Mounted
Machimegun). The leader extends
his arm and hand in the new
direction and indicates, by the
number of fingers extended, the
amount of change necessary. The
fingers must be spread so the
assistant gunner can easily see the
number of fingers extended. Fach
finger indicates 1 mil of change for
the tripod-mounted gun and I meter
of change for the bipod- and vehi-
cular-mounted gun. If the desired
change is more than 5 mils, the
leader extends his hand the number
of times necessary to indicate the
total amount of change. For ex-
ample, RIGHT NINE would be
indicated by extending the hand
once with five fingers showing and
a second time with four fingers
showing for a total of nine fingers.

7-13

FM 23-67_

—FM 23-67

ARM-AND-HAND SIGNALS

ADJUSTING FIRE WITH FHE BIPOD-MOUNTED GUN CEASE FIRE

COMMENCE FIRING

ADJUSTING FIRE WITH THE TRIPOD-MOUNTED GUN

® Interrupt or Cease Firing. The
leader raises his arm and hand,
palm outward, in front of his
forehead and brings it downward
sharply. The assistant gunner then
Slaps the gunner on his back to
indicate CEASE FIRE.

® Other Signals. The leader can
devise other signals to control his
guns; for example, signals to change
barrels, remove the gun from the
tripod, or emplace the gun in a
eertain position. A detailed descrip-
tion of arm-and-hand signals is
fiven in FM 21-60.

PRINCIPLES OF
APPLICATION OF FIRE

Appheation of fire consists of the
methods crews use to get complete and
effective coverage of a target area.

Training in the methods of applying fire
can be accomplished only after the crews
have learned to recognize the different types
of targets they may find in combat, how to
properly distribute and concentrate their fire,
and how to maintain the proper rate of fire.

TYPES OF TARGETS

Targets for machineguns in combat will
In most cases be enemy troops. Different
troop formations will make it necessary to
use different classes of fire distribution.
These targets have width and depth, and the
hre must thoroughly cover the area in which
the enemy 1s known or suspected to be. The

targets may be easy to find or hard to see or
find.

Point Targets. These require the use of a
single arming point. Examples of point
targets are enemy bunkers, weapons em-
placements, vehicles, and troops.

Area Targets. These may have consider-
able width and depth and may require
extensive traversing and searching fire, such
as a target where the enemy’s exact location

1s unknown. Area targets are of three major
kmds:

® Linear.
® Deep.
® Linear with depth.

METHODS OF
APPLICATION OF FIRE

In combat, the size and nature ofa target
may call for the fire of more than one gun.
The method of applying fire to a target is
generally the same for eithera single gun ora
pair.

Areaand Potni Fire. Areafireis fire thatis
delivered in width, in depth, or in a
combination of both. To distribute fire
properly, gunners must know where to aim,
how to adjust their fire, and in which
direction to manipulate the gun.

With regard to the point ofinitial lay and
adjustment, the punner must aim, fire, and
adjust on a certain point of the target. It is
important that fire be adjusted boldly,
rapidly, and continuously. Binoculars can he
used by the leader to help adjust fire. The
gunner always keeps the center of his beaten
zone at the base of the target. This makes the
bullets in the upper halfofthe beaten zone hit
the target, and bullets in the lower halfofthe
beaten zone ricochet into the target.

With regard to direction of manipulation,
the gunner must move his beaten zone in a
certain direction over the target. The direc-
tion depends upon the type of target and
whether the target is engaged with a single
veun or a pair. When engaging area taryets
(but not point targets} with a pair of vuns, the
targets are divided. Each yun 1s given a part
of the target so that fire is evenly distributed
over the target.

7-15

—FM 23-67

PLACEMENT OF THE CENTER OF THE BEATEN
ZONE ON THE TARGET

Rates of Fire.There are three rates of fire
with the machinegun — sustained, rapid,
and cyclic. These rates are established as a
guide for training and to indicate when a
barrel change is desirable. In training, the
rate of fire should be announced to aid
learning and give the gunners a basis for
judging the number of rounds being fired.

Sustained Fire

Sustained fire ts 100 rounds per minutein
bursts of 6 to %9 rounds at 4- to 4-second
intervals. It is directed by announcing,
SUSTAINED. {A barrel change ts recom-
mended after firing the sustained rate for 10
minutes.)

Rapid Fire

Rapid fire is 200 rounds per minute in
bursts of 6 to 9 rounds at 2- to 3-second
intervals. It is directed by announcing,
RAPID. (A barrel change is recommended
after firing the rapid rate for 2 minutes.)

Cyclic Fire

Cyclic fire uses the most ammunition
that can be used in | minute. The cyclic rate
of fire with the M60 machinegun (approxi-
mately 550 rounds per minute) 1s fired when
the trigger is held tothe rear and ammunition
is fed into the gun. (A barrel change is
recommended after firing the cyclic rate for 1
minute.)

7-16

UPPER HALF OF CONE OF FIRE
PASSING THROUGH TARGET

LOWER HALF OF BEATEN #ONE
RICOCHETING INTO TARGET
Ground targets are INITIALLY engaged

using the rapid rate (200 rounds per minute)
to gain fire superiority. After fire superiority
has been gained, the rate of fireis reduced toa
rate that is sufficient to maintain fire
superiority. This reduced rate of fire is
necessary to keep the barrel from over-
heating and to conserve ammunition.

Aerial targets are engaged using the
cyclic rate.

TARGET ENGAGEMENT
DIRECT LAY

When fire is under direct control of a
leader, he designates the midpoint and
flanks or ends of a target unless they are
obvious to the crews. In the case of an area
target, the gunner on the left apples his fire
to the left half of the target, and the gunner
on the night takes the right half. Each gunner
must be prepared to engage the entire target.
Gunners continue to fire until the target is
neutralized or until signaled to do otherwise
by the leader.

To aid in fire control, guns employed in
pairs are designated number 1 gun (night
position} and number 2 gun (left position).

To insure that gunners react quickly and
properly when they detect a target or when a
target is designated by the ieader, standard
methods of applying fire te the various types
of targets are used. These methods are the
same for biped-, tripod-, and vehicular-
mounted guns.

FM 23-67

SPECIAL DIVISION OF TARGETS

e ® TARGET \

| | ie a day 2,
m LINEAR TARGET WITH DEPTH .

—_F-M 23-67

Point targets are engaged with fixed fire
(also called “point fire’). [f the target moves
after the initial burst, crews keep fire on the
target by following its movement.

Linear targets are engaged with travers-
ing fire.

Machineguns in Patrs. The target 1s
divided at the midpoint with the right gun
(normally, No. 1) finng on the nght halfand
the left gun (normally, No. 2) firing on the left
half. The point of initial lay and adjustment
for beth guns is on the midpoint. After
adjusting on the midpoint, the mght gun
traverses right, firing a burst after each
change in direction, until it reaches one
alming point beyond the right flank (this
insures complete target coverage). The left
gun traverses to the left flank in the same
way. Both gunners then reverse their

fi Nil A

cll hak ‘2

directions and return to the midpoint. It is
important to select aiming points for each
burst rather than “spray” the target area.

If one part of the target 1s a greater
threat, fire can be concentrated on the preater
threat by dividing the target unevenly. The
special division of the target is done with
subsequent fire commands after firing
begins. To preclude confusion, the gunners
initially lay on the midpointregardless ofthe
special division to be made.

One Machinegun. A single gunner must
engage the entire width of a linear target. The
point of initial lay is on the midpoint. The
gunner then manipulates to cover the rest of
the target.

Hard-to-Identify Linear Targets. Hi a
hinear target 1s hard to identify, the leader

ENGAGING DISTINCT LINEAR TARGETS

i! |
-_ AGE Zi a ee

may designate the target by using a reference bOD

point. When this method is used, the leader ss
determines the center of mass of the target TRAVERSE
and announces the number of mils or fingers AT MY COMMAND
from the reference point that will cause each

gunner to lay on the center mass. The FIRE

reference point may be within or adjacent to
the target; however, it should be on line with
the target for best effect. After the command
to fire has been TIVEN, the leader maintains FIRE MISSION
and controls the fire by subsequent fire

commands. LEFT FRONT

REFERENCE: BURNED-OUT TANK, CEN-
Exampie of a fire command with the TER MASS

reference point OUTSIDE the target area:

Example of a fire command with the
reference point INSIDE the target area:

TARGET: TROOPS EXTENDING LEFT

PIRE MISSION FIVE ZERO, RIGHT FIVE ZERO
FRONT 700

REFERENCE: CHIMNEY, RIGHT FIVE, TRAVERSE

CENTER MASS AT MY COMMAND

TARGET: TROOPS FIRE

ENGAGING HARD-TO-iIDENTIFY LINEAR TARGETS
WITH A eo alpeniaies — OUTSIDE THE TARGET AREA

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FM 23-6 7

—FM 23-67

ENGAGING HARD-TO-IDENTIFY TARGETS
TARGET A
an “T

WITH A REFERENCE POINT WITHIN TH

bE.

DEEP TARGETS

Deep targets are engaged with searching
fire. When range is announced, it 1s given to
the nidpoint of the target.

Machineguns tn Patrs. The point of initial
lay on a deep target for both guns is on the
midpoint, which is alse the point of division.
Normally, the number 1 gun has the near
half and the number 2 gun the far half. Since
enfilade fire is being delhvered, it is not
necessary to adjust on the midpoint of the
target, because the iong beaten zone will
compensate for any range errors. After the
initial burst, the right gun searches down to
one aiming point in front of the near end of
the target and the left gun searches up to one
aiming point beyond the far end. Both
vsunners then reverse thetr direction of search
and return to the midpoint.

One Machinegun. A single gunner initially
lays on the midpoint of a deep target unless
another portion of the target is more critical.
The gunner then searches down to one
aiming point in front of the near end and

7-20

back up to one aiming point beyond the far
end.

HARD-TO-IDENTIFY
DEEP TARGETS

The center of mass of hard-to-identify
deep targets may be designated by using
reference points as for linear targets, except
that the extent (depth) of the target is always
piven in meters.

Example ct a fire command with the
reference point INSIDE the target area:

FIRE MISSION
FRONT
REFERENCE: BUNKER, CENTER MASS

TARGET: TROOPS EXTENINNG SHORT
100 Gmeters), OVER 100 (meters)

WOO
FIRE

Example of a fire command with the
reference point QUTSIDE the target area:

FIRE MISSION
rRONT

REFERENCE: BUNKER, RIGHT FOUR,
CENTER MASS

TARGET: 'PROOPS EXTENDING SHORT
0, OVER 100

S01)

AT MY COMMAND
FIRE

LINEAR TARGETS WITH DEPTH

Linear targets with depth are engapyed
with traversing and searching fire. The
range is given to the midpoint.

ENGAGING DEEP TARGETS

Machinegpuns in Pairs. The method of
division, the point of initial lay and
adjustment, and the extent of manipulation

ENGAGING LINEAR TARGETS
WITH DEPTH — SINGLE

i ig S*.

Lge
lar
1 "
Taye I
a “a F
Lt! riers aid a
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BE ok

Tks
Sy Bu gs 5. d

7-21

FM 23-67

—FM 23-67

ENGAGING LINEAR TARGETS
WITH DEPTH — PAIR

tor both guns is the same as that preserbed
for linear targets. The gunners employ
enough search between bursts to keep the
center of impact on the base of the target.

One Machinegun. A single gunner inihally
lays and adjusts on the midpoint of a near
target with depth, unless some other part of
the target presents a preater threat. The
funner then traverses and searches te the
near flank, then back tc the far flank.

Hard-to-Identify Linear Targets with
Depth. The flanks and midpoint of a hard-to-
identify linear target with depth should be
designated with machinegun or rifle fire. The
reference-point method should not be used,
because a minimum of two reference points
are required to show the anple of the target.

AREA TARGETS

The leader designates an area target by
indicating the width and depth of the target.
Area targets are engaged with traversing
and searching fire.

Machineguns in Pairs. The target is
divided at the midpoint; theright gun fires on

7-22

the right half and the left gun fires on the left
half. The point of initial lay and adjustment
for both guns is on the midpoint.

After adjusting fire on the center of mass,
fire is distributed by applying direction and
elevation changes that pive the most
effective coverage of the target area. The
right gunner traverses to the night, applies
the necessary amount of search, and fires a
burst. He traverses and searches up and
down until the nght flank of the area target
has been reached. The left gunner traverses
and searches to the left flank in the same
Way.

Both gunners then reverse the direction
of manipulation and return to the center of
mass, firing a burst after each combined
direction and elevation change.

Example of a fire command to engage an
area target:

FIRE MISSION
HRONT

REFERENCE: LONE PINE TREE, CEN-
TER MASS

TARGET: AREA, LEFT FIVE “ZERO,
RIGHT FIVE ZERO

500

SUSTAINED

AT MY COMMAND
FIRE

One Machinegun. A single gunner engages
an area target by laying and adjusting on the
center of mass, then traversing and search-
ing to either flank. Upon reaching the flank,
direction is reversed and the gun 1s traversed
and searched in the opposite direction.

ASSAULT FIRE REQUIREMENTS

Machineguns need not be limited to
supporting fire roles in the attack. In many

situations, the leader can get best results
from the machineguns by placing them inthe
assault (maneuver) elements. The procedures
described are used when assaulting in a line,
such as during a night attack or during the
final stages of a day assault when fire
superiority has been gained.

To assault successfully, crew members
must:

® Deliver fire effectively without use
of sights.

@ Move rapidly and maintain aline-
ment.

® Reload rapidly to prevent iulls in
the firing.

® Keep the fire low on the objective
area.

® Distribute fire properly.

ASSAULT FIRE POSITIONS

There are three firing positions which
may be used when firing the M60 machine-
gun in the assault — hip, shoulder, and
underarm. The use of each position at the
proper time allows gunners to place elfective
fire on the enemy without alining the sights.
In all assault firing positions, the gunner
adjusts his fire by observing the tracers and
the impact of the bullets in the target area. ‘To
support the machinegun in the assault, a
sling is attached to the gun and placed over
the gunner’s shoulder. It supports the gun in
the underarm or hip position.

Hip Firing Posttion. The hip firing
position is used to pet a heavy volume of fire
in the target aren when rapid movement 1s
not necessary. This postition 1s stable, but itis
awkward to use while moving. Not less than
nine rounds are fired in each burst. When
firing from this position:

The bipod legs are down for instant
use in the prone position if neces-
sary.

The rear sight is down.

The left hand is hoiding the hand-
guard of the forearm assembly.

The right hand is on the trigger-
mechanism-group grip.

The rear of the stock is held firmly
against the forward portion of the
right thigh.

The left foot is pointed in the
direction of the target during fir-

ing.

The right foot is placed to the rear
to provide stability.

The gunner leans toward the target
before and during firing.

HIP FIRING POSITION

et,
HN \ Z ee ee |
|

7-23

FM 23-67

—FM 23-67

Shoulder Firing Position. The shoulder
firing position is used to hit specific points in
the target area when rapid movement is not
necessary. The gunner pauses and fires a
burst as his left foot strikes the ground. This
position gives accuracy. A maximum of nine
rounds is fired in each burst. When firing
from this position:

SHOULDER FIRING POSITION

@® The rear sight and biped legs are
down. To aim, the gunner alines the
front sight with the target, depress-
ing the muzzle so the top of the front
sight 1s below the target.

® The gunner’s hands and feet are
placed the same as when firing
from the hip position.

® The stock of the gun is held firmly
into the shoulder, and the gunner
leans toward the target before and
during firing.

7-24

@ Once the gunner has fired a burst,
he removes the gun from his shoul-
der and holds it in the ready
position. He raises the gun back to
his shoulder to fire the next burst.
This reduces muscular tension and
fatigue.

Underarm Firing Position. The underarm
firing position is used when closing with the
enemy and when a heavy volume of fire and
rapid movement are required. {during limited
visibility, this position may be used during
the entire assault. The gunner’s movement is
continuous, and he fires aSHORT burst each
time his left foot strikes the ground. (Firing a
short burst each time his left foot strikes the
ground 1s only a technique, not a require
ment.) A maximum of six rounds 1s fired in
each burst. When firing from this position:

UNDERARM FIRING POSITION

| i]
——

The rear sight and bipod legs are
down.

® The gunner’s hands and feet are
placed the same as when firing
from the hip position.

® The gun is held firmly, well up into
the nght underarm and the right
side of the chest. The gunner leans
forward while firing.

MOVEMENT SPEED
AND ALINEMENT

Machinegun crews must move rapidly
and maintain alinement with the other
members of the assaulting element. To
accomplish this, gunners must use the
following techniques:

Move as rapidly as possible, consistent
with their ability to fire accurately and
maintain alinement.

Maintain alinement by guiding on the
base man, first team, or squad, using visual
contact when possible. Use special tech-
mques such as watching muzzle flashes and
muzzle blasts, and sometimes making physi-
cal contact, during limited visibility.

RELOADING

Gunners and assistant gunners must
reload rapidly to avoid lullsin the firing. This
can be achieved by practice and by applying
the followmeg techniques:

Prior to the assaull, the gunner conducts
prefire checks on the gun. The assistant
gunner removes the cardboard cover from the
top of the bandoleer. He inspects the
ammunition to insure that it is clean and
serviceable, and he checks the bandoleer for
serviceability.

During the assault, assistant gunners
assist in reloading the gun: however, if the
assistant gunner is hit, the gunner must
continue moving forward and reload as
rapidly as possible. The sling will assist the
gunner in using both hands to reload. The
assistant gunner moves to the left of the
gunner, carrying a belt of 100 rounds of
ammunition. He attaches it to the end of the

belt m the gun before that belt is expended. If
the gunner becomes a casualty, the assistant
gunner must take the gun and continucin the
assault or move to the objective for the
consolidation and reorganization.

FIRE ADJUSTMENT

Gunners have a tendency to fire high in
the assault. To overcome this, they must be
trained to boldly depress the muzzle when
firing and then adjust upward. It is easier to
adjust upward than downward, and firing
law takes advantage of ricochets.

The use of tracer ammunition provides a
means of adjusting fire. At night, it aids in
illuminating the objective area and has a
demoraimwing ¢llecl on Lhe enemy.

FIRE DISTRIBUTION

To properly distribute fire over the
objective, gunners must fire and adjust
rapidly and continuousiy on as much of the
objective area as possible without endanver-
ing friendly troops. They must give priority
of fire to enemy automatic weapons.

OVERHEAD FIRE

Fire delivered over the heads of friendly
lroops is called OVERHEAI) FIRE. Itis used
during traininge ONLY AFTER TROOP
SAFETY IS CHECKED AND VERIFIED.
The terrain and visibility dictate when
overhead fire can be dehvered safely. Refer to
AR 385-63 for a compiete summary of
training safety requirements.

Overhead fire CANNOT he safely de-
livered on atarget ata range greater than 845i)
meters from the M60 machinegun, anil it is
not delivered over level or uniformly sloping
lerrain.

CGverhead fire is dehvered with guns on
TRIPODS because they provide preater
stability and accuracy, and because vertical
mii angles can be measured by using the
elevating mechanism.

7-25

FM 23-67

Ideally, overhead fire is delivered when
there is a depression in the terrain between
the gun position and the target. The
depression should place the gunner’s line of
aim well above the heads of fnendly troops.

—_ —

LINE OF AIM
=

SAFETY LIMIT

TARGET

THE SAFETY LIMIT

The squad leader normally controls
overhead fire. He lifts or shifts the fire when
the friendly troops reach an imaginary line,
parallel to the target, where further fire
would cause casualties to friendly troops.
This imaginary line is called the SAFETY
LIMIT. The leader of the friendly troops may
direct lifting of fire by prearranged signals
transmitted by radio, wire, or visual means.

The safety limit can be determined by
observing the fire or by using the gunner's
rule.

To determine the safety limit by observa-
tion, the leader uses binoculars to see how
close the fire is to advancing friendly troops.

A safety limit can be selected by using
the gunner’s rule before the gun is fired. The
accuracy and safety of this method depends
upon the gun being ACCURATELY zerved
and the range to the target being correctly
determined. The gunner’s rule is used only
when the target is between 350) and 650
meters from the gun. The gunner’s rule
consists of the following procedure:

Determine the range to the target and set
the range on the rear sight.

Lay the gun to hit the target.

7-26

Raise the rear sight slide to 1,100 meters.

Depress the muzzle of the gun 10 mils by
using the elevating handwheel (one click
equals 1 mil}.

Look through the rear sight and note the
point where the new line of aim strikes the
ground. An imaginary line drawn through
this point and parallel to the target 1s the
SAFETY LIMIT.

Reset the range to the target on the rear
sight, re-lay on the target, and prepare to fire.

Cease or shift fire when troops reach the
SAFETY LIMIT.

PRECAUTIONS FOR
OVERHEAD FIRE

The following safety measures MUST be
applied when delivering overhead fire:

Firmly emplace the tripod mount.

Use field expedient depression stops to
prevent the muzzle of the gun from acciden-
tally being lowered below the SAFETY
LIMIT.

Deo not deliver overhead fire through
trees.

Inform commanders of ftmendly troops
when fire is to be delivered over their heads.

Insure that all members of the crew are
aware of the SAFETY LIMIT.

Do not deliver overhead fire rf the range
from the gun to the target ts less than 350
meters or more than 450 meters.

Do not use a barrel that 1s badly warn.

During training exercises, do not lay
guns where their trajectories will cross at a
point directly over the heads of friendly
troops; and consult AR 385-65 and local
safety regulations concerning overhead fire.

DEFILADE POSITIONS

At times, 11 may be desirable to employ
machineguns from defilade positions.

A machinegun is in defilade when the
fun and its crew are completely behind
terrain which masks them from the enemy
(usually on the reverse slope of a hill}. The
fun must fire up and over the hill. Its fire
must be observed and adjusted by a crew
member who can observe the target from a
pesition on a flank or to the rear of the pun
(on tigher ground). A defilade position
allows little opportunity to engage new

targets. The tripod mount 1s used when firing
from defilade because the punner can
measure vertical angles with it. This makes
changes in elevation for adjusting fire easier,
and, 1f data is determined during daylight,
the crew can fire from the same position after

dark.

A machinegun is in partial defilade
when itis positioned just back of thecrestofa
hill so that the crest provides same protection
from enemy direct fire and the zunisstill able
to engage its target by direct-lay techniques.

DEFILADE POSITIONS

‘we
ea io

(DIRECT LAY %
MAY BE USED} ae eae

MAIL A,

Advantages. The crew has cover and
concealment from enemy direct fire weapons.

The crew has some freedom of movement

in the vicinity of the position.

Control] and supply are easier.

The smoke and flash of the gun are

hidden from the enemy.

Disadvantages. Rapidly moving #round
targets are hard to engage because adjust-
ment of fire must be made through an
observer.

Targets close to the mask usually cannot
be engaged.

It is hard te get a final protective line.

oe MINIMUM 4

a a
ah
a

ENGAGEMENT

The essential elements in the engave-
ment of a target from position defilade are
mask clearance, direction, elevation, and
adjustment of fire. If possible, a minimum
mask clearance (minimum elevation) will be
determined for the entire sector of fire.
However, it may be necessary (due to the
slope of the mask} to establish clearance for
each target.

[f the mask 1s 400 meters or less from the
“yun position, place a 300-meter range selting
on the rear sight, lay on the top of the mask,
and add 3 mils {clicks) of elevation with the
elevating handwheel.

If the mask is over 500 meters from the
wun position, place the ranve setting to the
mask on the rear sight, lay on top of the
mask, and add 3 mils (clicks) of elevation.

f-27

FM 13.67_ 3s eees—sha =

The elevation readings obtained using
the methods outlined above give the mini-
mum elevation for the sector or target(s). The
minimum elevation should be recorded on a
range card.

LAYING THE MACHINEGUN
FOR DIRECTION

The observer places himself to the rear of
the gun on the gun-totarget line and ina
position where he can see the gun and the
target. He alines the gun for general direction
by directing the punner to shift the
mount/gun until the gun is alined on the
target. A prominent terrain feature or
landmark visible to the gunner through his

sights is selected as an aiming point. This
aiming point should be at a greater range
than the target and at a higher elevation.
When laying the gun on the aiming point, the
range setting on the rear sight must
correspond to the range to the target.

If the aiming point is on the vun-to-targel
line, the gun is laid on the aiming point and is
thereby alined for direction.

If the aiming point is not on the gun-to-
target line, the horizontal distance in mils 1s
determined using the best means available
{usually binoculars) and announced to the
sunner. This measured distance is then laid
off with the traversing handwheel.

ADJUSTING FIRE BY OBSERVER

AIMING POINT ——4

i is
8 12 MILS F; SN
5 a ’
’ t \
OBSERVER/GUN POSITION TARGET |
Ft

AIMING POINT ON GUN-TO-TARGET LINE
GUN-TO-TARGET RANGE: 1.000 METERS

Se ae, Oe

OIRECTION: WITH REAR SIGHT SET AT 1000
METERS. LAY GUN ON AIMING
POINT

ELEVATION: DEPRESS GUN 12 MILS

LAYING THE MACHINEGUN
FOR ELEVATION

The observer measures the vertical
distance from the aiming point to the base of
the target using the best means available and
directs the gunner to depress the muzzle of
the gun the number of mils measured. The
gun should now be laid to hit the target.

CONTROLLING FIRE

Fire from position defilade is controlled
by an observer (the leader or a member of the

7-28

14MiLS

Se ee a
sae ea: cil
ee
AIMING POINT NOT ON GUN-TO-TARGET
LINE
GUN-TO-TARGET RANGE: 1,000 METERS
OIRECTIGN: WITH REAR SIGHT SET AT 1,000
METERS. LAY GUN ON AIMING
POINT. TRAVERSE GUN LEFT
14 MILS

ELEVATION: DEPRESS GUN 12 MILS

crew who can see the target) in a position
near the gun. An example of a fire command
used to engage atargetirom position defilade
is as follows:

(The gun has already been laid for direction
and elevation.)

AS LAID
AT MY COMMAND
FIRE

CHAPTER &

Techniques of Fire During Limited Visibility

LIMITATIONS AND TERMS

rue

ing techniques during hmited visibility.
LIMITED VISIBILITY refers to pericds of
darkness and to daylight when visibility is
peor due to smoke, fog, rain, or snow.

During limited visibility, some of the
daylight techniques for engaging targets
cannot be used.

Information on the use of night vision
devices with the M60 machinegun during
hmited visibihty is piven in TM 11-3855-203-
LO.

SECTOR OF FIRE

A sector of fire is an area to be covered by
fire that is assigned to an individual, a
weapon, or a unit. Machineguns are nor-
mally assigned two sectors of fire: a primary
sector and a secondary sector.

FINAL PROTECTIVE FIRES

Final protective fires (FPF) form an
immediately available prearranged barrier
of fire designed ta stop enemy movement
across defensive lines or areas. These fires
consist of the fires of machineguns, mortars,
and artillery, and include the machinegun

final protective line (FPL) and mortar and
artillery indirect fires.

FINAL PROTECTIVE LINE

An FPL is a predetermined ne along
which grazing fireis placed to stop anenemy
assault. If an FPL is assigned the
machinegun is laid on it except when other
targets are being engaged. An FPL becomes
the machinegun’s part of the unit’s final
protective fires. An FPL has the following
characteristics:

@® It is fixed in direction and
elevation; however, a few mils of
search must be employed to prevent
the enemy from crawling under the
FPL and to compensate for
irregularities in the terrain or the
sinking of the tripod rear legs into
soft soil during firing.

8-1

FM 23-67 _.

@® Fire can be delivered under all
conditions of visibility.

® When two machineguns are
employed on the flanks of a
platoon, the FPL of each gun
SHOULD correspond to the inner
limit of its primary sector of fire.

PRINCIPAL DIRECTION OF FIRE

A principal direction of fire (PDF) 1s a
priority direction of fire assigned to cover an
area which provides good fields of fire or has
a likely avenue of approach. [tis also used to
provide mutual support to an adjacent unit.

ines ae laid on the PUE ian FFE has aet
been assigned. [fa PDF is assigned and other
targets are not being engaged, guns are laid
on the PDF. A PDF has the following
characteristics:

@® It is used only if an FPL is not
assigned; it then becomes the
machinegun’s part of the unit’s
final protective fires.

® When the target has width,
direction is determined by laying
on one edge of the target area and
noting the amount of traverse
necessary to cover the entire
target.

® The gunner is responsible for the
entire wedge-shaped area from the
muzzle of the gun to the target, but
elevation may be fixed for a priority
portion of the target.

ENGAGEMENT OF VISIBLE
TARGETS

During Hmited visibility, it is hard to
detect and identify targets. The leader's
ability to control the fire of his guns 1s also
reduced, so he may instruct the punners to

3-2

SE =~ | *, Ui 5 = JF eae

fire without command when targets become
visible. Gunners should engage targets only
when they can identify them, unless ordered
to do otherwise. For example, if one gunner
detects a target and engages it, the other
gunners will observe the area fired upon and
add their fire only if they can identify the
target or if ordered to fire at it.

Tracer ammunition helps a gunner
engage visible targets during limited visi-
bility, and it should be used if possible.
Gunners must be trained to fire low at first
and adjust upward when visibility is limited.
This overcomes the tendency to fire high
under those conditions.

When bv of more puns pry vneaving the
same linear targets, linear targets with
depth, or deep targets, nu aitempt is made to
divide these targets as is done when visibility
is good. When visibility is poor, the center
and flanks of these targets may not be clearly
defined: therefore, each gunner vbserves his
tracers and covers what he believes to be the
entire target.

LINEAR TARGETS

The gunner lays on what appears to be
the center of mass of the target. With the
tripod-mounted gun, he engages the target
using swinging traverse fire and keeps his
beaten zone on the base of the target. With
the hbipod-mounted yun, the gunner traverses
rapidly back and forth across the target by
selecling successive alming points.

LINEAR TARGETS WITH DEPTH

The gunner lays on the center of mass of
the taryct. He then traverses and searches
the target, covering the side closest to his
position first. With the tripod-mounted gun,
the gunner selects successive aiming points,
covering what appears to be the entire target
by observing his tracers.

FM 23-67

ENGAGING A VISIBLE LINEAR = DURING LIMITED VISIBILITY y

a“

% .
DPD US ae

ENGAGING A VISIBLE LINEAR TARGET WITH DEPTH DURING
LIMITED VISIBILITY

pplig, “Mek t. Bin OO
sh aE ate Hb; /,
;, — oe s, a A.

ei _

4 Li)
es Lo,

—_FM 23-67

ENGAGING A VISIBLE DEEP TARGET DURING LIMITED VISIBILITY.

TRAVERSE A FEW
MILS (METERS) RIGHT
= AND LEFT OF THE LINE
4. OF oe
J eat
ae

- os
i

TTT KS
4 ah i an

YENE G

FM 23-67 _

DEEP TARGETS

The gunner first lays on the center of covers the entire target by selecting suc-
mass of the target. He searches down te the cessive aiming points and observing his
hear end and then up to the far end. With the tracers.
tripod-mounted gun, the targetis searched by One type of target for the machineguns
using the elevating handwheel. To help make during limited visibility is enemy crew-
rapid lateral adjustments, the traversing served weapons, These enemy weapons may
slide is kept loose. While searching the target, be identified during hmited visibility by their
the gunner traverses a few mils to either side muzzle flashes. To engage these targets, the
of his line of search by applying shoulder vunner uses his night vision device. Fire
pressure (left/right) to the stock of the gun. should be delivered at the rapid rate and

With the bipod-mounted gun, the gunner adjusted by observing the tracer stream.

PREDETERMINED FIRES

Predetermined fires are used to cover approach, likely sites for enemy weapons,
target areas such as avenues of enemy and probable enemy assault routes.

GRAZING FIRES

eee et 8 ee eke —— AIMING POINT

._ SET SIGHT AT RANGE TO BREAK ~~ _
eae, LAY ON BREAK

A” wo
: - es eos, : L
1 reece ‘, ee

DEAD SPACE SHOULD BE COVERED BY OTHER WEAPONS

—FM 23-67

GRAZING FIRE

A good FPL covers the maximum area
with grazing fire. Grazing fire can be
obtained over various types of terrain te a
maximum range of 600 meters.

To obtain the maximum extent of
grazing fire over level or uniformly sloping
terrain, the gunner sets the rear sight at 600
meters. He then selects a point on the ground
which he estimates to be 600 meters from the
gun, and he lays, fires, and adjusts on that
point.

If the gunner cannot cbtain 600 meters of
grazing fire because of a break m the terrain
at ranges less than 600 meters, he determines
the range to the break, indexes that range on
his rear sight, and then lays, fires, and
adjusts on that point.

To prevent enemy troops from crawling
under the l-meter-high grazing fire, a few
mils of search (downward) should be applied
to the elevating handwheel on the traversing
and elevating mechanism.

DEAD SPACE

The extent of grazing fire and the extent
of dead space may be determined in two
ways:

In the preferred methed, a gun is laid for
elevation and direction fand cleared). A
member of the crew then walks along the
FPL while the gunner looks through his
sights. In places where the soldier's waist
(midsection) falls below the gunner’s line of
aim, dead space exists. Arm-and-hand
signals must be used to contrel the soldier
who is walking and to obtain an accurate
account of the dead space and its location.

Another method is te observe the fight of
tracer ammunition from a position behind
and to the flank of the gun.

8-6

FIRE CONTROL

Predetermined targets, including the
FPL or PDF, are engaged on erder or by SOP.
The signal for caling for these fires is
normally stated in the defense order. Fires on
predetermined targets may be controlled by
arm-and-hand signals, voice commands, or
pyrotechnic devices.

Machineguns fire the FPL or PDF at the
rapid rate of fire unless the situation calls for
a higher rate. When engaging other
predetermined targets, the rapid rate of fireis
used unless a different rate 1s ordered.

METHODS OF LAYING THEGUN
FOR PREDETERMINED
TARGETS

The gun is laid on each target in turn.
When laid on each target in the primary
sector, the direction and elevation are taken
from the traversing bar and the traversing
and elevating mechanism. Both direction
and elevation, as well as the range to each
target, are recorded on the range card.

Another method for laying on
predetermined targets is to use field
expedients. These field expedients must be
used in the secondary sector, and they can be
used in the primary sector to aid the gunner.

The laying of the gun by either method
may be verified by firing the gun and
adjusting if necessary, by changing the data,
or by moving the field expedients.

Steps to obtain direction and elevation
readings are as follows:

Centering the Traversing Mechanism.
With the left hand, turn the traversing
handwheel TOWARD the gunner as far as it
will go, then turn it AWAY two complete
revolutions. This is the approximate center
(50 clicks). This center may be found in the
dark by counting the clicks.

Laying the Machinegun for Direction.
To lay the gun for direction when an FPL has
been assigned, slide the traversing slide all

the way to the appropriate end of the
traversing bar, so that metaltometal
contact is made between the traversing slide
and the tripod leg. Then, shift the tripod until
the muzzle of the gun poimts along the FPL. lf
an FPL has not been assigned, lay the gun for
direction on the center of the primary sector.
In this case, lock the left edge of the
traversing slide on the “OQ” graduation on the
traversing bar. THE LEFT EDGE OF THE
TRAVERSING SLIDE IS ALWAYS USED
AS THE INDEX. Shift the tripod by moving
the trailing legs until the muzzle of the gunis
laid on the center of sector. Once the gun is
laid for direction, emplace the tripod firmly
by digging in the tripod shoves or by placing
sandbags on the tripod legs. Whenever
possible, the rear legs should be staked to
increase stability and prevent accidental
movement of the tripod. When the gun 1s not
being used, 1t should be oriented on the PDF.

Recording Direction Readings. Direction
readings to all targets in the primary sector
of fire, with the possible exception of the FPL,
are recorded on the range card. The FPL
normally needs no direction reading because,
in laying on the FPL, the traversing slide is
positioned to the extreme right or left (metal-
to-metal contact) of the traversing bar. The
FPL is depicted in the sketch section of the
range card by the extended machinegun
symbol with a thick, shaded blade. Use the
following procedure te obtain direction
readings to targets other than the FPL:

Loosen the traversing-shde-lock lever
and move the traversing slide along the
traversing bar until the machinegun is laid
on the center base of a point target and on
either flank of a linear target.

Lock the traversing slide to the
traversing bar and read the direction reading
from the scale on the traversing bar. IF THE
LEFT EDGE OF THE TRAVERSING
SLIDE DOES NOT FALL EXACTLY ON A
5-MIi, GRADUATION (TICKMARK), USE

THE NEAREST GRADUATION AS THE
DIRECTION READING. The direction
reading will be recorded as the direction in
which the muzzle of the gun is pointing.

TRAVERSING AND ELEVATING
MECHANISM

TRAVERSING BAR AND
TRAVERSING AND ELEVATING
MECHANISM

| =

ELEVATING

ELEVATING SCREW [..} HAN DWHEEL
SCALE PLATE a

G-/

EM 23-67 _

When the LEFT edge of the traversing
slide is on a graduation to the LEFT of the
“0” graduation on the traversing bar, the
direction reading is recorded as RIGHT
(number of mils). {The muzzle of the gun 1s to
the right.) When the LEFT edge of the slide is
to the RIGHT of the “0” graduation, the
direction reading is recorded as LEFT
(number of mils). (The muzzle of the gun 1s to
the left.) The muzzle ofthe gun will determine
if the direction is RIGHT or LEFT, not the
location of the traversing-shde lock on the
traversing bar.

OBTAINING DIRECTION
READINGS FROM THE
TRAVERSING BAR

400 § | tO 0)
EEO De) FST

1 2 Tx) $0
A
as

After taking a direction reading to a
linear target or PDF, the width of the target
may be measured by traversing from flank to
flank across the target using the traversing
handwheel. The traversing handwheel must

8-8

I PR a

be recentered before moving to another
target, or else data obtained to the other
target will not be accurate. To recenter, turn
the traversing handwheel back to the
original starting point.

Recording Elevation Readings. After
getting the direction reading, the elevation
reading is obtained before moving to another
target. To obtain this reading, the gun ts laid
at the center base of the target.

The elevation reading is cbtained from
the two scales. The first portion (MAJOR
READING} is taken from the upper elevatmg
screw scale plate. The second portion
(MINOR READING) is taken from the mil
scale on top of the elevating handwheel,
using the dial pointer as the index. The two
portions of the elevation reading are
separated by a slash {/) when they are
recorded (for example, 50/3).

OBTAINING ELEVATION
READINGS

[ELEVATION
READING}

mew
1 CHE a 1
ELSI ND AUAD EY ATT “Ny [all
Fc aS

a 200 [ $00
Tere Ook TROT

The elevating scale plate on the upper
elevating screw is graduated in 5(0-mil
increments from MINUS 200 mils to PLUS
200 mils. There is an index ine BELOW each
number anda PLUS or MINUSsign ABOVE
each, with the exception of the “0. The zero
reading has NO sign. TO GET THE
ELEVATION READING, THE GUNNER
LOWERS HIS HEAD UNTIL HIS EYES
ARE LEVEL WITH THE TOP OF THE
ELEVATING HANDWHEET. The major
reading 1s the first number above the first
visible index line above the elevating
handwheel.

The mil scale on the elevating
handwheel is graduated into fifty 1-mil
increments. The graduation on line with the
dial pointer is the minor reading. The minor
reading will not be preceded by a plus or
minus sign. The entire reading is recorded as
20/3. The minor reading ALWAYS indicates
how many mils BELOW the major reading
the gun 1s laid.

An elevation reading 1s valid only on the
mechanism from which it is obtamed. Used
on another mechanism, even on the same
mount and pun, the reading will be
inaccurate. The number of threads exposed
on the lower elevating screw must remain the
same, when both reading and using thedata.
If the number of threads is increased or
decreased after recording the data, fire will
not be accurate.

To insure a correct elevation reading toa
target, the gunner should fire and adjust on
the target. However, the gunner may use the
DRY-FIRE methed to obtain data on targets
without firing and adjusting. In this method,
the range to the target is estimated, the range
is placed on the rear sight, and the gunis laid
on the center base of the target. The direction
and elevation readings are then taken.
RANGE DETERMINATION is critical in
this case because any discrepancy will cause
an error in elevation when the target is
engaged. The dry-fire method of obtaining
data is used only when firing is not possible

or when the situation is sach that firing
would disclose the position of the gun.

FPIELD-EXPEDIENT METHODS
OF LAYING THE GUN

Field expedient methods SUPPLE-
MENT other methods and helpin laying the
machinegun on predetermined targets in the
primary sector. These methods are not as
elective as the traversing-bar and travers-
ing-and-elevating-mechanism method, and
these methods require additional material.
Field expedients serve as the only means of
enpagring predetermined taryvets in
secondary sectors and aiding the gunner in
moving quickly from one target to another in
the primary sector during limited visibility.
[fa crew 1s replaced for any reason, the field
expedients being used must be explained to
the relieving crew.

The Arming-Stake Technique. The
advantage of using an aiming stake in laying
a machinegun 1s that it requires no light at
the ¢un position during limited visibility. Itis
not effective when visibility is so limited that
the aiming stakes cannot be seen. In this
technique, the gun is laid to hit a tarvet area,
using the following steps:

® The rear-sight siide is raised to its
top position im the rear-sight-leaf
assembly.

® A strip of luminous tape or
luminous paint is placed at least
halfway up the rear of the front-
sight post.

® A short aiming stake, marked on
the top with astrip ofiuminous tape
or paint, is positioned I or 2 meters
forward of the machinegun
position.

® The gunner moves his head slightiy
to the left, causing the front-sight
post to appear mm the left corner of

8-9

FM 23-67

en,

the rectangle formed by the rear-
sight slide and rear-sight-leaf
assembly. Under the gunner’s
direction, the stake ts alined and
then driven into the ground,
insuring that the two pieces of
luminous material are adjacent
(alined for direction), and the top
edges of both pieces of material are
level {alined for elevation). The
gunner must maintain the correct
position and grip throughout the
procedure and, when engaging
targets, must cause the front-sight
post to appear in the LEFT portion
of the rear sight by again moving
his head slightly to the left.

AIMING-STAKE TECHNIQUE OF
ENGAGING TARGETS DURING

LIMITED VISIBILITY
LUMINOUS TAPE
NEAR CENTER OF

FRONT-SIGHT
POST REAR-SIGHT
LEAF

a call

REAR OF
FRONT-SIGHT
PposT—

LUMINOUS
L TAPE ON
AIMING STAKE

REAR-SIGHT
~——a—-—L. SLIDE

The Base-Stake Technique. A base stake
is used to define sector limits and may
provide the lay for the FPL or other

SECTOR STAKE~,

® Define sector limits by laying the

gun for directin along one sector
limit and by emplacing a stake
along the outer edge of the folded
bipod legs. The legs rotate slightly
on the barrel, so take up the “‘piay.”’
Use the same procedure for placing
a stake along the opposite sector
limit.

Lay the gun to engage an FPL by
moving the muzzle of the gun to a
sector limit. Adjust for elevation by
driving a stake into the ground so
that the top of the stake is under the
gas-cylinder extension, allowing a
few mils of depression to cover
irregularities in the terrain.

Lay the gun to engage other targets
within a sector limit, in a primary
sector, by using the procedure
above, except keep the elevation
fixed.

BASE-STAKE TECHNIQUE OF
ENGAGING PRESELECTED
TARGETS

G
a #
ae

at SASE STAKE

FOR TARGET
NG. 1 (FPL)

The Notched-Siake or Tree-Crotch
Technique. The notched-stake or tree-crotch
technique is used with the bipod-mounted
gun to engage predetermined targets within
4 sector or to define sector limits. This

predetermined targets along a primary or
secondary sector limit. The base-stake
method is effective in all conditions ot
visibility and requires little additional
material. The procedures are as follows:

8-10

eel YY 23-67

method is effective under all conditions of The Horizontal Log or Board
visthity and requires little additional mater- Technique. This technique is used with the
lal. bipod or tripod mount te mark sector limits
The stock of the gun is placed in the rest and engage wide targets. The horizontal log
of a notched stake or tree crotch and is or board technique is good for ali conditions
adjusted to hit selected targets or to define of visibility. [t is best suited for flat, level
sector limits. terrain. The procedures are as follows:
Shallow, curved trenches er grooves are HORIZONTAL LOG OR BOARD

dug for the bipod feet. These trenches allow
rotation of the bipod feet as the stock is USED WITH THE TFRIPOD-

moved from one crotch or stake to another. MOUNTED M60 MACHINEGUN

SECTOR LIMIT SEAKES

NOTCHED-STAKE OR
TREE-CROTCH TECHNIQUE OF
ENGAGING PRESELECTED
TARGETS

LINE OF AIM FOR
PRESELECTED TARGETS

TRENCHES FOR — e
BIPOD LEGS | - Ch em With the Bipod-Mounted Gun. Place a log

"F oie a : or board beneath the stock of the gun sc that
the stock can slide across it freely. Dig
shallow, curved trenches or grooves for the
bipod feet to allow rotation of the feet as the
stock is moved along the horizontal log or
board. Adjust the biped legs to the desired
elevation. The sector imits may be marked
by notching or placing stops on the
horizontal log or board. Biped firing position
and prip are used.

With the Tripod-Mounted Gun. Place a
log or beard beneath the barrel, positioned so
that the barrel, when resting on the log or
beard, is at the proper elevation to obtain
grazing fire. The limits of sector are marked,

IN wie

| Ay

8-11

when appropriate, as described for the bipod
in the preceding paragraph. This method is
used only if a traversing and elevating
mechanism is not available.

RANGE CARDS

A range card is a record of the firing data
required to engaye predetermimed targets
within a sector(s) of fire during periods of
limited visibility. There are two types of
range cards: one has an FPL and the other
has a PDF. Predetermined targets can
include likely avenues of approach, likely
sites for enemy crew-served weapons, and
probable enemy assault positions, as well as
a PDF or FPL and other target areas. The
range card may also be used as a reference to
engage targets when visibility Js good. Itaids
the platoon leader in preparing his defense
plan.

The tripod-mounted gun is normally
used to cover the primary sector of fire.
Predetermined targets in the secondary
sector are engaged by the use of field
expedients.

A range card has two parts, a sketch
section and a data section. The sketch is not
drawn to scale, but the data referring to the
targets must be accurate.

PREPARATION OF A RANGE CARD.

Range cards are prepared in
DUPLICATE. One copy stays at the
machinegun position, and the other is sent to
the platoon headquarters. Complete range
cards are prepared for primary positions, and
partially completed range cards are prepared
for alternate and supplementary positions.
The gunner, assisted by the assistant
gunner, must prepare the range card. Range
cards are prepared immediately upon arrival
in a position, regardless of the anticipated
length of stay. Range cards will continually
be revised throughout the occupation of a
position. A range card is prepared as follows:

8-12?

wee FB Fe A

Mount the gun on the tripod.

Position the gun with the muzzle
pointing in the direction ofthe FPL.
If an FPL is not assigned, poimt the
muzzle in the direction of the PDF.

Sketch the basic military symbol!
for the machinegun in the lower
center portion of the card, pointing
in the direction of the PDF. (See FM
371-30 for complete coverage of
military symbols.)

If an FPL is assigned, extend the
basie symbol for the machinegun In
the direction of the FPL. Include
grazing fire (shaded blade).

Draw in the opposite primary
sector limit. No data need be
recorded for the opposite sector
limit in the data section unless a
target is located along this line.
When an FPL ts assigned, it ts
always labeled target number 1. If
the opposite side of the traversing
bar cannot be used to mark the
opposite side of the primary sector,
a direction reading must be
recorded in the sketch section of the
range card.

Draw in the limit of the secondary
sector using a broken Hne. Under
the frontal-parapet concept, the
secondary sector limits will be
depicted as a separate sector with
its own right and left limits. The
aren between the primary and
secondary sectors will be marked
as dead space (nonobservable and
nonfiring terrain), directly in front
of the machinegun position.

Draw an arrow pointing in the
direction of magnetic north to the
right of marginal data.

rrr NY 23-6

® Orient the gun position with a
prominent terrain feature
(recognizable on a map) by
obtaining the magnetic azimuth to
or from the terrain feature to the
tripod-mounted gun position. Draw
a line between these two points.
Place arrow barbs along this line,
pointing in the direction the
magnetic azimuth was taken.
Record the distance in meters
above the barbed line: record the
magnetic azimuth in mils or
degrees below the line. If a
prominent terrain feature is not
available, the gun position will be
identified by using an eight-digit
grid coordinate.

MILITARY SYMBOLS APPLICABLE
TO THE M60

BASIC SYMBOL FOR THE
MACHINEGUN

PRIMARY SECTOR
OF FIRE WITHOUT
AN FPL

PHIMARY SECTOR OF
FIRE WITH AN FPL
ALONG THE RIGHT
LIMIT OF SECTOR

, 4
1 |
‘|
, |
1

PRIMARY AND
SECONDARY
SECTOR OF FIRE

SECONDARY
SECTOR OF FIRE

@® As marginal data, record the gun
number, unit designation, and date
in one corner of the sketch. For
security, no unit designation higher
than company is recorded on the
sketch. [fin a mechanized unit, also
include the squad designation.

® When an FPL is assigned, extend
the basic symbol of the machinegun
along that line and determine the
extent of grazing fire. Sketch in a
shaded blade on the inside of the
FPL to represent the extent of
grazing fire. [f there is dead space
along the FPL, it is shown by
breaks in the shaded blade. Record
the ranges to the near and far edges
of the dead space and the extent of
grazing fire along the FPL.
Determine the magnetic azimuth of
the FPL and record this azimuth in
the sketch section below the shaded
blade representing the FPL. Record
the elevation reading and other
pertinent data under their proper
columns in the data section.

TARGETS

Targets in the primary sector are shown
on the range card sketch by numbers
enclosed in circles. An FPL, when assigned,
is ALWAYS labeled target number 1. Other
targets are assigned subsequent numbers in
the order of their tactical importance.

Wide targets in the primary sector are
usually engaged in the center first. However,
the initial burst can be positioned wherever
the leader desires, The gunner first measures
the entire target width. He writes the width in
the data section as TW-20 (target width 20).
He then lays on the point on the target where
the initial burst is desired and traverses to
one edge of the target while counting the
chicks. The number of clicks he traverses and
the direction he moves the muzzle must also
be included in the data section--for example,
TW-20/R7. This would teil the gunner that he

8-13

pie eens ee eel

was not laid on the center of the target
initially. Furthermore, after the initial burst,
he must traverse right 7 clicks te reach the
right edge of his target and then back left 20
clicks to cover the entire target area. If the
gunner were to lay on the left edge of his

target, his remark in the data section would
be TW-20/ R20.

When field expedients are used to engage
targets, they are sketched above the drawing
of the targets.

RANGE CARD WITH FINAL PROTECTIVE LINE.

DATA SECTION

RANGE CARD FORMAT

"no [pimecrionJeuevarion [RANGE [oescriprion _ [REMARKS _
me pees Ea Fi,
it SS CA PTE HCE Sams
Se ST SP TT SE MEET

FM 23-670

Predetermined targets in the secondary expedients should be used for targets in the
sector are sketched on the range card, and secondary sector, since the gun must be
ranges to these targets are recorded below the employed in the biped role.

sketches but not in the data section. Field

NOTE: A PDF is used when grazing fire cannot be obtained, i.e. when the gun is located
on rough, hilly, or broken terrain. The PDF ts directed at the most likely enemy avenue

of approach.

RANGE CARD WITH PRINCIPAL DIRECTION OF FIRE.

RANGE CARD FORMAT

DATA SECTION

ELEVATION JRANGe [DESCRIPTION [REMARKS

ae a tT bas | UB ARy yg
5 O/oo dT PAS OED GE Row btw 77 RZ
ne eee ee area
a (Ses Sees

ee Ge...

CHAPTER 3

Marksmanship Training

PHASES AND ORGANIZATION
OF TRAINING

Machinegun marksmanship training
includes qualification training on both the
basic (10-meter) and the transitionran ves. In
this training, a gunner is taught machinegun
marksmanship with the bipod and the tripod
mounts, Marksmanship training is
conducted in three phases: bipod
instructional firing on the basic (10-meter)
range, tripod instructional and record firing
on the basic (i0-meter} range, and
instructional and = record firing on the
transition range. This chapter is specifically
designed to assist unit commanders in the
preparation and conduct of a machinegun
qualification program. It lists all the
equipment and personnel! required to conduct
basic and transition firing.

Training outlined in this chapter is
applicable to a unit of 200 to 250 soldiers. The
training must be modified for units of other
SIZES,

A standard basic (10-meter) range can
accommodate a unit of about 200 te 250

soldiers at a time: therefore, concurrent
training may not be required. A standard
transition range {10 lanes) cannot
accommodate a woot of that size at Wile LUTE:
therefore, concurrent training is required to
make the best use of training time.

An officer assigned as the principal
instructor or alternate instructor may

—FM 23-67

4 ;

CONTROL
TOWER

perform the duties of safety officer, however,
the officer in charge cannot also act as safety
officer. Chartmen and demonstrators may be
used as lane or safety NCOs, group leaders,
and assistant instructors, depending on the
type of instruction. (Local range regulations
may permit the use of an NCO as safety
officer.)

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of machinegun
marksmanship are as follows:

® Obtain an accurate initial burst.

Traverse and search the machine-
gun effectively.

®
® Observe and adjust fire.
® Operate with speed.

FIRE COMMANDS

The standard fire command is used as a
means of control during marksmanship
training. The fire command, as it apphes to
the basic range, must be explained to the
sunner. The elements are given (as
appropriate) before each firing exercise. The
gunner takes action as directed and repeats
each element as it is announced. For a
detailed explanation of fire commands, reter
to chapter 7.

9-2

LAYOUT OF A BASIC (10-METER) RANGE

KA dA be Kd AAS HA

TARGET LINE

57 52 53 54

FIRING LINE

BLEACHERS

55 56 57

ALETHH.
The alert is given as FIRE MISSION.
Upon hearing the alert, the gunner loads his
sun and places the safety lever on FIRE.

DIRECTION.
Since the targets appear to the gunner's
front on the basic range direction 1s given as
FRONT.

DESCRIPTION.
Description is given as PASTER
NUMBER ({pasters 1 through 8 as
appropriate), at which time the gunner lays
on the announced paster.

RANGE.

A range setting of 500 meters on the rear-
sight assembly is always used on the basic
range. This is announced as FIVE
HUNDRED , at which time the gunner must
insure that his rear-sight assembly has the
correct range setting.

METHOD OF FIRE.

Manipulation is announced as FIXED,
TRAVERSE, SEARCH, or TRAVERSE
AND SEARCH. Firing on the basic range
with the bipod-mounted gun is at point
targets, so the method of fire is announced as
FIXED. The gunner fires either single rounds

or bursts of six at a rate slower than the
sustained rate; therefore, the rate-of-fire
element 1s omitted.

COMMAND TO OPEN FIRE.

Fhis if announced as AT MY
COMMAND. When the gunner is ready, he
announces, UP, ta the assistant gunner, who
extends his nght arm and hand in the
READY signal. When all gunners are ready
to fire, the command FIRE its given.

TARGET ANALYSIS
AND SCORING

The hasie machinegun marksmanship
target is used on the basic range. The
following explanation of the target, to
include the size of the aiming pasters and
scoring spaces, will aid in zeroing
machineguns and will facilitate control
during firing exercises.

The target consists of four sections,
lettered A, B, C, and D. Each section has
scoring spaces for eight fixed-fire exercises
(scoring spaces 1, 2,3, 4,5,6,7,and S}andtwo
traversing and searchmeg exercises (scoring
spaces 5 and 6, and 7 and 8).

Each scoring space is 4 centimeters wide
and 5 centimeters high.

The black aiming paster within each
numbered scoring space is 1 centimeter
square.

Targets are analyzed and scored to
determine the gunner’s proficiency and to see
if more training is needed in any of the
fundamentals of machinegun marksman-
ship.

ANALYSIS

During bipod firing, a target is best
analyzed by considering the common errors
of machinegun marksmanship. The
illustration on page 9-4, showing common

rr a reel 23-6 7

errors with the machinegun, assumes a
properly zeroed weapon.

NOTE: Large shot groups are usually
caused by incorrect position and grip; small
shot groups outside of the scoring space

are usually caused by incorrect sight
alinement, sight picture, or zero.

SCORING

Bipod firing 1s scored for instructional
purposes only and may be scored by the
gunner. Pasters 1 and 2 are used for zeroing
and are not scored. Points are earned as
follows:

8 Oné point is given for cach bit (Hot
to exeeed Six) in each scoring space.
Holes touching the boundaries
between scoring spaces are hits and
can be scored in either scoring
space, whichever benefits the
funner.

® <A bonus of two points is given for
each scoring space hit, regardless
of the number of rounds withm the
space.

® Since 6 scoring spaces are engaged
with 36 rounds, the total possible
score for Table I is 48 points. A
score of 26 1s satisfactory.

BIPOD TRAINING

OBJECTIVES

During basic marksmanship training
with the bipod mount, the objectives and
fundamentals of machinegun marksman-
ship are taught and applied in live-fire
exercises. The instruction also familiarizes
gunners with the characteristics, noise, and
recoil of the M60 machinegun during firing.

9-3

FM 23-67

COMMON ERRORS ENCOUNTERED ON THE
BASIC 10-METER MACHINEGUN RANGE

INCORRECT SIGHT PICTURE

INCORRECT GRIP, THE GUN-
NER IS NOT LOCKING HIS
ELBOWS AND SHOULDERS
PRIOR TO AND DURING
FIRING.

INCORRECT SIGHT ALINE-

MENT .

INCORRECT POSITION AND
GRIP. THE GUNNER'S LEFT
ELBOW MOVED. THE GUN-
NER SHOULD LOCK HIS
ELBOWS AND SHOULDERS
PRIOR TO AND DURING

INCORRECT SIGHT ALINE-
MENT AND SIGHT PICTURE

INCORRECT POSITION AND
GRIP. THE GUNNER'S RIGHT
ELBOW MOVED. THE GURN-
NER SHOULD LOCK HIS
ELBOWS AND SHOULDERS
PRIOR TO AND DURING

FIRING.

IMPROPER TRIGGER CONTROL

Obtain an Accurate Initial Burst.
Machinezun fire is most effective if the
gunner gets an accurate initial burst. ‘To get
such a burst, the gunner must properly apply
the fundamentals of position and grip, sight
alinement and sight picture, trigger
manipulation, and zeroing.

Position and Grip

To get proper position and grip, the
gunner gets into a prone position directly
behind the gun and raises the rear sight and
shoulder rest.

He places the shoulder rest on his right
shoulder. A line drawn through the gun

9-4

should go through his right shoulder and
right hip pocket.

He spreads his legs a comfortable
distance apart with his heels as close to the
ground as possible.

He grasps the trigger-mechanism group
with his right hand, index finger resting
lightly on the trigger.

He places the fingers of his left hand on
the cover, with his thumb underneath the
receiver.

With both hands, he exerts a firm, steady
pressure downward and rearward while
aiming and firing.

He rests his cheek lightly against the
feed cover or against his left hand.

He holds his shoulders level and his
elbows an equal distance from the recetver.

The assistant punner assists the gunner
by making the necessary adjustments on the
biped legs to obtain proper height.

FM 23-67

Left-handed firing with the Mb60 ts
discouraged because the ejection pattern of
some puns is almost directly totherear,anda
gunner firing the tripod-mounted gun turns
the traversing and elevating mechanism
with his left hand.

PRONE POSITION (BIPOD)

eiaras iF =
ai APL sie. al 7

iy ite

wil.
one,

Sight Alinement and
Sizht Picture

To obtain correct alinement, the gunner
centers the front-sight blade tn the aperture
of the rear-sight slide, with the top of the
front-sight blade even with thetop of the rear-
sight slide.

For a correct sight picture, the gunner
centers the target over the front-sight blade

so that it appears to rest lightly on top of the
properly alined front-sight blade.

When firing the M60, the trigger is not
squeezed. It is puiled quickly to the rear and
released. This aids the ¢unner in controlling
the number of rounds in each burst and

wie

SIGHT ALINEMENT

REAR-SIGHT
SLIDE

FRONT SIGHT

CORRECT SIGHT ALINEMENT
AND CORRECT SIGHT PICTURE

SCORING SPACE -—*
AIMING PASTER

reduces wear of the sear and sear notch. To
time himself in firing a six-round burst, the
gunner pulls the trigger straight to the rear,

says, FIRE A BURST OF SIX, and then
releases the trigger.

Trigger Manipulation
and Zeroing

The rear-sight assembly is adjusted until
the strike of the rounds coincides with the
point of aim at a given range, and then the
elevation scale is adjusted to reflect that
range. The procedures for zeroing the
machinegun on the basic range follow:

9-6

a oe 5 eS: Oe

Set the sights. To establish a
common starting point when
zeroing on the basic range, the
gunner sets the elevation scale at
500 meters and alines the windage
index by placing zero windage on
the rear-sight assembly.

Fire three rounds. Given a fire
command, on the command FIRE,
the gunner fires three single rounds
(one round at a time) to establish a
shot group. He uses the same sight
alinement and sight picture each
time he fires. No adjustments on the
rear-sight assembly are made until
he has fired three rounds. The shot
group should be smail enough to
show where the center of the group
is in relation to the arming paster.

Correct for deflection. If the center
of the shot group is to the left or
right of the point of aim, the gunner
must correct for deflection. To
correct for deflection, the gunner
turns the windage knob, moving
the rear sight in the direction of the
desired change. Since the distance
to the target 1s 1,000 centimeters
{10 meters), a I-click or I-mi
adjustment moves the point of aim 1
centimeter. For example, if the
gunner notes that the center of the
shot group is 2 centimeters (2
aiming pasters) to the right of the
aiming point, he turns the windage
knob 2 clicks, moving the rear sight
in the direction ofthe aiming paster
(to the left).

Correct for elevation. If the center
of the shot group Is above or below
the black aiming paster, the gunner
must correct for elevation. To
correct for elevation, the gunner
turns the elevation knob, moving
the rear-sight slide in the direction

of the desired change. A 1-click
adjustment on the elevation knob
equais a 1/4-mil change, or 4 clicks
equal a 1-mil change. Since the
distance to the target is 1,000
centimeters {10 meters), a 4-click
(1-mil} adjustment moves the point
of aim 1 centimeter.

® Confirm. After making corrections
for deflection and elevation, the
gunner raises his hand and is issued
a confirming round. If he misses his
point of aim, he treats this hit asthe
center of a three-round shot group,
makes further adjustments as
necessary, and is issued another
round to confirm, He continues this
procedure until he hits the point of
aim, the black aiming paster. [fone
of these shots is a wild shot, it
should be disregarded, and another
shot should be fired to confirm the
sight adjustment.

® Adjust the elevation scale and
reeord the deflection. The funner
loosens the elevation scale screw
and moves the adjustabie elevation
scale up or down until the 500-
meter graduation coincides with
the top left edge of the rear sight
slide. He then tightens the
elevation scale screw and records
the deflection (windage) for future
reference.

Traverse and Search the Machinegun.
Since machinegun targets usually have
width and depth, the gunner must move the
sun to distribute fire throughout the target
area.

Traverse

This 1s moving the muzzle of the gun to
the left or nght to distribute fire laterally.
With the bipod-mounted gun, this 1s done by

FM 23-67

selecting successive aiming points in the
target area. The gunner makes minor
changes in direction by shifting his shoul-
ders shghtly to the right orleft. fo make
major changes in direction, the gunner
moves his elbows and realines his body to
remain directly behind the gun.

This 1s moving the muzzle of the gun up
or down to distribute fire in depth. itis done
by selecting successive alming points in the
target area. To make changes in elevation,
the gunner moves his elbows closer together
to lower the muzzle or farther apart to raise
the muzzle.

Observe and Adjust Fire. Gunners must
be taught to observe and rapidly adjust their
fire.

Machinegun fire is observed by noting
the strike of the rounds in the target area, by
observing tracers in ther fliuzht, or in the case
of the 10-meter range, by noting the holes
mace in the target. Assistant gunners should
also observe fire and assist in the adjustment
of fire.

To adjust Are when firing the bipod-
mounted gun, gross errors in range are
corrected by adjusting the rear-sight slide to
obtain the cerrect range setting. Minor errors
are corrected hy the use of the adjusted-
aiming-point technique.

Operaie with Speed. Gunners must beable
to dehver fire on a target with speed, but they
must first be proficient in obtaining an
accurate initial burst, traversing and
searching, and observing and adjusting fire.
Proficiency 1s never sacrificed for speed.

RANGE PACILITIES

A standard basic range for bipod
training should consist of the following:

9-7

Firing Line
A firing line long enough to emplace 100
or more machineguns, allowing approxt-
mately 3 meters between positions. For
control, each position should be numbered.

Targets

A target line 10 meters mn front of the
firing hne. The machinegun marksmanship
target is a paper target pasted onto target
cloth which is stretched over a wooden frame.
One target is set up for each position and is
numbered to correspond with the number of
the position.

Instruction Site
Bleachers to the rear of the firing line.

Control Tower

A control tower located to the immediate
rear and center of the firing line.

The follewing list includes the minimum
personnel required to operate a basic {10-
meter) range.

® Personnel
One officer in charge.
One safety officer.
One principal instructor.
One alternate principal instructor.
Ordnance personnel.
Qne NCO in charge.

Medical personnel.

One group instructor per 40 fo ot)
soldiers.

Qne assistant imstructor per 10
soldiers.

Two demonstrators (one gunner
and one assistant gunner).

One ammunition NCO.
One chartman.

One tower operator.

5-8

__-FM a

The following list includes the minimum
equipment required to operate the range.
More equipment may be required by range
regulations, satety regulations, and unit

SOP.
® Equipment

One public address system.

Six machineguns per 10 soldiers
(one gun is used as a reserve for
each five guns on line).

Qne cleaning rod per assistant
instructor.

One spare-barrel case per two
lanes.

One screwdriver per two guns.

One machinegun marksmanship
target per soldier. (One section for
bipod firing, one section for tripod
practice, one section for record
practice, and one section for record
firing.}

Twelve stopwatches (two in the
control tower and two per group
instructor).

One scorecard per soldier--DA
Form 8&5.

Medical evacuation capability.

Communications equipment. Wire
or radio as required to operate the
range.

Targets. Basic machinegun
marksmanship target NSN 6920-
000-078-5728. One per firer.

One asbestos glove per two
weapons.

One M60 triped per lane. Spares
should be avatlable.

One M60 pintle per lane. Spares
should be available.

One M60 traversing and elevating
mechanism per lane. Spares should
be available.

FM 23-67

SCORECAR
…[truncated]

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