Document text
FM 23-15
WAR DEPARTMENT
BASIC FIELD MANUAL
BROWNING AUTOMATIC
RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
WITH BIPOD
FM 23-15
BASIC FIELD MANUAL
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE
CALIBER .30, M1918A2
WITH BIPOD
Prepared under the direction Of the
Chief of Infantry
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON: i»40
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C M Price 25 cents
WAR. DEPARTMENT,
Washington, August 27, 1940.
FM 23-15, Browning Automatic Rifle, Caliber .30, M1918A2,
with Bipod, Is published for the information and guidance
of all concerned.
I A. G. 062.11 (5-28-40).]
BY ORDER OP THE SECRETARY OF WAR:
G. C. MARSHALL,,
Chief of Staff.
Official :
E. S. ADAMS,
Major General,
The Adjutant General.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraphs Page
Chapter i. Mechanical Training.
Section I. General 1-3 1
II. Disassembly and assembly 4-12 3
HI. Care and cleaning 13-15 19
IV. Functioning 16-23 22
V. Operation 24-32 36
VI. Immediate action and stoppages.. 33-36 39
VII. Spare parts and accessories 37-38 46
VIII. Ammunition 39-48 49
Chapter 2, Marksmanship, Known Distance
Targets.
Section I. General 47-49 53
II. Preparatory marksmanship train-
ing 50-72 54
III. Courses to be fired 73-75 81
IV. Range practice 76-85 88
V. Regulations governing record prac-
tice 86-1 16 96
VI. Targets and ranges 117-118 107
Chapter 3. Marksmanship, Moving- Ground
Targets.
Section I. General 119-120 112
II. Moving veiiieles and personnel. _ 121-133 113
III. Moving targets, ranges, and range
precautions 124-125 114-
Chapter 4. Marksmanship, Air Targets.
Section I. General-. 126 118
II. Technique of antiaircraft fire 127-131 118
III. Marksmanship training 132-136 120
IV. Miniature range practice 137-140 128
V. Towed target firing 141-145 131
VI. Ranges, targets, and equipments. 146-151 134
Chapter 5. Technique or Fire.
Section I. General 152-154 145
II. Range estimation 155-159 146
III. Target designation 160-166 149
IV. Automatic rifle fire and its effect. 167-174 157
V, Application of fire 175-182 160
VI. Landscape target firing 183-190 164
VII. Field target firing 191-196 170
Chapter 6. Abvtce to Instructors.
Section I. General 197 175
II. Mechanical training 198-199 175
III. Marksmanship, known distance
targets 200-213 176
IV. Marksmanship, air targets 214-218 189
V. Technique of fire 219-226 195
Index 201
in
FM 23-15
BASIC FIELD MANUAL
BROWMIHG AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30,
M1918A2, WITH BIPOD
CHAPTER 1
MECHANICAL TRAINING
Paragraphs
Section I. General 1—3
II. Dissassembly and assembly 4-42
III. Care and cleaning 13-15
IV. Functioning 18-23
V. Operation 24-32
VI, Immediate action, and stoppages 33-36
VII, Spare parts and accessories 37-38
VIII. Ammunition 39-16
Section I
GENERAL
■ 1. Object. — This chapter is designed to give the soldier
training that will insure his ability to maintain the rifle
and keep it in operation.
■ 2. Description" of the Rifle. — The Browning automatic
rifle, caliber .30, M1918A2, with bipod, is an air-cooled, gas-
operated, magazine-fed shoulder weapon, (See fig. 1.) It
weighs approximately 21 pounds without sling. The am-
munition is loaded in magazines of 20 rounds. The weight
of the magazine when empty is 7 ounces; when filled, 1
pound 7 ounces.
■ 3. Fire Power. — The Browning automatic rifle, caliber
.30, M191BA2, is not capable of semiautomatic fire. There
are two cyclic rates of full automatic fire, noimal and slow,
which may be selected by the flrer. The normal cyclic rate
is approximately 550 rounds per minute; the slow cyclic rate
is approximately 350 rounds per minute. The effective rate
of fire for this weapon is from 120 to 150 rounds per minute,
1
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER ,30, M1918A2
4-6
Left side view.
Figure 1. — Browning automatic rifle, caliber .30, M1918A2, with
bipod.
Section II
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
■ 4. Training. — Training in disassembly and assembly will
be taken up as soon as practicable after the soldier receives
his rifle. In any case it will be completed before any firing
Js done with the rifle by the individual. Instruction in the-
care and cleaning of the automatic rifle will also be covered.
■ S. Organisation,— In the company or platoon, all en-
listed men are combined in one or more groups under their
officers or selected noncommissioned officers as instructors.
Other noncommissioned officers supervise the wort as di-
rected. Squad leaders supervise the work of their squads.
■ 6. Care To Be Exercised. — a. The rifle can be readily
disassembled and assembled without applying force. The
use of force is prohibited,
b. The rifle will not be disassembled or assembled against
time as this serves no useful purpose and results in burring
and damaging the parts. Instruction, blindfolded, may be
given to men who have passed their tests in mechanical
training. In all work in disassembling the rifle, the men
3
6-8 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER ,30, M1918A2
will be taught to lay the parts out on a smooth, clean
surface in the proper sequence for assembling. The trigger
mechanism will not be disassembled or assembled blind-
folded.
■ 7. Nomenclature. — The names of the parts to which ref-
erence is made in mechanical training are readily learned as
this training progresses. Instructors will therefore take
care to name the parts clearly and correctly in their work.
A sufficient knowledge of the nomenclature of the rifle is
gained by the soldier during the instruction in mechanical
training.
■ 8. Disassembling the Rifle. — a. General. — Authorized dis-
assembly by the soldier is limited to that required for proper
care and maintenance of the rifle. Further disassembly will
be done under the supervision of an officer or ordnance per-
sonnel. The individual soldier is prohibited from disassem-
bling the —
(1) Forearm group.
(2) Barrel group.
(3) Butt stock and buffer group.
(4) Rear sight group.
(5) Receiver group.
b. Sequence. — The disassembly of the rifle authorized to
be performed by the individual soldier without supervision
is performed in the following sequence:
(1) Operating group. —
(a) Remove flash hider.
(b) Remove bipod assembly.
(c) Remove flash hider spring lock washer.
(d) Cock the Tifle.
(e) Remove gas cylinder tube retaining pin.
(/) Remove gas cylinder tube and forearm (let mechanism
forward easily).
(g) Remove trigger guard retaining pin.
(ft) Remove trigger guard.
(0 Remove recoil spring guide and recoil spring,
(j) Push hammer pin through hammer pin hole in re-
ceiver.
(fc) Remove operating handle.
(I) Remove hammer pin.
4
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER ,30, M1918AZ
8
(m) Remove hammer,
in) Remove slide.
(0) Push out bolt guide.
(p) Remove bolt, bolt lock, and bolt link.
(q) Remove firing pin.
(r) Remove bolt link pin and bolt link.
(s) Remove extractor and spring.
(2) Trigger mechanism. — Remove —
(a) Ejector.
(6) Magazine catch spring,
(e) Magazine catch pin.
(d) Magazine catch.
(e) Magazine release.
(/) Sear spring.
(g) Trigger pin.
(7i> Trigger and connector.
(1) Sear pin.
(j) Sear and sear release stop lever.
(k) Sear carrier and counterrecoil spring.
(I) Change lever spring.
(m) Change lever,
(3) Bipod assembly. — Remove the —
(a) Two bipod leg clamp wing screws,
<&) Right and left bipod leg assemblies.
(c) Two bipod clamp leg guides.
(d) Two bipod body wing screws.
(e) Right and left bipod leg tubes.
c. Method, — The following detailed explanation of the
method of disassembling the automatic rifle is furnished
as an aid to instructors:
(1) Operating group. — Unscrew flash hider. Remove bi-
pod assembly and flash hider spring lock washer. Lay rifle
on table, barrel down, pointing to left. Cock the rifle. This
must be done in order that the gas cylinder tube may clear
the gas piston and gas cylinder tube bracket, female. Turn
gas cylinder tube retaining pin spring (54) 180° in a clock-
wise direction and lift out gas cylinder tube retaining pin
(53). Remove gas cylinder tube and forearm (118). Let
slide (45) forward easily by pressing trigger with thumb of
right hand and at the same time grasping slide with left
5
8
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, MI91BA2
BK0WN1HG AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
8
hand so that middle and index fingers are astride gas piston.
Turn trigger guard retaining pin spring (12) 90° in a
clockwise direction and lift out pin. Lift out trigger guard
group. Remove recoij spring guide (41) by pressing right
index ringer on checkered surface of its head and turning
it until ends are clear of retaining shoulders. Line up
hammer pin holes on receiver and operating handle by
inserting point of recoii spring guide or dummy cartridge
in hole on operating handle with right hand, press against
hammer pin (86), and push operating handle backward
with left hand. The recoi] spring guide will push hammer
pin through its hole in receiver as hammer pin registers
with latter. Remove operating handle (88) by pulling
straight to rear. Remove hammer pin. Push hammer (85)
forward out of its seat in slide (45) and lift out of receiver.
Remove slide (45) by pulling it forward out of receiver,
being careful that bolt link (82) js pushed well down, thus
allowing slide to clear. In removing slide, take care to
avoid striking gas piston or rings against gas cylinder tube
bracket (56). Force bolt guide (72) out with left thumb
or point of a bullet. Lift out bolt, bolt lock, and bolt link
by pulling them slowly to rear end of receiver and up with
right thumb and forefinger. Pull out firing pin (76) from
its way in bolt (75). Push bolt link pin (83) and remove
bolt link. Bemove extractor (77) by pressing point of a
dummy cartridge against claw and exerting pressure up-
ward and to front. Remove extractor spring.
(2) Trigger mechanism.- — (a) Depress ejector lock with
point of a dummy cartridge. Hold thumb in front of maga-
zine catch spring to prevent it from flying out and then
slide ejector out of its seat. Remove magazine catch spring.
Remove magazine catch pin, lift out magazine catch and
magazine release.
(b) Insert trigger guard retaining pin spring under sear
spring above connector stop. Pry up, pressing against sear
spring with thumb, and pull it out to rear. Push out trigger
pin. The trigger pin must always be removed before sear
pin in order that tension, of counterrecoil spring will always
be an sear pin. Bemove trigger and connector through top
of trigger guard. Push out sear pin with the recoil spring
7
8 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
guide Remove sear and sear release stop lever. Separate
sear release stop lever from sear. Pry up on sear carrier and
lift out sear carrier and counterreeoil spring. Remove
change lever spring by prying bent end, out of its seat using
rounded end of sear spring and moving change lever from
front to rear. When clear of change lever, push it out the
3
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFtE, CALIBER .30, MI918A2 8-9
rest of the way by pressing with thumb against base of
sear release stop lever spring. Pull out change lever.
(3) Bipod assembly. — Unscrew two bipod leg clamp wing
screws. Remove right and left bipod leg assemblies. Re-
move two bipod clamp leg guides. Unscrew two bipod body
wing screws. Remove right and left bipod leg tubes from
bipod body.
■ 9. Assembling the Rifle. — The rifle and its component
parts are assembled in the reverse order of their disassembly
as given in paragraph 8&. The folowing detailed explana-
tion of the method of assembling the rifle is furnished as
an aid to instructors:
a. Bipod assembly. — Replace bipod leg tubes in bipod
body so that unthreaded holes of bipod leg clamps are facing
Figure 4. — Bipod group.
outward. Replace two bipod body wing screws. Replace
two bipod clamp leg guides in their slots on right and left
bipod legs. Replace bipod leg assemblies in bipod leg tubes.
Aline U-shaped opening of bipod clamp leg guides with holes
in bipod leg clamps and replace bipod leg clamp wing screws.
b. Trigger mechanism* — (X) Replace change lever. Insert
ears of change lever spring in slots in trigger guard, sear
release stop lever spring being up and to rear, push spring
forward into place. Replace counterrecoil spring on counter-
recoil spring guide (front of sear carrier). Insert counter-
recoil spring guide into its seat. Brace forward end of trigger
guard against an immovable object, and with thumbs of right
9
9
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M191BA2
and left hands pressing on rear of sear carrier push sear
carrier forward until rear end is held by ears of change
lever spring. Hold sear so that slotted portion of cammed
end of sear is down. Insert short end of sear release stop
lever upward through slot in forward part of sear taking
care that notched end is down. Aline sear pin hole of sear
release stop lever with sear pin hole in sear. Replace sear
and sear release stop lever and force recoil spring guide
through sufficiently so as to aline holes in sear release stop
lever, sear, sear carrier, and trigger guard for sear pin. By
slight pressure on recoil spring guide push sear carrier for-
ward against counterrecoil spring, thus permitting sear pin
to be seated easily in sear pin hole. The sear pin must always
be replaced before trigger pin in order that tension of counter-
recoil spring will always be on sear pin. Replace trigger
and trigger pin.
(2) Holding connector so that its head is in rear of con-
nector stop and toe is down and to rear, depress rear end of
sear and drop connector into its place in trigger. Engage
sides of sear spring in recesses and press down and forward
on sear spring with thumb of right hand until front end of
spring rests in depression stop. Take care to see that outside
prongs of sear spring rest on their seat on sear and that
middle prong rides freely in slot formed by walls of sear
carrier. If middle prong rests on one of walls, instead of
riding freely between them, trigger mechanism will not
function when barrel is inclined below horizontal,
(3) Replace magazine release, magazine catch, and maga-
zine catch pin. Replace magazine catch spring. Insert
ejector into recess and move it down until it is flush with
magazine catch spring. Compress magazine catch spring in
its seat and move ejector down until it is fully home and
ejector lock is in its position.
(4) After trigger mechanism has been assembled, turn
change lever to forward position, and pull trigger. If con-
nector will not rise, it is not in place correctly. It should
rise and snap out from under sear. If connector will rise
but does not raise sear, sear spring is weak and should be
replaced.
10
BROWSING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2 9-10
c. Operating group. — Replace extractor spring (78). Re-
place extractor (77) into its seat in bolt. Replace bolt link
(82) and bolt link pin (83) with shoulder of link against flat
surface of bolt lock (80). Lift bolt lock and replace firing
pin (76) . I^y rifle barrel down and pointing to left so that
rifle is resting on barrel and rear sight. With bolt mechanism
held in a perpendicular position insert it in receiver, forcing
end of bolt under ends of bolt supports, and then press bolt
mechanism down so as to lie flat In its place. Push bolt
mechanism forward, swing bolt link down, then replace
slide (45) and push all the way back. With hammer (85)
resting between thumb and forefinger, lower and seat It
properly in its seat in slide. Push bolt lock fully into its
locking recess and push slide forward. With thumb and
forefinger of right hand, aline hammer pin holes of bolt link,
hammer, and slide with hammer pin hole in side of receiver.
The recoil spring guide will be found a convenient aid in this
operation. Insert hammer pin (86) to right until only %
inch of hammer pin protrudes from receiver. Replace op-
erating handle (88). Tap end of protruding hammer pin
with sufficient force to drive it home, Replace recoil spring
(40) and guide (41). With end of index finger on checkered
end of recoil spring guide head, turn it until it is properly
seated. Holding right thumb against forward end of re-
ceiver will facilitate this operation. Replace trigger guard
group and trigger guard retaining pin (11). Cock the
rifle. Slide gas cylinder tube and forearm (118) to rear
of gas piston. Replace gas cylinder tube retaining pin (53).
Replace flash hider spring lock washer on muzzle. Replace
bipod assembly on flash hider and screw flash hider onto
muzzle. Test rifle by pulling trigger.
■ 10. To Remove Firing Pin Without Disassembling. — To
remove firing pin, lay rifle on table, barrel down, muzzle tc
front. Remove trigger mechanism. Place rim of cartridge
under bolt guide (fig. 5 ®). Pull operating handle to rear
and hold mechanism back. Steady cartridge with thumb
and forefinger of right hand (flg. 5 ©) . It may be necessary
to exert slight downward pressure on nose of cartridge in
order to pull bolt guide out far enough to free bolt. Push
down on bolt link, causing bolt to break at bolt lock pin
11
10-11 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
(fig. 5©), Allow mechanism to go forward until it stops.
Change firing pin. Pull operating handle to rear again and
push bolt into position (fig. 5 ® ) .
®
■ 11. To Remove and Replace Extractor Without Disas-
sembling. — a. Removal. — Draw mechanism to rear and insert
an empty cartridge case between bolt and chamber, exposing
extractor (fig. 6 ®). Lay rifle on its side so that ejection
opening is up. With forefinger of left hand, force out claw
of extractor, then place point of cartridge behind extractor
shoulder and pry it forward until extractor is free of the
recess (fig. 6 © ) . Remove extractor spring.
&. Replacement. — Insert short end of extractor spring in
hole in shank of extractor so that long end of spring is along
12
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M191SA2 11-12
slot in extractor. Insert extractor and spring in end of
bolt and push them into position (fig-. 6 ® ) , Remove empty
cartridge case.
®
■ 12. Disassembling and Assembling the Magazine. — Raise
rear ead of magazine base until indentations on it are clear,
then slide it to rear. The magazine follower and spring will
then fall out. (See fig. 7.) It is assembled in reverse order.
(See fig. 8.)
Figuse 5, — Removing firing pin without disassembling rifle,
250606" — 40 2
14
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBEB .30, M1918A2
Figure 6. — Removing extractor without disassembling rifle.
15
® With point of a cartridge raise rear end of magazine base until
Indentations are clear to permit withdrawal. Then slide base to
rear.
© Pull out magazine spring ana shake out lollower. For assem-
bling, insert follower and magazine spring.
Figure 7. — Disassembling magazine.
16
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M191BA2
12
17
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M191BA2
18
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, AT1918A2
13
Section III
CARE AND CUEANING
■ 13. General. — a. Scope. — (1) Care and cleaning includes
the care of the automatic rifle necessary to preserve its con-
dition and appearance under all conditions and at all times.
Automatic rifles in the hands of troops should be inspected
daily to Insure proper condition and cleanliness.
(2) Automatic rifles should be disassembled only to the
extent necessary for cleaning and proper lubrication.
b. Lubrication and lubricants. — (1) Proper oiling is second
in importance only to' intelligent cleaning. It is a vital neces-
sity for the working parts, but the oil should be used spar-
ingly; wiping with a well-oiled rag is the best method. Oil
all bearing surfaces of the rifle before firing.
(2) If the rifle is to be fired in areas where the temperature
is 45° F. or above, sperm oil (U. S. A. Spec. 2-45A) should be
used for oiling when available. When not available, motor
oil, weight 20, or any light-grade machine oil may be used
in an emergency.
(3) If the rifle is to be fired in areas where the temperature
is below 45° F., aircraft instrument and machine gun lubri-
cating oil (U. S. A. Spec. 2-27D) should be used.
c. Cleaning. — To clean the automatic rifle, swab the bore
with an oily flannel patch. Repeat with dry patches until
several successive patches have come out clean. (For clean-
ing the bore after firing see par. 14c.) Push a patch damp-
ened with oil through the bore to protect its surface. Dust
out all screw heads and crevices with a small cleaning brush
or small stick. Wipe all metal surfaces with a dry cloth to
remove moisture, perspiration, and dirt. Wipe the outer sur-
faces of the automatic rifle, including the forearm, with a
lightly oiled cloth, thenf clean with a soft, dry one. Immedi-
ately after cleaning, wipe all the metal parts with a lightly
oiled cloth. This protective film on all metal parts will be
maintained at all times. At least once a month, and always
after the stock and forearm have become wet, they should
be rubbed thoroughly with a little Unseed oil in the palm
of the hand. Rub oil in until dry. Use only castile soap
or saddle soap for cleaning or softening the sling.
19
14 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
■ 14. Additional Rules for Care of Rifle. — a. Preparatory
to firing. — (1) Remove the protective film of oil from bore
and chamber.
(2) Work slide back and forth several times to see that
it moves freely .
(3) Verify proper setting of gas poTt.
(4) Test trigger mechanism at "safe."
(5) Examine magazines. It is imperative that magazines
be given the best of care and kept in perfect condition.
They should be disassembled, wiped clean and dry, and
thinly coated with oil. Much dirt gets into them through
careless handling on the ground during range or other
firing. They must be kept free from dirt and rust which
hinder their operation by making the spring and follower
stick. Care must be exercised in the handling of magazines
to avoid denting or bending them. The greatest possible
care should be taken to prevent any damage to the lips
of the magazine or to the notch for the magazine catch.
b. During firing< — (1) Keep bore free from dust, dirt,
mud, or snow.
(2) Keep chamber free from oil or dirt,
(3) Keep moving parts oiled.
(4) Clean bore and gas system as frequently as oppor-
tunity during cessation of fire permits. The neglect of this
precaution is a frequent cause of stoppages.
(5) Clean chamber frequently while still hot with cham-
ber brush by inserting it through the ejection opening in
the receiver.
c. After firing.- — (1) The bore of the rifle will be thor-
oughly cleaned by the evening of the day on which it is
fired, and similarly cleaned for the nest 3 days.
(2) The bore is cleaned after firing by swabbing the bore
with a flannel cleaning patch saturated with hot water and
sal soda or issue soap solution. Repeat with several patches.
Plain water, hot or cold, should be used when soda or soap
are lacking, while still wet, run the metal brush through
the bore several times, Follow this with dry patches until
several patches come out clean and dry, then push a patch
saturated with oil through the bore to protect its surface.
20
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M191SA2 14-15
(3) Clean the chamber with the chamber cleaning brush,
wipe clean with a cloth, and oil lightly.
(4) Clean the gas system by first disassembling the rifle.
Remove the gas cylinder. Insert the smooth end of the body
of the gas cylinder tool into the gas cylinder. As it is ad-
vanced toward the cylinder head, turn it to the right. As
it reaches the head, apply additional pressure to the tool
and give it a few turns to cut the carbon from the inside
surface of the piston head. Withdraw and reverse the tool.
Using the recess cutter as a gage, remove the carbon from
the recesses at the forward end of the interior of the gas
cylinder. With the drift point, clean the gas ports in the
barrel, gas cylinder tube, and gas cylinder. Scrape the
carbon from the face of the piston with the front cutting
edge of the tool body and remove the deposit from between
the piston rings with the drift point. Wash with hot water
and soap or sal soda solution (if not available, use plain
water) , dry thoroughly, and oil lightly.
(5) Clean magazines and bipod assembly by disassembling,
wiping, oiling, and reassembling.
■ 15. Storage. — a. Preparation for long-term storage. —
Automatic rifles should be cleaned and prepared with par-
ticular care. The bore, all parts of the mechanism, and the
exterior of the rifles should be thoroughly cleaned and then
thoroughly dried with rags. In damp climates particular
care must be taken to see that the rags are dry. After dry-
ing a part, the bare hands should not touch that part. Spe-
cial care should be taken to insure that the gas system is
thoroughly cleaned and that the gas ports are free from
fouling. All metal parts should then be heavily coated with
rust-preventive compound. Then handling the rifle by the
stock and forearm only, it should be placed in the packing
chest, the wooden supports at the butt and muzzle having
previously been painted with rust-preventive compound. A
rifle will not be placed in storage contained in a cloth or other
cover or with a plug in the bore. Such articles collect mois-
ture which causes the weapon to rust.
b. Cleaning when received from long-term storage. — Auto-
matic rifles received from storage are completely coated with
rust-preventive compound. Use dry-cleaning solvent to re-
21
15— IS BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1B13A2
move all traces of this compound, particular care being taken
that the gas system, gas ports, firing pin, and all recesses in
which springs or plungers operate are cleaned thoroughly.
After using the dry-cleaning solvent, make sure it is com-
pletely removed from all parts by wiping with light-colored
cloths until no staining of the cloth occurs. The bore and
chamber of the barrel must be thoroughly cleaned. All sur-
faces having been thoroughly cleaned, they should then be
protected with a thin film of lubricating oil applied with
a rag.
Note. — Failure to clean the gas system, the firing pin, and the
recess In the bolt In which It operates may result In gun lallure
at normal temperatures and will most certainly result in serious
malfunctions if the rffles are operated in low temperature areas,
as rust-preventive compound and other foreign matter will cause
the lubricating oil to congeal on the mechanism.
Section IV
FUNCTIONING
■ 16, General. — a. Object. — This section is designed to pro-
vide a nontechnical description of the functioning of the rifle.
The object of instruction in this subject is to lead the soldier
to an understanding of the simple functioning of his weapon
without emphasis on memorizing the matter of the text.
&. When taken up. — Instruction in functioning will be taken
up after instruction in the disassembly, assembly, care and
cleaning of the rifle.
■ 17. Use of Dummy Cartridges. — The corrugated type of
dummy cartridge (cal. .30, M1906) may be used for instruction
in functioning. The use of the slotted type of dummy car-
tridge (range, cal. .30, Ml) is prohibited. Special care must
be exercised in the use of dummy cartridges that they do not
introduce dirt or grit into the chamber of the rifle,
■ 18. Mechanical Means op Functioning. — All automatic
weapons must have mechanical means for performing the
following functions: extraction, ejection, feeding, locking the
breech while there is a high pressure In the bore, and Igniting
the cartridge. Operations such as extraction and ejection are
performed by various cams, lugs, and springs, and the energy
necessary to perform this work and to overcome friction in
22
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2 18-19
the rifle is derived from the explosion of the powder in the
chamber.
■ 19. Cycle, — a. The functioning of the automatic rifle is
divided into two phases based on the operation of the mecha-
nism when a shot is fired. These two phases are the Tearward
movement and the forward movement. The ignition of the
cartridge in the chamber marks the division of the two phases.
b. The operations which take place in the rearward move-
ment are —
(V Action of gas.
23
19-20
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
(2) Movement of slide to rear.
(3) Unlocking.
(4) Withdrawal of firing pin.
(5) Extraction,
(6) Ejection.
(7) Termination of first phase.
c. The operations which take place in the forward move-
ment are —
(1) Action of recoil spring,
(2) Feeding,
(3) Locking.
(4) Ignition.
(5) Termination of second phase.
■ 20. Description or Cycle. — a. Rearward movement. — (1)
Action of gas. — A cartridge having been ignited, the bullet
under the pressure of the expanding powder gases travels
through the barrel, and when it reaches a point 6 inches from
the muzzle it passes a port in the bottom of the barrel. The
barrel pressure, which at this Instant is still very high, seeks
this first natural vent. Alined with the barrel port are other
similar ports in the gas cylinder tube bracket, gas cylinder
tube, and gas cylinder. The port in the gas cylinder is the
smallest and serves to throttle the barrel pressure. The
port in the gas cylinder leads radially into a well about Ya
inch in diameter in the head of the gas cylinder. The
throttled barrel pressure is conducted through this well to
the gas piston plug. This pressure acts on the piston for the
very short time which it takes for the bullet to travel the 6
inches of distance from the barrel port to the muzzle. Its
effect is that of a sudden severe blow on the piston plug.
Under the impact of this blow, the gas piston is driven to the
Tear carrying the slide with it. When the piston has traveled
about A inch backward, the bearing rings on its head and the
gas piston plug pass out of the cylinder. The gas expands
around the piston head and into the gas cylinder tube and is
exhausted through the six portholes in the tube. The gas is
prevented from traveling back through the gas cylinder tube
by the two rings on the piston, about % inch apart and l l /t
inches from the piston head. These rings also serve as bear-
24
25
20 BROWWING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
ings to hold the front end of the piston in the center of the
gas cylinder tube after the piston head has passed out of the
gas cylinder.
(2) The slide. — As the piston is forced back it carries the
slide with it. The first and the immediate result of the
backward movement of the slide is to begin the compression
of the recoil spring, thereby storing energy for the forward
action.
(3) Unlocking. — The hammer pin is slightly in advance of
the bolt link pin about 0.19 inch. The center rib of the
hammer Is very slightly in rear of the head of the firing
pin. When the slide begins its motion to the rear it im-
parts no motion whatever to the bolt and bolt lock. The
slide moves back 0.19 inch, and its only effect during this
travel is to carry the hammer from the firing pin and the
hammer pin directly under the bolt link pin. At this point
the unlocking begins, the bolt link revolves forward about
the hammer pin, drawing the bolt lock down and to the
rear. The motion of the lock and bolt, which is zero at
the instant the hammer pin passes under the bolt link
pin, accelerates from this point until the slide has traveled
about 1.2 inches, at which latter point the bolt lock is
drawn completely down out of the locking recess and away
from the locking shoulder of the receiver. It is now sup-
ported in front on the bolt supports. The front upper
shoulder of the bolt link has revolved forward and bears
upon the locking shoulder of the bolt lock. These two
influences prevent the bolt lock from revolving down below
the line of backward travel of the bolt.
(4) Withdrawal of firing pin. — As the bolt lock revolves
down from its locked position, a cam surface in a slot in the
rear bottom side of the bolt lock comes in contact with a
similar cam surface on the firing pin lug. This action cams
the firing pin from the face of the bolt,
(5) Extraction. — The backward motion of the bolt begins
when the bolt lock has been drawn down so that the circular
cam surface on its under side is operating on the rear shoul-
ders of the bolt supports. This produces a strong lever action
which slowly loosens the cartridge case. The backward travel
of the bolt has been slight, only about %a inch when the
26
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFI.E, CALIBEK .30. M1918A2
20
firing pin is withdrawn; its travel is about inch when
the bolt lock is completely drawn down. Prom this point the
bolt moves to the rear, drawn by the bolt lock and bolt link,
with the same speed as the slide and carries with it the
empty cartridge case which is held firmly in its seat on the
face of the bolt by the extractor. The extractor is on the
upper right side of the bolt next to the ejection opening in
the receiver. A slot cut in the left side of the bolt lock near
the back end passes over the bolt guide, which supports the
bolt lock and bolt when they are in the rear position.
(6) Ejection. — When the slide reaches a point about Va inch
from the end of its travel, the base of the cartridge case
strikes the ejector. This action causes the cartridge case to
be pivoted with considerable force about the extractor and
through the ejection opening in the receiver. The front end
of the cartridge case passes first out of the receiver and is
pivoted so that it strikes the outside of the receiver at a point
about 1 inch in rear of the ejection opening. It rebounds
from the receiver toward the right front.
(7) Termination of rearward movement. — The rearward
motion terminates when the rear end of the slide strikes the
buffer head and sear release. The slide, under the action of
the recoil spring, moves forward inch after striking the
buffer head and sear release. If the sear nose is not de-
pressed, it engages the sear notch on the slide and the piece
is cocked for the next burst or shot.
Note. — The motion of the bolt, bolt lock, ana bolt link mechan-
ism began slowly a-t first and did not attain the speed of the slide
until the latter had traveled about 1% inches backward. This is
a very important characteristic of the rifle, since on this account
the mechanism is not subjected to an excess strain due to a sudden
start at the Instant the gas impinges upon the piston. This slow
start delays the opening of the chamber sufficiently to allow the
high barrel pressure to decrease.
b. Forward movement. — (1) Action of recoil spring. — The
sear nose is depressed, disengaging the sear, and the slide
moves forward under the action of the recoil spring. The
position of the bolt link pin is slightly below a line joining the
bolt lock pin and the hammer pin; therefore as the slide
starts forward the joint at the bolt link pin has a tendency
to buckle downward. It is prevented from doing this by the
tail of the feed rib on the bolt which extends backward under
27
20
BROWSING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918AZ
the bolt lock, also by the upper front shoulder of the bolt link
being in contact with the locking surface of the bolt lock.
Since the joint cannot buckle, the entire mechanism moves
forward with the slide. "When it has traveled about x h inch,
the front end of the feed rib impinges on the base of the
top cartridge, which the magazine spring and lips are holding
up in its path.
(2) Feeding. — The cartridge is carried forward about Yt
inch, when the nose of the bullet strikes the bullet ramp or
guide on the breech of barrel and Is deflected upward to-
ward the chamber. This action also guides the front end
of the cartridge from under the magazine lips. The base
of the cartridge approaches the center of the magazine,
where the lips are cut away and the opening enlarged, and
at this point is forced out of the magazine by the magazine
spring. The base of the cartridge slides across the face of
the bolt and under the extractor. Should the cartridge fail
to slide under the extractor, the extractor will snap over
its head as the bolt reaches the forward position. When the
cartridge is released by the magazine, the nose of the bullet,
is so far in the chamber that it is guided by the chamber
from this point on.
(3) Locking. — When the slide is about 2 inches from its
forward position, the circular cam surface on the under side
of the bolt lock begins to ride over the rear shoulders of the
bolt supports, and the rear end of the bolt lock is cammed
upward. The bolt link, pin passes up above the line joining
the bolt lock pin and hammer pin. The joint at the bolt
link pin now has a tendency to buckle upward, and the bolt
lock being opposite the locking recess in the receiver is free
to and does pivot upward about the bolt lock pin. The bolt
link revolves upward about the hammer pin, forcing the
bolt lock up, and a rounded surface on the bolt lock just
above the locking face slips over the locking shoulder in the
receiver, giving the lock a lever action which forces the bolt
home to its final position. The two locking surfaces on the
bolt lock, and the receiver register as the hammer pin passes
under the bolt link pin,
(4) Igniting the cartridge. — The lug on the firing pin is
buried in the slot on the under side of the bolt lock at all
28
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M19I8A2 20-21
times except when the bolt is locked in the forward posi-
tion. Therefore, the firing pin is locked away from the face
of the bolt during all the rearward and forward motion of
the bolt. When the hammer pin passes under the bolt link
pin, the firing pin has been released by the bolt lock. The
slide and hammer move forward about inch farther, and
the center rib of the hammer strikes the head of the firing
pin, driving it forward and igniting the cartridge.
(5) Termination of second phase. — The forward end of
the slide strikes a shoulder at the rear end of the gas cyl-
inder tube which terminates the forward motion. The
forward motion is not terminated by the hammer on the
firing pin. This can be seen by examining the head of the
firing pin when, the gas cylindeT tube is assembled to the
receiver, and the bolt mechanism is in the forward position.
The firing pin has still about ^-inch clearance from its
extreme forward position.
Note. — The locking shoulder of the receiver is inclined forward.
Its surface is perpendicular to the line through the bolt lock
which the shock of the explosion follows; therefore the force of
this shock is exerted squarely against the normal surface. The
speed of the bolt mechanism is slowed down gradually from the
instant that the bolt lock starts to rise until the hammer pin
passes under the bolt link pin, when the speed is zero.
■ 21. Functioning or Combination Buffer and Bate Reduc-
ing Mechanism. — a. Parts. — The buffer and rate reducirg
mechanism consists of the following parts in the order giien
from front to rear:
(1) Buffer tube, which has four splined slots on the inside
of the forward end for use in positioning the buEer head.
One of these slots only is used to anchor the buffe: tube to
the buffer head by means of the buffer key.
<2) Buffer head.
(3) Sear release, Inserted in buffer head.
(4) Buffer key, which holds sear release in bw: ;r head
and anchors buffer tube to buffer head.
(5) Brass friction cup with concave interior whic 1 is split
to allow for expansion; and a steel cone to St intc .he cup.
Four of these cups and cones are placed one after the other
in series.
(6) Buffer spring.
(7) Actuator, inside of cups, cones, e~,c! buffer fpring.
250606°— iO 3 29
30
BROWNINO AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M191BA2 21
tlH. St
COMBINATION BUrfCR AW RATE REDUCING MCCHAKHM
®
Figure 11. — Combination buffer and rate reducing mechanism.
(8) Buffer tube cap.
(9) Actuator tube.
(10) Actuator spring, inside actuator tube,
f 113 Stock retaining sleeve lock washer.
(12) Stock retaining sleeve.
(13) Actuator stop.
(14) Pin.
b. Action. — (1) When the automatic rifle is fired at the
slow cyclic rate, the buffer head and sear release, struck by
the rear end of the slide, move to the rear. The buffer
head forces the friction cups over the cones, causing them
to expand tightly against the tube, consequently producing
considerable friction as the cups move back and compress
the buffer spring. Thus the rearward action of the slide
is checked gradually and there is practically no rebound.
The buffer spring returns the buffer head and friction cups
and cones to their original positions. After striking the
buffer head and sear release, the slide moves forward until
it is engaged by the sear. The delayed release of the sear
is then accomplished as follows: The sear release when
struck by the slide in turn strikes the actuator in the buffer.
The actuator is driven to the rear inside the actuator tube
against the actuator spring. It returns under the force of
31
21-22 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, MI918A2
expansion of the actuator spring to drive the sear release
forward against the camming surface on the rear of the
sear, thus releasing the sear and permitting the rifle to
continue its cycle. (See par. 23m.)
(2) When the rifle is fired at the normal cyclic rate, the
functioning of the combination buffer and rate reducing
mechanism is the same as explained for the slow cyclic
rate in (1) above except that the sear release is prevented
from engaging the camming surface on the rear end of the
sear by the sear release step lever. (See par. 23m.)
■ 22. Functioning of Trigger Mechanism. — a. The trigger
mechanism has three settings:
(1) Normal cyclic rate (A). — When so set the sear is de-
pressed as long as the trigger is held back, and the rifle
will continue firing at a cyclic rate of about 550 rounds
per minute until the magazine is emptied.
(2) Slow cyclic rate (F) . — When so set the sear is de-
pressed, thereby disengaging the sear and sear notch when
the trigger is pulled, but the mechanism is so constructed
that the sear rises and engages in the sear notch when the
slide comes back again, and the sear notch will not disen-
gage until the sear release in the buffer depresses the rear
end of the sear by riding over the cammed end of the sear
or the trigger is fully released and then pulled. With this
setting, the rifle fires one shot for each pull and quick
release of the trigger or a slow cyclic rate of 350 rounds
per minute for the length of time the trigger is held com-
pletely to the rear.
(3) Safe (5) . — When so set, the sear cannot be released
from the sear notch by pulling the trigger.
b. The action of the trigger mechanism is taken up in
phases and should be followed on the mechanism itself as
the explanation proceeds. Have the trigger guard disassem-
bled completely. Study the shape of the change lever and
note the following:
(1) It is a bar about % inch in diameter.
(2) It has three shallow longitudinal slots cut on top of
the bar as the handle is held vertically.
32
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1318AZ 22-23
(3) The side of the bar is slotted in such a way as to leave
a little tongue of metal in the center and at the lower edge
of the slot.
■ 23, Setting Change Lever. — a. Assemble the change lever
and spring to the trigger guard. The toe of the change
lever spring is seated in one of the longitudinal slots on the
change lever, and as the lever is turned from one position
to another it seats in the other slots. The only function
of the forward end of the spring and the longitudinal slots
is to hold the change lever in the position in which it is set.
b. Assemble the trigger and pin to the guard.
c. Turn the change lever to rear or safe position. In this
position the slot is turned slightly upward, and the full sur-
face of the bar is on the bottom. Pull the trigger. The rear
top end of the trigger is slotted longitudinally, and the metal
on each side of the slot forms two shoulders which rise against
the bottom of the change lever bar.
d. Push the change lever over to the vertical position, which
is the full or normal cyclic rate setting. Pull the trigger.
The slot in the change lever is now turned to the front, and
the two shoulders of the trigger, which before engaged the
full surface of the change lever bar, now are free to pass up
into the slot of the change lever; also the tongue of metal on
the bottom of the change lever slot passes through the longi-
tudinal slot in the end of the trigger.
e. Push the change lever forward to the slow cyclic rate
position.
f. The slot is now turned partially down and when the
trigger is pulled the rear end of the trigger passes up into
the change lever slot; also the tongue of metal in the bottom
of the change lever slot is now turned back and does not pass
through the slot in the end of the trigger as it did in the
normal cyclic rate position.
g. Observe the shape of the connector. It is shaped like a
boot with a toe and heel. It has a flat surface that slopes
down and toward the front from the head (sear spring ramp) .
In rear of the head the profile extends straight downward for
about Y s inch, then slopes slightly to the rear for 0.12 inch
(sear carrier ramp) . This last slope is used in a cam action
to be explained later. The function of the narrow, flat top
33
23
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER ,30, M1913A2
surface of the connector is to raise the forward end of the
sear until cammed out from under the latter.
h. Place the connector on the connector pin and set change
lever to safe; pull the trigger. The connector is not raised
for the obvious reason that the trigger itself cannot be raised
because the change lever bar is in its way.
L Turn the change lever to the normal cyclic rate position;
pull the trigger. The head of the connector is raised and heid
in a vertical position and cannot be tipped forward. The
tongue on the change lever engages the toe of the eonnector
as the trigger is pulled and holds the connector upright.
j. Turn the change lever to the slow cyclic rate position;
pull the trigger. The tongue on the change lever now does
not engage the toe of the connector, and the head of the con-
nector can now be tipped forward.
k. Note the cross pin on the sear carrier called the con-
nector stop; also note that just in rear of the connector stop
and on the underside of the sear carrier is an inclined sur-
face sloping upward in the metal which joins the two sides
of the sear carrier. This surface has a cam action with the
above-mentioned surface of the connector,
I. Completely assemble the trigger mechanism.
m. Note that the center leaf of the sear spring presses on
the front sloping surface of the connector and tends to press
the head of the connector backward. Note that the rear end
of the sear release stop lever prevents the sear release from
engaging the camming surface on the rear end of the sear
except when it is depressed to its lower position by pressing
the trigger with the change lever set for the slow cyclic rate.
Set the change lever on safe and pull the trigger. The head
of the connector is not raised above the sear carrier for rea-
sons given previously. Therefore, the sear nose is not de-
pressed and hence the safe position. Change over to the
normal cyclic rate position and pull the trigger; the head of
the connector is raised and held in the vertical position thus
depressing the rear of the sear. The rear end of the sear
release stop lever is partially depressed but is still in its
raised position and serves only to prevent the sear release in
the buffer assembly from engaging the camming surface on
the rear of the sear. The rear of the sear remains in the
34
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
33
depressed position, the forward end being raised by the con-
nector. This prevents a re -engagement of the sear so that
normal cyclic rate of automatic Are continues until the trigger
is released or the ammunition supply is exhausted. It will be
noted from the above that the rate reducing mechanism per-
forms no useful function when the gun is firing at the normal
cyclic rate. The tongue on the change lever tends to hold
the connector vertically, and the ramp on the sear carrier
tends to cam the connector forward. The forces exerted by
these two parts on the connector are opposed, hence the
trigger mechanism is locked when the trigger has been pulled
enough to release the slide.
n. Set the change lever for the slow cyclic rate of auto-
ma tic fire; pull the trigger slowly. At first the head of the
connector rises and thereby depresses the sear nose, allowing
the slide to go forward. Note that if the press on the trigger
is not continued, the sear nose is still depressed, and the
rear end of the sear release stop lever is in its upper posi-
tion thus causing the gun to Are at the normal cyclic rate.
If the press of the trigger is continued, the previously men-
tioned cam surface on the connector comes in contact with
the cam surface of the sear carrier, and the head of the
connector is cammed forward against the pressure of the
center leaf of the sear spring. The connector disengages
the forward end of the sear, and the two outside leaves of the
sear spring depress it. The forward end of the sear release
stop lever is raised and is held in its upper position, by the
connector. The sear nose is raised up in the path of the slide
and engages the sear notch when the slide moves back. The
rear end of the sear release stop lever remains in the low
position below the camming surface on the rear of the sear
thus clearing the camming surface so that the sear release
in the buffer is free to act on the camming surface on the sear.
This causes the rifle to fire at the slow cyclic rate as long
as the trigger is held to the rear. (See par. 21b(l>.> When
the trigger is released, the center leaf of the sear spring
presses the head of the connector downward and bacls under
the forward end of the sear, and the rear end of the sear
release stop lever is raised to its upper position by the action
35
23-27 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
of the sear release stop lever spring. When the trigger is
pulled again the action is repeated.
o. In the slow cyclic rate position, the connector stop pre-
vents the head of the connector being tipped so far forward
that the sear spring cannot push it back in place when the
trigger is released. The only function of the change lever in
the slow cyclic rate position is the limiting of the upward
travel of the trigger when its upper rear shoulders strike the
top of the slot in the change lever, which In this position is
turned down.
Section V
OPERATION
■ 24. General. — a. OWect.— This section is designed to give
the soldier instruction necessary for the operation of the
rifle.
o. When taken up. — The ' operation of the automatic rifle
will be taken up at any convenient time after instruction in
care and cleaning (see. m) has been completed.
■ 25. Use of Dummy Cartridges. — As prescribed in para-
graph 17,
■ 26. To Load the Magazine. — To load the magazine, place
the wide end of the magazine filler over the top of the maga-
zine so that the groove in the magazine filler fits over the
catch rib of the magazine. Hold the magazine in the same
relative position that it occupies in the rifle, that is, with the
catch rib toward the operator. Then insert a clip of car-
tridges in the guides provided in the filler, and with the
right thumb near the base push the cartridges into the
magazine. Each magazine will hold 20 rounds. (See fig. 12.)
■ 27. To Load the Rifle. — Press the magazine release, with-
draw the empty magazine. Hold a loaded magazine with
its base in the palm of the right hand, cartridges pointing
to the front. Insert the magazine between the sides of the
receiver in front of the trigger guard and push it home
smartly with the right hand. The magazine can be inserted
with the mechanism in either the cocked or forward position.
It is, however, ordinarily inserted after the rifle has been
eocked.
36
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1913A2 28-29
■ 28. To Unload the Rifle. — Press the magazine release and
withdraw the magazine. Let the bolt go forward by pulling
the trigger.
a 29. To PThe the Rifle.—- Select the cyclic rate desired and
press the trigger for the length of burst desired. If single
shots are desired, set the change lever for the slow cyclic
rate; press the trigger and release the pressure upon the
trigger immediately upon the release of the bolt for its
forward movement.
37
30-31 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
M 30. To Set the Change Lever Control. — a. For the slow
cyclic rate of automatic fire or single shot, push the change
lever to the forward position marked "F."
b. For the normal rate of automatic fire, set the change
lever in the vertical position against the change lever stop,
marked "A."
c. To set the rifle at safe, depress the change lever stop
and pull the change lever rearward until it covers the change
lever stop. This position is marked "S." The change stop
prevents the accidental setting of the change lever at safe
and at the same time allows a quick change from safe to
either full automatic or semiautomatic Are.
■ 31. Gas Adjustment. — a. General. — (1) The rifle should
normally be operated on the smallest port, and this setting
will never be varied unless the rifle shows signs of insufficient
gas. To aline the smallest port, screw in the gas cylinder
with the combination tool until the shoulder of the gas cylin-
der Is about one turn from the corresponding shoulder of the
gas cylinder tube and the smallest circle on the cylinder head
is toward the barrel. Lock the cylinder in position. If, upon
firing, the Title shows signs of insufficient gas, try setting the
cylinder one complete turn on each side of the original set-
ting. As soon as the proper setting has been obtained, the
rifleman will carefully note the position so that he can
quickly assemble the cylinder to the proper point without
trial.
(2) The larger ports are provided for use in case the action
of the rifle has been made sluggish through the collection
of dirt and grit or the lack of oil under conditions which
render prompt correction impracticable. For this reason the
threads should be kept clean and oiled and the cylinder free
to turn. The extractor, ejector, and the chamber of the
barrel should be examined and cleaned and defects corrected
when possible. Under adverse conditions, and when signs
of insufficient gas become apparent, the cylinder should be
unscrewed one-third turn, thus registering the medium circle
and alining the medium port with the gas orifice. Repeat
this operation in order to connect the largest port with the
barrel.
38
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918AZ 31-33
(3) Excessive friction or dirt may sometimes prevent the
complete forward movement of the bolt. This condition may
also be caused by the recoil spring having become perma-
nently set or short through continued use while excessively
hot; in such cases, replace the recoil spring.
b. Results of insufficient gas. — (1) Failure to recoil (usu-
ally due to misalined or excessively clogged gas port or ex-
tremely dirty mechanism) .
(2) Failure to eject
(3) Weak ejection.
(4) Uncontrolled automatic fire (exceptional),
c. Results of too much gas. — (1) Excessive speed causing
pounding.
(2) Excessive heat in gas operating mechanism.
■ 32. Safety Precautions. — a. Automatic rifles will not be
loaded except when on the firing line and with the muzzle
pointed in the direction of the target.
b. Automatic rifles will not be carried loaded except in the
presence of an enemy or a simulated enemy. Loaded rifles
will be carried with the muzzle elevated or to the front.
c. Automatic rifles will be carried with the bolt forward
at all times except in the presence of an actual enemy.
d. Automatic rifles will be assumed to be loaded whenever
a magazine is in the receiver.
e. Never leave a patch, plug, or other obstruction in the
muzzle or bore.
/. On the range, rifles are cleared before leaving the firing
line. The automatic rifle is cleared by removing the maga-
zine and releasing the bolt to its forward position.
Section VI
IMMEDIATE ACTION AND STOPPAGES
■ 33. General. — a. Object. — This section is designed to pro-
vide necessary instruction in the related subjects of immedi-
ate action and stoppages.
b. When taken up. — Instruction in immediate action and
stoppages will be completed before any firing is done by the
individual.
39
34-35 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
■ 34. Immediate Action. — a, General.— Immediate action is
the unhesitating application of a probable remedy for a
stoppage. Immediate action deals with the method of re-
ducing stoppages and not the cause. It is taught as an un-
hesitating manual operation to be applied to reduce stoppages
without detailed consideration of their causes.
b. Rifle fails to fire. — Pull the operating handle completely
to the rear and then push it forward. Tap the magazine
fully home. Aim and fire. If stoppage recurs, pull back the
operating handle slowly to determine position of stoppage,
remove the magazine, and apply proper remedy as explained
in paragraphs 35d and 36.
■ 35. Stoppages. — a. General, —While immediate action and
stoppages are closely related as to subject matter, the former
is treated separately to emphasize its importance as an auto-
matic and definite procedure to be applied to overcome stop-
pages. Proper care of the rifle before, during, and after
firing will almost always eliminate stoppages. Stoppages
which cannot be remedied by the application of immediate
action can best be eliminated if the soldier has an under-
standing of the functioning of the weapon and the causes
of stoppages.
b. Types. — (1) Temporary stoppages have been divided
into those found in four positions, dependent upon the posi-
tion where the bolt stops. The position of the stoppage is
determined by pulling the operating handle to the rear until
it strikes the hammer pin.
(2) Boundaries of the positions are —
(a) First position, mechanism and operating handle fully
closed.
(b) Second position, operating handle strikes hammer pin
anywhere from fully closed to a point where operating
handle plunger pin rides over raised shoulders on ribs of
operating handle guide way.
(c) Third position, operating handle strikes hammer pin
anywhere from second position to a point directly over "F"
of change lever setting.
(d) Fourth position, operating handle strikes hammer pin
anywhere between third position and rear.
40
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
35
c. Probable causes of stoppages. — (l) Failure to extract.
(a) Defective extractor.
<b) Dirt under extractor.
<c) Dirt in chamber.
<ci) Pitted chamber.
(e) Weak extractor spring,
(/) Defective ammunition.
(2) Failure to eject.
(a) Insufficient gas.
(b) Defective extractor.
(c) Dirt under extractor.
(d) Ejector does not fit up close to bolt.
{e> Ejector binds on bolt.
(/) Ejector has too much backward play.
(g) Ejector bent backward or otherwise defective.
(h) Weak extractor spring.
(i) Defective ammunition.
(3) Failure to breech.
(a) Dirt between bolt and rear end of barrel.
(b) Primer in mechanism, generally in front of bolt.
(c) Defective bolt lock or pin.
(c£) Defective magazine.
(e) Piston binding.
(f) Excessive friction.
(SO Recoil spring too short.
(4) Insufficient gas.
(a) Ports clogged.
(b) Poor fit between gas cylinder tube and bracket,
(e) Gas leakage around piston (worn cylinder) .
(d) Piston binding or cylinder dirty.
Ce) Gas cylinder threaded in, too far or vice versa.
(5) Ruptured cartridges.
(a) Locking surface of bolt lock worn.
(b) Bearing between bolt and bolt lock worn.
(c) Face of bolt worn.
(tJ) Chamber of barrel worn or pitted.
<e) Locking shoulder of receiver worn.
(/) Bolt supports loose or worn.
<o) Defective ammunition.
41
35-36 BEOWNINC AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
d. Reduction of stoppages. — (1) First position stoppage.—
If the stoppage is in the first position, pull operating handle
all the way back and watch ejection.
(a) If nothing is ejected, change magazine.
(6) If loaded round is ejected, change firing pin.
(c) H empty cartridge case is ejected, examine the correct
adjustment of gas cylinder, turning to the next larger port
if necessary,
(2) Second position stoppage, — If the stoppage is in the
second position, feel for obstruction or bur on face of bolt,
in rear end of chamber, in bolt lock recess, or on bolt lock.
(3) Third position stoppage. — If the stoppage is in the
third position—
(a) If due to a ruptured cartridge, use ruptured cartridge
extractor to remove front part of ruptured case from the
chamber. If no ruptured cartridge extractor is available,
oil and sand nose of bullet, put it in chamber, and let bolt
go forward. Pull back operating handle. This will usually
extract the ruptured cartridge. Clean and oil chamber after
doing this.
(&) If stoppage is not due to a ruptured cartridge, examine
face of bolt for obstruction.
(4) Fourth position stoppage. — If the stoppage is in the
fourth position —
(a) If slide moved after trigger was pulled, use cleaning
rod to push cartridge case from the chamber. If this stop-
page recurs, clean ammunition, and clean and lightly oil
chamber with a patch.
<b) If trigger cannot be pulled or if the slide does not
move when trigger is pulled —
1. See if change lever is set on "safe."
2. Take out trigger guard and correct fault in the
trigger mechanism.
■ 36. Table op Stoppages. — a. The following table may be
found of value. It includes stoppages outlined in paragraph
35 and others that have not been covered but which may
occur.
42
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
36
TABLE OF STOPPAGES
Position
First posititni
Operating handle
fully home.
Stoppugi;
1. Failure to
(end.
2, Failure to
Are.
3. Insufficient
gas.
Cause
Remedy m field
Magazine trou-
DleS—
a.
Magazine not
1 a
] J n 5 h n i ^ r ^ .
.1 LI ft 11 ill a a -
fully home.
Kitiij home.
b.
Obstruction
flhfaHIYll 1>"| Q fV ^
li li j i i ; iiLii^; it*
between lips
lino.
of magazine
and top car-
tridge.
c.
Wuafc maga-
\.' EltMlftO llliS^Cl-
sdne spring.
Kine.
d.
M a g a a t n e
tJ JlilJlC'l J i JlltlpiiV-
dirty.
y.iiUi 1 c i i' an
later.
f "
M a g it n i n e
e
(Jhsmgo itiag?.-
tuiH) or lips
J e ii t y d or
f.
M a K H K 1 !1 n
f.
ea£cb notch
worn.
a.
Broken or
2. a.
( . li&n^o firiiiff
short firing
pin.
pin.
U.
Weak recoil
6.
hsn j^o re-coil
spring.
c.
Kxcossivu fric-
C "
loan ^ti/( t~i\\
\ Lu i>J J. ill 1 U U 1 1
tion.
f rirH 1 i\Ti VI 1 I'-
ll ILiblU-ll r) 1 -!!
I a L 1 \. rs «■ JJ LI
chtiiii bef .
it.
Faulty ammn-
d
1 ^ i u itU r ti fti>i.
l/lriljal*.l i* 1 J 1
n 1 1 i o n -
muiiltiot) .
defective
primers or
charges.
n.
G as cylinder
not properly
I n V" 11 £i of
adjustud.
cy lindi'iT-
(las ports dog-
tl.
Turu cylinder
god.
to imjxL larger
port. Olnatt
at first op-
portunity.
piston binding,
c.
Turn cylinder
account
to nexthuw
dirty jilston
port. Clean
and cylinder.
nnd oil dt first
opiHHrtuTiity.
43
36 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
TA.BLEOF STOPPAGES^Oontinusd
Position
Stoppage
Cause
Itemedy tn Add
fiTut pos ition —
3.
Tti cn i *ffl i>jpnt
Ujln LLlll VI. I tMl L
_Ti Dirty cham-
rf. Turn cylinder
fi'inl i nfl*»H
o& f"^ Ay.
ber.
to nest ltirg
or port. Oil
c b & m b e r .
Oleati and oil
etiamber fit
fixitf; oppor-
tunity.
e. l-ack of od
C. Oil chamber and
friction sur-
faces.
SficoiMi position
Obstruction. _
I . JbjXtr&nooHS mat-
1
Feel on face or
perating handle
ter or burs —
bolt, in receiver
strikes hacomer
a. On face of
and chamber, on
pin & ii j v* hero
bolt.
bolt lock, and m
from fully closed
b. In breach re-
bolt lock recess
baok to top of
cess whore
for burs or extra-
raised shoulders
do It unii
neous matter .
on opor&ting
r eco 1 v o r
Remove extra-
handle- guidewfiy .
join-
neous matter or
c On. bolt lock
burs.
rf Tn hrilt ln/'lr
2,
TJ l aiilt r v n m ■
mUDltlOD.
It ti p 1 11 r e d
i , Excessive n & a d
1
Use ruptured car-
f"lni>ni linor Vlfm/llA
cartridge.
space.
tridge extractor
strides hamuier
to remove rup-
pin between sco-
tured cartridge
ond position and
case. If recurs,
point directly
clean mid oil
over " F' on re-
Chamber,
ce ivcr.
■
Fa il u its to
% Or. Broken firing
2
a. Replace firing
feed com-
pin protrud-
pin.
pletoly .
ing from faeu
of boll-
b. Other obstruo-
b. Remove ob-
liotitnal pre-
struction.
vents base of
o ar t r i d
from sliding
up a c ro s s
face of bolt.
3.
Me chain ism
3. Obstruction — ex-
Remove obstruc-
wedged
traneous mat-
tion.
tlfihtly.
ter between
bolt support
and bolt Jock.
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
TABLE OF STOPPAGES— Continued
36
Position
Third p (initio n —
Continued.
Fourth poaitioii
Operating handle
strikes hammer
pin between third
position and all
the way to the
rear.
Stoppage
Cause
4. Faulty am-
munition.
1. Failure to ex-
tract.
Trigger will
not release
slide, the
riHc being
cocked
3. Obstruction.
4, Buttered round.
1. a. Dirty, rusted,
or pitted
chamber.
6. Dirt under ex-
tractor.
c. Defective ex-
tractor.
i. Defective ex-
tractor spring.
e. Detective airi-
muoi t ion —
soft rims on
cartridges.
2. Trouble in trigger
mechanism—
ii. Change lever
set on "8."
b. Improper as-
scuilly
which re-
sults in
failure of
center
prong of
sear spring
to push
connector
back under
front end
of sear.
c. Defective
sear spring.
d. Defective
or lost con-
nector.
3. Extraneous mat-
ter between ejec-
tor and bolt.
Remedy in field
1. Use cleaning rod
to rcmoveempty
cartridge case
and then--^
o. Clean and oil
chamber.
6. Clean face of
bolt and ex-
tractor.
c. Change ex-
tractor.
d. Change ex-
tractor
spring.
2. a. Set change lever
on "P" or
"A."
h. Take out trig-
ger (ruard and
examine.
Replies nec-
essary parts
and assemble
properly.
c. Same as b
ahove.
d. Same es 6
above,
3. Keniovo obstruc-
tion.
250606=— 40 4
45
36-38 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
b. In the event of stoppages that are not mentioned above
and that cannot be reduced, the rifle should be turned in for
examination and repair.
Section VH
SPARE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
■ 37. Spare Parts.— a. The parts of any rifle will in time be-
come unserviceable through breakage or wear resulting from
continuous usage. For this reason spare parts are provided
for replacement of the parts most likely to fail. These parts
are for use in making minor repairs and in the general upkeep
of the rifle. Twenty-round magazines are also issued as
spares, the quantity being based on the allowance of ammuni-
tion authorized. Sets of spare parts should be maintained
as complete as possible at all times, and should be kept clean
aiid lightly oiled to prevent rust. Whenever a spare part is
used to replace a defective part in the rifle, the defective part
should be repaired or a new one substituted in the spare parts
set. Parts that are carried complete should at all times be
correctly assembled and ready for immediate insertion in the
rifle. The allowances of spare parts and of 20-round maga-
zines are prescribed in Standard Nomenclature List No. A-4,
b. With the exception of the spare parts mentioned above,
repairs or alterations by the using organizations are pro-
hibited.
■ 38. Accessories, — a. General. — Accessories include the tools
required for disassembling and assembling and for the clean-
ing and preservation of the rifle. They must not be used for
any purpose other than as prescribed. There are a number
of accessories the names or general characteristics of which
indicate their uses or application. Therefore, detailed de-
scription or methods of use of such items are not outlined
herein. However, accessories embodying special features or
having special uses are described in b below.
b. Special- — CD Brush ana thong, caliber .30, complete. —
This consists of the brush, the tip, the weight, and the cord
The thong weight and tip are made of brass and are pro-
vided with holes in which the thong cord is knotted. The
46
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
38
tip is provided, with a cleaning patch slot and is threaded
on the end to receive the brush.
(2) Brush, chamber cleaning, Ml. — The chamber cleaning
brush consists of a curved flat steel handle to which are
hinged a chamber cleaning brush at one end and a small
bristle dusting brush at the other end.
(3) Brush, cleaning, caliber .30, M2. — The brush consists
of a brass wire core with bristles and tip. The core is twisted
in a spiral and holds the bronze bristles in place. The brass
tip, which is threaded for attaching the brush to the cleaning
rod, is soldered to the end of the core.
(4) Case, accessory and spare parts, M1918. — This is a
leather box-shaped case, approximately 234 inches wide, 2V2
inches high, and 5V2 inches long. It is used to carry the
spare parts and a number of the smaller accessories.
(5) Case, cleaning rod, Ml. — The case is made of fabric
having five pockets, four of which hold the sections of the
jointed cleaning rod, Ml, while the fifth holds the cleaning
brush, caliber .30, M2. The contents are secured in their
pockets by a web billet and chape with buckle.
(6) Extractor, ruptured cartridge, MK. II. — The ruptured
cartridge extractor has the general form of a caliber .30
cartridge. It consists of three parts — the spindle, the head,
and the sleeve. To use the ruptured cartridge extractor
the live cartridges must be removed from the rifle. The rup-
tured cartridge extractor is then inserted through the opening
of the ruptured cartridge case and pushed forward into the
chamber. The bolt is let forward without excessive shock
so that the extractor of the rifle engages the ruptured
cartridge extractor. As the operating handle is drawn back
the ruptured cartridge extractor, holding the ruptured car-
tridge on its sleeve, is extracted.
(7) Filler, magazine. — The magazine filler is a pressed steel
adapter which is fitted over the top of an empty magazine
when loading. Its method of use is shown in figure 12.
(8) Rod, cleaning, M2. — This is a straight rod consisting
of two sections permanently fastened together with a swivel
joint. The front end has a threaded hole for attaching the
cleaning brush and a slot lor holding a cleaning patch. The
rear end is provided with a tubular steel handle which
swivels on the rod.
47
38
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RTFLE, CALIBER ,30, M191SA2
(9) Bod, cleaning, jointed, Ml. — This steel rod consists of
Ave sections, the first two of which, are permanently fastened
together by a swivel joint. The first section has a slot
formed for holding a cleaning patch and a threaded hole for
attaching the cleaning brush. The rear section is provided
with a tubular steel handle which swivels on the rod.
(10) Sling, gun, M1QQ7. — The gun sling is fastened to the
swivels provided on the rifle. It consists of a long and short
strap, either of which may be lengthened or shortened to suit
the particular soldier using it.
(11) Tool, cleaning, gas cylinder. — This is a special tool for
cleaning the gas operating mechanism. The ends of the tool
body may be used to scrape carbon from the interior of the
gas cylinder and from the face of the gas piston. The drift
which is attached to the body may be used to remove carbon
deposits from the gas ports and from the grooves of the gas
piston. The carbon must be completely removed, but care
must be exercised to avoid scoring or damaging the gas
cylinder walls or the grooves of the gas piston,
(12) Tool, combination. — This tool consists of a steel body
having two spanner wrenches and two screw driver ends. The
small spanner is used to turn the gas cylinder and the large
spanner to turn the rifle barrel. The small screw driver at
the end of the large spanner is used for the removal of small
screws, and the larger screw driver for the removal of the
butt stock bolt and the forearm screws.
(13) Wrench. — Until a special tool is designed and issued,
a % by 1 inch double head engineer's wrench may be used
to remove the flash hider and bipod bearing from the muzzle
end of the rifle barrel.
(14) Stock rest. — The stock rest is not used except when
the Browning automatic rifle, caliber .30, M1918A2, is used
as a substitute for the light machine gun in light machine-
gun units.
48
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M191SA2 39-42
Section VIII
AMMUNITION
■ 39. General. — The information in this section pertaining
to the several types of cartridges authorized for use in the
Browning automatic rifle, caliber .30, M1918A2, includes a
description of the cartridges, means of identification, care,
use, and ballistic data,
■ 40. Classification. — Based upon use, the principal classi-
fications of ammunition for this rifle are —
Ball, for use against personnel and light materiel
targets.
Tracer, for observation of Are and incendiary purposes.
Armor piercing, for use against armored vehicles, con-
crete shelters, and similar targets.
Dummy, for training. (Cartridges are inert.)
■ 41. Lot Number. — When ammunition is manufactured, an
ammunition lot number, which becomes an essential part
of the marking, is assigned in accordance with specifications.
This lot number is marked on all packing containers and
on the identification card inclosed in each packing box. It
is required for all purposes of record, including grading and
use, reports on condition, functioning, and accidents, in
which the ammunition might be involved. Since it is im-
practicable to mark the ammunition lot number on each
individual cartridge, every effort should be made to maintain
the ammunition lot number with the cartridges once they
are removed from their original packing. Cartridges which
have been removed from the original packing and for which
the ammunition lot number has been lost are placed in
grade 3. It is therefore necessary when cartridges are re-
moved from original packings that they be so marked that
the ammunition lot number is preserved.
■ 42. Grade. — Current grades of existing lots of small arms
ammunition are established by the Chief of Ordnance and
are published in Ordnance Field Service Bulletin No. 3-5.
49
42-43 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER ,30, M191SA2
No lot other than that of current grade appropriate for the
weapon will be fired. Grade 3 ammunition is unserviceable
and will not be fired.
M 43. Identification. — a. Markings. — The contents of orig-
inal boxes are readily identified; by the markings on the box.
Similar markings on the carton label identify the contents
of each carton.
b. Color bands. — Color bands painted on the aides and
ends of the packing boxes further identify the various types
of ammunition. The following color bands for cartridges
are used:
Armor piercing Blue on yellow.
Ball Red.
Tracer Green on yellow.
Dummy Green.
c. Tyvcs and models. — The following types and models of
caliber .30 cartridges are authorized for use in this rifle:
Ball, M2.
Ball, Ml.
Armor piercing, Ml.
Armor piercing, M2.
Armor piercing, M1922.
Dummy, range, Ml or M1S21.
Tracer, Ml.
When removed from their original packing containers, the
cartridges may be identified except as to ammunition lot
number and grade by physical characteristics described
below.
(1) Armor piercing. — All models of caliber .30 armor
piercing ammunition are distinguished by the nose of the
bullet which is painted biack for a distance of approximately
y 4 inch from the tip. The bullets have gilding metal jackets.
(2) Ball. — All models of caliber .30 ball ammunition, ex-
cept the M1906, have bullets with gilding metal jackets. The
jacket of the M1906 bullet is cupronickel which has a silvery
appearance. The gilding metal jacket of the M2 bullet is
tin coated and hence resembles the M1906 bullet in appear-
ance. The gilding metal jacket of the Ml bullet is copper
colored.
50
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2 43-45
(3) Tracer. — Caliber ,30 tracer ammunition may be iden-
tified by the nose of the bullet which, is painted red for a
distance of approximately y t inch from the tip.
(4) Dummy. — The caliber .30 corrugated dummy cartridge
may be identified by the corrugations formed in the cartridge
case.
■ 44. Care, Handling, and Preservation. — a. Small arms am-
munition is not dangerous to handle. Care, however, must be
exercised to keep the boxes from becoming broken or dam-
aged. All broken boxes must be immediately repaired and all
original markings transferred to the new parts of the box.
The metal liner should be air tested and sealed if equipment
for this work is available.
f>. Ammunition boxes should not be opened until the am-
munition is required for use. Ammunition removed from the
airtight container, particularly in damp climates, is apt to
corrode, thereby causing the ammunition to become
Unserviceable.
c. The ammunition should be protected from mud, sand,
dirt, and water. If it gets wet or dirty wipe it off at once,
light corrosion, if it forms on cartridges, should be wiped off.
However, cartridges should not be polished to make them look
better or brighter.
d. No caliber .30 ammunition will be fired until it has been
identified by ammunition lot number and grade.
e. Do not allow the ammunition to be exposed to the direct
rays of the sun for any length of time. This is liable to
affect seriously its firing qualities.
■ 45. Storage. — Whenever practicable small arms ammuni-
tion should be stored under cover. Should it be necessary to
leave small arms ammunition in the open, it should be raised
on dunnage at least 6 inches from the ground and the pile
covered with a double thickness of paulin. Suitable trenches
should be dug to prevent water from flowing under the pile.
51
46
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER ,30, M191SA2
■ 46. Ballistic Data.— Approximate maximum ranges are as
follows:
Cartridges, caliber .30: Yards
Bali, M2 3,450
Ball, Ml 5,500
Armor piercing:, Mi 4,000
Armor piercing, M2 4,500
Armor piercing, Ml 922 4,400
Tracer, Ml 3.450
;OK.U.- }3 805 ■' .
Figure 13.— Cartridge, ball, cal. .30, M2.
52
CHAPTER 2
MARKSMANSHIP, KNOWN DISTANCE TARGETS
Paragraphs
Section I. General 47-49
II. Preparatory marksmanship training 50-72
III. Courses to be fired 73-75
IV. Kange practice ^ 76-85
V. Regulations governing record practice 86^116
VI. Targets and ranges 117-118
Section I
GENERAL
■ 47. Object, — The object of this chapter is to provide a
thorough and uniform method of training individuals to be
good automatic rifle shots and of testing their proficiency in
firing at known distance targets with the Browning automatic
rifle, caliber .30, M1918A2, with bipod.
■ 48. Fundamentals. — To become a good automatic rifle shot
the soldier must be trained in the following essentials of good
shooting:
a. Correct sighting and aiming.
6. Correct positions.
e. Correct trigger manipulation.
d. Correct application of the fundamentals of automatic
fire.
e. Knowledge of proper sight adjustments.
■ 49. Phases of Training. — a. Marksmanship training is di-
vided into the following phases:
Preparatory marksmanship training.
Range practice.
J>. No individual should be given range practice until he
has had a thorough course In preparatory training.
c. The soldier should be proficient in mechanical training
before he receives instruction in marksmanship training,
d. Every man who is to fire on the range will be put through
the preparatory course regardless of previous qualifications.
53
50-51 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1913A2
Section II
PREPARATORY MARKSMANSHIP TRAINING
H 50. General. — a. Steps in training. — The purpose of pre-
paratory marksmanship training is to teach the soldier the
essentials of good shooting and to develop fixed and correct
shooting habits before he undertakes range practice. Pre-
paratory marksmanship training is divided into six steps as
follows:
(1) Sighting and aiming exercises.
(2) Position exercises.
(3) Trigger manipulation exercises.
(4) Automatic Are exercises.
(5) Instruction in the effect of wind, sight changes, and
use of the score book.
(6) Examination of men before starting range practice.
t>. When taken wp. — Preparatory marksmanship will be
taken up in the period stated in training programs and will
precede range practice. Preparatory marksmanship training
can be covered in 2 training days.
■ 51. Equipment. — a. List. — For each eight-man group —
2 sighting bars.
2 automatic rifles and rests.
2 3-inch sighting disks (fig. 14).
4 small aiming targets.
1 long range sighting disk.
2 small boxes.
1 target frame covered with blank paper for long
range triangles.
1 score book for each man.
2 blank examination forms as shown in paragraph 72.
1 D target with curtain for each three groups.
b. Preparation. — <1> Sighting bar. — Construct the sighting
bars from trim lumber and tin strip to the dimensions and
design shown in figure 14. The sighting bars like all other
equipment should be constructed so as to present a neat
appearance. The tops of the sighting bars, their front and
rear sights; and their eyepieces are painted black.
(2) Automatic rifle and rest. — An empty ammunition box
or any similar box with notches cut in the ends to fit the
54
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2 51-52
automatic rifle closely makes a good automatic rifle rest.
The automatic rifle is placed in those notches with the
trigger guard just outside one end. The sling is loosened
and pulled to one side. The box is half filled with earth or
sand to give it stability.
(3) Sighting disks,— Sighting disks are of two sizes. The
disk to be used at a distance of 50 feet is shown in figure 14.
The disk to be used at 200 yards is constructed by pasting
the black silhouette of a standard D target on some stiff
backing and attaching a 4-foot handle. The sighting disks
have holes in their centers of a size sufficient to admit the
point of a pencil,
'PWTEI> BLACK.
Figttbs: 14. — Construction of sighting bar and sighting disk.
(4) Blackening the sights. — In all preparatory exercises
involving aiming and in all range firing, both sights of the
automatic rifle are blackened. Before blackening, the sights
are cleaned and all traces of oil removed. The blackening
is done by holding each sight for a few seconds in the point
of a small flame which is of such a nature that a uniform
coating of lampblack will be deposited on the metal. Mate-
rials commonly used for this purpose include carbide or kero-
sene lamps, candles, small pine sticks, and shoe paste.
■ 52. Duties of Leaders. — a. Battalion commander. — He re-
quires the officers and noncommissioned officers to be familiar
55
52-54 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER ,30, M191BA2
with the prescribed methods of instruction and coaching;
supervises the instruction within his battalion; and requires
the companies to follow the preparatory exercises- and meth-
ods of coaching carefully and in detail.
b. Company commander. — He requires the prescribed
methods of instruction and coaching to be carried out care-
fully and in detail within his company; supervises and directs
the platoon leaders.
c. Platoon leader. — He supervises and directs the squad
leader in training his squad and examines the men in his
platoon who are to fire the automatic rifle as outlined in para-
graph 72. He keeps up a copy of the form showing the
proficiency attained by each man (see form, par. 72) .
d. Sergeants. — They assist in the instruction and perform
any other duties as directed by the company and platoon com-
manders. They may assist the platoon leaders in keeping
the forms referred to in c above.
e. Squad leader. — (1) He sees that each man in his squad
is occupied in the designated preparatory training.
(2) He keeps up a separate copy of the form shown in
paragraph 72 and promptly enters the grades made by his
men as the work progresses. He has this form ready for the
platoon leader's inspection at any time.
(3) He requires the coaches to correct errors.
■ 53. Method or Instruction. — a. Men are grouped in pairs
as coach and pupil and alternate in assisting and coaching
each other.
b. Correct shooting habits are developed during the pre-
paratory exercises, and to this end the careful execution of
details is required. Training proceeds expeditiously to main-
tain interest. Care is taken to avoid holding the men in
position until they become uncomfortable. Frequent short
rests are given,
c. Officers and noncommissioned officer instructors will
complete their own preparatory marksmanship training prior
to that of their men in order that they may give their entire
attention to the men whom they are to direct and instruct.
■ 54. Duties of Coaches. — The successful conduct of the
preparatory exercises largely depends upon the attention of
56
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1B18A2 54-55
the coaches to their duties. Officers and noncommissioned
officers are specifically charged with the supervision of
coaches as well as of pupils. They will require the coaches
to have their pupils execute all steps of the preparatory exer-
cises correctly. The duties of a coach are specific and during
the progress of the preparatory exercises include necessary
correction of the pupil to see that the —
a. Sights are blackened.
b. Gun sling is properly adjusted.
c. Position is taken correctly.
d. Slack is taken up promptly.
e. Aim is earefully taken.
/. Breath' is held during aiming (by watching the pupil's
back).
g. Trigger is pressed properly.
h. Pupil calls the shot.
■ 55. First Sighting and Aiming Exercise: Sighting Bar. —
The instructor or squad leader shows a sighting bar to his
group and explains its use as follows, being careful to point
out the various parts of the bar as he refers to them:
a. The front and rear sights on the sighting bar represent
enlarged rifle sights.
b. The eyepiece on the sighting bar has no counterpart on
the rifle. The eyepiece on the sighting bar is used as an aid
to instruction because it enables the alinement of the sights
to be demonstrated easily. The movable target on the sight-
ing bar enables any alinement of the sight upon the silhouette
to be shown.
c. He next explains the peep sight to his group and shows
each man a correct sight alinement with the target removed.
(See fig. 15.)
d. He next describes the correct aim. He explains that the
top of the front sight is centered on the rear sight so as just
to touch the bottom of the silhouette.
e. He explains that the eye should be focused on the sight
picture, being sure that his front sight Is distinct against the
target, and he assures himself by questioning the pupils that
each man understands what this means.
57
55-56 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
/. He adjusts the rear sight of the sighting bar and the
movable target so as to illustrate the correct aim and has
each man observe it by looking through the eyepiece.
g. He adjusts the rear sight and the movable target of the
sighting bar so as to illustrate various' small errors and has
each man of the group detect and describe them.
h. Each man will then again be shown the bar with the
correct aim. illustrated.
i. Each man will then be required to adjust the sighting
bar with the correct aim until he is proficient, using the coach
and pupil method.
A CORRECT SIGHT
WITH THE
SIGHTING BAR.
Figure 15. — Correct sight with sighting bar.
■ 56. Second Sighting and Aiming Exercise: Alining Sil-
houette and Sights. — An automatic rifle for each subgroup is
placed in an automatic rifle rest and pointed at a blank sheet
of paper mounted on a box at which a soldier with the small
disk is stationed as maiker. The coach or an instructor takes
the prone position and without touching the automatic rifle
looks through the sights. He directs the marker by voice
or signal to move the small disk until the bottom of the sil-
58
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M19I8A2 56-57
houette is in correct allnement with the sights. He then
calls "Hold," at which the marker will hold the small disk
in position. The coach or instructor moves away from the
automatic rifle and directs the pupil to' look through the
®
Fiouee 16. — Position for second sighting and aiming exercise.
sights in order to observe the correct aim. He then requires
the pupil to execute the exercise for himself being careful
to check the alinement which the pupil obtains.
■ 57. Third Sighting and Aiming Exercise: Making Shot
Groups. — a. The object of this exercise is to teach uniform
and correct aiming.
59
57-58 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
b. The exercise is conducted as follows: The automatic
rifle with blackened sights is placed in an automatic rifle
rest and pointed at a blank sheet of paper mounted on a
box SO feet distant. The pupil takes the prone position with-
out touching the rifle or rests and looks through the sights.
The pupil or coach directs the marker to move the small
disk until the bottom of the silhouette is in correct alinement
with the sights, and then calls "Hold." The instructor
checks the alinement and then call "Mark." The marker
immediately marks a dot on the paper with a sharp-pointed
pencil inserted through the hole in the silhouette. The
small disk is removed and the dot numbered. The pupil
repeats this operation until three dots, numbered 1, 2, and
3, have been made. These dots outline the shot group and
the pupil's name is written under it. The size and shape
of the group will be discussed with the coach or instructor
and the cause of error pointed out and corrected. This
exercise is repeated until proficiency is attained. A good
group of three marks can be covered by the eraser of an
ordinary pencil.
c. A similar exercise is held during the period of prepara-
tory marksmanship training at 200 yards with the 26-inch
movable silhouette. Properly handled, the exercise helps
greatly to sustain interest in the work and to teach correct
aiming. At 200 yards a man should be able to make a shot
group that can be covered with the small (3 -inch) sighting
disk.
d. Tracings are made of each man's 200-yard shot group.
These tracings are marked with the men's names, turned
over to the platoon leader for bis Information, and shown to
the men with appropriate mention of errors to be corrected.
e. The shot group exercise may be continued during the
remaining periods of preparatory marksmanship training to
maintain interest and to secure the proficiency of men who
require special instruction.
■ 58. Position Exercises. — a. General. — Instruction in posi-
tion will include the use of the gun sling, holding the breath,
and aiming in each position. Small targets are set up for
each position to assist the aim.
60
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M191SA2
58
b. Scope of instruction. — Detailed instruction will be given
in each of the positions described in paragraphs 59 to 62,
inclusive.
c. General rules. — (1) All positions are as carefully learned
as the prone position, but the soldier is taught that the prone
position with the bipod rest is the normal position, and that
he must seek firing positions which will enable him to use
this position,
(2) To assume any position except the prone position, first
half face to the right and then assume the position.
Figure 17. — Position for third sighting and aiming exercise at long
range.
(3) Upon assuming any position there ls a point at which
the rifle points naturally and without effort. If this point Is
not the center of the target, the whole body is shifted so as to
bring the target into proper alinement.
(4) In all positions except the prone position with bipod
rest, the bipod is in its locked position (i. e., legs of bipod
locked in position along the barrel).
(5) The right hand grasps the small of the stock. The
thumb may be around the small of the stock or on top of
the stock.
250606° — 40 5 61
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2 58
(6) The left hand is not forced forward farther than is
comfortable and convenient in the kneeling or sitting posi-
tion. In the prone position It grasps the small of the stock.
The left wrist is straight, and the rifle is placed in the crotch
formed by the thumb and Index finger and resting on the
heel of the hand. The left elbow is as nearly under the rifle
as it can be placed without strain.
(7) The trigger is pressed with the second joint of the
index finger. The first joint may be used if necessary.
(8) The cheek firmly rests against the stock and is placed
as far forward as possible without strain to bring the eye
near the rear sight.
(9) Men are not permitted to shoot in the left-handed
position.
(10) The hinged butt plate need not be used in any firing
position except the prone position with the bipod rest.
d. Gun sling. — (1) The gun sling properly adjusted is of
great assistance in shooting in all positions except prone with
bipod rest in that it helps to steady the rifle. Each man is
assisted by the instructor in securing the correct adjustment
for his sling. In a firing position the sling is adjusted to
give firm support without discomfort to the soldier. The
gun sling is readjusted for drill purposes by means of the
lower loop without changing the adjustment of the upper loop.
(2) There are two authorized adjustments — the loop sling
and the hasty sling. The hasty sling is more rapidly ad-
justed than the loop sling, but it gives less support. The
sling is not used on the arm when firing in the prone position
with bipod rest.
(a) Loop adjustment,
1. Loosen the lower loop.
2. Insert the left arm through the upper loop from
right to left so that the upper loop is near the
shoulder and well above the biceps muscle.
3. Pull the keepers and hook close against the arm
to keep the upper loop in place.
4. Move the left hand over the top of the sling and
grasp the forearm of the rifle near the center so
as to cause the sling to lie smoothly along the
hand and wrist. The lower loop, not used in this
62
58 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
adjustment, should be so loose as to prevent any
pull on it. Neither end will be removed from
either swivel,
(b) Hasty sling adjustment.
1. Loosen the lower loop.
2. Grasp the forearm of the rifle near the center with
the left hand and grasp the small of the stock
with the right hand.
3. Throw the sling to the left and catch it above the
elbow and high on the arm.
4. Remove the left hand from the rifle, pass the left
hand under the sling, then aver the sling, and
rcgrasp the rifle with the left hand so as to cause
the sling to lie along the hand and wrist. The
sling may be given one -half turn to the left and
then adjusted. This twisting causes the sling to lie
smoothly along the hand and wrist.
e. Holding the breath. — The breath is held during aiming-.
To accomplish this, draw a little more air into the lungs
than is used in an ordinary breath. Let out a little of this
air and hold the rest naturally and without constraint.
/. Aiming. — The rifle is carefully aimed in each position.
g. Canting the rifle. — In all positions the rifle is squarely
held, that is, not tipped or canted from a vertical plane pass-
ing through its long axis. It should be understood, however,
that unless it is pronounced, this error in position will not
materially affect the aim nor the strike of the burst.
h. Procedure in conducting position exercises. — Following
explanations and demonstrations the instruction becomes in-
dividual by the coach and pupil method. Small silhouettes
are used as aiming points. These silhouettes are placed at
a range of 1,000 inches and at different heights so that in
aiming from various positions the automatic rifle will be
nearly horizontal, or standard known distance targets may
be installed at distances used on the known distance range.
The instructor may initiate an exercise by a command such
as PRONE (SITTING, KNEELING) POSITION EXERCISES; WORK AT
will. Each pupil, after seeing that his sights are blackened,
adjusts his sling, takes position, takes up the slack, aims care-
fully, and holds his breath while aiming. As soon as his aim
63
58-59 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M19I8A2
becomes unsteady the exercise ceases. After a. short rest
the pupil repeats the exercise without further command. The
trigger is not pressed in the position exercise. Exercises are
conducted in all positions.
i. Duties of the coach. — In the position exercises the coach
sees that the —
(1) Sights are blackened.
(2) Gun sling when used is properly adjusted, is tight
enough to give support, and is high up on the arm,
(3) Proper position, is taken.
(4) Slack is taken up properly.
(5) Pupil aims.
(6) Breath is held while aiming.
The ccaeh checks the pupil's manner of holding his breath
by watching his back.
■ 59. Prone Position With Bipod Rest. — a. The automatic
rifleman lies down in rear of the rifle, the line of the barrel
extending through the center of his right shoulder and right
hip bone. His legs aTe spread well apart. The toes may be
dug in for additional bracing, but care should be taken to
press evenly with both feet. The shoulder rest fits snugly
on the back part of the shoulder, the butt pressed firmly
into the hollow of the shoulder. The shoulders are on the
same level. The right shoulder especially does not drop
lower than the left shoulder. The elbows are out to the
sides and on the same line to form a stable base of support
for the rear of the weapon. The left hand gTasps the
weapon at the small of the stock, wrist straight, Angers
uppermost, and the thumb extending under the stock. The
right hand grasps the piece just ahead of the left hand,
thumb over or on top of the stock, the index finger on the
trigger, and the remaining fingers curled with a strong grip
under and around the stock. Both hands hold the piece
firmly against the shoulder. The left hand, in addition,
exerts a downward pressure, holding the hinged butt plate
down on the shoulder.
&. Some men, including left-handed men, may find that
they are able to obtain more stability with the positions of
the hands reversed, the right hand supporting the weapon
and the left hand actuating the trigger.
64
BKOWKING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2 59-60
c. When the firer is in the correct position, the gun is
pointed at about the center of the target. Small adjustments
to the exact point of the target which it is desired to hit can
be made by moving the shoulders to the right and left or up
and down. If the lateral movement is so great as to make
it necessary to move the elbows, the entire body is shifted.
Large vertical corrections are made by moving the elbows
closer together or farther apart. Elevation adjustments may
also be made by adjusting the bipod legs.
d. The soldier is trained to assume the correct position
aided by a coach who will adjust the legs of the bipod for
height.
e. Following this exercise the soldier will assume the correct
position, adjusting the bipod without the aid of a coach. In
Figure 18. — Prone position with, bipod rest.
doing this it is necessary to remove the weapon from the
shoulder, slide around to the side, and make the adjustment.
With training, the gunner is able to set the bipod correctly
the first time.
/. The sling is not used in this position.
■ 60. Sitting Position. — The firer sits half faced to the
right; feet well apart and well braced on the heels which are
slightly dug into the ground; ankles relaxed; body leaning
well forward from the hips with back straight; both arms
resting inside the legs and well-supported; cheek resting
firmly against the stock and placed as far forward as possible
without straining; left hand as far forward as convenient and
comfortable, wrist straight, rifle placed in the crotch formed
ty the thumb and index finger and resting on the heel of the
65
60-62 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
hand. In this position the feet may be slightly lower than the
ground on which the firer sits. Sitting on a low sandbag is
authorized. Necessary changes to adapt the position to the
conformation of the man are authorized. Instruction in the
sitting position is limited to that sufficient to acquaint the
men with it, as the use of this position is regarded as
exceptional.
Figure 19, — Sitting position.
■ 61. Kneeling Position. — The firer kneels half faced to the
right on the right knee, sitting on the right heel, the left
knee bent so that the lower left leg is vertical as viewed from
the front; left arm well under the rifle and resting on the
left knee with the point of the elbow beyond the kneecap;
right elbow approximately at the height of the shoulder;
cheek resting firmly against the stock and placed as far
forward as possible without strain. Sitting on the side of
the foot instead of the heel is authorized. The center of
balance of the firer should be low and forward.
■ 62. Assault Fire Position. — In this position the automatic
rifle is held with the butt under the right aimpit, clasped
66
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
62-64 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER ,30, WE1918A2
firmly between the body and the upper portion of the arm,
the sling over the left shoulder,
■ 63. Sight Setting Exercises. — a. The purpose of the sight
setting exercises is to teach accurate and rapid sight setting.
b. The instructor explains the difference between the open
sight (battle sight) and the peep sight. He explains that
the movable slide on the rear sight is set at the desired range
graduation so that the gun will have proper elevation when
it is aimed. He explains the wind gage on the rear sight
and that the front sight may be moved to the right or left
in zeroing the rifle when necessary. The instructor then
has a soldier take his place at the automatic rifle in the
prone position and demonstrate the exercise as fallows:
(1) The instructor announces the range, for example,
"Range 800."
(2) The automatic rifleman raises the sight leaf, sets the
sight with the correct setting, and assumes the correct firing
position.
(3) The instructor checks the sight setting.
c. Each group then performs the exercise explained above
under the supervision of the group instructor until all are
proficient in accurate and rapid sight setting.
■ 64. Sight Setting and Aiming Exercise. — a. The purpose oi
the sight setting and aiming exercisie is to develop accuracy
and speed in setting the sights and aiming the rifle.
b. The target shown in figure 23 is set up 1,000 inches from
the rifle; the automatic rifleman is in the prone position
with bipod adjusted.
c. The instructor demonstrates the exercise as follows:
(1) The instructor announces the range and designates the
target by giving a fire order such as "Range 300, figure No. 1."
After giving the first element of the command, the instructor
pauses a sufficient length o: time to permit the automatic
rifleman to repeat it. The automatic rifleman then raises
the sight leaf and sets the sight. While he is setting the
sight the instructor announces the target. The automatic
rifleman repeats this second element of the command, and
upon completing the sight setting moves his body and the
68
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2 04-65
rifle until the sights are accurately alined upon the designated
aiming point. He then calls "Up."
(2) The instructor then checks the sight setting and aim-
ing, pointing out the errors if any.
d. The men then go through the exercise under the super-
vision of the group instructors until they become proficient
in setting the sight and aiming the gun on a designated aim-
ing point within a time limit of 10 seconds. Each exercise
will start with the sight leaf down and the slide set at 500
yards.
■ 65. Trigger Manipulation Exercise. — a. General. — The
trigger is pressed in such a way as to fire the first shot with-
out affecting the aim. The aim is held as steadily as possible,
and the trigger is pressed promptly by a constantly increasing
pressure applied to the rear by the independent action of the
forefinger only until the bolt is released. The release of the
trigger is dependent upon the length of burst desired. In
firing bursts at the slow cyclic rate, the trigger is pressed
rapidly to its full extent to the rear or a burst at the normal
cyclic rate will ensue during the time the sear nose is de-
pressed and the rear of the sear release stop lever is in its
upper position. (See par. 23n.) This method of pressing
the trigger is carried out in all preparatory exercises or the
value of the practice is lost.
b. Trigger manivulaiion. — Trigger manipulation exercises
are carried out in the preparatory exercises regardless of the
fact that the men undergoing instruction may have just com-
pleted firing with the U. S. rifle, caliber .30, Ml 903, or the TJ. S.
rifle, caliber .30, Ml. The forward movement of the bolt when
the trigger is pressed is confusing to many men and causes
them to allow the alinement of the sights to become incorrect.
The rifte is held steady and in perfect alinement during this
forward movement.
c. Talcing up the trigger slack. — The first movement of the
trigger which takes place when light pressure is applied is
called "taking up the slack." It is part of the position exer-
cise, because' this play must be taken up by the finger as soon
as the correct position is asumed and before careful aiming
is begun. The entire amount of slack in trigger is taken
up by one positive movement of the finger.
69
65-66 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER ,30, M19I8A2
d. Calling the shot. — The pupil always notices where the
sights are pointed at the instant the rifle is fired, or when the
bolt reaches its forward position in simulated fire, and calls
out at once where he thinks the bullet will hit. In automatic
fire he calls the first shot.
e. Scope of instruction. — (1) The pupil is first taught trig-
ger manipulation in the prone position with bipod rest. In
this position he can hold steadily while he presses the trigger.
After proficiency is obtained in the prone position ■with, the
bipod rest, trigger manipulation is practiced in the sitting and
kneeling positions.
(2) Trigger manipulation for firing bursts and for firing
single shots will be taught. The Browning automatic rifle,
caliber ,30, M1918A2, is not capable of semiautomatic fire.
However, by having the rifle set for the slow cyclic rate, sin-
gle shots may be fired by releasing the pressure on the trig-
ger immediately upon the release of the bolt for its forward
movement. This rapid trigger release is taught during in-
struction in trigger manipulation,
(3) In all exercises where fire is simulated, men will carry
out the correct principles of aiming, pressing the trigger, and
calling the shot.
■ 66. Automatic Fire Exercise. — a. Automatic Are exercises
enable the soldier to gain dexterity in the manipulation of
the automatic rifle. Efficient manipulation is an important
factor in automatic rifle firing.
i>. Automatic fire exercises are held at 1,000 inches on
the U. S. rifle, caliber .30, Ml, target. The exercises include
observance of the fundamentals of sighting, positions, and
trigger manipulation as taught in the preceding exercises.
c. Automatic fire exercises are conducted as follows:
(1) The instructor announces the range as "Range, 300";
designates the target and number of rounds as "Figures 5
to 6, 16 rounds."
(2) The automatic rifleman sets his sights at the an-
nounced range, aims at figure No. 5, and simulates firing
16 rounds across to the right. He simulates firing 2 rounds,
traverses right to the next figure, and simulates firing 2
more rounds, and so on until he has completed the simulated
70
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M191SA2 66-67
firing of 16 rounds. He checks his aim each time on the
figure on which he is firing.
d. The duties of the coach in automatic Are exercises are
to insure that —
<1) The sights are set for the ranges designated and are
blackened.
(2) The correct position is taken.
(3) The slack is taken up promptly.
(4) The breath is held while aiming.
(5) The trigger is pressed properly.
(6) Each time the pupil completes the simulated firing of
two rounds on a figure he promptly traverses right to the next
figure.
(7) The pupil checks his aim each time on the figure on
which he is firing.
(8) The eye is kept on the target, the elbows kept in place,
and the butt of the rifle kept to the shoulder.
(9) The automatic rifle is reloaded Quickly and without
fumbling.
■ 67. Exercises w Replacing Magazines. — a. Exercises should
be conducted in which the soldier replaces his own magazines.
In these exercises the following points should be stressed:
(1) When the last shot in. the magazine is fired, the bolt
being in the rearward position and the rifle held horizontally,
the automatic rifleman pushes the magazine release with his
right thumb and the magazine falls out of its own weight.
(2) Full magazines are so placed in the belt that when
grasped and carried forward by the right hand the long por-
tion will be to the rear. Thus they may be readily inserted
in the magazine opening in the receiver.
(3) Empty magazines are picked up and placed in the belt.
(4) Each soldier changes his own magazines. He must be
able to do it in 2 to 4 seconds while in any position. He tests
all magazines before loading them to see that they will fall
out of their own weight when empty.
b. These operations are taught as a drill in which the fol-
lowing points should be carefully observed:
(1) Magazines are placed in the magazine belt so that
when grasped and carried forward by the right hand the long
portion will be to the rear.
71
67
EROWMING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M191BA2
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2 67-68
©Replacing old magazine in belt.
Figure 22. — Drill in replacing magazine,
(2) The operating handle is drawn to the rear after the
last shot If the bolt Is in the forward position.
(3) Magazines are dropped out after the last shot.
(4) All magazines to be used fall out of their own weight
when empty.
(5) The new magazine is drawn from the belt and placed
in the receiver with one rapid, smooth movement.
(6) Empty magazines are picked up and placed in the belt.
In known distance range firing they will be placed in the belt
at the conclusion of the firing of the exercise.
■ 68. Windage. — a. Direction of mnd. — The horizontal clock
system is used to describe the direction of the wind. In this
system the firer is assumed to be at the center of a clock
and the target at 12 o'clock. A 3 o'clock wind then blows
directly from the right, a 9 o'clock wind directly from the
left, and other winds from their corresponding directions on
the clock. Right windage is taken to counteract the effects
of winds coming from the right of the clock and left wind-
age to counteract those coming from the left. The amount
of windage to allow for the first shot is shown by the wind-
age diagram in W. D., A. G. O. Form No. 82 (Individual
Score Book) by substttutinff four thirds of a point of windage
for each point of windage there indicated. After the first
shot is marked, the necessary correction in windage to bring
shots into the silhouette is found by reference to the target
on page 16 of the score book and applying the windage
rule.
73
68-72 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
b. Windage rule. — One click of the windage knob Cor one
point of windage) moves the strike of the bullet 3 inches on
the target for each 100 yards of range. Right windage moves
the strike of the bullet to the right, and left windage moves
it to the left.
■ 69. Elevation. — a. Range. — Changes in elevation are made
on the sight of the rifle for the primary purpose of adjust-
ing for range.
b. Effect of light. — Light has an effect upon aim, gener-
ally causing men to aim slightly lower in a poor light than
in a good one. Slight corrections in elevation are therefore
necessary at times for this reason.
c. Elevation riUe. — One click of the elevating knob moves
the strike of the bullet 3 inches on the target for each 100
yards of range.
■ 70. Explanation op Zero. — a. An explanation of the zero
of the Browning automatic rifle, caliber .30, M1918A2, should
be included in the instruction in sight setting. The zero of
this rifle for any range under normal weather conditions
is that sight setting of elevation and windage which will
center the shot group in the target. It may vary for the
same rifle with different men on account of differences in
eyesight. Each man should understand this explanation of
the zero of a rifle, and that he will be required to keep a
record of the zeroes for his own rifle for the various ranges
in his score book.
o. Instructions for aeTOing the rifle on the 1,000 -inch range
and on the known distance range are given in section IV.
■ 71. Score Book. — The use by the soldier of a score book
to keep a personal record of the results and conditions of
his firing throughout the period of range practice is as neces-
sary with the automatic rifle as with the service rifle. W. D.,
A. G. O, Fiorm No. 82 is used for the automatic rifle.
■ 72. Examination. — a. Men will be examined prior to pro-
ceeding to range practice to determine their proficiency in
the subjects covered in chapter 1 and in this section.
74
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
72
t>. This examination consists of questions as indicated be-
low which are designed to bring out the soldier's knowledge
of the weapon and of demonstrations on his part of his
practical ability in the subjects which have been covered.
The questions are answered by the soldier in his own words.
Q. What is the name of the automatic rifle? — A. The
Browning automatic rifle, ealiber .30, M1918A2.
Q. What type weapon ig it? — A. shoulder weapon, gas
operated, air cooled, magazine fed.
Q. How is the barrel cooled? — A. There is no special cool-
ing device. The barrel is merely exposed to the air.
Q. What is meant by gas operated? — A. All of the func-
tions of the automatic rifle, such as extraction and feeding,
are accomplished by a small portion of gas escaping through
a port in the barrel and impinging on a piston.
Q. How is the examination on disassembling and assem-
bling of the automatic rifle conducted? — A. (Man being ex-
amined disassembles and assembles the rifle, naming parts.)
Q. How many rounds are carried in the magazine? — ■
A. Twenty.
Q. What care must be taken of the magazines? — A. They
will be kept cleaned and well oiled. They will not be dented
or bent.
Q. How are the magazines filled? — A. By placing the maga-
zine filler over the magazine and loading four clips in the
same manner as in the service rifle.
Q. How are the magazines loaded into the rifle? — A. (Man
being examined loads rifle and releases magazine.)
Q. Why should the accessory and spare parts kit be car-
ried? — A. Because it contains equipment which is necessary
to keep the rifle in action.
Q. How is the firing pin removed without disassembling
the rifle? — A. (Man being examined shows how it is done.)
Q. How is the extractor removed without disassembling the
rifle? — A. (Man being examined shows how it is done.)
Q. What is the first thing to do in case of any stoppage? —
A. Tap the magazine, pul] back and push forward the op-
erating handle, aim, and try to Are again.
75
72
BROWWING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M191BA2
Q. What is the next thing to do in case you have tried to
fire again and the stoppage recurs? — A. Pull back the operat-
ing handle slowly until it strikes the hammer pin and see
what is the position of the stoppage; drop out the magazine;
then apply immediate action.
Q. What are the three stoppages in the first position? — A.
Failure to feed, failure to fire, and insufficient gas.
Q. What things may cause failure to Are in the first posi-
tion? — A. Defective ammunition, broken firing pin, weak re-
coil spring, and too much friction,
Q. What usually causes failure to feed? — A. Magazine
trouble.
Q. How can you tell when the rifle is not getting enough
gas? — A. The rifle will fire but the bolt will not go to the
rear,
Q. If your rifle is giving you trouble, due to failure to
extract, what is probably the trouble? — A. The chamber of
the rifle has not been properly cleaned.
Q. What Is this (drawing a circle on the ground or on
paper) ? — A, A circle.
Q. Where is the center of it? — A, Here (pointing to the
center) ,
Q. Suppose that circle represents a peep sight through
which you are looking and that you are told to bring the
top of the front sight to the center of it; where would the
top of the front sight be? — A. Here (pointing to the center
of the circle).
Q. Make a mark in the circle to represent the front sight.
Make a small silhouette to represent the silhouette. Is the
silhouette in the center of the peep sight? — A. No; the bot-
tom edge of it is in the center.
Q. Why? — A. Because the top of the front sight is in the
center and : just touches the bottom edge of the silhouette.
Q, Should the front sight be held up into the bottom of
the silhouette? — A. No; it just touches the bottom edge of
the silhouette, so that all of the silhouette can still he clearly
seen.
76
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBEK .30, M1918A2
72
Q. What Is this (indicating sighting bar) ? — A. Sighting bar.
Q. What is it for? — A. To teach me how to aim.
Q. Why is it better than an automatic rifle for this pur-
pose? — A. Because the sights on it are much larger, and slight
errors can be more easily seen and pointed out,
Q. What does this represent? — A. The front sight.
Q. And this? — A. The rear sight.
Q. What is this? — A, The eyepiece.
Q. What is the eyepiece for? — A. To cause me to place my
eye in such a position as to see the sights in the same aline -
ment as that set by the coach,
Q. Is there any eyepiece on the automatic rifle? — A. No;
I learn by the sighting bar how the sights look when properly
alined, and I must hold my head so as to see the sights the
same way when aiming an automatic rifle.
Q. How do you hold your head steadily in this position
When aiming an automatic rifle? — A. By resting my cheek
firmly against the side of the stock.
Q. WheTe do you focus your eye when aiming an automatic
rifle? — A. On the silhouette.
Q. Tell me what is wrong with these sights. (The instruc-
tor now adjusts the sights of the bar, making various slight
errors; first, to show the correct and incorrect adjustments
of the sights, and then, with the sights properly adjusted, he
sights on the small silhouette to demonstrate correct and in-
correct adjustments, requiring the men to point out any
errors.) Now take this sighting bar and adjust the sights
properly, (Verified by the instructor.) Now that the sights
are properly adjusted, have the small silhouette moved until
the sights are properly aimed at it. How do you breathe while
aiming? — A. After I get my sights lined up on the silhouette,
I draw in a little more than an ordinary breath and let out
a little, and hold the remainder while aiming and pressing
the trigger.
Q. Take the prone position, aim, and simulate firing a shot
at that mark. (The instructor must assure himself that the
man knows how to hold his breath properly while aiming.
Many men have great difficulty in learning to do this
250606° — 40-
77
72
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
correctly.) What is the best position from which to Are the
automatic rifle? — A, Because of its weight it should be fired
from the prone position with bipod rest.
Q. Why is the sling used with the automatic rifle in the
sitting or kneeling position? — A. To assist the firer in holding
steadily.
Q. I will take the automatic rifle and assume the kneeling,
sitting, and prone positions, and you will tell me whether the
position is correct or incorrect in each case. (The gun sling
is adjusted for the sitting and kneeling positions in all these
tests.) Take this automatic rifle and show me your kneeling,
sitting, and prone positions. How do you press the trigger
in firing bursts at the slow cyclic rate? — A. I press the trigger
rapidly to its full extent to the rear with a constantly increas-
ing pressure, applied by the independent action of the fore-
finger, and hold the trigger to its full extent to the rear for
the length of burst desired.
Q. What do you know while you are pressing the trigger?
— A. I know that the sights are lined upon the silhouette.
Q. When firing bursts are all shots aimed shots? — A. No.
The first shot of each burst is an aimed shot, although it is
not possible to aim as carefully as in firing single shots.
The correct position is so steady that after each burst the
gun will return to the target and it is necessary only to
glance along the sights to see that they are properly alined.
Q. Is it necessary to take a long time to press the trigger?
— A. No. The necessary rapidity is developed by practice
in the trigger manipulation exercise.
Q. How do you press the trigger in firing single shots? —
A. I press it the same way as in firing bursts but I release
the pressure on the trigger immediately upon the release
of the bolt to its forward position.
Q. In firing several bursts how do you gain time so as not
to be compelled to hurry in aiming? — A. I gain time by
changing magazines rapidly and by keeping my eye on the
target while firing,
Q. How does keeping your eye on the target help you to
gain time? — A. A man who looks away from his target loses
time in finding his own target again.
78
BROWSING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
72
Q. Now show me how you load a magazine into the re-
ceiver. — A. (Soldier demonstrates.)
Q. How are the magazines changed while firing in the
prone position? — A. (Soldier demonstrates.)
Q. Is it important to get into the correct position before
beginning to shoot? — A. Yes; even though it takes more
time, I should always get into the correct position before
beginning to shoot,
Q. What is meant by calling the shot? — A. To say where
you think the bullet hit in firing single shots and where
the first round hit in firing bursts.
Q. How can you do this? — A. By noticing exactly where
the sights point when the single shot or the first round is
fired.
Q. What is this? — A. A score book.
Q. What are these lines for (indicating the vertical lines
on the model target) ? — A. To show the amount of change
in windage necessary to bring the shot to the middle line.
Q. If a shot hits here (indicating) , what change in your
sight would you make to bring the next shot to the center
of the silhouette? — A. (Soldier explains.)
Q. What effect does moving your rear sight have on the
shot? — A. It moves it in the same direction as the rear
sight moves.
Q. If you want to make a shot hit higher, what do you
do? — A. I increase my elevation.
Q. If you want to make your shots hit more to the right,
what do you do? — A. I move my rear sight to the right.
Q. If you move your rear sight one point or 1 click of wind-
age how much will it move the point struck by the bullet? —
A. Three inches for each 100 yards of range.
Q. Explain what you mean by that. I will place this
spotter on this target (full size D target) to represent a shot
properly fired by you at 500 yards with zero windage and
sight set at 500 yards. Take your rifle and move your sight
to bring the next shot to the center of the silhouette. (In-
structor now tests in various ways the man's ability to make
proper sight corrections.) What are the three principal
uses of trie score book? — A. To show me where my shot group
79
72
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
is located, to indicate how much change In the sight is neces-
sary, to move a shot or group of shots to the center of the
target, and to make a record of the sight settings of my rifle
for the different ranges under various weather conditions so
that I will know where to set my sight when starting to shoot
at each range under different weather conditions,
Q. Tell me what effect different light and weather condi-
tions have on a man's shooting.
Q. In firing at ranges up to and including 600 yards, what
is the only weather condition for which you make sight cor-
rections? — A, Wind.
Q. What three things do you do in cleaning a rifle bore
after it has been fired? — A. I first remove the powder fouling
from the bore. I then dry the bore thoroughly of the liquid
used in removing the fouling. After this is done I oil the
bare to protect it from rust.
Q. How do you remove the powder fouling from the bore?—
A. By swabbing it thoroughly two or more times with cleaning
patches saturated with a hot water and sal soda or issue soap
solution.
Q. How do you dry the bore? — A. By running clean patches
through the bore until it is thoroughly dry.
Q. How do you protect the bore from rust?— A. By swab-
bing it thoroughly with a cleaning patch saturated with oil.
Q. In what way does cleaning the automatic rifle after fir-
ing differ from cleaning the service rifle? — A. It is necessary
to clean the piston, gas cylinder, chamber, and magazines, as
well as the bore,
Q. How should the metal parts of the rifle be oiled? — A.
The rifle should be oiled by wiping a thin film of oil over all
metal parts after cleaning.
Q. Why cannot the barrel be removed and cleaned from
the breech? — A. It is very difficult to replace the barrel as
tightly as it should be, and as soon as the barrel works loose
the rifle will develop head space trouble.
80
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2 72-73
c. The form shown below will be completed for each Indi-
vidual who is to Are as an essential part of this examination:
STATE OF INSTRUCTION
Name
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structional
ability
Section HI
COURSES TO BE FIRED
■ 73. Scope and Object of Range Practice. — a. Range prac-
tice is divided into two phases:
1,000-inch range practice.
Known distance range practice.
b. In all range firing, the automatic rifle will be set for
the slow cyclic rate.
c. Practice on the 1,000-inch range is included in all marks-
manship courses to conserve time, ammunition, and troop
labor during the range season. The 1,000-inch range pro-
81
73-75 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER ,30, M1918A2
vides a convenient, short distance range whereon the soldier
can receive training with service ammunition in the funda-
mentals of automatic rifle marksmanship. Firing on the
1, 000-inch range will be included in instruction practice for
every individual firing a qualification course. The amount
of such firing within the limits set forth in the tables will
be determined by the company or higher commander. In
general, recruits will require more of this type of firing in
their instruction than previously qualified men.
■ 74. Sequence of Firing. — The instruction practice out-
lined for each course is intended to serve as a guide. Varia-
tions may be made in the sequence prescribed within instruc-
tion practice to take advantage of time, weather, and range
facilities. Variations may be made in the sequence prescribed
within record practice for the same reasons. In no case
will an individual's record practice in a course be inter-
spersed with his instruction practice.
■ 75. Marksmanship Couhses. — One of the following courses
will be fired by each automatic rifleman. The con-
duct and rules governing these courses are covered in sec-
tions IV and V. The particular course to be fired will be
designated by higher authority in accordance with the pro-
visions of AR 775-10. In all exercises which require single
shots, the magazine will be loaded with the five rounds nec-
essary for the complete score. (See also par, 95a(3).)
a. Course A, — (1) 1,000-inch range. — (a) To zero the rifle.
Table I
Range
(inches)
Timo
Stiots
Turret
<l,00O-
ineli)
Position
Remarks
1,000
No limit. .
S
No.i-
Prone, bipod resl__
Single shot.
1,000
do
No.2„
Kneeling
I.oop or hasty sling.
Single shot.
32
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M191BA2 75
(&) Instruction practice.
Table II
Ran^e
(inches)
Time
(seconds)
Shots
Target
(1,000 inch)
Position
Remarks
1,000.
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
No limit.
___do
26
115
5
20
40
10
No. 1
No 2
Prone, bipod
rest.
Kneeling
Single shot.
TjOop or hasty sling.
Single shot.
1. magazine, 20 rounds,
in short bursts; 10
rounds on each figure.
Search and traverse 8
magazines of 5 rounds,
each in & round bursts.
Search and traverse 4
magazines of 10 rounds,
each in fi-round barBts.
No. 3 and
No. 4.
No. & to No.
fl.
No. 7 to No.
S.
Prone, bipod
rest-
do
do
SS
(2) Known distance range. — (a) Ijistruction practice.
Table in
(yards)
Time
Shots
Target
rositiun
Remarks
200
200_
300_
500
No limit.
...do
...do
...do
5
5
5
5
KifleD
do
do
do
Prone, bipod
rest.
Kneeling
Prone, bipod
rest,
do
Single shot.
Loop or hasty sling.
Single shot.
Single shot.
Do.
83
75
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1B18A2
Table IV
Ttange
(yards)
Time
Shots
Target
Position
Remarks
200
No limit -
...do
...do
...do
...do
6
5
5
5
10
Rifle P
Kneeling
Prone, bipod
rest,
do
do
do
Loop or "hasty sling.
Single shot.
1 magazine, 5 rounds, 5-
round burst.
1 magazine, 5 rounds, 5,
round burst.
Single shot.
1 magazine, 10 rounds, ill
short bursts.
200_
300
600
sno
do
do
do
do
Table V
Range
(yards)
Time
(seconds)
Shots
Target
Position
Remarks
200
No limit.
80
5
IS
15
5
10
Rifle D ..
Kneeling _ _ .
Loop or hasty sling.
Single shot.
3 magazines, 5 rounds
each, in 5-round hursts.
3 magazines, 6 rounds
each, in 5-round hursts.
Single shot.
1 magazine, 10 rounds, in
short bursts.
20O
do
do
do
do
Prone, bipod
rest.
do
do
do
TOO -
30
500
No limit .
2S
600, -
Table VI
Eange
(yards)
Time
(seconds)
Shots
Target
Position
Remarks
20O -
30
30
25
15
15
10
llinoD
Prone, bipod
rest.
do _
do
3 magazines, 5 rounds
each, in 5-round bursts.
3 magazines, 5 rounds
each , in 5-round bursts.
1 magazine, 10 rounds, in
short hursts.
do
do-
coo
84
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M191SA2 75
(&) Record practice.
Table VII
Range
(yards)
Time
(.seconds)
Shots
Target
Rifle 1)
do
Position
Remarks
ZOO
200
No limit -
30
5
IS
Prone, bipod
rest,
do
do __.
do _-
do
Single shot.
3 magazines, S rounds
each, in 6-rouild bursts.
3 magazines, 5 rounds
each, In 5-roond bursts.
Single shot.
I magazine, 10 rounds, in
short bursts.
300
30
1.5 do
500
No limlt-
2fl
s
10
do
do __
500
b. Course B. — (1) 1,000-inch range. — Fire tables I and II.
(2) Known distance range. — (a) Instruction practice.
Table VIII
Ranpe
(yards)
Time
Shots
Target
Position
Remarks
200
No limit.
--.do
5
5
5
Rifle D
do..
Prone, bipod
rest.
Kneeling. -
Single shot.
Loop or hasty sling.
Single shot.
Single shot.
200
300-
...do
do
Prone, bipod
rest.
Table IX
Range
(yards)
Time
Shots
Target
Position
Remarks
200
No limit.
...do
...do
5
5
5
Rifle D
do __
do
Kneeling
Prone, bipod
rest.
do
Loop or hasty sling.
Single shot,
1 magazine, 5 rounds,
5-roand burst.
Do.
200
300
85
T5 BROWSING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
Table X
Range
(yards)
Tij7ie
(seconds)
Shots
Target
Position
Ilemarks
200
200
3O0
No limit.
30
30
5
15
15
Ri&eD
do
do
Kneeling
Prone, bipod
rest.
do
Loop or hasty sling,
Single shot.
3 magazines, 5 rounds
each, in 5-round bursts.
Do.
Table XI
Rango
(yards)
Time
(seconds)
Shots
Target
Position
Remarks
200
30
IB
10
Rifle D
Prone, liiuod
rest.
do
3 magazines, 5 rounds
each, in S-round bursts.
Do.
300
30
do_ _
<b) Record practice.
Table XII
Sange
(yards)
20U
Time
(seconds)
Shots
6
15
15
Target
Position
Remarks
No limit.
30..__
30
Rifle D
Prone, bi-
pod rest.
do
do
Single shot.
3 magazines, 5 rounds
each, in C-round bursts,
Do.
200
300
do
do
86
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
75
c. Course C. — <1) 1,000-inch range.— Vise tables I and n.
(2) Known distance range. — (a) Instruction practice.
Table XTTT
Range
(yards)
200
Time
Shots
Target
Position
Remarks
No limit.
...do
5
5
Rifle D
Prone, bipod
rest.
Kneeling
Single sliofc.
Loop or hasty sling.
Single shut.
200
do
Table XIV
Range
(yards)
Time
Shots
Target
Position
Remarks
200
No limit.
...do
5
5
Rifle D
Kneeling
Loop or hasty sling.
Single shot.
1 magazine, 5 rounds,
5-round burst.
200
do
Prone, bipod
rest.
Table XV
Range
(yards)
Time
(seconds)
Shots
Target
Position
Remarks
200
No limit.
30
5
15
Rifle D
Loop or hasty sling.
Single shot,
3 magazines, rounds
each, in 5-round bursts.
200
do
Prone, bipod
rest.
Table XVI
Range
(yards)
Time
(seconds)
Shots Target
Position
Remarks
200
30
15 Rifle P>
Prone, bipod
rest.
3 magazines, 5 rounds
each, in S-round bursts.
87
75-77 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M19I8A2
(b) Record practice.
Table XVII
Range
(yards>
Time
(seconds)
Shots
Target
Position
Remarks
200
No limit.
5
HifleD
Prong, bipod
rust.
Kneeling
rronu, bipod
rest.
Single Bhot.
T'Oop or hasty sling.
Single shot.
(i magazines, 5 rounds
each, in 5-round blasts.
200
200
„_do
OR
6
30
do
do
d. Course D- — 1,000-inch, range. — (1) Instruction 'prac-
tice. — Fire tables I and II and repeat table n.
(2) Record practice. — Fire table n.
Section IV
RANGE PRACTICE
■ 76. General. — a. Training programs and schedules. —
Training programs and schedules will provide a period for
range practice.
b. Range practice. — Range practice includes both 1,000-
inch firing and known distance firing.
■ e. Officers' range practice. — The officers of an organization
should be enabled to complete their own range practice in
advance of their men whenever practicable in order that their
entire attention may be given to their instructional duties.
d. Uniform. — The uniform to be worn during instruction
practice and record practice will be prescribed by the com-
manding officer. The automatic rifleman's belt will be worn
during instruction practice and record practice.
e. Use of pads. — The use of elbow pads is recommended.
The use of shoulder pads is unnecessary but is permitted.
B 77. Organization, — The officers, noncommissioned officers,
and coaches of the units on the range will perform duties
generally similar to those prescribed for them in preparatory
maTksmanshlp instruction. (See sec. II.)
88
BROWNING AUTOMATIC HIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
77
a. Officer in charge of firing. — An officer in charge of firing
will be designated by the responsible commander. This officer
or his deputy will be present during all firing and will be in
charge of the practice and safety precautions on the range.
b. Range officer. — A range officer with such commissioned
and enlisted assistants as are necessary will be appointed by
the post or station commander well in advance of range
practice. At large camps or stations where the coordination
of range practice for different organizations is involved, he
may function as the direct representative of the camp or
station commander. In other cases he is responsible to
the officer in charge of firing and in all cases he cooperates
closely with him. The range officer will make timely esti-
mates for materia] and labor to place the range in proper
condition for range practice, and will supervise and direct
all necessary repairs to shelters, butts, targets, firing points,
and telephone lines. He exercises direet supervision over
the practical operation of the rifle range during the prac-
tice season. He regulates the distribution of ranges and
targets and in general assists the officer in charge of firing
by using the means necessary to secure efficient and accurate
service from the working force of the range. He provides
safe conditions for the markers and any visitors. Whenever
necessary he provides range guards and instructs them in
the methods to be used for the protection of life and property
in the danger area.
c. Unit range officers. — During the operation of any range
by a unit the commanding officer thereof may detail an offi-
cer as unit range officer. The unit range officer will be
responsible to the commanding officer of the organization
to which the range is assigned for its efficient operation.
d. Pit detail. — An. officer or noncommissioned officer with
such assistants as may be necessary will be detailed in charge
of arrangements in the pit. He will be responsible to the
officer in charge of firing for the discipline, efficiency, and
safety of all pit details. He sees that all of the target equip-
ment is kept in serviceable condition; that the desired tar-
gets are ready for firing at the appointed time; and that all
target details are provided with the proper flags, marking
disks, paste, pasters, and spotters.
89
78-80 BROWNINC AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
■ 78. Use of Dummy Cartridges. — The corrugated type of
dummy cartridges may be used In range practice. When
ammunition must be conserved, a proportion of the corru-
gated type dummies may be included in magazines with live
ammunition. The use of any other type of range dummies
is prohibited.
■ 79. Firing Points. — All firing points should have firm soil.
Loose loam or sand on the filing point has an adverse effect
on accuracy.
■ 80. Coaching. — a. General. — CI) During instruction prac-
tice, each man on the firing line will have a coach to watch
him and to help him correct his errors. An average soldier
who has been properly instructed in the preparatory work
or who has been given instruction in coaching methods can
be used with good results and is used when more experienced
coaches are not available.
(2) It is good practice to have experienced coaches in
charge of one or more targets, usually on a flank, to which
pupils are sent for special coaching if required.
(3) Great patience should be exercised by the coach so as
not to excite or confuse the firer. Everything is done to
encourage him. It is often a good plan to change coaches.
It is necessary to> do so if the coach shows signs of im-
patience.
b. Position of coach. — The coach will take the same posi-
tion as the man who is firing, that is, prone, sitting, or
kneeling. This enables the coach to watch the pupil's
trigger finger and his eye.
c. Duties of the coach. — The success of the instruction
depends to a great extent on the thoroughness and exact-
ness with which the coach performs his duties. During
firing, duties of the coach in addition to those given in
paragraph 54 are as follows:
(1) To require the firer to inspect his rifle.
(2) To check the sight setting and aiming, requiring
them to be correct.
(3) To observe the firer and see that he re-aims after
each shot or burst.
(4) To require the firer to fire as required for each
target.
90
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1B18A2 80-82
(5) To point out errors and explain their effect upon the
exercises.
(6) To keep constant wateh on the adjustment and con-
dition of the gun.
■ 81. To Aline IVont Sioht. — a. The front sight will be
adjusted only as directed by an officer. If the front sight
is badly out of alinement, it should be alined by a soldier
who has qualified on the record course with the automatic
rifle prior to any range firing. If the group contains noi
such man, the firing and alinement of the sight will be
executed by the soldier holding the highest qualification,
with the service rifle. The 1,000-inch range is the best
place to do this because the aiming point is small and well-
defined and atmospheric conditions will have no effect on
the flight of the bullet.
t>. In this firing, the windage setting is set at and the
soldier aims at the bottom edge of a designated figure on
the 1,000-inch target, U. S. rifle, caliber .30, Ml. He fires
two or more rounds very carefully, using exactly the same
aiming point for all shots. The center of the resulting
shot group indicates how much and in what direction to
move the front sight. The soldier then verifies the front
sight adjustment by firing two more rounds.
c. If the shot group is to the right of the aiming point,
move the front sight to the right; if to the left, move the
front sight to the left. To move the strike of the bullet 1
inch at a range of 1,000 inches requires a movement of the
front sight of only twenty-five out-thousandths inch.
■ 82. To Determine Zeko of Rifle. — Each rifle will be
"zeroed" for the 1,000 -inch range in the firing provided for
that purpose in table I. Each rifle will be zeroed for 300 and
500 yards during the instruction practice provided for those
ranges. Each man will keep a record of these zeroes in his
score book. It will be noted that the lowest graduation on
the rear sight leaf is 300 yards. When the rifle is fired at 200
yards with a sight setting of 300 yards, a shot will hit the
target approximately 6 inches above the point of aim. How-
ever, since the dimensions of the silhouette of the D target
are 26 inches wide and 19 inches high, a shot flred at 200
91
82-83 EROWNIKG AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CftLIEER .SO, M1913A2
yards with a sight setting at 300 yards will be well within
the silhouette.
a. To zero rifle for 1,000-inch range. — (1) The target for
the 1,000-inch range is so devised that when aim is accu-
rately taken at 6 o'clock on a black silhouette the center of
a shot group should be in the center of the same silhouette.
(2) The first two or more rounds are fired on the black
silhouette of figure No. 1, with the sight set as low as pos-
sible and zero windage. Corrections in elevation and wind-
age to bring subsequent shots into the center of the black
silhouette are set by the elevating and windage knobs. Such
corrections are applied after every two or more shots under
the direction of an instructor. If the visibility of the shot
groups is limited, the instructor after taking necessary safety
precautions may move along the line of targets and announce
the corrections to the coaches in terms of clicks. One click
equals approximately 1 inch on the target on the 1,000-inch
range,
b. To sero rifle for knovm-disiance ranges. — (1) General. —
The position of the spotters on the target will permit the
necessary corrections in elevation and windage to be com-
puted by the elevating and windage rules. They are then
applied as clicks to the sight. These sight settings should be
made under the supervision of an instructor or experienced
coach after groups of two or more rounds are fired.
(2) At each range. — Set the elevation at the desired range.
Set the windage at 0. Fire a group of two or more rounds.
Then apply correction in clicks of elevation and windage to
bring the center of the shot group into the center of the
target. Record these corrections in the score book as the
zero for that range.
■ 83. Instruction Practice on 1,000-Ihch Range. — a. In-
struction practice on the 1,000-inch range will conform to the
regulations given in section V for record practice except that
coaching is permitted and additional personnel to score tar-
gets are not required.
t>. Each exercise on the 1,000-inch range will be preceded
by an appropriate fire order.
92
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M191BA2 83-84
(1) The form of fire order for firing without time limit is
as follows :
(a) Announce the position.
<b) Figure 1.
(c) rounds single shot, with ball cartridges, load.
(<i) COMMENCE FIRING.
(£) CEASE FIRING.
(/) CLEAR RIFLE.
(2) For firing with time limit, the form of the fire order
is as follows:
(a) Announce the position, number of magazines, and
number of rounds per magazine.
(b) With ball cartridges, load.
(c) Figures 3 and 4. rounds on each figure in
round bursts.
(d) COMMENCE FIRING.
(e) CEASE FIRING.
(/) clear rifle.
c. If the 1,000-inch range is equipped with pits and slid-
ing targets similar to those of a known distance range, the
fire orders for firing prescribed for the known distance range
under paragraph 84 apply except that b(2) (c> above is sub-
stituted for paragraph 84b(2) (c).
■ 84. Instruction Practice on Known Distance Range. — a.
Instruction practice is carried out in conformity with the
regulations governing record practice as given in section V,
except that additional personnel for scoring targets are not
required and each firer will have a coach with him on the
firing line. The officer in charge of firing may prescribe the
sequence of firing the courses of instruction practice.
b. Each exercise on the known distance range will be pre-
ceded by an appropriate Are order.
(1) The form of fire order for firing without time limit
is as follows:
(a) Announce the position and number of rounds to be
fired.
(b) With ball cartridges, load.
(c) Single shots.
id) COMMENCE FIRING.
Ce> CEASE FIRING.
260606=
93
84-35 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
(/) CLEAR RIFLE.
(2) For firing with time limit, the form of the Are order
is as follows:
(a) Announce the position, number of magazines, and
number of rounds per magazine.
(t>) With ball cartridges, load.
(e) round bursts.
(d) Ready on the right?
(e) Ready on the left?
(/) READY ON THE FIRING LINE,
(?) CEASE FIRING.
(fl) CLEAR RIFLE.
The targets are withdrawn before the exercise starts and
the red flag displayed at the center target. The command
ready on the firing line is transmitted to the officer on
noncommissioned officer in charge in the pits who will have
the red flag waved and lowered on its receipt and who will
cause the targets to be run up simultaneously 5 seconds
after the flag is lowered. Upon the expiration of the proper
time interval he causes the targets to be withdrawn. The
officer in charge of the firing line gives the commands
cease firing and clear rifle when targets are withdrawn.
■ 85. Safety Precautions. — Safety precautions for observ-
ance by troops are self-contained and complete in this
manual. Reference to AR 750-10 is necessary for range
officers, the officer in charge of firing, and the commander
responsible for the location of ranges and the conduct of
firing thereon. All officers and men who are to fire or who>
are concerned with range practice will be familiarized with
the following safety precautions before firing is commenced:
a. Danger flags will be displayed at prominent positions
on the range during firing. Do not fire unless such flags
are displayed.
b. Upon arrival at the range the automatic rifles of an
organization will be inspected by the officers to see that
chambers and barrels are free from obstruction.
c. All rifles on the range except those in use on the firing
line will have bolts in the forward position and magazines
withdrawn. Rifles on the firing line will not be loaded
without eommand.
94
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2 85
d. Consider every rifle to be loaded until it is examined
and found to be unloaded. Never trust your memory as
to its condition in this respect.
e. Never point the rifle in any direction where an acci-
dental discharge may cause harm.
/, Firing will not begin on any range until the officer in
charge of firing has ascertained that the range is clear
and has given the commands load and commence firing.
g. At least one officer will be present at all firing.
h. No rifle will be removed from the firing line until an
officer has inspected it to see that the bolt is In its forward
position and the magazine is withdrawn.
i. No person will be allowed in front of the firing line
for any purpose until directed by an officer who has ordered
all rifles to be cleared and ascertained that the order has
been carried out.
j. All firing will immediately cease and rifles set at "safe"
(or cleared if ordered) at the command cease firing.
k. AH loading and unloading will be executed on the firing
line with the muzzles directed toward the targets. Rifles
will never be loaded in rear of the firing line.
I. Care will be taken to avoid undue exposure of ammuni-
tion to the direct rays of the sun. This creates hazardous
chamber pressures.
m. Never grease or oil the ammunition.
n. See that the ammunition is clean and dry. Examine
all live and dummy ammunition. Turn in all cartridges with
loose bullets or which appear to be otherwise defective.
o. Never fire a rifle with any rust-preventive compound,
cleaning- patch, dust, dirt, mud, snow, or other obstruction
in the bore. To do so may burst the barrel.
p. Before leaving the range, all rifles and belts will be
inspected by an officer to see that they do not contain
ammunition; and men in ranks will be questioned as to
whether they have any ammunition in their possession.
q. See AR 45-30 for regulations covering report of acci-
dent involving ordnance materiel.
r. No magazine test or magazine drill will be conducted in
rear of the firing line.
95
86-39 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
Section V
REGULATIONS GOVERNING RECORD PRACTICE
■ 86. General. — a. Record practice for course A, B, or C is
fired on the known distance range. Record practice for
course D is fired on the 1,000 -inch range. Additional provi-
sions applicable for course D are given in paragraph 116.
b. Record practice will follow instruction practice.
c. When the record practice of an individual has com-
menced it will be completed without interruption by any
other form of firing. Instruction practice and record prac-
tice will not be conducted simultaneously unless the two types
of practice are conducted on different parts of the range.
d. The officer in charge of firing may at his discretion re-
quire record practice upon the day on which instruction
practice is completed.
■ 87. Fire Orders. — Every time-fire exercise fired in record
practice will be preceded by an appropriate fire order. Suit-
able forms for such orders are given in section TV.
■ 88. Sequence of Exercises. — The exercises given in the
tables for record practice will be fired in the sequence di-
rected by the officer in charge of firing.
■ 89. Stoppages. — a. When a stoppage occurs which cannot
be cleared by operating the operating handle, the firer will
call "Time." The officer in charge of firing or one of his
assistants will note the time left to complete the exercise
and investigate the stoppage. The stoppage will be reduced.
If the stoppage was not due to any fault of the flrer, he will
be authorized to load, aim, and commence firing on com-
mand from the officer Investigating the stoppage, who will
allow him the unexpired time. In cases where the exact
time remaining was not determined by the officer in charge,
the flrer will be allowed 2 seconds per round for the remain-
ing rounds. When time and ammunition permit, the com-
plete exercise will be retired.
b. If the stoppage is manifestly the fault of the flrer in
falling to inspect either the gun, magazines, or ammunition,
or is due to incorrect loading or replacing of magazines, no
96
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
89-91
time will be allowed to complete the firing and only that part
of the exercise which was completed will be scored.
c. The firer will be allowed to fire rounds ejected in clear-
ing stoppages.
d. The soldier firing will not be given any Information with
reference to the location of his previous hits on the incom-
pleted target until the score is completed.
e. Should a breakage occur, the gun will be repaired or a
different gun substituted and the exercise completed. If a
different rifle is substituted, the firer will be allowed extra
rounds to determine the zero of the substituted rifle.
/. The officer in charge or his assistants will render all
decisions an stoppages.
g. A firer, firing part of a time-fire exercise, will begin his
firing with the entire target exposed.
■ 90. Men Marking Targets Not to Know Who Is Firing. —
Officers and men in, the pit will not be informed as to who
is firing on any particular target. In case of such violation,
the firer will be required to repeat his score and appropriate
disciplinary action taken.
■ 91. Target Details. — The details In the pit for the super-
vision, operation, marking, and scoring of targets during rec-
ord practice consist of officers, noncommissioned officers, and
privates as follows:
c. One commissioned officer assigned to each two targets.
When it is impracticable to detail one officer to each two tar-
gets in the pit, an officer will be assigned to supervise the
marking and scoring of not to exceed four targets. In this
case the pit scores will be kept by the noncommissioned officer
in charge of each target who will sign the score cards. The
officer will take up and sign each score card as soon as the
complete score is recorded.
b. One noncommissioned officer assigned to each target to
direct and supervise the maTkers. This noncommissioned of-
ficer will be selected from an organization other than the one
firing on the target which he supervises. If this is not
possible the officer assigned to the target will exercise special
care to insure correct scoring.
97
91-93 BROWNINC AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
e. One or two privates assigned to operate and mark each
target. These privates may be selected from the organization
firing on the targets to which they are assigned
■ 92. Organization of Firing Line. — a. Scorers seated close
to and to the right of the person firing.
b. Telephone operators 5 paces in rear of the firing line.
c. Persons awaiting their turn to fire 10 paces in rear of
the firing line.
d. Low arm racks or rifle racks and cleaning racks 20 paces
in rear of the firing line,
■ 93. Score Cards akd Scoring. — a. Duplicate score cards will
be kept, one at the firing point and one in the pit. These
cards will be of different colors. The cards at the firing point
will bear the date, the man's name, the number of the target,
and the order of firing. The pit record card will not show the
man's name but will bear the date, the number of the target,
and the order firing,
b. Entries on all score cards will be made in ink or with
indelible pencil. No alterations or corrections will be made
on the card except by the organization commander or officer
scorer in the pit who will initial each such alteration or
erasure made.
c. The scores at each firing point will be kept by a non-
commissioned officer of some organization other than the
organization firing on the target to which he is assigned.
If this is not possible company officers will exercise special
care to insure correct scoring. As scon as the score is com-
pleted the score card will be signed by the scorer, taken up,
and signed by the officer supervising the scoring. When con-
venient the score cards are turned over to the organization
commander. Except when required for entering new scores
on the range, score cards will be retained in the personal
possession of the organization commander.
d. In the pit the officer keeps the scores for the targets to
which he is assigned. As soon as the score is completed he
signs the score card. He turns these cards over to the or-
ganization commander at the end of the day's firing. The
organization commander will check the pit records against
the firing line records. In case of discrepancy between the
two the pit TecoTd governs.
98
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2 93-95
e. Upon completion of the record firing and after the
qualification order is issued, the pit score card of each man
will be attached to his score caTd kept at the firing point.
These cards will be kept available for inspection among the
company records for 1 year and then destroyed.
■ 94. Marking. — a. The value of the shot is indicated as
follows:
(1) A five by a white disk.
(2) A four by a red disk.
(3) A three by a white disk with a black cross.
C4> A two by a black disK.
(5) A miss by waving a red flag across the front of the
target.
(6) Ricochet hits will be counted as a miss and so
indicated.
b. Spotters are placed in shot holes before running the
target up for marking.
c. The marking begins with the hits of the highest value.
The center of the disk is placed over the spotter, then swung
off the target and back again to the next spotter, care being
taken each time to show the correct face of the disk. The
marking must be slow enough to avoid confusing the scorer
at the firing point. When one spotter covers more than one
shot hole the disk is placed over it the required number of
times. Misses are indicated by slowly waving the red flag
across the face of the target one time for each miss.
■ 95. Procedure in Piking Without Time Limit. — a. On the
firing line. — (1) One person only will be assigned to each
target in each oTder.
(2) As the values of each shot are signaled, the scorer an-
nounces, in a tone sufficiently loud to be heard by the firer,
the target number, the number of the shot, and the value of
the hit. The scorer then records the value of the hits on
the score card,
(3) In the event that more than one round is fired in an
exercise calling for single shots, the number of rounds fired
in the burst will be scored as though they were fired singly.
(4) Whenever a target is marked before the individual who
is assigned thereto has fired, as will occur when another
99
95-96 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER ,30, M191BA2
man fires on the wrong target, the scorer will notify the
officer in charge of firing. The latter will notify the officer
In the pit assigned to the target to disregard the shot. This
precaution is necessary to prevent errors in the pit record.
(5) When an individual fires on the wrong target, he will
not be scored a miss until the target to which he is assigned
has been pulled down and the miss signaled from the pit.
(6) If the target is not half -masked at the completion of
a score thereon, or if it is half -masked at the wrong time,
the officer in charge of that firing point will adjust the matter
at once over the telephone. This precaution is necessary to
prevent the error from being carried on through the scores
that follow.
b. In the pif. — (1) The target is withdrawn and marked
after each shot,
(2) In the event that more than one Tound is fired in an
exercise calling for single shots, the number of rounds fired
in the burst will be marked as though they were fired singly.
(3) When a shot is fired at a target it is pulled down. The
noncommissioned officer indicates the location of the hit to
the officer assigned to the target who announces its value and
records it on the score card. A spotter is then placed in the
shot hole, the previous shot hole if any is pasted, and the
target is run up and marked. The noncommissioned officer
supervises the marking of each shot. The officer also exer-
cises general supervision over the marking.
(4) When the pit score card indicates a score has been
completed, the target is half-masked for about 30 seconds as
a signal to the firing line of such completion. At the end
of the 30 seconds the target is pulled fully down, the spotter
removed, the shot hole pasted, and the target run up for the
beginning of a new seore.
(5) When a target frame is used as a counterweight for a
double sliding target, the blank side of such frame will be
toward the firing line.
■ 96. Procedure for Firing With Time Limit. — a. On the
firinff line. — (1) One person only will be assigned to a target
in each order.
(2) When all is ready in the pit the red flag is displayed
at the center target. At that signal the officer in charge of
100
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
96
the firing line will conduct the exercise to be fired In accord-
ance with the procedure given in section IV.
(3) If any individual fails to fire at all he will be given
another opportunity. If he fires one or more bursts, the
score must stand as his record except as provided in para-
graph 89. He will not be permitted to repeat his score on
the claim that he was not ready to Are.
(4) As each shot is signaled from the pits it is announced
by the scorer at the firing line. A score of 15 shots is an-
nounced as follows as each shot is marked: "Target 22;
1 five, 2 fives, 3 fives, 4 fives, 5 fives, 6 fives, 7 fives; 1 four,
2 fours, 3 fours, 4 fours, 5 fours, 6 fours, 7 fours; 1 two."
The scorer notes these values on a pad and watches the
target as he calls the shot. After marking is finished he
counts the number of shots marked, and if it is more or less
than 15 calls "Re-mark No. ." If 15 shots have been
marked, he then enters the value of each hit and their total
value on the soldier's score card.
b. In the pit. — CI) The time of fire allowed for each ex-
ercise is regulated by the officer in charge of the pit. The
procedure is as follows: The targets are withdrawn before
the exercise starts, and the red flag is displayed at the center
target. The command ready on t;he firing line is trans-
mitted to the officer or noncommissioned officer in charge
in the pits who will have the red flag waved and lowered
on its receipt and who will cause the targets to be run up
simultaneously 5 seconds after the flag is lowered. Upon the
expiration of the proper time interval he causes the targets
to be withdrawn.
(2) The officers scoring in the pit examine each of their
targets In turn, announce the score, and record it on the
pit score cards. Spotters are then placed in the shot holes
and the targets run up and marked. The noncommissioned
officers supervise the marking of each shot. The officers
exercise general supervision over the marking of their targets.
(3) The targets are left up for about 1 minute after being
marked. They are then withdrawn, pasted, and made ready
for another score. They may be left up until ordered pasted
by the officer in charge of the firing line.
101
96-100 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M191BA2
(4) If more than the number of shots to be fired are
found on any target in record practice, it will not be marked
unless all of the hits are of the same value. The officer in
charge of the firing line will be notified of the facts by
telephone,
■ 97. Use op Telephones. — a. Telephones will , be used for
official communication only.
b. No one will ask over the telephone for information as
to the name or organization of any person firing on any
particular target, and no information of this nature will
be transmitted.
c. The following expressions will be used over the telephone
in the cases enumerated:
fl) When a shot has been fired and the target has not
been withdrawn from the firing position, "Mark No. ■.**
(2) When a shot has been fired and a target has been
withdrawn from the firing position but not marked, "Disk
No. .''
(3) When the target has been withdrawn from the firing
position and marked but the value of the shot has not been
understood, "Redisk No. ."
(4) When the firing line is ready for time fire, "Ready on
the firing line."
(5) When a shot is marked on a target and the person
assigned thereto has not fired, "Disregard the last shot on
No. ."
■ 98. Coaching Prohibited. — Coaching of any nature after
the flrer takes his place on the firing line is prohibited. No
person will render or attempt to render the firer any assist-
ance whatever while he is taking his position or after he
has taken his position at the firing line.
■ 99. Use of Instruments. — a. The use of field glasses is
authorized and encouraged.
b. The use of instruments or devices for determining the
force and direction of the wind is prohibited during record
practice.
■ 100. Shelter for Firer. — Sheds or shelter for the indi-
vidual at the fiTing point will not be permitted at any range.
102
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2 101-109
■ 101. Restrictions as to the Rifle. — Troops will use the
Browning automatic rifle, caliber .30, M1918A2, as it is
issued by the Ordnance Department. The use of additional
appliances is prohibited. The sights may be blackened.
Ordnance Department test equipment will not be used for
determining the classification.
9 102. Ammunition. — The ammunition used will be the
service cartridge as issued by the Ordnance Department.
■ 103. Cleaning. — Cleaning is permitted at any time.
■ 104. Gux Sling. — The gun sling will be used as prescribed
in this manual for the various positions and in no other
manner.
■ 105. Pads and Gloves. — a. Pads of moderate size and
thickness may be worn on both elbows to protect them from
bruising. A smooth pad of moderate size and thickness
may be worn on the right shoulder. The use of other forms
of pads is prohibited. The use of a hook or ridge on the
sleeve of the shooting coat or shirt to keep the sling in
place on the arm is prohibited.
b. A glove may be worn on either hand provided it is not
used to form an artificial support for the rifle.
■ 106. Warming, Fouling, and Sighting Shots. — No warm-
ing, fouling, or sighting shots will be allowed.
■ 107. Shots Cutting Edge of Silhouette or Line, — Any
shot cutting the edge of the silhouette will be indicated and
recorded as a hit in the silhouette. Because the limiting
line of each division of the target is the outer edge of the
line separating it from the exterior division, a shot touching
this line will be indicated and recorded as a hit in the
higher division.
■ 108. Score Interrupted. — If a score which is being fired
without time limit is interrupted through no fault of the
person firing, the unfired shots necessary to complete the
score will be fired at the first opportunity.
■ 109. Misses. — Before misses are signaled in record firing,
the target will be withdrawn and carefully examined by an
officer. Whenever a target is run up and a miss is indi-
103
109-116 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
cated, it will be presumed that this examination has been
thoroughly made. No challenge of the value indicated will
be entertained or resignaling of the shot allowed.
■ 110. Shots To Be Included in Score. — All shots fired by
the soldier in his proper turn after he has taken his place
at the firing line and the target is ready will be considered
as part of his score.
■ 111. Firing on Wrong Target. — Shots fired on the wrong
targets will be recorded as misses on the score of the man
firing, no matter what the value of the hits on the wrong
target may be. The soldier at fault is credited with only
such hits as he may have made on his own target.
■ 112. Two Shots on Same Target. — If two shots strike a
target at the same time or nearly the same time, neither
will be marked. The individual who fired on his own target
will be allowed to fire another shot.
■ 113. Withdrawing Target Prematurely. — If the target is
withdrawn from the firing position just as a shot is fired, the
scorer at that firing point will at once report the fact to the
officer in charge of the scoring on that target. The officer
will investigate to see if the case is as represented. Being
satisfied that such is the case, he will direct the shot be dis-
regarded and that the man Are another shot.
■ 114. TJnftred Cartridges in Firing With Time Limit. — Each
unfired cartridge will be recorded as a miss,
■ 115. More Shots Than Prescribed in Firing With Time
Limit. — When a target has more than the prescribed number
of shots for a time-fire exercise in record practice and these
hits are of different values, the target will not be marked.
The soldier firing on that target will repeat the firing of his
score. If all the hits on the target have the same value, the
target will be marked and he will be given the value of the
authorized number of shots.
■ 116. Record Practice for Course D, 1,000-Inch Range. — a.
The following special provisions apply only to record practice
for course D which is fired on the 1,000-inch range.
104
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2 116
b. So much of the foregoing provisions for record practice
as can be applied will be followed. Suitable fire orders for
use on the type of 1,000-inch range which is equipped with
pits and movable targets, as well as suitable fire orders for
use on the type of 1,000 -inch range which is not so equipped,
will be found in section IV.
e. When the record practice is fired on 1,000-inch ranges
not equipped with pits and movable targets the following
rules will apply:
Q) Sufficient assistants will be detailed from companies
other than the ones firing to assist the officer in charge.
From the assistants, officers will be detailed as scorers at the
rate of one for every four targets.
(2) The officers detailed as assistants will aid the officer
in charge in every way possible. They will —
(a) Note deductions for penalties and report same to the
scorer (see e(3) below).
<£0 Note the time out for stoppages and inspect to deter-
mine whether the stoppage was due to any fault of the soldier.
(e) Superintend the firing of rounds remaining from stop-
pages not the fault of the firer.
(d) Scorers will count the bullet holes in each target and
report any that have more than the prescribed number.
(e) Scorers will score the targets in accordance with the
provisions of e below.
d. (1) When a stoppage occurs that cannot be cleared by
pulling back the operating handle and releasing it, the firer
will call "Time." The officer in charge of firing or an assist-
ant will note the time left to complete the exercise. The
stoppage will be reduced. The firer will load and complete
the firing on command from the officer in charge who will
allow the remaining time. In cases where the exact time
remaining was not determined by the officer in charge, the
firer will be allowed 2 seconds per round for the remaining
rounds.
(2) If the stoppage is manifestly the fault of the firer, no
time will be allowed to complete the exercise, and only that
part of the exercise which was fired will be scored.
(3) Should a breakage occur the gun will be repaired or a
different rifle substituted. If a different rifle is substituted
105
116 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
the flrer will then be allowed extra rounds to determine the
zero of the substituted rifle. He will then complete the
exercise.
e. The 1,000-inch record target will be scored in accordance
with the requirements for record firing as follows:
(1) The course shown in table II. paragraph 75a, will con-
stitute the record course. The course consists of the five
exercises shown in this table and includes a total of 110 shots.
(2) In all exercises the soldier will be credited with five
points for hitting the scoring space included within or touch-
ing the outer scoring line of each figure at which he fires. In
addition he will be credited with one point for each shot
placed in or touching this scoring space. Example : In the
flTst exercise the soldier fires his five shots at figure No. 1 and
scores five hits. He is credited with five points for hitting the
scoring space and an additional point for each shot therein.
His total score is ten points.
(31 In all of the exercises except the third a total of five
shots only per scoring space will be allowed. Additional shots
placed in the scoring space will not be counted. In the third
exercise twenty shots will be divided between figures No. 3 and
No. 4. Ten rounds should be placed on figure No. 3 and ten
rounds on figure No. 4. However, a leeway of one shot in this
distribution is permitted, and if the score is divided with
eleven shots on one target and nine on the other all hits will
be counted. Hits in excess of eleven on either of the targets
will not be allowed.
(4) The total possible score for each exercise and for the
record course is as follows: Total
possible
Exercise : Shots scores
First 5 10
Second 5 10
Third 20 30
Fourth 40 80
Fifth 40 80
Total possible score 210
(5) For firing before commence firing or after cease firing,
Ave points will be deducted for each round so fired.
106
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M19I8A2 116-118
(6) In case of hits on the wrong target, the flrer who
received the erroneous hits will refire his score. The flrer
who placed his hits on the wrong target will count those
upon his own and will not be permitted to refire the exercise.
Section VI
TARGETS AND RANGES
■ 117. Targets. — The designations and dimensions of the
two types of target used for marksmanship courses for the
Browning automatic rifle, caliber .30, M1918A2, are as follows:
a. 1,000-inch target, U. S. rift., caliber .30, Ml (fig. 23). —
This target is used for fire on the 1,000 -inch range. The
scoring figures numbered from 1 to 8, inclusive, are utilized
in known distance marksmanship (ch. 2). Each of these
scoring figures Is composed of three silhouettes. These
silhouettes are reduced in scale to represent the appearance
of target D on the known distance range. The inner sil-
houette of the 1,000-inch target represents the silhouette of
target D at 500 yards; the middle silhouette represents the
four space of target D at 300 yards; the outer silhouette
target represents the four space of target D at 200 yards.
Hits in the inner silhouettes of the 1,000-inch target count 5;
in the middle silhouettes, 4; and in the outer silhouettes, 3.
b. Target D. — This target is used for all types of Are on
the known distance range. It consists essentially of a square
target, 6 by 6 feet in dimensions, upon which a blaek silhou-
ette, representing a prone figure, is centered. Hits in the
silhouette eounfc 5, in the next space 4, and in the next 3. Hits
on the remainder of the target count 2.
■ 118. Ranges. — a. Suitability. — Ranges suitable for range
firing with the U. S. rifle, caliber .30, M1903 and Ml, are
equally suitable for range firing with the automatic rifle,
caliber .30, M1918A2.
b. Installation and construction. — The installation and con-
struction of target ranges for small arms target practice is
governed by AR 30-1505. The installation of range communi-
cation systems is governed by AR 105-20. Range regulations
for firing ammunition in time of peace are given in AR 750—10
and include the safety limits and danger areas of ranges.
107
118 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
108
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2 118
c. Selection of known distance ranges — CI) Zkrection. — If
possible, a range should be so located that the firing is to-
ward or slightly to the east of north. Such location gives a
good light on the face of the targets during the greater part
of the day. However, security and suitable ground are more
important than direction.
(2) Best ground. — The targets should be on the same
level with the firer or only slightly above him. Firing down-
hill should be avoided.
(3) Size. — The size of the range is determined by its plan
and by the number of troops that will fire over it at a time.
There are two general plans used in range construction: one
with a single target pit and firing points for each range ; the
other with firing points on one continuous line, the target
pits for the various ranges being in echelon.
(4) Intervals between targets. — The targets should be no
farther apart than is necessary to reduce the chance of shots
being fired on wrong targets. As a general rule, the inter-
vals between targets are equal to the width of the targets
themselves. Where the necessity exists for as many targets
as possible in a limited space, this interval may be reduced
one-half without materially affecting the value of the
instruction.
(5) Protection for markers. — (a) Protection is provided for
the pit details by excavating a pit, by constructing a parapet
in front of them, or by a combination of both methods.
(b) Where there are several targets in a row, the shelter
should be continuous. It must be high enough to protect the
markers. The parapet may be of earth with a timber or con-
crete revetment of sufficient thickness to stop bullets and from
IV2 to 8 feet high above the ground or platform on which
the markers stand.
(6) Artificial butts. — If an artificial butt is constructed as
a bullet stop, it should be of earth not less than 30 feet high
and with a slope of not less than 45°. The slopes should be
sodded. The provisions of AR 750-10 must also be met by
the range.
(7) Hills as Imtts. — A natural hill to form an effective butt
should have a slope of not less than 45".
250606" — 40 e 109
118 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
(8) Numbering of targets ^-Each target is designated by
a number. The numbers for ranges up to 600 yards should
be at least 6 feet in height and should be painted black on
a white background. Arabic numerals of the size suggested
will always be quickly recognized. They should be placed
on the butt behind each target or on the parapet in front,
and not so far above or below as to prevent the flrer seeing
the number when aiming at the target.
(9) Measuring the range. — The range should be carefully
measured and marked with stakes at the firing points in
front of each target. These stakes should be about 12 inches
above the ground and painted white. Black figures indicate
the number of the corresponding target.
(10) Ranges parallel. — The different ranges for the same
distance should all be parallel so that similar conditions with
respect to wind and light may exist.
(11) Firing mounds. — If it is necessary to raise a firing
point, a low mound of earth no higher than required should
be made. The mound should be level, sodded, and not less
than 12 feet square. If the entire firing line is raised, the
firing mound should be level, sodded, and not less than 12
feet wide on top.
(12) Pit shed. — A small house or shed should be built in
or near the target pit for storfng equipment.
(13) Danger signals. — A danger signal will be placed in
front of the targets when firing has been suspended. One
or more red streamers will be prominently displayed on all
ranges and at all times during firing,
(14) Range house. — On large ranges a house containing
a storeroom and office room is desirable.
(15) Telephone service. — Ranges should be equipped with
a telephone system connecting the target pit with each firing
point, the range house, and the station headquarters. The
number of telephones should not be less than one to each
10 targets,
(16) Electric belts. — On large ranges the installation for
each Ave targets of an electric bell that can be controlled
from a central point in the pit adds materially to the celerity
and uniformity of target manipulation for time fire.
110
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M191BA2 118
(173 Covered ways between pits. — Where the pits are in
echelon, covered ways or tunnels should be provided between
the various pits. This construction will allow the pit details
to be shifted with safety without interrupting the firing.
(18) 1,000-ineh range. — A 1,000 -inch range without a land
danger area behind its backstop must meet the following
minimum requirements:
(a) Vertical bulletproof backstop and wing walls (natural
or artificial) not less than 30 feet high. Wing walls must
cover at least 15° on each flank. In case of artificial wing
walls, they should be set at an angle of 15" with the backstop
toward the firing points.
(b) Ricochet pit in front of firing points providing at
least a 4" slope downward from the normal line of fire from
a prone position and extending to within 30 feet of the
backstop and wing walls. If a vertical cliff or wall over 40
feet high is available, no ricochet pit need be provided.
Ill
CHAPTER 3
MARKSMANSHIP, MOVING GROUND TARGETS
Paragraphs
Section- I. General 119-120
II. Moving vehicles and personnel 121-123
III. Movin? targets, ranges, and range precautions 124—125
Section I
GENERAL
■ 119. General. — Personnel armed with the Browning auto-
matic rifle, caliber .30, M1918A2, will be trained to Are at
moving targets such as tanks, armored vehicles, trucks, and
personnel at appropriate ranges. They will be trained to
meet hostile mechanized attack by standing their ground,
taking cover, and delivering the maximum possible aimed
fire with armor piercing or ball ammunition at the enemy
armored vehicles or tanks and at any hostile foot troops
which may accompany them. To this end they must be
trained In the technique of such fire.
■ 120. Fundamentals.— a. General. — The fundamentals of
shooting as presented in chapter 2 apply to firing at moving
targets. In applying these fundamentals the automatic r:fle-
man must adjust his aim and trigger press to the movement
of the target.
b. Effective range. — Fire at moving targets is usually opened
at ranges under 600 yards, and training in the technique of
Are is normally limited to firing at such ranges with the bat-
tle sight. Corrections for range are made by adjustment of
the aiming point on the target.
c. Leads. — Targets which cross the line of sight at any
angle are classified as crossing targets. In firing at such
targets the firer must aim ahead of the target so that the
paths of the target and bullet will meet. The distance ahead
of the target is called the 'lead." Targets which approach
directly toward the firer or recede directly from the firer
will for all practical purposes require no lead.
112
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M191SAZ 121-122
Section- II
MOVING VEHICLES AND PERSONNEL
■ 121. Place in Training. — a. Vehicles. — The technique of
firing at moving vehicles with service ammunition follows
training in known distance marksmanship (ch. 2). When
time and ammunition allowances permit, 1,000-inch firing
or caliber .22 firing may be added as preliminary instruction.
b. Personnel. — As in the case of practice in firing at mov-
ing vehicles, instruction in this type of firing should follow
instruction in known distance firing and should immediately
precede the training of the squad in the technique of Are.
■ 122. Moving Vehicles. — a. Determination and avpltcation
of leads. — (1) The lead necessary to hit a moving vehicle
is dependent upon the speed of the target, the range to the
target, and the direction of movement with respect to the
line of sight. Moving at 10 miles an hour a vehicle moves
approximately its own length of 5 yards in 1 second. A
rifle bullet moves 400 yards in about V 2 second and about
600 yards in about 1 second. Therefore to hit a vehicle
moving at 10 miles an hour at ranges of 400 yards and 600
yards, the leads should be 2V 2 yards and 5 yards, respec-
tively. At a speed of 20 miles an hour the leads should be
5 yards and 10 yards, respectively.
(2) Leads are applied by using the length of the target
as it appears to the firer as the unit of measure. This elim-
inates the necessity for corrections due to the angle at
which the target crosses the line of sight, because the more
acute the angle the smaller the target appears and the less
lateral speed it attains. The following lead table is fur-
nished as a guide:
TARCET LENGTH LEADS
Target spcoii in miles
per hour
Far rangos i>r 400 yards
or less
For niriKes i)f 400
to 000 yards
10
20
Vi TL
1 TL
1 TL.
'I TL,.
113
122-124 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE), CALIBER .30, M1918A2
(3) As an average rule, troops should be instructed to
use a lead of 2 target lengths In firing at fast moving
targets and of 1 target length against targets which appear
to move slowly or to follow an interrupted course.
&. Technique of fire. — (1) The following technique is em-
ployed for firing at moving targets at ranges of 600 yards
or less. The battle sight is used. Corrections for range are
made by aiming at the top of the target at 600 yards and
lowering the aim to the bottom as the target approaches
the firer.
(.a) Approaching or receding targets, — The firer holds his
aim on the target in firing.
(b) Crossing targets. — The firer swings his line of sight
through the target and out to the estimated lead. The
automatic rifle is kept swinging ahead of the target at
the prescribed lead in firing.
(2) Fire is executed as rapidly as proper aiming and
pressing of the trigger will permit.
■ 123. Method of Aiming at Moving Personnel. — a. An
elaborate system of calculating leads or of setting sights
is neither necessary nor desirable. The following general
rule is used with the battle sight. When firing at a man
walking across the line of fire the point of aim at the various
ranges is taken as follows:
(1) At ranges of to 200 yards, aim directly at the lower
part of the body.
(2) At ranges greater than 200 yards, aim at the lower
part of the body and lead him the width of his body.
b. When firing at a man advancing or receding from the
firer with the battle sight, choose a point of aim as indi-
cated in paragraph 122b(l) (a) .
Section III
MOVING TARGETS, RANGES, AND RANGE
PRECAUTIONS
■ 124. Moving Targets and Ranges. — a. Firing at moving
vehicles. — (1) Target. — A sled of the type shown in figure 24
has proved to be the most satisfactory kind of target. It
has the advantage of a low center of gravity which prevents
114
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2 124
upsetting on rough ground and in making changes of direc-
tion. The sled shown in the figure is 5Vz by 3Vz by ^ x k feet
high and weighs only 45 pounds. Figure 25 shows a similar
sled covered with target cloth.
(2) Towing. — For towing the target a ^-inch. rope has
been found satisfactory, the power being furnished by a
lVi-ton truck. The pulley shown in figure 25 is simply a
channel wheel bolted to a short length of 2-inch board.
This board is staked to the ground at a point where a change
TARGET FRAME FRONT VIEW OF TARGET
^^HZZ^
EDGE .COVERED WITH TIN
ELEVATION OF BASE
Figure 24. — Target frame fDr moving target range.
of direction of the target is desired. The knot shown in
the figure should be 10 or 12 feet from the sled, depending
on the speed at which the target is to be run. At faster
speeds the knot must be at a greater distance from the sled
to prevent the Increased momentum of the sled from over-
running the pulley.
(3) Set-up. — With 500 yards of rope, a set-up as shown
in figure 26 can be made. This set-up is only one of many
possible to make with 500 yards of rope. Accidents incident
to wrong laying may be prevented by keeping just in rear of
115
124
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M19I8A2
Ftguhe 25. — Sled target covered with target cloth; pulley and trip
knot for effecting changes of direction.
• Gun
Figure 26.— Set-up for towing a target.
116
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2 124-125
the gun a safety officer whose duty is to see that the barrel
is kept pointed in a direction not too near the truck. The
essential elements in training a gun squad to fire at moving
targets are much practice for the observer in estimating
angular speeds and for the gunner in laying on a target in
motion, and for everybody, speed.
b. Firing at moving personnel. — Any class A range is suit-
able for this purpose. E targets on sticks carried by men
walking in the pits are sufficient.
■ 125. Range Precautions. — For general range precautions
including danger areas see AB 750-10. In addition to the
individual safety precautions prescribed in chapter 2, the fol-
lowing precautions will be observed:
a. Firing at moving targets will not be permitted on any
range until the safety angles have been carefully checked and
markers have been placed so as to define clearly the right and
left limits of Are.
&, Personnel of trucks towing moving targets will operate at
such distance from the line of fire as to be protected not only
from direct hits but from ricochets.
a. Trucks replacing targets on the course or personnel ef-
fecting repairs will be equipped with red flags.
117
CHAPTER 4
MARKMANSHIP, AIR TARGETS
Paragraphs
Section 1 I. General
II. Technique of antiaircraft Are
HI. Marksmanship training
IV. Miniature range practice
V. Towed target firing
VI. Ranges, targets, and equipment.
126
127-131
... 133-136
137-140
141-145
146-151
Section I
GENERAL
■ 126. Air Targets. — a. Suitable for automatic rifle fire. —
Combat arms take the necessary measures for their own im-
mediate protection against low-flying hostile aircraft. There-
fore all troops must be fully trained and imbued with the
determination to protect themselves against hostile aerial
attacks without reliance upon other arms. Low-flying hostile
airplanes are suitable targets for automatic rifle fire.
b. Classification, — From the point of view of the automatic
rifleman, air targets may be classified as —
(1) Overhead.— Those which pass over or nearly over the
automatic rifleman. Overhead targets which dive directly
toward the automatic rifleman are called direct diving tar-
gets; those which climb directly away from the automatic
rifleman are called direct climbing targets,
(2) Nonoverhead. — Those which do not pass over or nearly
over the automatic rifleman.
TECHNIQUE OF ANTIAIRCRAFT FIRE
■ 127. General. — Airplanes present very fleeting targets and
must be engaged promptly by all available weapons. This
section on the technique of fire deals with placing automatic
rifle Are on hostile low-flying planes. Details of antiaircraft
marksmanship training which deal with firing on various
Section II
118
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2 137-131
types of moving or towed targets are contained in sections
III, IV, and V.
■ 128. Leads. — a. General. — In order to hit an airplane in
flight, the firer must aim ahead of the target so that the
paths of the bullet and target will meet. The distance ahead
of the airplane is called the "lead." A lead must be applied
in all firing except when the target is at an extremely close
range (100 feet), or when it is diving directly at the firer or
climbing directly away from him.
b. Application of leads. — The length of the target as it
appears to the firer is used as the unit of measure for apply-
ing leads. The number of times the firer applies this unit
of measure is explained in paragraph 131.
■ 129, Target Designation. — a. Attacking aviation will often
fly in V-shaped formations of three or more airplanes each.
Therefore each one of the three airplanes of a typical hostile
flight may be designated as a target for an element of the
rifle platoon. For example, the first rifle squad is assigned
to fire on the leading airplane ; the second rifle squad on the
right airplane; and the third rifle squad on the leading
airplane or airplanes.
b. Automatic riflemen should assume the firing position as
soon as possible after receiving warning of the approach of
hostile airplanes and track the target until it comes within
range.
■ 130. Individual Technique of Antiaircraft Fire. — a. For
all direct diving or climbing planes, aim and fire each shot at
the target.
o. For all targets except direct diving or climbing planes,
aim and fire each shot with a lead of four target lengths. The
target considered in determining the lead of four target
lengths is a, 30-foot airplane. In using this method for towed
target firing, the lead will have to be changed in accordance
with the length of the target.
c. The battle sight is used in. all firing at aerial targets.
For all targets except direct diving or climbing planes, aim
well above the target at ranges over 300 yards.
■ 131. Delivery of Fire. — a, Each shot must be aimed, the
trigger pressed and released quickly. Fire should not be per-
119
131-132 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CALIBER .30, M1918A2
mitted at faster rates than will permit careful aiming and
trigger manipulation. Single shots are usually employed,
b. Automatic rifle fire is a serious hazard to low-flying
planes and if unhesitatingly delivered will tend to discourage
such missions. Hits will frequently cause the plane to crash,
and even if the effects of hits cannot be immediately observed
may have caused serious damage.
c. The four target length lead prescribed in paragraph 130b
is suitable for firing on hostile planes which have a speed of
around 200 miles per hour. This lead shouid
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