LA ESPERANZA EN LAS PRIMITIVAS COMUNIDADES CRISTIANAS

In this lesson, you will learn how to operate the M249 SAW. Before you can fire any weapon, you need to learn how to load and unload the weapon and know the procedures for firing when something goes wrong. In this lesson, you will cover loading, unloading, and immediate action for the M249 SAW.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Identify the types of ammunition for the M249 SAW. 2. Identify the steps to take for loading the M249 SAW.

3. Identify the steps for immediate action, if the M249 fails to fire and the round fails to extract.

4. Identify the method for stopping a runaway M249. 3301. Ammunition

Before going into loading and unloading procedures, look at some types of authorized ammunition you can use when firing the M249 SAW (figure 3-42).

Notice that unlike the standard 5.56mm round used with the M16A2 service rifle, some of these rounds are color coded. Also, there is a combat mix of four M855 ball ammunition rounds to one M856 tracer round.

Note: Remember: Do not fire: w Seriously corroded ammunition w Dented cartridges

w Cartridges with loose bullets

w Cartridges exposed to extreme heat (135 degrees or higher) w Cartridges with pushed in (short) bullets

(1) Keep all ammunition dry and clean at all times. If ammunition is wet or dirty, wipe it off with a dry rag before use. Do not lubricate ammunition.

(2) Do not fire blank ammunition toward personnel within 20 feet or less from the muzzle; fragments of a closure wad or particles of unburned propellant might inflict injury within that range.

3302. Loading

Under usual conditions, you will use a 200-round ammunition box. Use the following steps for loading the M249 SAW:

Step 1. Charge the weapon with your palm up and pull the cocking handle to the rear to lock the bolt. Push the cocking handle forward until you hear it "click" (figure 3-43). Push the safety to the right (red ring not visible).

Fig 3-43. Cocking handle and safety.

Step 2. Open the cover assembly by squeezing the cover latches (figure 3-44).

Step 3. Raise the feed tray and look into the chamber to make sure it's clear. Lower the feed tray (figure 3-45).

Fig 3-45. Feed tray (with cover assembly) raised.

Step 4. Attach the 200-round ammunition box to the underside of the receiver (figure 3-46) after aligning the box latch with the receiver dovetail.

Fig 3-46. Attaching the 200-round ammunition box.

Step 5. Place the link belt in the feed tray. The open side of the links should be down, with the first round against the cartridge stop and hold the belt in position (figure 3-47). Close the cover assembly.

Step 6. The cartridge indicator should protrude approximately one-half inch above the top left side of the cover (figure 3-48) if the ammunition belt is properly

positioned against the cartridge stop. If the link belt is not properly positioned, the cartridge indicator will not stick up. You should then lift the cover and

reposition your ammunition.

Fig 3-48. Position of cartridge indicator.

Notes: During emergency situations, a 30-round magazine may be used. Emergency situations exist when link belt ammunition is not available.

You can load the magazine by inserting it into the magazine well on the left side of the receiver (figure 3-49) and pushing it firmly into the well until it seats and the magazine release tab "clicks" into the recess in the magazine.

Fig 3-49. Inserting the magazine into the magazine well.

Note: You cannot insert the magazine while a 200-round ammunition box is attached to the weapon.

3303. Immediate Action

Eventually every weapon will experience a stoppage. You, as a gunner, will need to know the procedures to apply immediate action. Taking this immediate action will allow you to continue your mission as an automatic rifleman. Remember, your M249 SAW is the back bone of your fire team. They're counting on your abilities to keep the gun functioning.

a. If the weapon stops firing before you do, take immediate action. Charge the weapon and push the cocking handle forward until you hear it "click." If a round is ejected, attempt to fire again.

Warning: If nothing is ejected and the barrel is hot (200-rounds fired within a 2-minute period), do not open the cover; push the safety to the right (red ring not visible). Keep the weapon pointed down range, and remain clear for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, clear your weapon. If nothing is ejected and belted ammunition is being used, look to see if the cartridge indicator is in the lower down position. If it is, no rounds remain on the feed tray and you have run out of belted ammunition. If the cartridge indicator is in the up position and the barrel is not hot, clear the weapon. If nothing is ejected and the alternate magazine feed is being used and the barrel is not hot, clear the weapon.

If the procedure mentioned above does not work, be sure the weapon is clear, and check for obstructions, excess lubrication, and dirt. Then reload and fire again.

During this and the following procedure, always stay clear of the muzzle Do not allow the round (if one is present) to hit any hard surface; if the primer accidentally strikes the surface, it may fire. Dispose of live rounds in accordance with your unit SOP.

b. If your weapon is fired and didn't extract, you have a stuck cartridge case. If it didn't fire and didn't extract, you have a stuck live round. In either case, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Charge the weapon. Push the safety to the left (red ring visible).

Step 2. Pull the trigger; if it still didn't fire, and the barrel is hot, wait until it's cool (approx. 15 minutes). Charge the weapon and place it on safe and remove the barrel.

Step 3. Assemble a cleaning rod, without the swab holder, and insert the rod through the muzzle end of the barrel (figure 3-50).

Fig 3-50. Inserting a cleaning rod into the barrel. Step 4. Now, gently tap out the cartridge case or round (figure 3-51).

Fig 3-51. Tapping out cartridge case. 3304. Runaway Gun

If your weapon continues to fire after you release the trigger, you have a runaway gun. There are two methods for stopping a runaway gun:

Note: Remember to always keep the weapon pointed down range and on target when applying immediate action for a runaway gun.

a. Keep the weapon on target and fire the remaining rounds. This method is practical when you are firing a magazine-loaded weapon, or there are less than 100 rounds remaining on the belt of ammunition.

b. Twist and break the belt of ammunition. This method will be used when there is a danger of hitting friendly troops, or there is more than 100 rounds remaining on the belt of ammunition.

Note: If you are in the assault position and have a runaway gun, you must keep it pointed down range, on target, and in a safe direction and let the gun fire out the remaining ammunition.

Warning: Never reload a runaway gun until it is repaired by the armorer. Be sure that the weapon is clear.

Lesson Summary. In this lesson, you learned how to load and unload the M249 SAW and what immediate action to take in case of a misfire. In the next lesson, you will cover the care and cleaning of the M249.