Tighten up loose barrel check

PS: The Preventive Maintenance Monthly, July, 2004 by Don Whetstone, James Fletcher, Ray Johnson

Dear Editor,

Riflemen and armorers are supposed to check that their MIGs and M4/M4Als don't; have any play In the barrel. IF the barrel is loose at all, the weapon shouldn't; be fired.

The problem is that soldiers often hold the buttstock with one hand while twisting the barrel with the other. The buttstock may have some slight side-to-side movement, which is OK. But; sometimes they mistakenly think it's the barrel, not the buttstock, that's loose, and they think they have a problem.

Avoid that; mistake by holding the carrying handle with one hand and gripping the barrel around the front sight with the other. First; make sure the carrying handle is tight IF you have an M16A4 of M4/M4A1. Gently twist the barrel in both directions. IF you Feet any movement send the gun to direct support.

(Editor's note: I think you've got a good grip on that problem. Thanks.)

Don Whetstone

James Fletcher

Ray Johnson

Ft Bliss, TX