m4 carbine field manual

i

M4 Carbine Field Manual

Prepared for Colt’s Manufacturing Company

Prepared by Shayn Kaysing TECM 2700.006 10-11

Terry Smith

5/2/14


2

Table of Contents

iii

Table of Contents

Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... iii

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... v

Chapter 1 Characteristics, Ammunition, and Accessories .............................................................. 3

Rifle Characteristics .................................................................................................................... 3

Rail Adapter System ................................................................................................................... 4

Ammunition Types and Characteristics ...................................................................................... 4

Chapter 2 Preliminary Rifle Instruction .......................................................................................... 9

Introduction to Basic Rifle Marksmanship and Mechanical Training ........................................ 9

Marksmanship Fundamentals I ................................................................................................... 9

Marksmanship Fundamentals II ................................................................................................ 13

Chapter 3 Troubleshooting and Destruction ................................................................................. 17

Malfunctions ............................................................................................................................. 17

Destruction Procedures ............................................................................................................. 18

Index ............................................................................................................................................. 19

Introduction

v

Introduction

The M4 Carbine is the standard issued U.S. Military firearm. This manual provides instruction

and basic training exercises for the 5.56-mm M4 Carbine. The manual compromises to achieve

maximum portability, while retaining simple instructions for the user. It is organized to provide a

basic understanding of the weapons’ characteristics and capabilities. There is a strict outline for

properly operating the rifle including methods that fix a multitude of possible mechanical errors.

This is a basic firearm manual for use in the field.

Chapter 1

3

Chapter 1 Characteristics, Ammunition, and Accessories

Rifle Characteristics The M4 Carbine (Figure 1) is specifically designed for lightweight mobility, speed of target

acquisition, and potent firepower capability. The M4 can be adjusted for comfort and is instantly

available to provide the level of firepower, dependability and accuracy of a 5.56mm rifle. The

rifle is combat certified, serving in multiple military combat operations all over the world.

Caliber – 5.56x45-mm NATO

Weight – 6.11 lbs. (2.771 kg)

Length (Stock Retracted) – 29.8 in. (75.60 cm)

Length (Stock Extended) – 33 in. (83.82 cm)

Barrel Length – 14.5 in. (36.83 cm)

Rate of Fire – 700-950 RPM

Rifling – 1/7 RH

Effective Range – 600 m

Figure 1. M4 Carbine


4

Rail Adapter System The Rail Adapter System (RAS) consists of a series of ridges with T-shaped cross-section

interspersed with flat spacing slots (Figure 2). Weaver mounts are required in order for an

accessory to be compatible with the RAS. Each mount uses either thumbscrews or levers to

clamp on to the rail. This system allows for a multitude of accessories to be easily mounted

either by sliding them on from either ends. If unused, exposed areas can be covered by rail

panels in a similar manner to other tactical accessories.

Ammunition Types and Characteristics When storing ammunition in the open is necessary, it must be raised at least 6 inches from the

ground and protected with a cover, leaving space for air circulation. Since moisture and high

temperatures adversely affect ammunition and explosives, the following must be adhered to:

Protect ammunition from high temperatures and the direct rays of the sun.

Do not attempt to disassemble ammunition or any of its components.

Never use lubricants or grease on ammunition.

This list provides a distinction among the various types of standard military ammunition

available to the M4 Carbine. Use only authorized 5.56-mm ammunition manufactured for U.S.

and NATO specifications.

A. M193, Ball. The M193 cartridge is a center-fire cartridge with a 55-grain, gilded metal-

jacketed, lead alloy core bullet (1, Figure 3, page 6).

B. M196, Tracer. The M196 cartridge has a red or orange top. Its main use are for

observation of fire, incendiary effect, and signaling (2, Figure 3, page 6). The long-term

use of tracer rounds, which could cause deposits of incendiary material, or chemical

compounds that could damage the barrel. Therefore, when tracer rounds are fired, they

are mixed with ball ammunition in a preferred ratio of three or four ball rounds to one

tracer round.

Figure 2. Rail Adapter System, M4 Series

Chapter 1

5

C. M199, Dummy. The M199 dummy cartridge is used during dry firing and other training.

This cartridge can be identified by the six grooves along the sides of the case beginning

about 1/2 inch from its tip (3, Figure 3, page 6). It contains no propellant or primer. The

primer well is open to prevent damage to the firing pin.

D. M200, Blank. The M200 blank cartridge has no projectile. The case mouth is closed

with a seven-petal rosette crimp and shows a violet tip (4, Figure 3, page 6).

E. M855, Ball. The M855 cartridge has a 62-grain, gilded metal-jacketed, lead alloy core

bullet with a steel penetrator (5, Figure 3, page 6). The primer and case are waterproof.

This ammunition should not be used in the M16A1 except under emergency conditions,

and only at targets less than 90 meters in distance. (The twist of the M16A1 rifling is not

sufficient to stabilize the length of the 62-grain projectile of the round.)

F. M856, Tracer. The M856 tracer cartridge has characteristics similar to the M196 tracer

with a slightly longer tracer burnout distance (6, Figure 3, page 6). This cartridge has a

63.7-grain bullet. The M856 does not have a steel penetrator. It has a red tip. This

ammunition should not be used in the M16A1 except under emergency conditions, and

only at targets less than 90 meters in distance. (The twist of the M16A1 rifling is not

sufficient to stabilize the length of the 63.7-grain projectile of the round.)

G. M862, Short-Range Training Ammunition (SRTA). The M862 SRTA is designed

exclusively for training (7, Figure 3, page 6). It can be used in lieu of service

ammunition on indoor ranges and by units that have a limited range fan that does not

allow the firing of service ammunition. SRTA ammunition must be used with the M2

training bolt.

1) Although SRTA closely replicates the trajectory and characteristics of service

ammunition out to 25 meters, it should not be used to set battle sight zero of

weapons to fire service ammunition. The settings that are placed on the sights for

SRTA could be different for service ammunition.

2) If adequate range facilities are not available for sustainment training, SRTA can

be used for any firing exercise within 25 meters. This includes the 25-meter

scaled silhouette, 25-meter alternate qualification course, and quick-fire training.

SRTA can also be used for Urban Operations training.

H. M995, Armor Piercing (AP). The M995 cartridge is intended for use against light

armored targets. The M995 offers the capability to defeat these targets at ranges two to

three times that of currently available 5.56-mm ammunition. The M995 cartridge

consists of a projectile and a propelling charge contained in a brass cartridge case. The

projectile is a dense metal penetrator (tungsten carbide) enclosed by a standard gilding

metal jacket. An aluminum cup sits at the rear of the projectile for the purpose of

properly locating the penetrator within the projectile. The cartridge utilizes a

conventional brass case and double base propellant. A standard rifle cartridge primer is

used in the case to initiate the propelling charge.


6

Figure 3. Ammunition, 5.56-mm M4 Series

Chapter 2

9

Chapter 2 Preliminary Rifle Instruction

Introduction to Basic Rifle Marksmanship and Mechanical Training A. Modes of Fire

Safe. The trigger is immobilized, incapable of discharging normally.

Semi. Each trigger pull results in a single round being discharged.

Burst. Each trigger pull results in two to three rounds being discharged.

B. Cycle of Functioning

The M4 Carbine functions due to a direct impingement system (Figure 4). This gas piston

system utilizes the high pressured gases of an expended round to push back the bolt,

allowing for another round to enter the chamber. The bolt simply slides back into place

effectively enabling another round to be discharged.

Marksmanship Fundamentals I A. The Four Fundamentals

1) Steady Position. A soldier must learn how to establish a comfortable steady

firing position. The soldier is the best judge of the quality of their position. If a

soldier can hold the front sight post steady through the fall of the hammer, then

he/she is in a good position.

2) Aiming. The soldier must align the rifle with the target in exactly the same way

for each discharge. The soldier is the final judge as to where his eye is focused. At

this point, it is crucial to position the firing eye in line with the rear sight aperture.

3) Breathe Control. A soldier must learn to control his/her breath at any moment in

the breathing cycle. There are two types of breath control techniques are taught,

breath control for engaging single targets and breath control while engagement of

short-exposure targets. The soldier must be aware of the rifle's movement while

sighted on a target.

Figure 4. Gas Piston System, M4 Series


10

4) Trigger Squeeze. A soldier can learn to place the rifle in a steady position and to

correctly aim at the target following the basic principles. If the trigger is not

properly squeezed, the rifle will be misaligned with the target at the moment of

firing.

B. Firing Positions with Interceptor Body Armor

a) Prone Supported Firing Position. To assume the prone supported firing

position, the soldier faces his target and drops to the ground, breaking his fall with

the butt of the weapon (Figure 5). Legs are spread apart with the firing leg bent to

relieve pressure on the lower body. The prone supported firing position uses

sandbags or any other suitable object to support the hand-guard. The non-firing

hand in this position remains free for use on any part of the rifle. Both elbows are

placed on the ground to support the upper body. The firing hand is placed on the

pistol grip; the non-firing hand is placed on the upper hand-guard. Elbow and

knee pads can be worn to relieve IBA induced pain and pressure in these areas.

The butt of the weapon should be placed between the SAPI plate and bicep to

help stabilize the weapon and absorb recoil.

b) Prone Unsupported Firing Position. To assume the prone unsupported firing

position, the soldier faces his target and drops to the ground, breaking his fall with

the butt of the weapon. Legs are spread apart with the firing leg bent to relieve

pressure on the lower back (Figure 6). Both elbows are placed on the ground to

support the upper body. The firing hand is placed on the pistol grip; the non-firing

hand is placed on the upper hand-guard. Elbow and knee pads can be worn to

relieve pressure and IBA induced pain in these areas. The butt of the weapon

should be placed between the SAPI plate and bicep to help stabilize the weapon

and absorb recoil.

Figure 5. Prone Supported Firing Position

Chapter 2

11

c) Kneeling Unsupported Firing Position. To assume the kneeling firing position,

the soldier keeps his left foot in place, steps back with the right foot, then drops to

the right knee (Figure 7). He places the left non-firing hand on the upper hand-

guard with the upper arm (triceps) on the left knee for support. The right firing

hand is placed on the pistol grip with the butt of the weapon between the SAPI

plate and bicep to help stabilize the weapon and absorb recoil. The ball of the

right foot should rest firmly on the ground so the soldier can sit back with his

buttock on the heel. Relaxing and leaning forward into the position can help

absorb recoil. The butt of the weapon should be placed between the SAPI plate

and bicep to help stabilize the weapon and absorb recoil.

d) Standing Unsupported Firing Position. To assume the standing unsupported

firing position, the soldier faces his target, executes a facing movement to his

firing side, then spreads his feet a comfortable distance apart (Figure 8). With his

firing hand on the pistol grip and his non-firing hand on the upper hand guard or

bottom of the magazine, the soldier places the butt of the rifle between the SAPI

plate of the IBA and his bicep. This stabilizes the weapon and absorbs recoil. The

soldier shifts his feet until aiming naturally at the target and his weight is evenly

distributed. The standing position provides the least stability, but can be assumed

Figure 6. Prone Unsupported Firing Position

Figure 7. Kneeling Unsupported Firing Position


12

quickly while moving, and is a good position for target area observation. Support

for any portion of the body or rifle improves stability. More stability can be

obtained by adjusting the ammunition pouch to support the non-firing elbow. This

allows the rifle magazine to rest in the non-firing hand.

e) Standing Supported Firing Position Around Obstacles. To assume the

standing firing position, the soldier faces his target, executes a facing movement

to his firing side, and then spreads his feet a comfortable distance apart (Figure 9,

page 13). With his firing hand on the pistol grip and his non-firing hand on the

upper hand-guard, the soldier places the butt of the rifle between the SAPI plate

and his bicep. This helps stabilize the weapon and absorbs the recoil. The soldier

then leans into the wall or obstacle with his non-firing forearm, shoulder, and

non-firing thigh touching the obstacle for support. The soldier shifts his feet until

he is aiming naturally at the target and his weight is evenly distributed.

Figure 8. Standing Unsupported Firing Position

Chapter 2

13

Marksmanship Fundamentals II A. Weaponeer

The Weaponeer is capable of simulating all of the Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM)

live-fire scenarios without firing rounds. Immediate feedback is available for critiquing

the soldier’s application of the integrated act of firing while using the Weaponeer device

to include misfire procedures. This exercise incorporates all four fundamentals while

giving immediate downrange feedback.

B. Engagement Skills Trainer 2000

The engagement skills trainer (EST) 2000 is a portable firearms training simulator system

that provides training of marksmanship, squad tactical, and close-range shoot-don’t shoot

techniques and skills for small arms weapons. EST 2000 is not a substitute for live fire

qualification. The EST 2000 features superior accuracy and state of the art graphics in

simulating a combat scenario.

Figure 9. Standing Supported Firing Position Around Obstacles

Chapter 3

17

Chapter 3 Troubleshooting and Destruction

Malfunctions The M4 Carbine is similar to the original AR-15/M16. This means there are imperfections in the

design, which if improperly managed, can cause a catastrophic malfunctions (Figure 10) in the

functionality of the rifle; the weapon ceasing to fire. A soldier may encounter the following

malfunctions with their rifle:

Failure to feed, chamber or lock

Failure to fire cartridge

Failure to Extract

Failure to Eject

Figure 10. Malfunctions, M4 Series


18

Destruction Procedures Functionality issues are inevitable with firearms. Whether a malfunction or maintenance, it is

important to understand how to properly break down a firearm. Before a break down, make sure

the magazine is removed and that the firearm is unloaded, so it is unable to fire. Lay components

in an orderly fashion to prevent loss of small components. Refer to the rifle characteristics

section (Figure 1, page 3) for a detailed image of the M4 Carbine.

1. Press the rear take down pin in from the left hand side of lower receiver, and pull the pin

out on the right hand side of the receiver until it comes to a positive stop.

2. Pivot the lower receiver down and away from the upper receiver.

3. Completely separate the upper receiver from the lower receiver by pressing the front take

down pin from the left hand side of the lower receiver and pulling out the pin on the right

hand side of the receiver until it comes to a positive stop.

4. Pull charging handle to rear and remove the bolt carrier group.

5. Remove the charging handle by pulling it backwards to keyway and then down and out of

the upper receiver.

6. Push in the firing pin retaining pin from right to left of the bolt carrier group and remove

the pin by pulling it out to the left.

7. Tilt the bolt face up and remove the firing pin.

8. Push the bolt in towards the carrier until bolt rotates and comes to a stop, then turn the

bolt cam pin through 90°.

9. Remove the cam pin by lifting it out and away from the bolt and bolt carrier.

10. Pull the bolt forward and remove it from the bolt carrier.

11. Hand-guard Removal (removal unnecessary unless damaged or dirty):

1) Remove the six flat head screws that secure the upper and lower rails together.

2) With a 5/64” allen wrench, loosen the four set screws at the rearward portion of

the rail system.

3) With the set screws loose, remove the rail system by lifting upward on the upper

rail and pulling downward on the lower rail.

12. Remove the butt-stock from lower receiver:

1) Push the release lever up and extend the butt-stock fully

2) Push the release lever down and pull the butt-stock rearward.

13. Depress the buffer, maintaining pressure as the buffer is under spring tension, to prevent

it from being ejected when the buffer retainer pin is depressed. Depress the buffer

retainer pin to permit the buffer and the action spring to move forward. Depress the

hammer to allow the action spring and the buffer assembly to continue moving forward

and be completely removed from the receiver extension.

Index

19

Index

Aiming, 9

Ammunition, 4

Breathe Control, 9

Burst, 9

Cycle of Functioning, 9

Engagement Skills Trainer 2000, 13

Firing Positions with Interceptor Body

Armor, 10

Four Fundamentals, 9

Kneeling Unsupported Firing Position, 11

M193, Ball, 4

M196, Tracer, 4

M199, Dummy, 5

M200, Blank, 5

M4 Carbine, 3

M855, Ball, 5

M856, Tracer, 5

M862, Short-Range Training Ammunition

(SRTA), 5

M995, Armor Piercing (AP), 5

maintenance, 18

malfunction, 18

malfunctions, 17

Modes of Fire, 9

Prone Supported Firing Position, 10

Prone Unsupported Firing Position, 10

Rail Adapter System (RAS), 4

Safe, 9

Semi, 9

Standing Supported Firing Position Around

Obstacles, 12

Standing Unsupported Firing Position, 11

Steady Position, 9

storing ammunition, 4

Trigger Squeeze, 10

Weaponeer, 13

m4 carbine field manual

Documents