Chapter 4.
STOPPAGES AND IMMEDIATE ACTION
16. Stoppages
(a.) A stoppage is any unintentional interruption in
the cycle of operation.
(b.) Most stoppages occur because of dirty, worn, or
broken parts, and lack of lubrication. The rifleman must be
taught to watch for these defects and take corrective action to
eliminate them before they cause a stoppage. Some of the more
common stoppages, with their usual causes and remedies are shown
in table II (para 19).
Note that the stoppages are classified according to the steps of
the cycle of operation.
17. Immediate Action
(a.) Immediate action is the prompt action taken by the
firer to reduce a stoppage. To apply immediate action, pull the
operating rod handle all the way to the rear with the right hand,
palm up, then release it. The right hand should be
held in this manner so it will not be injured in the event of a
hangfire. Next, aim the rifle and try to fire it.
(b.) If a rifleman is taught to apply immediate action
quickly and properly when his rifle fails to fire, he will be
able to reduce most stoppages (table
II).
18. Misfire, Hangfire, and Cookoff
(a.) Hangfires and misfires rarely occur. Normally, the
firer will instinctively apply immediate action which in most
instances reduces the stoppage even when caused by a hangfire or
misfire.
(b.) Misfires are caused by one of three factors - the
firer, the weapon malfunctioning (due to excessive dirt, etc.),
or faulty ammunition. When there has been an excessive number of
misfires caused by faulty ammunition, the lot number should be
reported to ammunition supply personnel for inspection and
determination of disposition.
19. Malfunction
A malfunction is a failure of the weapon to operate
satisfactorily. Some of the common malfunctions are discussed
below.
(a.) The clip may jump out on the seventh round. This
is usually caused by a bent follower arm or bullet guide and can
be corrected by replacing them.
(b.) The rifle may fire in bursts of two or three
rounds. This is due to the sear being broken, worn, or remaining
in an open position. It can be corrected by replacing the trigger
assembly.
(c.) The safety may release when pressure is applied to
the trigger. This can be caused by a broken safety or by the
trigger stop on the safety being worn. It can be corrected by
replacing the safety.
(d.) Operating parts which fail to move fully to the
rear (short recoil) are caused by:
- Valve leak in gas cylinder lock screw. (Valve not fully
seated.)
- Defective operating rod spring.
- Undersized piston. (Caused by the use of abrasives when
cleaning the piston.)
[Back to M1 Garand Page.]
. - INTRODUCTION
. .- MECHANICAL
TRAINING
. .- OPERATIONS AND
FUNCTIONING
. .- STOPPAGES
AND IMMEDIATE ACTION
. .-
MAINTENANCE
. .- AMMUNITION
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