CLEANING AND LUBRICATION OF THE M16/M4 CARBINE SERVICE RIFLE
Normal care and cleaning will result in proper functioning of all
parts of the weapon. Improper maintenance causes stoppages and malfunctions.
Only "issued" cleaning materials should be used. These cleaning materials are
carried in the compartment provided in the stock of the weapon on the M16 or in
the cleaning kit for the M4 Carbine. Do not use any abrasive material to clean
the rifle. Cleaner Lubricant and Preservative (CLP) is the only authorized
lubricant for the M16/M4 Carbine rifle.
Cleaning and lubrication of the upper receiver
Clean the upper receiver until free of powder.
After cleaning, coat the interior surfaces of the upper receiver
with CLP. Pay particular attention to shiny surfaces which indicate areas of
friction.
Cleaning and lubrication of the barrel
Attach a bore brush to the cleaning rod, dip it in CLP, and brush
the bore thoroughly.
Brush from the chamber to the muzzle using straight-through
strokes.
Push the brush through the bore until it extends beyond the
muzzle compensator.
Continue this process until the bore is free of carbon and
fouling
(Never reverse the direction of the brush while in the bore).
Remove the brush from the cleaning rod and dry the bore with
clean patches.
Do NOT attempt to retract the patch until it has been pushed all
the way out of the muzzle compensator.
CAUTION:
The cleaning rod is to be supported by hand, one section at a time, to prevent
flexing and damage to the bore.
Cleaning the chamber
Attach the chamber-cleaning brush to a section of the cleaning
rod.
Dip it in CLP, and insert it in the chamber.
Scrub in a circular motion.
Remove the brush and dry the chamber thoroughly with clean
patches.
Clean the locking lugs in the barrel extension, using a small
bristle brush dipped in CLP to remove all carbon deposits.
Clean the protruding exterior of the gas tube in the receiver
with the bore brush attached to a section of the cleaning rod.
After cleaning, lubricate the bore and locking lugs in the barrel
extension by applying a light coat of CLP to prevent corrosion and pitting. If
the hand guards have been removed, rub a light coat of CLP on the surface of the
barrel.
Place one or two drops of CLP on the front sight post.
Cleaning and lubrication of the bolt carrier group
Thoroughly clean all parts with a patch or an all-purpose brush
dipped in CLP.
Clean the locking lugs of the bolt, using an all purpose brush
and CLP.
Ensure that all carbon and metal filings are removed; then wipe
it clean with dry patches and lubricate lightly.
Use an all-purpose brush dipped in CLP to scrub the extractor to
remove carbon and metal filings; also clean the firing pin recess and the firing
pin.
When dry and before final assembly, apply a coat of CLP to the
bolt body, rings and carrier key.
When bolt carrier group is reassembled, apply a liberal amount of
CLP to all exterior surfaces with particular emphasis to the friction points
(i.e., rails and cam area). Put one drop of CLP in the cam pin track and two
drops in the gas ports.
Cleaning and lubrication of the lower receiver group
Wipe any particles of dirt from the trigger mechanism with a
clean patch or brush and place a drop of CLP on each of the pins for
lubrication.
Components of the lower receiver group can be cleaned with CLP
and a brush.
Use a scrubbing action to remove all carbon residue and foreign
material and then drain the CLP from lower receiver and wipe dry.
Cleaning and lubrication of the magazine
Disassemble the magazine, being careful not to stretch or bend
the spring.
Scrub the inside of the magazine with a bristle brush, dipped in
CLP, and wipe it dry.
The magazine is made of aluminum and does not need any
lubrication.
Scrub the spring clean of any foreign material using an
all-purpose brush dipped in CLP.
Wipe dry and apply a very light coat of CLP to the spring.
8.
ASSEMBLY OF THE Ml6/M4 CARBINE RIFLE
Lower receiver group assembly
Press
hammer to the rear (downward).
Insert
the buffer assembly into the recess in the stock of the weapon.
Depress
the buffer retainer so that the buffer assembly will insert into the recess
completely.
Release
the pin so the buffer assembly is locked into place.
Set the bolt carrier group down on
the table.
Bolt carrier group assembly
Insert
the bolt through the front end of the carrier with the extractor facing at the
11 o’clock position.
Insert
the cam pin into the carrier and rotate it ¼ turn.
Insert
the firing pin through the rear of the carrier and let it drop into the recess
for the firing pin.
Insert
the firing pin retainer pin into the carrier from left to right.
Set the bolt carrier group down on
the table.
Upper receiver group and charging
handle assembly
Replace
the charging handle by placing the charging handle inside the upper receiver.
This is done by lining up the grooves on the charging handle with the slots in
the upper receiver and pushing it in about one inch.
Then insert the bolt carrier group,
with the carrier key resting in the charging handle, into the upper receiver
until they lock into place.
Assembly of major parts
Align
the upper receiver with the lower receiver together, push in the pivot, and take
down pins to lock the receivers together.
Insert
the top of each hand guard cap and pull down on the slip ring so the bottom lip
of the hand guard will slip in and lock in place when you release the slip ring.
Lock
the bolt to the rear by pulling on the charging handle and pressing the bolt
catch and letting the carrier go forward slowly until the bolt catch engages the
bolt carrier group.
Return
the charging handle to the original position. Place the selector lever on safe
Replace the sling on the weapon.
