Web Manual
Web Manual
240LW
OPERATORS MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 USE OF THIS MANUAL
2 SAFETY GUIDELINES
4 WARRANTY AND SERVICE
5 DESCRIPTION OF FIREARM
5 SPECIFICATIONS
6 MAJOR COMPONENTS
6 SAFETY MECHANISM
7 BIPOD OPERATION
8 CARRY HANDLE OPERATION
9 SIGHTS
12 AMMUNITION
13 BLANK FIRING ATTACHMENT
13 LOADING PROCEDURES
15 OPERATION
17 UNLOADING AND CLEARING
18 DISASSEMBLY OF MAJOR COMPONENTS
25 INSPECTION
28 CLEANING AND LUBRICATION
32 GENERAL ASSEMBLY
38 FUNCTION CHECK
39 CYCLE OF OPERATION
41 MALFUNCTIONS
44 IMMEDIATE ACTION
46 REMEDIAL ACTION
48 EXPLODED VIEW AND PARTS LIST
240LW
SAFETY GUIDELINES
WARNING
FAILURE TO FOLLOW SAFETY GUIDELINES
MAY CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH
AMMUNITION
Do not use hand loaded, re-manufactured, or surplus ammunition.
Always use new, clean, dry, properly stored, and correct caliber
ammunition from reputable manufacturers.
SAFETY DISTANCE
Bullets fired from this rifle may travel as far as 4 miles. Make
certain that you have an adequate backstop.
HEARING PROTECTION
Always wear adequate hearing protection when the rifle is firing;
wear both earplugs and shooting muffs together for maximum
protection. This includes observers. Observers should always be
behind the shooter.
EYE PROTECTION
Appropriate eye protection should be worn when both shooting and
maintaining your rifle. It is normal for firing to generate airborne dust
and debris. Protect your eyes from solvents and uncaptured parts
under spring pressure while performing maintenance on your rifle.
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MUZZLE CONTROL
Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Never allow
your muzzle to point at anything that you do not intend to shoot.
Upon firing the muzzle brake releases high-pressure gas from
its side ports that can damage objects or cause injuries, keep
everything away from the vicinity of the muzzle brake.
FAILURE TO FIRE
If your rifle fails to fire when you pull the trigger, do not pull the
charging handle. Keep the rifle pointed toward a safe area and
wait 2 minutes. If a hang-fire (slow ignition) has occurred, the
round will probably fire within two minutes. If the round does not
fire, remove and inspect the cartridge. If the primer is indented
properly, discard it in a safe manner.
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240LW
adjustments may damage your rifle, make it unsafe to fire, and
will void warranty claims.
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DESCRIPTION OF FIREARM
The 240LW is a general-purpose machine gun capable of mounting
on a bipod, tripod, aircraft, or vehicle. It is belt fed, air-cooled, gas
operated, fully automatic and fires from an open bolt. The gas from
firing one round provides the energy to fire the next one. Thus, the
240LW fires automatically as long as it has ammunition and the
operator holds the trigger to the rear. As the gun fires, the links
separate and eject from the side while empty cases eject from the
bottom. Each 240LW is supplied with a spare barrel. The bore of
the barrel is chromium plated to reduce wear.
SPECIFICATIONS
Ammunition 7.62 x 51 mm ball, tracer, armor piercing,
blank, dummy
Basic load (three-man crew) 900 to 1,200 rounds
Tracer burnout 900 meters
Length (extended) 33 inches (838.2 mm) - 18.5 inch barrel
36 inches (304.8 mm) - 21.5 inch barrel
Weight 19 lbs (9 kg) - 18.5 inch barrel
20 lbs (9.21 kg) - 21.5 inch barrel
Twist rate 1 in 12 (304.8mm)
Maximum range 3,725 meters
Maximum effective range and T&E 1,100 meters with tripod
Area bipod 800 meters
Point bipod 600 meters
Suppression 1,800 meters
Maximum range of grazing fire over 600 meters
level or uniformly sloping terrain
Sustained rate of fire 100 rounds per minute, 6 - 9 round
bursts, 4 - 5 seconds apart, barrel
change every 10 minutes
Rapid rate of fire 200 rounds per minute, 10 - 13 round
bursts, 2 - 3 minutes apart, barrel
change every 2 minutes
Cyclic rate of fire 550 - 600 rounds per minute in
continuous bursts, barrel change every
minute
5
240LW
1 2
3 4 5
6 7
8 9
FIGURE 1
SAFETY MECHANISM
The safety mechanism is located on side of the grip assembly.
To place the gun in the safe mode, push the selector to the right
until the letter S is visible. To place it in the fire mode, push the
selector switch to the left until the letter F is visible. The safety
can only engage the bolt in the rear position (FIGURE 2)
SAFETY
FIGURE 2
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BIPOD OPERATION
The bipod assembly is used to fire from the prone position and
control manipulation. The buttstock in conjunction with the
operators non-firing hand provides support for the gun when
firing in the bipod mode. The handguard holds the bipod in place.
DEPLOYING BIPOD
To lower the bipod legs, pull each bipod leg away from the yoke
(FIGURE 3-A) and rotate to the desired position (FIGURE 3-B).
The bipod leg will lock into place (forward, rearward, and 90
degrees from the receiver). The bipod legs of the 240LW extend
to increase height.
To return the bipod to the locked upright position, depress the
button for the bipod leg extension and press the bipod leg in
then pull each bipod leg away from the yoke and rotate to the
desired position.
B B
FIGURE 3
REMOVING/INSTALLING BIPOD
To remove the bipod, push up on the bipod retention latch and
pull the bipod toward the muzzle (FIGURE 4).
To install the bipod, insert bipod yoke into the handguard until
the retention latch engages.
BIPOD RETENTION
LATCH
FIGURE 4
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240LW
BARREL CATCH
FIGURE 5
HANDLE LOCK
FIGURE 6
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SIGHTS
This section provides information on how to make sight corrections
to zero the 240LW and make elevation/windage adjustments. Both
the front and rear sights are adjustable for elevation and windage.
The adjustments on the front sight are intended for zeroing the
machine gun while the rear sight adjustments are intended for in
the field elevation and windage correction (FIGURE 7).
REAR SIGHT FRONT SIGHT
ELEVATION
ADJUSTMENT
WINDAGE
ADJUSTMENT
FIGURE 7
ZEROING PROCEDURE - FRONT SIGHT
Set the rear sight elevation to the correct distance the 240LW
is being zeroed and the windage adjustments set at center.
Recommended zeroing distance is 200 meters. Do not loosen the
screw or adjust the elevation scale on the rear sight as this is set
from the factory. With the rear sight set, adjust the front sight
using a flat head screwdriver or similar tool to shift the point of
impact (POI) to the desired location. To adjust only the elevation
of the front sight, rotate the post by half or full turns (FIGURE 8).
Reference the tables for POI shift per click or rotation of the sights.
Repeat procedure for each barrel assembly.
FIGURE 8
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240LW
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ELEVATION/WINDAGE CORRECTION - REAR SIGHT
With the 240LW zeroed, the rear sight can be used for quick elevation
and windage adjustments. Elevation adjustments performed
made by rotating the elevation screw on the top of the rear sight
body. For elevation adjustments, the elevation knob can be used
to easily adjust POI to specific distances. Windage adjustments
are performed by rotating the windage knob on the left side of
the rear sight (FIGURE 8). When rotating the adjustment knobs
audible clicks can be felt. The tables below display the POI shift
at specific distances for each elevation and windage adjustment
click.
REAR SIGHT - ONE CLICK MOVES POI UP OR DOWN
Range Centimeters Inches
100 meters 3.6 1.42
200 meters 7.1 2.84
300 meters 10.7 4.26
400 meters 14.2 5.68
500 meters 17.8 7.10
600 meters 21.4 8.52
700 meters 24.9 9.94
800 meters 28.5 11.36
900 meters 32.0 12.78
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240LW
AMMUNITION
The 240LW machine gun uses several types of standard 7.62-mm
ammunition. Ammunition for the 240LW is supplied in a disintegrating,
metallic, split-linked belt (FIGURE 9).
FIGURE 9
WARNING
AVOID FIRING BLANK AMMUNITION AT ANYONE WITHIN
20 FEET OF YOU. AMMUNITION FRAGMENTS COULD CAUSE
INJURY OR DEATH.
FIGURE 10
2. Install the BFA over the flash hider. Slide the shaft into the
throat of the flash hider,engaging the threads on shaft into
the body of the chamber device. Turn clockwise until hand
tight (FIGURE 11).
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FIGURE 11
REMOVAL OF THE BFA
Break any carbon sealed between the shaft and the muzzle brake
by holding the barrel and rotating the body of the BFA about 180
degrees counterclockwise. Unscrew the shaft until the threads
disengage, then remove the chamber device from the flash hider.
LOADING PROCEDURES
1. Make sure the gun is clear and place the safety on F.
2. With the palm of the hand facing up, pull the charging handle
to the rear to put the bolt assembly in the rear position (FIGURE
12)
PULL CHARGING
HANDLE TO REAR
FIGURE 12
3. While the sear holds the bolt to the rear, manually return the
charging handle to the forward position and place the safety on S.
4. Raise the cover assembly and ensure the feed tray, receiver
assembly, and chamber are clear (FIGURE 13).
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240LW
FIGURE 13
5. Lower the feed tray, place the safety on F and pull the
charging handle to the rear. While maintaining rearward
pressure on the charging handle, pull the trigger and ease the
bolt assembly forward.
6. Place the first round of the belt in the feed tray groove with the
open side of links face down (FIGURE 14).
FIGURE 14
7. Hold the belt about six rounds from the loading end, ensure
that the round remains in the feed tray groove, and close the
cover assembly.
8. Once the ammunition is loaded and the cover is closed, pull the
charging handle to the rear to lock the bolt behind the sear. The
firearm is now able to fire.
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OPERATION
The 240LW machine gun is loaded, fired, unloaded, and cleared
from the open bolt position. The guns safety must first be placed
on F before pulling the bolt to the rear. Ammunition should be
free of dirt and corrosion. The 240LW machine guns high cyclic
rate can quickly generate large amounts of heat. To prevent the
degradation of the firearms accuracy and structural integrity, each
firearm is provided with two barrels that can be quickly exchanged
in the field. IT IS RECOMMENDED TO ROTATE BARRELS EVERY
200 ROUNDS.
ROTATING BARRELS
CAUTION
UNLESS DIRECT-SUPPORT PERSONNEL CERTIFY THE
HEADSPACE, DO NOT SWAP BARRELS BETWEEN DIFFERENT
GUNS.
WARNING
AFTER FIRING, BARREL WILL BE VERY HOT. USE THE
PROVIDED BARREL MITT TO HANDLE HOT BARRELS.
REMOVING BARREL
1. With the barrel-carrying handle to the right side, depress and
hold the barrel-locking latch located on the left side of the
receiver where the barrel joins the receiver. Grasp the carrying
handle and rotate the carrying handle to the upright position
(without pulling up on the barrel release) (FIGURE 15).
BARREL
LOCKING-LATCH FIGURE 15
15
240LW
2. Grab the handle, then push forward (FIGURE 16-A) and pull up
(FIGURE 16-B), separating the barrel from the receiver.
FIGURE 16
INSTALLING BARREL
With the gas regulator downward and the carrying handle in the
vertical position, place the second barrel on the barrel support
located on the gas cylinder. Keeping the gun upright, pull the
barrel to the rear, guiding the gas regulator into the gas cylinder.
Pull the barrel fully into the receiver (FIGURE 17-A). With the barrel
fully seated, rotate the carrying handle completely to the right,
counting the number of clicks. If the number is between 2 to 7, the
headspace is set correctly. If the number falls outside 2 to 7, ensure
that the threads on the barrel are located on top and bottom and
on the left and right on the inside of the receiver (FIGURE 17-B). If
the issue persists, turn in the gun to the unit armorer.
B 2-7 CLICKS
A
FIGURE 17
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UNLOADING AND CLEARING - FIGURE 18
1. If the bolt is in the forward position, keep the muzzle pointed
in a safe direction and move the safety to the fire F position.
2. Pull the charging handle to the rear with your right hand facing
palm up, ensuring that the bolt locks to the rear.
3. Return the charging handle to its forward position.
4. Once the bolt is locked in the rearward position, engage the
safety by moving it to the S position.
5. Raise the cover assembly and conduct the four-point safety
check for brass, links, or ammunition as follows:
Check the feed pawl assembly under the cover
Check the feed tray
Lift the feed tray and inspect the chamber
Check the space between the face of the bolt and chamber as
well as the space under the bolt and operating rod assembly
6. Close the feed tray and cover assembly. Place the safety on
F. Pull and hold the charging handle to the rear, then pull the
trigger allowing the bolt to slowly return forward to battery.
Close the ejection port cover.
COVER ASSEMBLY
FEED TRAY
CHAMBER
CHARGING HANDLE
SAFETY FIGURE 18
17
240LW
CAUTION
EACH TIME YOU PULL THE BOLT TO THE REAR, RETURN THE
CHARGING HANDLE TO THE FORWARD AND LOCKED POSITION.
FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE GUN
DISASSEMBLY OF MAJOR COMPONENTS
General disassembly of the 240LW is performed by removing
the eight major groups. First clear the gun and ensure the bolt is
forward. Then each part can be placed on a clean, flat surface in
the order in which they are removed.
WARNING
ENSURE THE BOLT IS IN THE FORWARD POSITION BEFORE
DISASSEMBLY. RETRACTING THE OPERATING ROD SPRING
WITH THE BOLT TO THE REAR CAN CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH.
WARNING
UNLOAD AND CLEAR THE RIFLE BEFORE DISASSEMBLY
REMOVAL OF TRIGGER HOUSING ASSEMBLY
1. Push the end of the spring pin that is coming out of the left
side of the gun until it comes out the right side (FIGURE 19).
FIGURE 19
2. Rotate the trigger-housing group assembly down, disengage
the holding notch at the front of the assembly from the recess
on the bottom of the receiver, and pull rearward to remove the
assembly from the receiver (FIGURE 20).
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FIGURE 20
REMOVAL OF BUTTSTOCK AND BUFFER ASSEMBLY
1. Depress and hold latch under the buttstock where it joins the
receiver (FIGURE 21).
BUTTSTOCK AND
BUFFER ASSEMBLY
LATCH FIGURE 21
2. Slide the buttstock upward until it stops, then remove rearward
(FIGURE 22).
SLIDE UP THEN
REARWARD
FIGURE 22
19
240LW
REMOVAL OF THE DRIVE-SPRING ROD ASSEMBLY
1. Push the end of the drive-spring rod assembly forward then
up to disengage its retaining stud from inside the receiver
(FIGURE 23)
PUSH FORWARD
THEN UP
FIGURE 23
2. Pull rearward on the drive spring rod assembly, removing it
from the receiver (FIGURE 24).
DRIVE SPRING
ROD ASSEMBLY
FIGURE 24
WARNING
TO AVOID INJURY, KEEP YOUR BODY AWAY FROM THE REAR
OF THE RECEIVER AND SECURELY HOLD THE ROD ASSEMBLY
AS IT IS UNDER TENSION.
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REMOVAL OF BOLT AND OPERATING ROD ASSEMBLY
1. Pull the charging handle to the rear to start the rearward
movement of the bolt and operating rod assembly inside
of the receiver. Reach inside the top of the receiver and pull
rearward on the face of the bolt until the bolt and operating rod
assembly are exposed at the rear of the receiver (FIGURE 25).
2. Remove the bolt and operating rod from the rear of the receiver.
Return the charging handle to the forward position.
BOLT ASSEMBLY
FIGURE 25
WARNING
PRIOR TO PULLING THE CHARGING HANDLE WITH THE
BUTTSTOCK REMOVED, ENSURE THE DRIVE SPRING
ASSEMBLY IS REMOVED
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240LW
FIGURE 26
2. Depress the cover latches, then lift up and remove the cover
assembly (FIGURE 27).
COVER LATCHES
FIGURE 27
3. Lift and remove the feed tray (FIGURE 28).
FIGURE 28
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REMOVAL OF BARREL ASSEMBLY
1. With the barrel-carrying handle to the right side, depress and
hold the barrel-locking latch located on the left side of the
receiver where the barrel joins the receiver. Grasp the carrying
handle and rotate the carrying handle to the upright position
(without pulling up on the barrel release) (FIGURE 29).
BARREL
LOCKING-LATCH FIGURE 29
2. Grab the handle, then push forward (FIGURE 30-A) and pull up
(FIGURE 30-B), separating the barrel from the receiver.
FIGURE 30
23
240LW
FIGURE 31
2. Slide the gas regulator plug rearward, removing it from the gas
block (FIGURE 32).
FIGURE 32
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INSPECTION
With the 240LW disassembled into its eight major components
each area of the gun and related equipment should be inspected.
Shiny surfaces do not indicate that the gun is unserviceable.
Any broken or missing parts should be repaired or replaced.
Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS) should
be performed every 90 days, regardless if the gun has been used
within that time.
25
240LW
BARREL ASSEMBLY
Check the barrel for bulges, bends, burrs and obstructions or
pits in the chamber or bore.
Disassemble, inspect, and clean the gas collar and plug.
Ensure the flash suppressor is fastened securely. Inspect the
front sight for damage or looseness.
Inspect carrying handle assembly for bent, broken, or missing
parts.
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the trigger pin and not between the trigger and the pin.
Check grip assembly for loose or missing grip screws.
Check trigger guard for bends or cracks.
Check trigger spring pin for bends, and or broken or missing
spring.
RECEIVER ASSEMBLY
Check for proper charging handle operation by pulling it to the
rear and allowing it to slowly return forward, making sure that
the slide does not bind in the receiver.
Check for damaged or missing ejection port cover, spring, and
pin.
Lower and raise the bipod legs, ensuring they move freely
without binding. Check bipod legs for cracks, or twisted or
incomplete assembly.
Check the exterior surface of the 240LW for the exterior
protective finish.
Ensure handguard is held tightly against the receiver and is not
cracked, broken, or missing parts.
27
240LW
ASSEMBLED MACHINE GUN
When installing the barrel, move the barrel release slowly to
the right and count the number of clicks. The barrel should lock
tightly into place within two to seven clicks. Check both barrels.
Check gun functioning with belted dummy ammunition by
performing a function check. If the gun does not function properly
and the cause cannot be determined using troubleshooting
procedures, notify direct-support maintenance.
Place safety to F fire. Pull charging handle completely
rearward to lock bolt back. Return charging handle to forward,
locked position.
Place safety to S safe position, depress trigger, nothing
should happen.
CARRYING CASE
Ensure that all maintenance tools and equipment are complete
and serviceable.
WARNING
UNLOAD AND CLEAR THE FIREARM BEFORE CLEANING.
CAUTION
FOLLOW MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS
FOR ALL FIREARM CLEANING PRODUCTS.
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Clean the bore using a bore brush with a cleaning rod and CLP or
Rifle Bore Cleaner (RBC). Do not reverse direction of the bore brush
while it is in the bore.
Run the brush through the bore several times until most
of the powder fouling and other foreign matter has been re-
moved.
Swab out the bore several times using a cleaning rod and a
swab wet with CLP.
Swab out the bore several times using a cleaning rod and a dry
swab.
Clean the gas regulator plug with the cleaning reamers and com-
bination regulator scraper and remove all carbon dust. Do not use
CLP on the collar, gas block, or body.
29
240LW
Clean each gas inlet hole of the gas regulator plug by inserting the
small reamer into each hole and twisting back and forth, with hand
pressure only, to remove carbon (FIGURE 33-B).
Clean the central hole of the gas plug by inserting the gas plug
scraper tool down to the bottom of the hole and twisting firmly
(FIGURE 33-C).
Clean the two grooves by inserting the gas plug scraper tool into
the grooves and applying pressure as firmly as possible (FIGURE
33-C).
A B C
FIGURE 33
CAUTION
BEFORE USING THE SCRAPER-EXTRACTOR COMBINATION TOOL
TO CLEAN THE GAS CYLINDER, SEAT THE TOOL FULLY AGAINST
THE FORE-END OF THE CYLINDER. SCRAPING THE CYLINDER
WITHOUT PLACING THE TOOL PRECISELY CAN DAMAGE THE
CYLINDER, CAUSING GAS LEAKS AND MALFUNCTIONS
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Clean gas cylinder bore with gas cylinder cleaning brush wet with
CLP.
Brush the gas cylinder until you remove most of the powder fouling
and other foreign matter.
Clean the piston head cavity by inserting the operating rod cleaner
tool into the piston bottom of the operating rod. Squeeze handles
firmly and twist the tool to remove carbon
Insert the screwdriver end of the tool into the piston to remove
carbon residue on the bottom.
Clean the bolt and operating rod with rag and CLP.
31
240LW
In unusual conditions, clean and lubricate the 240LW as follows:
Below 0 degrees Fahrenheituse lubricating oil, arctic weather
(LAW). Oil lightly to avoid freeze-up.
Extreme heatuse light coat of CLP.
Damp or salty airuse CLP. Clean and apply frequently.
Sandy or dusty areasuse CLP. Clean and apply frequently,
and wipe with a clean rag after each application to remove any
excess so as not to attract dirt and debris.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
After cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting the gun, it can be
reassembled and a function check should be performed.
FIGURE 34
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2. Place the gas collar over the front end of the gas regulator
plug. Push the collar against the spring and rotate the collar
counterclockwise until it stops (FIGURE 35).
FIGURE 35
3. With the gas regulator downward and the carrying handle in the
vertical position, place the barrel on the barrel support located
on the gas cylinder. Keeping the gun upright, pull the barrel to
the rear, guiding the gas regulator into the gas cylinder. Pull the
barrel fully into the receiver (FIGURE 36).
4. With the barrel fully seated, rotate the carrying handle com-
pletely to the right, counting the number of clicks. If the num-
ber is between 2 to 7, the headspace is set correctly. If the num-
ber falls outside 2 to 7, ensure that the threads on the barrel
are located on top and bottom and on the left and right on the
inside of the receiver. If the issue persists, turn in the gun to
the unit armorer.
B 2-7 CLICKS
A
FIGURE 36
33
240LW
ASSEMBLY OF THE COVER AND FEED TRAY
1. Place the feed tray onto the receiver; aligning its mounting
holes with the mounting brackets on the receiver (FIGURE 37).
FIGURE 37
FIGURE 38
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ASSEMBLY OF THE BOLT AND OPERATING ROD
1. Ensure that the bolt and operating rod are fully extended to
the unlocked position (FIGURE 39).
LOCKED
UNLOCKED FIGURE 39
2. Insert the bolt and operating rod into the rear of the receiver
with the bolt facing upward. Ensure the bolt is on top of the
rails located on the inner walls of the receiver and push it in as
far forward as possible (FIGURE 40).
RAILS
FIGURE 40
35
240LW
ASSEMBLY OF THE DRIVE SPRING ROD ASSEMBLY
1. Insert the drive spring rod assembly into the receiver and slide
it all the way forward against the recess in the rear of the
operating rod (FIGURE 41).
DRIVE SPRING
ROD ASSEMBLY
FIGURE 41
2. Push forward then down on the end of the drive spring rod
assembly to engage the retaining stud into the hole located on
the bottom of the receiver (FIGURE 42).
PUSH FORWARD
THEN DOWN
FIGURE 42
WARNING
TO AVOID INJURY, KEEP YOUR BODY AWAY FROM THE REAR
OF THE RECEIVER AND SECURELY HOLD THE ROD ASSEMBLY
AS IT IS UNDER TENSION.
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ASSEMBLY OF THE BUTTSTOCK AND BUFFER ASSEMBLY
Position the bottom recess grooves of the buttstock onto the top
of the receiver recess grooves then slide the buttstock down until
it locks in place on the receiver (FIGURE 43).
SLIDE DOWNWARD
FIGURE 43
FIGURE 44
37
240LW
FIGURE 45
FUNCTION CHECK
Perform a function check to ensure the 240LW was correctly
assembled by executing the following steps in order:
1. Place the safety on F.
2. Pull the charging handle to the rear, locking the bolt to the
rear of the receiver.
3. Return the charging handle to the forward position.
4. Place the safety on S and close the cover.
5. Pull the trigger. (Bolt should NOT go forward).
6. Place the safety on F.
7. Pull the charging handle to the rear, pull the trigger, and slide
the bolt forward while maintaining positive control with your
hand so it does not slam into place.
8. Close the ejection port cover.
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CYCLE OF OPERATION
Knowing how the gun function is imperative to recognizing and
correcting stoppages. The gun functions automatically as long as
ammunition is fed into it and the trigger is held to the rear. Each
time the operator fires a round, parts of the gun function in a
cycle or sequence. Many of the actions occur at the same time.
This sequence is called the cycle of operation, which starts when
the first round of the belt is placed in the tray groove. The trigger
is then pulled, releasing the sear from the sear notch. When the
trigger is pulled, the back of the sear lowers and disengages from
the sear notch. This allows the expansion of the drive-spring rod
assembly to drive the bolt and operating rod assembly forward.
The cycle stops when the trigger is released and the sear again
engages the sear notch on the bolt and operating rod assembly.
FEEDING
The trigger is pulled to the rear lowering the sear allowing the bolt
and operating rod assembly to move forward. The bolt strips the
first round and the cartridge guides guide the round forward and
prevent the forward movement of the link. The bolt assembly
roller moves the feed lever causing the feed pawls to begin feeding
the next round. The bolt feeds a round into the barrel. As the bolt
assembly moves rearward, the feed lever moves to the right. The
feed pawls move the next round into position against the cartridge
stop.
CHAMBERING
The bolt pushes the round into the chamber and sits firmly against
the barrel, completing chambering.
LOCKING
The operating rod continues pushing forward after the bolt seats
against the barrel forcing the locking lever down, locking it against
the recoil shoulder.
39
240LW
FIRING
The firing pin moves through the bolt and strikes the primer of the
cartridge.
UNLOCKING
Gas from the fired round enters the gas chamber through the gas
regulator forcing the operating rod rearward. The operating rod
pulls back on the locking lever, unlocking the bolt.
EXTRACTING
The extractor holds the cartridge against the breech face as the
operating rod unlocks and moves the bolt rearward.
EJECTING
The ejector pushes the spent round through the ejection port.
COCKING
Gas from the fired round enters the gas port bushing, traveling
through the gas regulator and then entering the piston cup at the
end of the operating rod. The gas then forces the operating rod
rearward compressing the drive spring. The bolt assembly moves
the feed lever causing the feed pawls to move the next round into
position. The Trigger tripping lever moves up when the trigger is
released. The operating rod assembly trips the trigger tripping
lever releasing the sear. The operating rod assembly engages the
sear and prevents the firearm from firing if the trigger has been
released. Cocking completes once the bolt is far enough to the rear
to pick up the next round.
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MALFUNCTIONS
A malfunction occurs when a mechanical failure causes the gun to
fire improperly. Defective ammunition or improper operation by the
operator is not considered a malfunction. Sluggish operation and
uncontrolled fire are the most common malfunction. If cleaning
and lubricating the gun fails to fix the problem, then the operator
turns it in to the unit armorer.
UNCONTROLLED FIRE
Uncontrolled fire (the gun continues to fire after the operator
releases the trigger). This is usually caused by the operators failure
to pull and hold the trigger all the way to the rear. The following are
immediate actions for uncontrolled fire:
The operator holds the gun on target and fires the remaining
ammunition (50 rounds or less)
The assistant operator stops the gun from firing by breaking
the belt of ammunition or twisting the links (more than 50
rounds)
STUCK CASING
Swelling of the cartidge occurs when firing. If the swelling is
excessive, the cartridge will be fixed tightly in the chamber and
may not be extracted by the extractor. Once the bolt is locked to
the rear:
1. Place the safety in the Safe position.
2. Keep the firearm pointing in a safe direction and allow the
barrel to cool, especially if just shooting 200 or more rounds
consecutively (see Cook Off warning on page 46).
3. Once the barrel is cool, remove it from the firearm and insert
a cleaning rod into the muzzle to push out the round through
the chamber.
41
240LW
RUPTURED CARTRIDGE
After a cartridge is fired it may be left in a structurally weakened
state and may swell (see Stuck Casing). A properly functioning
extractor may sometimes tear off the base of the cartridge as the
bolt moves to the rear, leaving the rest of the cartridge wedged
inside the chamber. Use the ruptured cartridge tool (FIGURE 46) to
remove the ruptured cartridge using the following process:
1. Remove the barrel
2. Insert the extractor into the chamber where it can grip and
remove the remains of the cartridge.
FIGURE 46
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43
240LW
IMMEDIATE ACTION
The operator takes immediate action to reduce a stoppage without
seeking the cause. For example, the operator conducts immediate
action when a misfire or cook off occurs. The operator keeps the gun on
his shoulder while performing immediate action procedures. If the gun
stops firing, take the following immediate actions.
DEFINITIONS
A misfire is the failure of a chambered round to fire. Such
failure can be due to an ammunition defect or faulty firing
mechanism.
A cook off is the firing of a round due to the heat of a hot barrel
and not to the firing mechanism. Cook offs can be avoided by
applying immediate action within 10 seconds of a failure to
fire.
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An effective memory aid is POPP, which stands for pull, observe, push,
and press:
1. Pull and lock the charging handle to the rear while you
2. Observe the ejection port to see if a cartridge case, belt link, or round
ejects. Ensure that the bolt remains to the rear to prevent double
feeding if a round or cartridge case is not ejected. If a cartridge case,
belt link, or round ejects
3. Push the charging handle to its forward position, take aim on the
target,
4. Press the trigger. If the gun does not fire, take remedial action. If a
cartridge case, belt link, or round fails to eject, take remedial action.
WARNING
A HOT GUN, THAT HAS JUST FIRED 200 OR MORE
SUCCESSIVE ROUNDS, CAN COOK OFF A ROUND WITHOUT
ANY ACTION BY THE OPERATOR.
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240LW
REMEDIAL ACTION
Remedial action is any action taken to determine the cause of a
stoppage and to restore the gun to an operational condition. Do this only
if immediate action fails to fix the problem.
In a training situation, after completing the remedial action
procedures do not fire the gun until an ordnance specialist has
inspected it.
In a combat situation, after you have corrected the stoppage, change
the barrel and try to fire. If the gun fails to function properly, send it
to the unit armorer.
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NOTES
47
240LW
24
23
22 25
21
26
20 27
28
19
29
18
17
30
31 32
16
8
7
9 10 11 12
6 13
5 34
4 41
35
3 42 37
36
15 43
14 38
2 44
40 3
45
46
47
49 51
1
50
110
109
83
84 105 106 107 108
85
82
77 78
76
80
86
87
114
88
113
79 119
89
88 104
3
90 99
77 92
116
86
91
81
94
96
97
98
117
93 100
101
95 102
103
48
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33
67
19
39 66
48 68
53 54
55 69
65
52
56
71 72
70
57 64
63
60
111 58
0 59
112
73
61 74
75
62
125
124
126
115
127 129
130
122 123
120 121
131
128
132
123
118
133
134
49
50
ITEM ITEM ITEM
DESCRIPTION QTY. DESCRIPTION QTY. DESCRIPTION QTY.
240LW
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240LW
52
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