TM 9 1276 Carbines Cal 30 M1 M1A1 M2 and M3 1947
TM 9 1276 Carbines Cal 30 M1 M1A1 M2 and M3 1947
TM 9 1276 Carbines Cal 30 M1 M1A1 M2 and M3 1947
TM 9 - 1276
DISTRIBUTION :
AAF (5); AGF (2); T (10); Dept (5); AAF Maj Comds (2);
Arm & Sv Bd (1); Tech Sv (2); FC (1); BU (1) PE, Ord 0
(5); Dist 9 (3); Establishments 9 (3) except Am Establish-
ments (0); Gen & Sp Sv Sch (5); A (ZI) (10), (Oversea) (3);
CHQ (2); D (2); AF (3); One (1) copy to each of the following
T / O & E's: 9-7; 9-8; 9-9; 9-12; 9-57; 9-65; 9-67; 9-76; 9-315;
9-318; 9-319; 9-377; 9-417.
For explanation of distribution formula, see FM 21-6.
ii
CONTENTS
Paragraphs Page
APPENDIX 104
iii
This manual supersedes TM 9—1276, Ordnance Maintenance, Carbines, Cal. .30,
Ml and M1A1, 5 June 1943; TB 9-1276-1, 15 January 1945; TB ORD 9, 10 January
1944; and TB 23-7-4, 13 October 1944.
SECTION I
INTRODUCTION
1. Scope
This manual is published for the information and guidance of ord-
nance maintenance personnel. It contains detailed instructions for
inspection, disassembly, assembly, maintenance, and repair of the
carbines, cal. .30, M l , M1A1, M2 and M3. This manual does not con-
tain general assembly or disassembly or information which is intended
primarily for the using arms. For such information see FM 23-7.
2. Characteristics
The carbines, cal. .30, Ml and M1A1 are gas-operated self-loading,
air-cooled shoulder weapons delivering semiautomatic fire and are
fed by a 15-round box-type magazine. The carbines, cal. .30, M2 and
M3 deliver either semiautomatic or full automatic fire controlled by
the operator through the use of a selector and are fed by a 30-round
box type magazine. The 15-round and 30-round magazines can be
used interchangeably among the various models.
1
Figure 1. Carbine, cal. .30 Ml.
b. CARBINE, CAL. .30, M1A1 (fig. 2). This model is identical with
the carbine Ml with the exception of the stock. A separate grip is
attached to the stock of the carbine M1A1 and a metal skeleton fold-
ing stock extension is hinged to the grip and to the rear end of the stock.
The sling is attached to the sling swivel on the front band and to a
slot in the lower hinge assembly on the grip.
4
approximately 750 to 775 rounds per minute. The M2 carbine can be
identified by the selector (fig. 4), which projects from the left side of the
receiver opposite the operating slide handle.
(2) Description of changed parts and their relative functioning
are as follows (fig. 5):
(a) Hammer. Same as the Ml hammer, except that it has a milled
cut in the lower right side to furnish clearance for the disconnector
when assembled on the hammer pin.
(b) Sear. Same as the Ml sear, except for a raised shoulder on the
top of the front end, which forms a camming surface for the disconnec-
tor when operated.
(c) Trigger housing. Same as the M l , except that the left side of the
magazine post is furnished with a retention slot, and the front face
with a dismounting notch for the selector spring. (The dismounting
notch leads into the top of the slot.) The right side has a milled cut for
clearance of the disconnector lever.
(d) Operating slide. Same as the M l , except for a clearance cut ex-
tending along the right-hand side of the body, and a diagonal cut at
the point where the shank of the handle joins the body. The latter cut
forms a cam for camming down the forward end of the disconnector
lever.
(e) Magazine catch. The redesigned Ml magazine catch for the
M2 has an added projection on the left end, facing forward, to act
as an additional support for the 30-round magazine. This magazine
catch may also be used on Ml and M1A1 carbines.
(f) Stock. A clearance cut was made in the inner right wall for clear-
ance for the projecting right side of the disconnector. A cut was also
made in the inner left wall for clearance for the selector. The bridge
was cut down to the central section for clearance for the disconnector
lever.
(g) Disconnector group — added parts. The disconnector pivots on
the hammer pin when assembled. The rear end has a lateral projection,
which bears upon the raised shoulder of the sear, when the discon-
nector is cam-operated by the disconnector lever for fullautomatic
fire. The forward end has a projecting lug on the right side, which lies
outside the trigger housing and engages and acts as a camming surface
for the rear end of the disconnector lever. A spring and a plunger
bearing on the receiver return the disconnector to the inoperative posi-
tion, when the camming action of the lever is discontinued.
(h) Disconnector lever assembly — added parts. The disconnector
lever assembly is composed of a trigger housing selector pin, discon-
nector lever rivet, and disconnector lever. Do not disassemble it. The
pin retains the trigger housing when assembled to the receiver. The
disconnector lever, riveted to a pivot on the pin, is shifted vertically,
by the turning of the pin. The pin is turned by the selector. A rounded
projection on the rear end of the disconnector lever operates the dis-
5
connector. A projecting toe the front end of the disconnector lever
contacts the camming surface on the operating slide. An offset in the
rear section provides for alignment with the slot in the disconnector.
(i) Selector group — added part. The selector is mounted to the left
end of the crank pin by means of a slot in the lower forward face of the
selector mating with straddle slots in the end of the pin. The selector
holds the pin in position and acts as a lever for turning, throwing the
disconnector lever into or out of engagement with the operating slide. A
curved wire spring holds the selector in position on the pin, and in the
fullautomatic or semiautomatic position when operated. The straight
front end of the spring seats into a recess in the lower rear end of the
selector, and the circular rear end of the spring seats in a vertical slot
in the front face of the magazine post on the left side. When assembled,
the bow of the spring faces upward.
d. CARBINE, CAL. .30, M3. This model is identical with the carbine,
cal. .30, M2 except that the top of the receiver is designed to accom-
modate special sighting equipment (sniperscope) issued by the Corps
of Engineers. Information on the Sniperscope may be found in TM
5-9341. There are no provisions made in this receiver for the conven-
tional rear sight.
5. Description of Cartridge
A cal. .30 cartridge is used with this carbine. It differs from the cal.
.30 cartridge used in rifles and machine guns of same caliber in that the
bullet is smaller and the casing shorter and smaller and without a neck.
(See fig. 8.) Ballistics are included in data in paragraph 6.
7
Figure 8. Cartridge, carbine, cal. .30 M1.
6. Data
Weight of carbines Ml and M2, with 15-round
magazine (unloaded) 5.50 lb
Weight of carbine, M1A1, with 15-round magazine
(unloaded) 6.19 lb
Weight of carbines, Ml and M2 with 15-round
magazine (loaded) and sling 6.10 lb
Weight of carbine, M1A1 with 15-round magazine
(loaded) and sling 6.79 lb
Weight of carbine, M2 with 30-round magazine
(unloaded) 5.53 lb
Weight of carbine, M2 with 30-round magazine (loaded). .6.60 lb
Magazine capacity (old type) 15 rounds
Magazine capacity (new type) 30 rounds
Weight of 15-round magazine (unloaded).................................. 0.17 lb
Weight of 15-round magazine (loaded)..................................... 0.59 lb
Weight of 30-round magazine (unloaded) 0.2 lb
Weight of 30-round magazine (loaded) 1.1 lb
Over-all length of carbine Ml and M2 35.58 in.
Over-all length of carbine M1A1 (stock extension
extended) 35.63 in.
Over-all length of carbine M1A1 (stock extension
folded) 25.51 in.
Over-all length of carbine Ml and M2 with
bayonet attached 42.26 in.
Over-all length of carbine M1A1 with bayonet
attached (stock extended) 42.31 in.
Weight of 100 cartridges 2.75 lb
Weight of 1 ball cartridge 193 grains
Weight of bullet (approximate)...........................................111 grains
Muzzle velocity 2,000 ft per sec
Pressure in chamber per square inch maximum
(approximate) 40,000 lb
8
Maximum range 2,000 yd
Effective range 300 yd
Rate of fire, fullautomatic (M2) 750-775 rounds per min
Length of barrel 18.00 in.
Rifling:
Length 16.77 in.
Number of grooves 4
Twist (direction) right hand
Twist 1 turn in 20.00 in.
Sight radius at 100 yards 21.5 in.
Trigger pull 5-7 lb
Shipping weight of arms chest containing 10
carbines Ml and M2 83.00 lb
Shipping weight of arms chest containing 10
carbines M1A1 91.00 lb
Dimensions of arms chest (outside)...39 3 / 8 x 161/4 x 103/4 in.
Cubical displacement of arms chest 4.00 cu ft
Ballistics of cartridge (FM 23-7)
Note. 7,000 grains equal 1 pound avoirdupois measure.
9
SECTION II
8. General
This section covers specific instructions for inspection by ordnance
personnel of the materiel in the hands of troops, as well as inspec-
tion of the materiel undergoing repair in ordnance shops. The inspector
should be well versed in maintenance procedure for the materiel and
must have a working knowledge of the tools needed for its inspection.
9. Purpose
a. Fundamentally, inspection is made for the purpose of determin-
ing whether materiel is serviceable and dependable, and the extent
of its serviceability. Serviceability, as interpreted in this section, is
the ability of the carbine to perform completely its intended functions.
b. If the carbine is found unserviceable, determine the cause and
extent of unserviceability. If practical, correct on the spot deficiencies
in weapons in the hands of troops. If the carbine is being overhauled
by an ordnance shop, inspect thoroughly and completely, put into the
best possible condition that time, materials, and tactical circumstances
will allow, and return to the using arm ready for use. (See service-
ability chart, fig. 19.)
10. Reports
a. Forward suggested improvements in design, maintenance, safe-
ty and efficiency of operation prompted by chronic failure or mal-
function of the weapon, spare parts, accessories or equipment, to the
office of the Chief of Ordnance, Field Service, Maintenance Division,
Washington 25, D. C, with all available pertinent information neces-
sary to initiate corrective action. Report this information on WD
AGO Form 468. (Unsatisfactory Equipment Report). If WD AGO
Form 468 is not available, refer to TM 37-250 for list of data required
on Unsatisfactory Equipment Report.
b. Report to the responsible officer any pertinent carelessness or
negligence in the observance of preventive maintenance procedures
10
and safety precautions. Accompany this report with recommenda-
tions for correcting the unsatisfactory conditions.
Note. T h e inspector's aim is not to be critical of the using troops, but to be helpful.
(6) Front band (wide type welded to sleeve assembly). Inspect band
as in step (5) above. Check for looseness of rivets. Using a serviceable
bayonet knife, M4 check bayonet lug for retention.
(7) Rear sight. Inspect sight assembly generally for rust, dents, burs,
and foreign matter, looseness of moving parts, and looseness of assembly
on the carbine. The sight base should be tight in the receiver. There
should be no unnecessary play in the moving parts of the assembly.
(8) Recoil plate and receiver locking lug. The recoil plate should be
snugly seated in its retaining recess by the screw. Looseness of recoil
plate in stock, or receiver locking lug in undercut in plate, will cause
barrel and receiver group to become loose. Peen down burs arising from
improper assembling of lug in plate, before stoning in order not to
reduce metal on lug. Mating of receiver locking lug with recoil plate
may be tightened as described in paragraph 57b. Recoil plates of re-
cent manufacture are designed to apply spring tension between the
parts.
(9) Operating slide spring and guide. The operating slide spring and
guide should work freely in well in receiver or housing tube. If binding
is apparent, look for bent guide, kinked spring, foreign matter in well,
or bent housing tube. Check parallelism of barrel and receiver as ex-
plained in paragraph 52c (3). (For variations in housing of spring, see
par. 35e).
(10) Operating slide. Operating slide rear guide lug should not be-
come disengaged from receiver when reciprocated unless undue upward
pressure is applied. If this happens, look for bent bar or excessively
worn retaining lugs on operating slide body.
(11) Operating slide stop. The operating slide stop is for the pur-
pose of "hanging" the slide and bolt in the retracted position. Test
functioning of stop by retracting bolt with operating slide, spring, and
guide assembled, and pressing stop into retaining notch in receiver.
When "hung" slide is slightly retracted, the stop should be cammed
out of retaining notch in receiver and lie flush with lower face of slide,
and be held in this position by the friction spring. If stop spring be-
14
comes broken, stop may catch in retaining notch when slide recipro-
cates. If nose of stop or edge of retaining notch becomes worn, or fric-
tion spring becomes weak or broken, stop is likely to slip and fail to
bang bolt. If there is insufficient friction on stop, it may jar into the
notch and "hang" the bolt when the carbine functions. If such is the
case, replace stop or spring or send carbine to base shop or arsenal
for repair.
16. Magazine
Test magazine for retention in carbine. Inspect follower for smooth
movement in tube under force of spring by depressing follower and
allowing it to rise. If follower does not depress and rise smoothly to
the top of tube under spring action, look for burs, rust, and corrosion
in tube, reversed follower, deformed, or burred tube or follower, and
weak, broken, or reversed spring. Apply pressure evenly on the follower
when depressing in order not to "cock" or rotate it in the tube.
19
SECTION III
18. General
a. The special tools and gauges for the inspection, disassembly,
assembly, and repair of the carbine, cal. .30, M l , M1A1, and M2
are listed on ORD 6 SNL B-20.
b. Common tools (screw drivers, drifts, pliers, hammers, stones,
etc.) which normally are used in maintenance and repair, are standard
1o maintenance organizations and are listed in appropriate standard
nomenclature lists.
c. Return all field service inspection gauges to an arsenal for check-
ing once each year.
22
Figure 12. Front sight removing and assembling tools.
23
Figure 13. Tools for installing adjustable rear sight.
24
Figure 15. Reamer.
25
26
Figure 17. Groups dismantled showing relative positions.
SECTION IV
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
20. Scope
a. Groups are disassembled, inspected, replaced, or repaired, and
assembled according to instructions contained in this manual. For
information on removal and installation of groups, refer to FM 23-7.
A group is a number of parts or assemblies, or both, which either func-
tion together in the carbine, or are intimately related to each other
and should, therefore, be considered together.
b. For convenience and clarity, the main groups (fig. 17) of the
carbine and the accessories, are covered in separate sections of the
manual.
c. The overhaul flow chart (fig. 18) represents the various steps
necessary in overhaul of the carbines, cal. .30, M l , M1A1, M2, and M3.
Fundamentally, there are six stages of overhaul: degreasing, disassem-
bly, refinishing, assembly, final inspection, and packaging.
(1) It is the duty of the disassembly personnel to perform visual
inspection on all components as they are removed to insure that un-
serviceable components are dropped from the flow of parts as soon as
they are removed.
(2) The gauge inspection section should check dimensions with the
use of fields service gauges and should spot-check components passed
or rejected by visual inspection, thereby acting as a control over the
previous inspectors.
(3) The section handling wooden components is responsible for
inspecting and determining that the components have not been dam-
aged to an extent that will affect the structural strength. This section
must also make any minor repairs necessary and refinish and reoil
the wooden components when necessary.
(4) It is the responsibility of the parts section to maintain a record
of parts on hand and to fill the needs of the assembly personnel by
transporting required parts from the bins to the individual assemblers.
(5) Sections have been provided in this flow chart to cover the
assembly of certain components ready-to-use for the carbine assemblers.
Examples are stock assembly, trigger group, bolt group, etc.
(6) The tools and fixtures required for assembling the carbine are
covered in section III of the manual.
27
28
29
Figure 18. Overhaul flow charts.
30
Overhaul
ROUTE SHEET
COMPONENT — CARBINES, CAL. .30, M1, M1A1, M2 AND M3.
Operation Operation Department Machine Fixtures Tools Gauges
No.
1 Uncrate and record serial number.
12 Clean barrel
31
41-W-1998-750
32
Operation Operation Department Machine Fixtures Tools Gauges
No.
28 Shop inspection.
29 Function fire.
30 Minor repairs.
Operation Operation Department Machine Fixtures Tools Gauges
No.
31 Function fire.
32 Clean weapon.
33 Final inspection.
34 Preserve and package. Indirectly heated
vat for preserv-
ing compound.
35 Shipment or storage.
33
(7) After the carbine has been assembled, it is given a brief inspec-
tion for proper functioning of the major components. Shop inspectors
must locate and report to shop officer any incorrect practice used by
shop personnel.
(8) After weapons are assembled function fire and perform any
necessary minor repairs.
(9) After function firing, clean weapon for three successive days,
using an approved method of cleaning.
(10) Final inspection follows cleaning; this is a detailed inspection
to determine positively whether the weapons are up to required stand-
ards.
(11) Carbines which meet required standards are packaged in ac-
cordance with specified instructions and certified to be serviceable.
39
40
TO ACCOMPANY TO BE PLACED IN
IN THE HANDS OF
ITEM TROOPS OVERSEAS STORAGE FOR
TROOPS
( S B 9-2) REISSUE
Exposed surfaces must be dull Intact enough to prevent glare. Approximate new
FINISH
enough to prevent glare
Approximate a p p e a r a n c e of
new stock. Must be sanded
Seasoned checks, small dents,
Not damaged to extent that it and refinished if necessary.
STOCK and i n s i g n i f i c a n t cracks are
w i l l affect strength. Patch work and reinforcing that
acceptable. does not affect strength is ac-
ceptable.
| RA PD 91422
Pitting less than width of land Fine uniform pitting, but with A few fine pits, but with sharp
or groove and less than 3/8" sharp lands is acceptable. lands is acceptable.
BORE long is acceptable
Min. 1.290
Max. 1.295
Use Gages 41-G-199-175,
Max. 1.300 Max. 1.300 41-G-199-180
HEADSPACE Use gage 41-G-199-200 Use gage 41-G-199-200 Not Rebarreled
Min. 1.290
Max. 1.300
Use Gages 41-G-199-175,
41-G-199-200
Min. .048
FIRING PIN No Check Max..065
No Check
Use gage 41-G-194-125
PROTRUSION
| RA PD 91422B
41
SECTION V
30. Disassembly
a. REMOVING TRIGGER SPRING (fig. 20). (1) Insert the tube por-
t ion of the trigger spring removing tool (fig. 21) in the recess in the rear
of the trigger housing containing the trigger spring, compress, and re-
tain the trigger spring within the tube of the tool.
(2) Turn the handle of the tool one-quarter turn counterclock-
wise.
(3) Withdraw the tool and spring while pushing the handle of the
tool slightly to the right.
b. REPLACING TRIGGER SPRING. Replace the spring by reversing
the procedure of removal. When the spring is in position in the re-
taining groove of the trigger, depress the trigger and withdraw the tool
from the bousing.
3 1 . Inspection
a. TRIGGER HOUSING. Inspect housing for deformation, worn or
burred pinholes, worn or burred retaining lugs, bent trigger guard bow,
foreign matter in recesses, burred magazine catch guideway, and
Figure 27. Old and new type of magazine catch — carbines, cal. .30,
Ml, M1A1, M2, and M3.
48
nector is free from foreign matter and burs, and is lightly lubricated.
See that disconnector spring is not weak, rusted, or broken, that spring
well is free of foreign matter, and that plunger is free of burs. Lubricate
plunger occasionally. Expanded end of coil of spring should seat in
plunger for retention. Check rear end of disconnector for burs and wear.
b. DISCONNECTOR LEVER ASSEMBLY. See that lever is straight,
not twisted or loose on pivot and that ends are free from burs and
wear. Offset in rear section is for alignment with disconnector and
should not be straightened. Be sure toe (front end) of lever bears
squarely on cam on operating slide and is (slide retracted) under raised
boss when lever is fully seated in the housing. See that pivot hole is not
enlarged. Rear end should not bind in cam of disconnector when
assembled. Examine trigger housing and selector pin to see that pivot
on crank end is free from burs and not worn. Keep pivots lightly lubri-
cated. If the pin is rotated by the selector permitting inadequate posi-
tioning of lever in full automatic fire, check to see that straddle cuts
in straight end of pin are free from burs, retain selector firmly, and are
not worn so it will cause lost motion.
c. SELECTOR G R O U P . See that crank pin slot is not worn so it will
cause lost motion or impair security. See that spring recess in rear
end is free from foreign matter and will retain spring securely. See that
selector spring is bent in only one plane (not twisted), and both ends
seat securely in their retention recesses. If spring is loose when as-
sembled, straighten slightly.
d. TRIGGER HOUSING. See that selector spring retention slot in
left side of magazine post is free from foreign matter and seats spring
securely, so it will not turn when assembled.
e. MAGAZINE CATCH. See that projection on left end of catch is
neither bent nor burred. Magazine catch must have this identification
mark " M " . (See fig. 27.)
f. HAMMER. Inspect milled cut on lower right side of hammer,
which allows clearance for disconnector, for burs and wear.
g. SEAR. Inspect top front portion (camming surface for disconnec-
tor) for burs and wear.
51
SECTION VI
35. Inspection
a. OPERATING SLIDE (fig. 29) for bent or cracked rear bar, deforma-
tion, excessively worn guide lugs, burs, and corrosion. Inspect bolt
camming lug recess for wear and burs. Inspect spring guide seating
recess in rear face for wear, burs, and foreign matter. Inspect front
face of slide where it contacts piston, for levelness. Uneveness at this
point may cause malfunction. Check camming surface on M2 and M3
carbines for burs and wear (fig. 29) on right-hand side of slide, where
shank of handle joins slide.
b. OPERATING SLIDE STOP. Inspect stop (fig. 28) for wear and burs,
looseness in operating slide, and rust. Inspect stop spring for function-
ing, lack of friction with stop, and for set. Free length of spring
(A7312453) is 0.270 (approximately 1 / 4 ) inch. Inspect spring for for-
eign matter. Replace all slide stops, springs, and retaining pins with
slide stops and springs of late manufacture. (See fig. 29.)
Figure 28. Operating slide group carbines, cal. .30, Ml and M1A1.
52
Figure 29. Operating slide assembly — early and present manufacture.
54
SECTION VII
BOLT GROUP
3 9 . Inspection
Inspect locking lugs of bolt for cracks, excessive wear, and burs. In-
spect rear (hammer) camming surface and firing pin tang slot for wear
and burs. Check face of bolt for excessive wear and enlarged firing pin-
hole. Check pinhole and pin housing tunnel for foreign matter and
corrosion. Check forward lower (feeding) face of bolt for wear and burs.
Note. Carbines M2 and M3 are equipped with the full round bolts and firing pins
(fig. 32) with the compound bevel on the upper left rear portion of the tang. These
components must be used on M2 carbines and may be used in the Ml and M1A1
models.
Figure 32. Bolt and firing pin — early and present manufacture.
56
40. Assembling
Assemble bolt in reverse order of disassembly.
Note. In assembling the bolt, take care to properly position plunger so that flat
surface of plunger matches the flat surface on the extractor retaining lip.
4 1 . Functional Check
a. Test bolt for freedom of movement in its guideways in receiver.
Check freedom of movement of firing pin in bolt, fit of tang in slot,
and protrusion of nose of pin from face of bolt when in forward posi-
tion. Firing pin should move freely in bolt. Fifth echelon organiza-
tions inspect firing pin protrusion with firing pin protrusion gauge
(41-G-194-125). (See fig. 33.) Before proof or functional firing, nose of
firing pin should protrude 0.048 to 0.065 inch.
b. Test functioning of extractor and ejector. When ejector is de-
pressed, it should be flush with face of bolt. A free ejector should not
extend beyond the front lip of bolt, as it is likely to cause obstruction
to feeding.
57
SECTION VIII
42. Disassembly
a. Do not remove front sight unless necessary, as the body of the
front sight is crimped over both ends of the front sight pin, and front
sight key is staked at the rear end in its keyway in the barrel.
b. Remove the front sight as follows:
(1) Break sight pin loose, using a tapered punch, then drive pin
out, using a 3 / 32 -inch drift.
(2) Position front sight removing tool (4l-T-3318-500) over front
sight, hooking it on the rear of the sight. (See fig. 34.)
(3) Enter pilot of screw into end of barrel and remove front sight
by turning handle of tool.
4 3 . Inspection
Inspect blade for alignment. Check wings for deformation. Check sight
for rust and shine.
45. Assembly
(The front band must be assembled on the barrel before the front
sight is assembled.) Place front sight key in keyway in top of barrel
at muzzle with pin notch facing up. Tap key snugly toward front end
of keyway and stake rear end of keyway securely against key to hold
key in position. Slide front sight on barrel with sloping faces of wings to
rear. Using front sight assembling tool (4l-T-3017-625) mate keyway
and key in barrel (fig. 35) and drive sight on barrel (fig. 36) until pin-
hole in sight is in alignment with pin notch in key. Install front sight
pin and stake metal of sight over both ends of pin to hold in position.
Note. The key must fit tightly in keyway. To assure this, tap sight forward after
pin is inserted, and restake keyway in rear of key.
59
Figure 36. Installing front sight.
60
SECTION IX
46. Disassembly
a. GENERAL. Carbines of early manufacture were equipped with
an L-type rear sight, composed of two integral leaves set at right
angles to each other. By rotating the leaves on the leaf pin, the sight
can be set at 150-yard or 300-yard range, but it has no windage adjust-
ment. All carbines of future manufacture will be equipped with the
adjustable rear sight (D73955) or (D7160060) (fig. 6), and all L-type
sights on carbines of early manufacture will be replaced by the adjust-
able type sight. The adjustable rear sights (D73955) and (D7160060)
differ only in method of manufacture. The sight (D73955) is a ma-
chined type, and the sight (D7160060) is a stamped type. The range
and windage settings, and the operation of both sights are identical.
b. L-TYPE R E A R SIGHT. To remove the L-type rear sight assembly
used on carbines of early manufacture, clamp rear end of receiver in a
jaw protected vise. Place rear sight aligning gauge over L-type sight
and make a scribe mark on rear of receiver (fig. 37), for use as an align-
ment mark for installing new sight. Drift the old sight out of dovetail
slot from left to right, using a brass drift. (Dovetail tapers to left.
The letter " S " is stamped on the left face of the base to denote small
end of taper. On carbines of recent manufacture the base is staked in
place).
c. ADJUSTABLE R E A R SIGHT. (1) Make a scribe mark on the receiver
directly opposite long line on index plate for proper alignment in
assembly.
(2) Place assembling tool on the receiver with the right-hand jack
screw retracted to the extreme position and out of the way. (See
fig. 38.)
(3) Remove sight by placing guide of assembling tool against the
side of the sight, put connector in place in dovetail guide, and tighten
left-hand jack screw. When pressure becomes excessive, tap con-
nector with a brass hammer and take up slack until sight is removed.
Note. On stamped type sights the spacer must be used to prevent distortion of
sight base wings.
61
Figure 37. Scribing mark for replacement of rear sight.
49. Assembling
a. Press new rear sight into right side of dovetail by hand.
b. Center the aperture ramp on the sight base..
c. If stamped type sight is being placed on receiver, place spacer
attached to assembling tool in place for reinforcing the side wings of
sight. (See fig. 39.)
d. Place assembling tool on receiver with lip of assembling tool
engaging operating slide guideway in receiver.
67
Figure 42. Filing rear sight base to fit undersize dovetail slot.
68
Figure 43. Barrel and receiver group parts.
69
SECTION X
b. REMOVING GAS PISTON AND PISTON N U T . (1) The gas piston and
piston nut are the only removable parts of the gas cylinder group.
To remove piston, clamp barrel firmly in a vise with protected jaws and,
using the gas piston nut removing tool M5, or gas piston holder and
spanner wrench, unscrew the piston nut from gas cylinder. (See fig.
46.) Be careful not to bur or twist prongs on nut when removing (nut
is staked in place) or piston will not move freely. (If piston nut or pis-
ton is tight, proceed as explained in par. 52a. Remove nut, elevate
muzzle of barrel, and slide piston out of gas cylinder. If piston will not
slide out, tap cylinder lightly with wooden block.
(2) The gas cylinder may be integral with the barrel, or swaged
on the barrel at manufacture. Do not remove the gas cylinder. If gas
cylinder is unserviceable, send weapon to base shop for replacement of
barrel assembly.
5 1 . Inspection
a. GENERAL. Check assembly of barrel to receiver. Screw barrel
into receiver tightly, with draw marks aligned. In this position, gas
cylinder should be centrally located with regard to lower face of re-
71
Figure 46. Removing piston nut from gas cylinder.
53. Assembling
Refer to paragraph 52c.
80
Figure 54. Checking headspace.
81
Figure 55. Reaming chamber for headspace.
82
SECTION XI
STOCK GROUP
54. Disassembly
a. FRONT BAND LOCKING SPRING. Insert small, straight punch
in spring spindle hole in left side of forward end of stock and drive
out front band locking spring part way, from left to right; then rotate
spring and pull from hole. (See fig. 56.)
b. RECOIL PLATE (Ml AND M2). (1) Unscrew recoil plate screw
counterclockwise until clear of escutcheon threads (above 3 / 4 inch),
then withdraw from stock and recoil plate.
(2) Loosen recoil plate by tapping lightly on rear top face with a
metal tool. Pull plate directly forward out of seating recess in stock.
Do not pull up or down, because rear seating lug on plate seats in a
horizontal recess cut in the stock.
(3) Do not remove the escutcheon from the stock except for re-
placement. To remove, thread recoil plate screw all the way into es-
cutcheon from the under side and pull escutcheon out of stock. If with-
drawal is difficult, insert small straight punch from top of screw hole
in stock and tap end of screw lightly to loosen escutcheon, or thread
screw in from top, part way, and tap lightly; then proceed as above.
c. B U T T PLATE (EXCEPT M1A1). Unscrew butt plate screw coun-
terclockwise and remove from stock. Loosen butt plate by tapping it
lightly. Pull to rear off stock. If butt plate is tight, do not pry off, as
stock is likely to be damaged. Tap on edges lightly all the way around,
until loose enough to pull from stock.
d. HAND GUARD. The liner of the hand guard assembly is riveted
to the hand guard; do not remove it.
e. STOCK EXTENSION (M1A1) (fig. 57). (1) Remove lower hinge
screw from lower end of stock grip by turning counterclockwise.
(2) With stock extension in extended position, unscrew the hinge
screw projecting from the upper face of the recoil plate cap, by turn-
ing counterclockwise. When screw is disengaged from the lower hinge
nut, pull screw up and out of grip, and then lift off recoil plate cap and
lower hinge. (See fig. 58.)
(3) With flat-ended punch, push hinge screw spacer out of hole in
the lock on end of lower bar, up into coil spring. Then pull stock ex-
tension to rear from stock and remove grip spring, hinge screw spacer,
83
84
Figure 56. Stock and hand guard.
Figure 57. Stock extension — carbine, cal. .30, M1A1.
Figure 58. Stock extension group parts — carbine, cal. .30, M1A1.
85
and grip spring washer from countersunk hole in lower end of grip.
Take care that spring does not fly out or washer does not become lost.
(4) Remove grip and recoil plate by unscrewing the grip screw
counterclockwise from top of recoil plate.
55. Inspection
a. STOCK (EXCEPT M1A1) (fig. 59). (1) Inspect stock for cracks,
scoring, chipping, blemishes, and excessive dryness. Inspect cuts and
apertures for chipping and burs, for wear due to interference with
moving parts, and for excessive friction in assembling.
(2) Inspect butt plate for deformation, burs, fit, and looseness on
stock. Check b u t t plate screw for looseness. Check threads in stock for
stripping.
(3) Inspect recoil plate for looseness in stock, for burs, and for ex-
cessive wear and rust. (See fig. 56.) Check recoil plate screw for loose-
ness in escutcheon (fig. 60), burs, and worn threads.
(4) Inspect escutcheon for looseness in stock, burs, or worn threads.
Figure 60. Stock and hand guard — carbine, cal. .30, Ml,
86
(5) Inspect front band locking spring for deformation and excessive
wear of locking shoulder. Rear face of shoulder should be square enough
to retain front band in position. (See fig. 56.)
b. HAND GUARD. Inspect hand guard for cracks, chipping, and ex-
cessive wear at front band shoulder. Check hand guard liner for de-
formation, looseness on hand guard, defective riveting, rust, and burs.
c. STOCK (M1A1) (figs. 61 and 62.) (1) Inspect hand guard and
parts common with Ml stock, as prescribed in b above.
(2) Inspect grip for looseness on stock and for cracks. Grip should
be rigid with stock and no twist should be possible when assembled.
(3) Inspect stock extension for smoothness of hinge action and
positive locking when extended and when folded. The extension should
be rigid and without shake when extended with butt plate rigidly at
right angles to the bars. When swung to the left, the lock should cam
out of the slot in the locking nut, and the extension should pivot smooth-
ly about the hinge screw through an arc of approximately 180° to lie
flat against the left side of the stock. When the extension is pressed
flat to the stock, the lock should slip into the slot in the locking nut
and the butt plate should pivot on the bar ends, so t h a t the extension
will lie locked close to the stock without looseness or shake. If shake
is present in either position, a worn locking lug or locking nut, a loose
hinge screw, or a broken hinge spring is indicated. If pivoting is jerky,
or binding is apparent, burs on locking lug or in slot of locking nut or
bent bars are indicated. If butt plate is loose on bars or fails to pivot
under spring tension, burs or a damaged butt plate spring are indicated.
(4) Inspect recoil plate cap for dents and fit with rear end of stock.
Plate should lie flush at the edges with the stock and receiver.
(5) Inspect recoil plate for security and level seating on stock. Plate
should seat level and firm on stock, held down by grip screw passing
through plate and stock and into routed threads in grip. When as-
sembled, the grip screw holds all three parts together. The hinge screw,
when assembled and threaded into the nut, binds the parts still tighter,
and prevents the grip from twisting.
(6) Inspect receiver locking lug seat in recoil plate for wear and
burs. (See fig. 63.) When assembling, the locking lug on receiver should
cam smoothly into the seat, and be held there snugly without play or
shake.
(7) Inspect grip screw for length and burred threads. Replace the
2 3 / 32 -inch hinge screw by a 23/4-inch screw. If screw has not been re-
placed, deepen grip screw hole to a total depth of 1.125 inches with a
No. 21 drill (diameter 0.159 inch). Inspect routed threads in grip for
wear and stripping. Screw should turn in snugly to retain recoil plate
and grip. If screw is loose, routed threads will eventually strip out and
grip twist loose.
(8) Inspect grip spring washer for deformation. Spacer should
fit in hole in lock on lower bar, when assembled.
(9) Inspect hinge screw spacer for deformation. Spacer should
fit in hole in lock on lower bar, when assembled.
(10) Inspect locking nut for looseness in lower hinge shell. Inspect
shell for deformation. Inspect sling eyelet for looseness on hinge shell.
88
(See fig. 63.) (Nut is staked or spot-welded in shell, and eyelet spot-
welded to shell.) Check locking slot in nut for wear and burs (angle of
slot face is 30°). Inspect lower hinge screw for wear and inspect threads
in grip for stripping.
(11) Inspect hinge on upper bar for deformation and cracked
welding, and lock on corresponding end of lower bar for deformation,
cracked welding, and worn locking lug (fig. 58). The proper mating
of lock and nut determine the rigidity of the stock extension when
extended or folded. Angle of lock faces should correspond to t h a t of
the nut. Wear of lock or nut will cause improper locking and loose-
ness.
(12) Inspect bars for deformation. They should lie in the same
vertical plane when assembled.
(13) Inspect butt plate for smooth pivoting on rod ends, for spring
action with spring assembled, and for cracks.
(14) Inspect b u t t plate spring for tension, excessive deformation,
and broken or bent ends.
(15) Inspect cheek rest plate and retaining plate (fig. 58) for de-
formation and looseness with each other on the bars when assembled.
Inspect rivets for looseness and protrusion of heads. Inspect cheek
rest cover for scoring and cracking of leather. Cheek rest plate should
be held tightly to rods by retaining plate and rivets, and leather cover
should be smooth, so it will not scrape face of operator.
d. STOCK (M2). Inspect stock the same as for M l and, in addition,
examine clearance cut on right for disconnector, and clearance cut on
left for the selector. There must be no binding of the selector or dis-
connector due to undersized cuts. (See fig. 64.)
57. Assembly
a. FRONT BAND LOCKING SPRING. Insert spindle of front band lock-
ing spring into hole in right forward end of stock and drive to the
left. Seat spring fully in recess in stock.
94
SECTION XII
MAGAZINE ASSEMBLY
58. Disassembly
a. Grasp magazine in left hand with base up and rounded face to-
ward the body. (See fig. 67.) With left thumb, press up on forward
(rounded) end of magazine base until the base can be slid out of its
retaining grooves in the base of body. Movement can be started by
inserting rim of cartridge or point of screw driver in indent in top of
base. Restrain magazine spring as base is removed, and withdraw from
tube. (Bases of recent design are ribbed on the inside for stiffening,
and have an overhanging lip on the round end. Such bases can be re-
moved by inserting screw driver under lip and pulling up and out.)
b. Reverse tube, and slide follower to bottom of tube; then, grasp
long rear flange of follower and rotate down out of tube.
c. If follower sticks in tube, insert screw driver or similar tool from
top of tube to bear on rear end of follower and press on follower until
stop flange is clear of tube. If flange will not rotate out, press up on
opposite end to assist rotation. Do not force. Grasp flange and rotate
follower out of tube.
d. Do not disassemble the magazine except for cleaning or salvage.
Early type magazine tubes had a lip on the lower rear wall of the tube
which often necessitated removal of the follower as in c above.
60. Assembly
a. Insert short curved flange of follower into rear (flat side) of
bottom opening of magazine tube and rotate long flange upward into
tube.
95
Figure 67. Removing magazine base and follower.
96
Figure 68. Magazine group.
97
Figure 70. Follower properly assembled.
98
SECTION XIII
EQUIPMENT
6 2 . Oiler (except M l A l )
Make the following inspections:
a. Oiler for dents and corrosion.
b. Oiler cap for loose or uneven fit on tube and for oil leakage.
c. Tube and cap for worn or burred threads.
d. Rod (dropper) for deformation and looseness in cap.
e. Position of oiler tube ring in tube, and washer on ring.
f. Wear.
100
SECTION XIV
65. General
Weapons turned in for repair may be assumed to have defects caused
by use or neglect. When they were accepted as new weapons, the parts
composing them were dimensionally correct and made of the proper
material. Consequently the inspection of these weapons after repair
will differ from the inspection procedure used in the manufacturing
plant in that attention will be directed to wearing surfaces, parts that
might crack or break due to high stress or fatigue, and evidence of
corrosion. These defects do not evidence themselves by uniform reduc-
tion in a given dimension but show up as a chipped edge, a partially
worn surface, or an eccentric hole. A gauge used in manufacturing
is merely means of comparing an unknown dimension with a known
one to judge whether a piece comes within tolerances. After a piece is
worn through use, the change in dimension is more easily detected in
many cases by comparing with adjacent surfaces; the piece in itself
becomes a gauge. Visual inspection, therefore, is far more applicable
in these cases and gauging is limited to those dimensions that are
critical and that may be advantageously measured rather than com-
pared. Inspection of noncritical parts (parts that do not cause malfunc-
tions) is limited to appearance and the presence of cracks or flaws. The
dimensions placed on these parts (and gauging used during manufac-
turing) were for the sole purpose of insuring interchangeability. Even
if the dimensions of such parts are worn considerably below drawing
tolerances, functioning and interchangeability will not be adversely
affected and the parts are consequently acceptable.
103
APPENDIX
REFERENCES
1. Publication Indexes
The following publication indexes should be consulted for the latest
changes or revisions of references and for new publications relating to
materiel covered in this manual.
Ordnance Supply Catalog, Introduction WD Cat. ORD 1
Ordnance Supply Catalog, Index WD Cat. ORD 2
List and index of War Department Publica-
tions FM 21-6
List of War Department films, film strips, and
recognition film slides FM 21-7
Military Training Aids FM 21-8
3. Explanatory Publications
Range regulations for firing ammunition for
training and target practice AR 750-10
104
Ordnance Service in the Field FM 9-5
Ordnance Field Maintenance FM 9-10
Defense Against Chemical Attack FM 21-40
U. S. Carbine, Cal. .30, Ml and M1A1 FM 23-7
Introduction to Ordnance Storage and Ship-
ment Charts IOSSC(a)
Ordnance Storage and Shipment Charts —
Group B - major SB9-OSSC-B
Decontamination TM 3-220
Sniperscope, M2 TM 5-9341
Cleaning, Preserving, Sealing, Lubricating,
and Related Materials Issued for Ordnance
Materiel TM 9-850
Small Arms Ammunition TM 9-1990
105