UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

THE BASIC SCHOOL

MARINE CORPS TRAINING COMMAND
CAMP BARRETT, VIRGINIA 22134-5019

M240B MEDIUM
MACHINE GUN
B3M4178
STUDENT HANDOUT

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

M240B Medium Machine Gun

Introduction

From the invention of the Gatling Gun in the 1860s the

machine gun has been the device that has broken the back
of many attacks or has been the key support asset that has
suppressed the enemy to allow the maneuver unit to close
with and destroy the enemy.

Importance

The M240B is the backbone of the machine gun section

within the weapons platoon of a rifle company. By
understanding the operating procedures of this weapon,
you will be prepared to employ this asset in the platoon
(reinforced) offense or the defense.

In This Lesson

In this lesson, we will cover the history, characteristics,

nomenclature, assembly and disassembly of the M240B
medium machine gun. We will also cover immediate and
remedial action, barrel change procedures, mounts and
accessories, loading and unloading, weapons conditions,
and weapons commands of the M240B medium machine
gun.
This lesson covers the following topics:
Topic
History
Characteristics
Functioning
Ammunition
Unloading/Clearing
General Disassembly
Detailed Disassembly
Detailed Assembly
General Assembly
Care and Cleaning
Mounts and Accessories
Mounting the Gun
Barrel Changing Procedures
Malfunctions
Immediate Action
Remedial Action
Weapons Conditions
Weapons Commands
Summary
References
Glossary of Terms and Acronyms
Notes

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

M240B Machine Gun

Learning Objectives

Terminal Learning Objectives

MCCS-CSW-1001 Given a medium machine gun and
ammunition, while wearing a fighting load, perform
weapons handling procedures for the medium machine gun
without endangering personnel or equipment.
MCCS-CSW-1002 Given a medium machine gun requiring
a barrel change during target engagement, change a barrel
on a medium machine gun to return the weapon to service.
MCCS-CSW-1003 Given a medium machine gun loaded
with ammunition, with a malfunction or stoppage, while
wearing a fighting load, perform immediate action on a
medium machine gun to return the weapon to action.
MCCS-CSW-1004 Given a medium machine gun loaded
with ammunition, with a malfunction or stoppage that
immediate action has failed to remedy, while wearing a
fighting load, perform remedial action on a medium
machine gun to return the weapon to action.
MCCS-CSW-1005 Given a medium machine gun, cleaning
gear, and lubricants, maintain a medium machine gun to
ensure the weapon is complete, clean, and serviceable.
Enabling Learning Objective
0302-DEF-1302a Without the aid of reference, describe the
capabilities of machineguns without omission
MCCS-CSW-1005a Given an assembled M240 medium
machinegun, basic issue complete, perform disassembly
and assembly of the M240 in six minutes.

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

History
The M240B medium machine gun (see diagram below) is a result of a Marine Corps
search for a weapon that could fire at an extended range with greater dependability and
accuracy than the M60E3. The search was not long, for the machine gun chosen was
already in the Marine Corps inventory. The M240C and E series machine guns are
found on the light armored vehicle (LAV) and the M-1 Abrams main battle tanks. The
M240B is the first ground variant, made by Fabrique Nationale of Herstal, Beligum, (the
same manufacturer of the M249 squad automatic weapon). A European version, called
the FN MAG 58, is used by over 100 different nations throughout the world and is the
premier machine gun used in NATO. The M240B is fitted with improvements for ground
mounting such as a forward heat shield, ammunition adapter, and a hydraulic buffer.
The M240B is a battle-proven machine gun that has demonstrated many times the
highest possible performance levels in combat throughout the world.

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Characteristics
Description. The M240B machine gun is a belt-fed, air-cooled, gas-operated, fully
automatic machine gun that fires from the open bolt position. The M240B machine gun
is found in the machine gun section of the weapons platoon of every rifle company in
the Marine Corps. Six of these machine guns are in each section, divided into three,
two-gun squads.
Specifications.
Machine gun
27.1 pounds
Spare barrel case, SL-3 complete
12.9 pounds
Tripod, flex mount, and T&E
20 pounds
Total system
47.1 pounds
Length of machine gun
49 inches
Rifling
4 grooves with a uniform right-hand twist.
One turn in 12 inches.
Sustained rate of fire
100 rpm
Rapid rate of fire
200 rpm
Cyclic rate of fire
650 rpm
Muzzle velocity
2,800 fps
Maximum Range
3,725 meters
Effective range (suppression)
1,800 meters
Grazing fire
600 meters

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Characteristics (Continued)
Component
Groups

Eight Main Components (see diagram below).

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(F)
(G)
(H)

Barrel assembly
Butt-stock and buffer assembly
Driving spring rod assembly
Bolt and operating rod assembly
Trigger-housing assembly
Cover assembly
Feed tray
Receiver assembly

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Characteristics (Continued)
Safety

The safety (see diagram below) is located in the trigger-housing group.

Push the safety from left to right (S visible) to render the weapon safe.
When the safety is engaged, the cutaway portion of the safety bar is not
aligned with the safety lug of the sear. When the trigger is pulled, the
sear cannot rotate downward and the bolt cannot be released to go
forward.

Safety
Push the safety from right to left (F visible) to render the weapon
ready to fire. When the safety is not engaged, the cutaway portion
of the safety bar is aligned with the safety lug on the sear. The
sear is allowed to move downward when the trigger is pulled.
Note: The weapon cannot be placed on safe when the bolt is
forward.

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Functioning
Feeding

When the bolt is to the rear, the outer feed pawls are
outside the first round of ammunition. The inner feed pawls
are between the first and second rounds. As the bolt
moves forward to fire the round in the feed tray groove, the
belt feed pawl moves to the left. It moves up and over the
second round in the belt of ammunition and is now in
position to drag the second round into the feed tray groove.
As the bolt moves to the rear after firing, the belt feed pawl
moves to the right, dragging the second round into the feed
tray groove. Inside the cover, the cam roller, feed arm with
control spring, feed arm fork, and pivot arm exist only so the
feed pawls can move back and forth, dragging rounds into
position to be chambered.

Chambering

Chambering is the process of stripping a round from the

belt and seating it in the chamber. As the bolt travels
forward, the upper locking lug of the bolt contacts the base
of the cartridge. The bolt strips the round from the belt link.
The chambering ramp angles downward and forces the
round toward the chamber along with the spring tension of
the cartridge guide pawl. The cartridge guide pawl also
holds back the belt link. When the round is fully seated in
the chamber, the extractor snaps over the extractor rim of
the cartridge, and the ejector is depressed.

Locking

During chambering, the bolt enters the barrel socket as the

drive spring drives the operating rod forward. The locking
lever, on which the bolt is riding, swings forward pushing
the bolt forward and locking it to the barrel socket.
Although the term, locking, is used here, note that in the
M240B the bolt and barrel do not physically inter-lock. This
is why the barrel can be removed even when the bolt is
forward.

Firing

After the bolt reaches its locked position, the operating rod
moves forward, independent of the bolt. The operating rod
carries the striker of the fixed firing pin through the aperture
in the face of the bolt, striking and detonating the primer of
the cartridge.

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Functioning (Continued)
Unlocking

After the cartridge ignites and the projectile passes the gas
port, part of the gases enter the gas cylinder. The rapidly
expanding gases enter the hollow end cap of the gas piston
and force the operating assembly to the rear, providing the
power for the last four steps in the cycle of functioning. The
operating rod now moves rearward, independent of the bolt,
for a short distance. At this point, the locking lever begins
to swing toward the rear, carrying the bolt with it into its
unlocked position, and clears the barrel socket.

Extracting

The extractor grips the rim of the cartridge as the bolt and
operating rod pull the case from the chamber.

Ejecting

As the case is withdrawn from the chamber, the ejector

exerts a push from the top, and the extractor exerts a pull
from the bottom. The casing falls from the gun as soon as
it reaches the cartridge ejection port. At approximately the
same time, the empty link is forced out of the link ejection
port between the cartridge stops on the feed tray by the
next round moving into the feed tray groove.

Cocking

Cocking is the process of placing the parts of the gun in

position to fire the next round. During the rearward
independent movement of the operating rod, the firing pin
striker is withdrawn from the face of the bolt. When the bolt
has moved far enough to the rear to pick up the next round
for chambering, cocking is completed.

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Ammunition
The ammunition is issued in 100-round bandoleers. Weight of a 100 round assault pack
(2 per can) is 7 pounds. Basic allowance per gun is 400 rounds. The five types of
ammunition are listed below with their characteristics.
Type
M172 Dummy

M82 Blank
M80 Ball

Description

Purpose
Training (loading/unloading)
Gun drills

Plain
Fluted cartridge
No primer or propellant
Double tapered neck
No bullet
Plain
Full metal jacketed bullet

M62 Tracer

Orange tip

M61/M993
Armor-piercing

Black tip on the bullet

Simulated firing
Field firing
Personnel
Light material vehicles
Observing fire
Incendiary effects
Signaling
Marking
(900m burnout)
Light armored targets

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Unloading/Clearing
The following is the unloading and clearing procedures for the M240B:

Step 1

Determine if the barrel is hot (200 rounds in 2 minutes or less).

A hot barrel may cause the round to cook off.
CAUTION: If the barrel is hot and a round is still chambered,

Keep the cover closed

Ensure the weapon is pointed in a safe direction
Wait until the barrel cools

Step 2

If the bolt is not already locked to the rear, pull the bolt to the rear and
lock it.

Step 3

Place the weapon on SAFE.

Step 4

Raise the cover and remove the belted ammunition.

Step 5

Lift the feed tray and inspect the chamber.

Step 6

Close the cover.

Step 7

Place the weapon on FIRE.

Step 8

While holding the cocking handle to the rear, pull the trigger and ease
the bolt forward.

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

General Disassembly
General disassembly (field stripping) is the separation of the M240B into five main
groups. Before beginning ensure the weapon is pointed in a safe direction and is clear.

Step 1

With the bolt forward, raise the cover.

Step 2

Depress the butt-stock latch located on the underside of the butt-stock

where it joins the receiver (see diagram below).

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

General Disassembly (Continued)

Step 3

To remove the drive spring rod assembly (see diagram below),

First push in against its base
Then lift up and outward so that it clears its retaining studs inside the
receiver.

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

General Disassembly (Continued)

Step 4

Step 5

Pull the cocking handle to the rear to start the rearward movement of
the bolt and operating assembly inside the receiver
With the index finger, reach inside the top of the receiver and push
rearward on the face of the bolt until the bolt and operating rod
assembly are exposed at the rear of the receiver (see diagram
below).

Grasp the bolt and operating rod assembly and remove them from the rear
of the receiver.
To separate the operating rod and bolt, remove the spring-loaded pin that
holds them together
Then, pull the bolt forward until it is clear of the firing pin, thus disengaging
the bolt from the operating rod.

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

General Disassembly (Continued)

Step 6

Remove the trigger housing assembly spring pin.

Step 7

Rotate the rear of the trigger housing assembly down (see diagram below).

Step 8

Disengage the holding notch at the front of the assembly from its recess on
the bottom of the receiver.

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

General Disassembly (Continued)

Step 9

Remove the trigger assembly from the receiver.

Step 10

Depress the barrel-locking latch located on the left side of the receiver
where the barrel joins the receiver. Grasp the carrying handle and rotate it
to an upright position. Then push forward and pull up, separating the barrel
from the receiver.

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Detailed Disassembly
Detailed disassembly involves removal of component parts of some of the main groups.

Step 1

Detailed Disassembly of the Operating Group. Remove the spring-loaded

pin that holds the bolt and operating rod together (see diagrams below).

Step 2

Hold the barrel at the point where the gas system attaches to it.

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Detailed Disassembly (Continued)

Step 3

Grasp and rotate the collar clockwise until it releases from the gas plug.
Remove the collar from the gas plug and separate the plug and collar from
the barrel. Remove the heat shield by pulling up on the rear of the heat
shield, releasing the spring tension around the barrel.

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Detailed Disassembly (Continued)

Step 4

Pull the hinge spring pin out and lift the cover and feed tray from the receiver
(see diagrams below).

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Detailed Assembly
Step 1

To replace the Feed tray, lay the feed tray on the receiver
so the feed tray guides are aligned with the receiver
brackets

Step 2

Place the cover onto the receiver aligning its mounting

holes with the mounting brackets on the receiver. Push the
cover down into its closed position. Then, insert the cover
hinge spring pin into the holes to affix the cover and feed
tray to the receiver

Step 3
Step 4

Snap the heat shield on top of the barrel, engaging the front
hinges before snapping the rear of the shield in place.
Insert the gas plug into the gas regulator.

Step 5

Place the collar over the forward end of the plug.

Step 6

Push against face of the collar while rotating

counterclockwise until it locks into place.

Step 7

Pull on the collar to ensure it is in the locked position.

Step 8

To join the bolt and operating rod, hold the rod in one hand,
then position the rear of the bolt and slide it over the firing
pin.

Step 9

Align the holes on the bolt with those on the operating rod.

Step 10

Push the spring-loaded pin (inserted from the left or right)

through them to secure the two assemblies together.

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

General Assembly
Step 1

Insert the barrel socket into the receiver forward of the cover and align
the rear of the gas plug with the gas cylinder tube in front of the bipod.

Step 2

Fully seat the barrel in the receiver. Rotate the carrying handle down to
its lowered position to lock the barrel in place.

Step 3

Check for proper headspace by rotating the barrel-changing handle while

counting the number of clicks heard. You should hear a minimum of two
clicks but not more than seven.
CAUTION: If this is not the case, do not fire the weapon; turn it in for
higher echelon maintenance/inspection.

Step 4

Insert the holding notch on the front of the trigger housing into its recess
on the bottom of the receiver (see diagram below).

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

General Assembly (Continued)

Step 5

Rotate the rear of the trigger housing upward.

Step 6

Align the hole of the trigger housing with the mounting bracket on the
receiver.

Step 7

Insert the trigger housing assembly spring pin (from the left or right) into
the hole, securing the assembly to the receiver.

Step 8

To join the bolt and operating rod, hold the rod in one hand, then position
the rear of the bolt and slide it over the firing pin.

Step 9

Align the holes on the bolt with those on the operating rod.

Step 10

Push the spring-loaded pin (insert from the left or the right) through them
to secure the two assemblies together.

Step 11

Insert the bolt and operating rod into the receiver, aligning the slots along
their sides with the rails inside the receiver.

Step 12

Extend the bolt to the unlocked (forward) position and then push the
entire bolt and operating rod assembly inside the receiver.

Step 13

Pull the trigger so that the assembly can slide all the way into the
receiver.

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

General Assembly (Continued)

Step 14

Insert the drive spring rod assembly into the receiver, sliding it all the way
forward against the recess in the rear of the operating rod.

Step 15

Then lower it so that its base seats against the retaining studs inside the
receiver that holds it into place.

Step 16

Align the recessed grooves at the front of the butt-stock with the vertical
rails at the rear of the receiver.

Step 17

Slide the butt-stock downward until it locks in place on the receiver.

Step 18

Function Check:

Close the cover and cock the weapon.

Put the weapon on safe.
Attempt to fire/weapon should not fire.
Put the weapon on fire.
Ride the bolt forward.

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Care and Cleaning

Cleaning Material

Cleaning, lubricant, protectant (CLP)

Rifle Bore Cleaner (RBC)
Dry cleaning solvent

Lubricants

CLP
Lubricant, artic weather (LAW)
Lubricant, weapon, semi-fluid (LSA)
Liquid solvent agent with Teflon (LSA-T)

Before Firing

Inspect for cleanliness, proper mechanical condition, and

missing or broken parts. Press the barrel release latch and
turn the barrel carrying handle clockwise while counting the
number of clicks (fewer than 2 clicks or more than 7 clicks
indicates a possible barrel defect)
Remove excess oil from the:

Bore
Chamber
Barrel socket
Face of the bolt

Lubricate the gun by placing a light coat of CLP on the:

Operating rod: Apply CLP on those recesses along

the side that make contact with the receiver rails.
Bolt: Place a very small amount of CLP on the
o Spring pin
o Roller
o Other moving parts

During Firing

Receiver: With the bolt to the rear, apply a line of

CLP on either side of the bolt. Manually pull the bolt
back and forth, so that CLP is spread over the bolt
and receiver rails.

During firing, maintain a light coat of CLP on the parts listed

in the general assembly section above. Ensure that the gas
system's connections remain tight. Change barrels when
necessary.

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Care and Cleaning (Continued)

After Firing

Normal Maintenance
Procedures

Inspection

After firing, clean the gun with CLP, RBC, or dry

cleaning solvent. Even the most careful initial
cleaning will not remove all carbon deposits;
therefore, you must clean the gun for three
consecutive days after firing. After cleaning each
day, wipe off all cleaning materials and place a light
coat of CLP on all metal parts.
If the gun is fired daily, remember that repeated
detailed disassembly will cause unnecessary wear.
Adequate cleaning can be performed on a gun that
has been disassembled into its five main groups.
You must perform detailed disassembly only after
prolonged firing.
Ensure that cleaning materials such as CLP and
RBC are not used on the nonmetallic portions of the
gun, such as the buttstock. Use hot water, rags,
and nonabrasive brushes to remove dirt from the
nonmetallic portions of the gun.
Clean the M122 tripod to remove all dirt; then apply
a light coat of CLP, especially to the sleeve and
sleeve latch.
Clean each gun as soon after firing as possible and
each time it is exposed to field conditions.
In combat conditions, clean and lubricate the gun
daily, whether or not it has been fired.
During normal training conditions, inspect the gun
daily for rust and maintain a light coat of CLP on all
metal parts.
In ideal conditions, when the gun is not used and is
kept in a clean place, you may only have to
disassemble and clean the gun every three to five
days. Disassemble, clean, and lubricate the gun in
a clean, dry location where it is least exposed to dirt
and moisture.
Always check for cleanliness.
Look for broken, missing, or burred parts.
Test the spring tension of appropriate parts, and
perform appropriate checks to determine if the gun
functions properly.

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Mounts and Accessories

Sights

The M240B has a front sight post which can be adjusted

using the tool, combination, front sight adjusting. This
adjustment is normally only done to zero the weapon.
The rear sight consists of a peep sight aperture on an
adjustable sight leaf slide. This sight leaf slide rides on a
range plate with a graduated scale that is attached to the
weapon by a hinged mount. The gun is normally carried with
the sight in its horizontal position. The gun can be used with
the sight in this position to engage close in targets (800
meters or below) from the bipod or tripod.
The sight can also be raised to a vertical position for sighting
on targets at greater ranges (more than 800 meters). These
settings are normally used only when the gun is employed on
the tripod, which provides the stable platform necessary to
accurately engage targets at these greater ranges.
The range plate scale, located on both sides of the range
plate, is marked at 100-meter intervals from 200 meters to the
maximum effective range of 1,800 meters. Make range
changes by:
o Moving the rear sight slide horizontally along its graduated
steps for range settings from 200 meters to 800 meters
o Raising the sight to its upright position and moving the rear
sight slide vertically for range settings from 800 meters to
1,800 meters.

Bipods

The bipod mount is part of the receiver group; the operator cannot
remove it. The bipod is held in position by the ball joint that joins it
to the bottom of the receiver.

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Mounts and Accessories (Continued)

Bipods
To lower the bipod legs, push in on the bipod latch and rotate the legs down and
(Continued) forward (see diagram below). Release the legs, and they will automatically spring
outward into their open and locked position.

To raise the bipod legs, squeeze them together (see diagram below) and rotate the
legs rearward and upward into the slot on the bottom of the receiver until the bipod
latch engages, locking them in position.

The M240Bs bipod pivots on the ball joint, allowing the gunner to quickly and easily
move the weapon to the right or left.

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Mounts and Accessories (Continued)

M122 Tripod

The tripod assembly provides a stable and relatively lightweight base

that is far superior to the bipod. The tripod may be extended and
collapsed easily and consists of:

A tripod head
One front and two rear legs
A traversing bar (see diagram below)

The traversing bar:

Connects the two rear legs

Is hinged on one side with a sleeve and on the other side with
a sleeve latch
Allows the tripod to collapse to a closed position for carrying or
storage or to lock in an open extended position for use
Also supports the T&E mechanism
Engraved on the bar is a scale, graduated in 5 mil increments,
that measures direction in mils. The scale is numbered every
100 mils from 0 in the center to 450 mils on the left side and
425 mils on the right side (see diagram below).

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Mounts and Accessories (Continued)

M122 Tripod
(Continued)

Pintle: The Pintle mounts the M240B to the M122 Tripod.

The purpose of the T&E mechanism (see diagram below) is to

provide controlled manipulation and the ability to engage
predetermined target. The traversing portion of the mechanism
consists of the:

Traversing handwheel
Traversing screw
Offset Head
Traversing slide with lock lever
OFFSET HEAD

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Mounts and Accessories (Continued)

M122 Tripod
(Continued)

Gun Bag

As the handwheel is turned, the offset head will appear to

move along the traversing screw: 1 click = 1 mil. A total of 100
mils traverse is on the traversing screw.
Notice that the traversing slide is a U-shaped projection near
the bottom of the T&E. The slide locking lever locks this slide
to the traversing bar.
The elevating portion of the mechanism consists of the upper
elevating screw with scale, elevating hand-wheel, and lower
elevating screw. The scale on the upper elevating screw is
graduated in 50-mil increments from 0 to +200 and 0 to -200.

The complete gun bag (see diagram below) is used to carry the

Machine gun
Tripod
Pintle
Traversing and Elevating mechanism
Spare barrel
All user maintenance equipment
Other accessories (SL-3 components)

The gun bag keeps the gun and all its components together and
protected during events such as unit movements for embarkation on
ships or aircraft.

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Mounts and Accessories (Continued)

Gun Bag
(continued)

The removable spare barrel bag is designed for field use and will
carry:

The spare barrel

A complete set of user maintenance equipment and
accessories (see diagram below)

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Mounting the Gun

Step 1

Prepare the tripod by extending its legs until the sleeve

latch engages and locks the legs in the open position.

Step 2

Rotate the elevating handwheel until approximately 1

inches (two fingers) are visible on the upper elevating
screw.

Step 3

Rotate the traversing slide until approximately 1 inches

(two fingers) are visible on the lower elevating screw.

Step 4

Rotate the traversing handwheel until the offset head is

centered on the traversing screw.

Step 5

Place the T&E on the rear trigger housing, aligning the

holes on the T&E and trigger housing, and insert the T&E
pin through the gun.

Step 6

Place the pintle into the pintle bushing until it locks.

Step 7

Place Gun in pintle and insert pintle pin. Lock traversing

slide lock lever on traversing bar. Lower the traversing
slide over the traversing bar with the traversing slide to the
rear and the traversing wheel to the left; secure it by turning
the locking lever clockwise.

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Barrel Changing Procedures

The ability to quickly change the M240B barrel provides a great advantage: one barrel
can be used while the other is cooling, thus increasing the life of each barrel and
ensuring a continuous rapid rate of accurate fire. Change barrels when they are
beginning to overheat. Changing a barrel takes only a few seconds and significantly
improves the rate of fire and accuracy. As a guide, a barrel change is required after
firing at the:

sustained rate for 10 minutes

rapid rate for 2 minutes

The table below outlines the steps to change the barrel for a tripod-mounted gun;
however, they are very similar to those for a bipod-mounted gun:
Step 1

You may change the barrel with the bolt forward or to the rear. You do not
necessarily need to unload the weapon; however, it must be placed on safe,
and the gunner must maintain positive control of the cocking lever when the
bolt is to the rear.

Step 2

The gunner depresses the barrel locking latch with the left hand and keeps it
in that position (see diagram below).

Step 3

The team leader separates the barrel from the receiver by

Grasping the barrel by the changing handle

Rotating the changing handle to its upright position
Pushing forward
Pulling up

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M240B Medium Machine Gun

Barrel Changing Procedures (Continued)

Step 4

Step 5

The team leader:

Step 6

The gunner then releases the barrel release latch.

The team leader then grasps the spare barrel by the
changing handle.

Inserts the barrel socket into the receiver

Aligns the gas plug with the gas cylinder
Pulls to the rear until the barrel is fully seated

Once the barrel is fully seated, the team leader lowers the barrelchanging handle, while counting the clicks (minimum two,
maximum seven) to ensure proper headspace.

Malfunctions
A malfunction is a failure of the gun to function satisfactorily; the gun will fire but fires
improperly. Defective ammunition or improper operation of the gun by a crewmember is
not considered a malfunction. Two of the more common malfunctions are sluggish
operation and runaway gun.
Sluggish Operation

Instead of firing at its normal rate (approximately 9 to 10

rounds per second), a sluggish gun fires very slowly due to
excessive:
Friction usually due to

lack of lubrication
excessive dirt/carbon in the gas system or on the
bolt and receiver rails

Loss of gas, usually due to

loose connections in the gas system

To remedy continued sluggish operation, clean, lubricate,

tighten, or replace parts as required.

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Malfunctions (continued)
Runaway Gun

Runaway gun is when a gun continues to fire after the

trigger is released; firing is uncontrolled. A runaway gun is

usually caused by a worn, broken, or burred sear;

the sear shoulder is unable to grab the operating rod
and hold it to the rear
also cause by an excessively worn sear notch on
the operating rod

To stop a runaway gun, for both tripod and bipod-mounted

guns, the team leader twists and breaks the belt of
ammunition. The remedy for runaway gun is to replace
worn parts.
Stoppages

A stoppage is any interruption in the cycle of functioning

caused by
faulty action of the gun
defective ammunition
In short, the gun stops firing. Stoppages must be cleared
quickly and firing resumed.

Immediate Action
Immediate action is action that the gunner/crew performs to reduce a stoppage, without
investigating its cause, and quickly return the gun to action. Hang fire and cook off are
terms that describe the ammunition condition and should be understood in conjunction
with immediate action procedures.
Hang Fire

A hang fire occurs when the cartridge primer detonates

after being struck by the firing pin but some problem with
the propellant powder causes it to burn too slowly and
delays the firing of the projectile. Wait five seconds before
investigating a stoppage further because if the round goes
off with the cover of the weapon open:

personnel could be injured

equipment could be damaged

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Immediate Action (continued)

Cook Off

Classification of a Hot
Gun/Immediate Action

A cook off occurs when the heat of the barrel is high enough
to cause the propellant powder inside the round to ignite
even though the primer is not struck. Immediate action is
completed in a total of 10 seconds to ensure that the round
is extracted before the heat of the barrel affects it. If the
round fails to extract/eject, delay further action for 15
minutes if the barrel is hot; the gunner must assume that a
round is still in the chamber and could cook off before the
barrel cools down.

More than 200 rounds fired within a 2 minute period

A long continuous burst or repeated firing of the
weapon even though 200 rounds were not fired
If the unit leader determines the weapon is hot for
any reason.

WARNING: Climate affects the rate at which a machinegun

barrel heats and cools. For example, a machinegun
employed in a hot, arid climate will heat up and likely cause
a cook-off much sooner than one employed in a cold, damp
climate. Conversely, a machinegun barrel will cool off
much more quickly in a colder climate. To mitigate the risk
of a hot gun, barrels should be interchanged whenever
possible to allow them to cool off when not in use.
The table on the following page lists the steps for
immediate action for the M240B.

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Immediate Action (Continued)

Classification of a Hot Gun/Immediate Action

Step

Action

Shout, Misfire! Wait 5 seconds after the misfire to guard against a hang fire.

Within the next 5 seconds (to guard against a cook off), pull the charging
handle to the rear and observe the ejection port. If brass:

was seen ejecting, attempt to fire again

did not eject, place the weapon on S, and determine if the barrel is:
o Hot (200 rounds or more fired in the last 2 minutes)
o Cold

3
Step
1
2
3

Hot Barrel
Assume a live round is in the
chamber.
Wait until the barrel has reached
air temperature (15 minutes).
Proceed with cold barrel
procedures.

Cold Barrel
Raise the feed cover.
Remove ammo belt and links.
Inspect the chamber. If the
chamber
Is clear:
o Reload.
o Attempt to fire.

Has brass present:

o Execute clear gun
(use a cleaning rod
to punch the bore).
o Reload.
o Attempt to fire.

In either case, if the weapon fails to fire repeat cold barrel procedures a second
time.

If the weapon fails to fire again, execute remedial action.

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Remedial Action
When immediate action fails to reduce the stoppage, take remedial action. Remedial
action involves investigating the cause of the stoppage which may involve some
disassembly of the weapon and replacement of parts to correct the problem. Two
common causes of stoppage that may require remedial action are failure to extract due
to either a stuck cartridge or ruptured cartridge.

Stuck Cartridge

Some swelling of the cartridge occurs when it fires. If the

swelling is excessive, the cartridge will be fixed tightly in the
chamber. If the extractor spring has weakened and does
not tightly grip the base of the cartridge, it may fail to extract
the round when the bolt moves to the rear. Once the bolt is
locked to the rear:

Ruptured Cartridge

Weapon is placed on S,
Barrel has been allowed to cool
Insert a length of cleaning rod into the muzzle to
push the round out through the chamber

Sometimes a cartridge is in a weakened condition after

firing. In addition, it may swell (as described in stuck
cartridge above). In this case, a properly functioning
extractor may sometimes tear the base of the cartridge off
as the bolt moves to the rear, leaving the rest of the
cartridge wedged inside the chamber. In this case, the
ruptured cartridge extractor must be used to remove it:

remove the barrel

insert the extractor into the chamber where it can
grip and remove the remains of the cartridge

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Weapons Conditions
Condition 1

Ammunition in position on feed tray

Bolt locked to the rear
Weapon on safe

Condition 2

Not applicable to the M240B

Condition 3

Ammunition in position on feed tray

Chamber empty
Bolt forward
Safety not engaged

Condition 4

Feed tray clear of ammunition

Chamber empty
Bolt forward
Safety not engaged

Weapons Commands
These are the commands to bring a Condition 4 weapon to Condition 1.

Step 1

Step 2

Raised Cover. Ensure the weapon is in condition 4

(bolt forward; weapon on F).

Cover Closed. Ensure the weapon is in condition 4

(bolt forward; weapon on F).

Raised Cover. Place the first round of the belt in

the feed tray groove against the cartridge stop with
the open side of the link down (Brass to the
Grass).
Cover Closed. Insert the first round of a belt of
ammunition with the open side of the links down into
the feed way until the holding pawl engages it and
holds it in place.

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Weapons Commands (continued)

Step 3

Close the cover (see diagram below).

Step 4

To bring the weapon from condition 3 to condition 1 you

must:

Step 5

Pull the cocking handle fully to the rear

Place the weapon on S.
Push the cocking handle fully forward to the locked
position.

Place the weapon on F.

Engage target.

These are the procedures used to bring a Condition 1 weapon to Condition 4.

Step 1

If the bolt is forward, pull the cocking handle fully to the rear
until the bolt locks. Place the weapon on safe while
maintaining positive control of the cocking handle.

Step 2

Lower head. Raise the cover and clear the feed tray of
ammunition.
CAUTION: If the barrel is hot and a round is still
chambered, immediately close the cover and feed
mechanism assembly. Ensure the weapon is pointed in a
safe direction and wait until the barrel cools. A hot barrel
may cause the round to cook-off.

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Weapons Commands (continued)

Step 3

Lift the feed tray and inspect the chamber. Have a second
individual check to ensure no ammunition is present.

Step 4

Close the cover.

Step 5

Place the weapon on F.

Step 6

While holding the cocking handle to the rear, pull the trigger
and ease the bolt forward

Summary
In this lesson we covered the history, characteristics, nomenclature, assembly and
disassembly of the M240B medium machine gun. We will also cover immediate and
remedial action, barrel change procedures, mounts and accessories, loading and
unloading, weapons conditions, and weapons commands of the M240B medium
machine gun.

References
Reference Number or
Author
MCWP 3-15.1
TM 08670A-10/1B
TM 1005-01-412-3129

Reference Title
Machine Guns and Machine Gun Gunnery (under revision)
M240 Operators Manual (USMC)
M240 Operators Manual (Army)

Glossary of Terms and Acronyms

Term or Acronym
CLP
Elevating hand wheel
LSA
LSA-T
LAV
LAW
RBC
T&E
Traversing hand wheel

Definition or Identification
Cleaning, Lubricant, Protectant
Hand wheel located on the elevating screw used to make
adjustments in elevation
Lubricant, semifluid
Lubricant, semifluid , Teflon
Light armored vehicle
Lubricant, Artic, Weather
Rifle, Bore, Cleaner
Traverse and Elevation Mechanism
Hand wheel on the traversing screw used to make
adjustments for deflection up to 100 mils

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Notes

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