Load an M16-Series Rifle
071-311-2027
Conditions: Given an unloaded M16-series rifle and a magazine loaded with ammunition.
Standards: Load an M16A1 rifle in the semiautomatic and automatic modes; or, load an M16A2 or
M16A4 rifle in both the semiautomatic and burst modes. Ensure that a round is chambered in the training
weapon of your choice. Ensure that the selector switch is returned to the SAFE position.
Performance Steps
1. Determine the mode in which the rifle will be operated by using Table 071-311-2027_T01.
Table 1. M16 family operating modes.
2. Prepare the M16A1, M16A2, or M16A4 rifle for semiautomatic fire and the M16A1 rifle for
automatic fire.
a. Point the rifle muzzle in a safe direction.
b. Cock the rifle (this also opens the bolt).
c. Return the charging handle to the forward position.
d. Place the selector lever on SAFE (Figure 071-311-2027-001).
Figure 1. Selector lever on SAFE.
e. Check the chamber to ensure it is clear (Figure 071-311-2027-002).
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Performance Steps
Figure 2. Inspecting the chamber.
f. Insert the magazine, pushing it upward until the magazine catch engages and holds the
magazine (Figure 071-311-2027-003).
Figure 3. Magazine inserted.
g. Tap upward on the bottom of the magazine to ensure it is seated.
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NOTE: The magazine may be loaded with the bolt assembly open or closed.
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3. Prepare the M16A2 or M16A4 rifle for burst fire.
a. Point the rifle muzzle in a safe direction.
b. Cock the rifle (this also opens the bolt).
c. Return the charging handle to the forward position.
d. Place the selector lever in the BURST position (Figure 071-311-2027-004).
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Performance Steps
Figure 4. Selector lever on BURST.
e. Pull the trigger, holding it in the rear position.
f. Pull the charging handle to the rear and release it (Figure 071-311-2027-005).
Figure 5. Charging handle.
g. Repeat step 3f three times.
h. Pull the charging handle to the rear, holding it in place.
i. Release the trigger.
j. Push in on the bottom portion of the bolt catch, locking the bolt in the rear position (Figure
071-311-2027-006).
Figure 6. Bolt locked to the rear.
k. Slide the charging handle all the way forward.
l. Place the selector on SAFE.
m. Insert the magazine Push it upwards until the magazine catch engages and holds it (Figure
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Performance Steps
071-311-2027-003).
n. Tap upward on the bottom of the magazine to ensure it is seated.
4. Chamber a round.
a. With the bolt open:
(1) Depress the upper portion of the bolt catch to release the bolt (Figure 071-311-2027-
007).
Figure 7. Bolt catch.
(2) Tap the forward assist to ensure that the bolt is fully forward and locked (Figure 071-
311-2027-008).
Figure 8. Forward assist.
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WARNING
The rifle is now loaded. Ensure it is pointed in a safe direction.
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(3) Place selector lever on SAFE, closing the ejection port cover if the rifle is not to be fired
immediately.
b. With the bolt closed:
(1) Pull the charging handle to the rear as far as it will go.
(2) Release the charging handle. Do not ride the charging handle; allow it to return on its
own.
(3) Tap the forward assist to ensure the bolt is fully forward and locked.
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WARNING
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Performance Steps
The rifle is now loaded. Ensure it is pointed in a safe direction.
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(4) Place the selector lever on SAFE, closing the ejection port cover if the rifle is not to be
fired immediately.
Evaluation Preparation: SETUP: Have Soldiers use their assigned rifles and magazines. Provide blank
or dummy ammunition.
BRIEF SOLDIER: Tell the Soldier to load the rifle using the steps for the model used. Tell him he must
load an M16A2 rifle in both the semiautomatic and BURST modes.
Performance Measures GO NO-GO
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NOTE: Perform steps 1 and 3 through 5 for the M16A1 rifle and steps 1 through 5 for
the M16A2 or M16A4 rifle.
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1. Prepared the M16A1, M16A2, or M16A4 rifle for semiautomatic fire and the —— ——
M16A1 rifle for automatic fire; ensured the chamber was clear and the magazine
seated.
2. Prepared the M16A2 or M16A4 rifle for burst fire; ensured the magazine was —— ——
seated.
3. Chambered a round; ensured the bolt is fully forward and locked. —— ——
4. Pointed the rifle in a safe direction. —— ——
5. Placed the selector lever in the SAFE position. —— ——
Evaluation Guidance: Score the Soldier GO if all performance measures are passed. Score the Soldier
NO-GO if any performance measure is failed. If the Soldier scores NO-GO, show the Soldier what was
done wrong and how to do it correctly.
References
Required Related
TM 9-1005-249-10
TM 9-1005-319-10
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