PMCI - May 2016

Therefore, let’s try to break things down, into easy to follow
bullet points.
Weapon Condition & Serviceability.
There’s always a possibility you may have worked for the company
paying your wage on a previous tasking, so you might’ve used
a similar or possibly the exact same weapon platform. This of
course is a good start, as knowing who you’re dealing with from
the outset can be of tremendous benefit. Unknown operations
will leave you guessing as to what’ll happen next? Not good in
an unfamiliar and potentially hostile environment.
You’ve taken ownership of your AK. What’s the immediate
impression? Does it look complete? Are there any missing parts
or other bits held on with tape? Take your time. Don’t just bag it
and go. This could well be your only opportunity to exchange or
possibly have armourer facilities to address a serious/potential
fault.
Start at one end & methodically work from one end to the
other. Then field strip the weapon and do the same process on
its individual parts. Components such as the Gas Piston should be
clean, rust free, without burring or dents & importantly straight!
So check for visual distortion along its length.
Return Spring.
Ensure this is clean, intact, rust free, without frays or obvious
external surface damage. This is clearly a big player in weapon
functionality, if it’s weak or in questionable condition do you have
an opportunity to acquire a spare?
Bolt/Carrier.
Generally robust, but with all components don’t skip a good
visual check, especially focusing around the all-important bolt
assembly.
Extractor. Ejector. Locking Lugs.
Not forgetting the firing pin aperture; check it isn’t misshapen,
it’s unobstructed and burr free. Condition of the bolt face isn’t
normally an area of concern but check it none the less.
Firing Pin.
Roll on a flat surface to assess it is straight and true. Have a closeup
look at the profile of the head. Damaged, rough surfaces can
lead to punctured percussion caps on cartridges! Not welcome.
Is there an opportunity for a spare pin and spring? Why not look
into local purchase prior to your arrival. Parts like these are cheap
and can easily be kept in a wallet, pocket, a vehicle sun visor. You
never know when you might just need it.
Breech. Barrel. Muzzle.
Now this isn’t a topic to be discussed in a matter of a few
sentences. Recognising acceptable serviceable component
condition takes time and instruction, but you should all be very
familiar with the basics. Something which looks like it’s been
dragged out of a trawler-mans nets and is returning to nature
is unacceptable. Corrosion and erosion are not only areas which
affect serviceability and safe operation for the user, but ultimately
concern efficiency and accuracy.
KEEPING THINGS ROLLING
Ensure adequate weapon cleaning materials such as barrel
brushes, flannelette, pull-through cords/rods are available. Never
presume anything. Don’t just expect someone to have everything
ARMOURY
pmcimagazine.