PMCI - May 2016

pmcimagazine.com
ARMOURY
laid out ready for you. This is your responsibility at the end of
the day.
Investing in a good quality cleaning kit is as vital as your
ammunition. Remember simple facts, if the weapon won’t fire
you might as well throw stones!
A can of WD40 or similar water displacement maintenance
spray will always be useful when it comes to weapon cleaning.
But let’s just stress that it’s for the purpose of cleaning ONLY
and never an alternative for appropriate oils when it comes to
weapon prep & lubrication.
Magazines.
Historically overlooked, these are the means of feeding
ammunition cleanly and unobstructed at high cyclic rates. Strip
these down and as always be thorough in your inspections.
Obviously new issue is an ideal, but seldom a luxury you’ll
encounter. As previously mentioned; Expect Anything &
Presume Nothing.
If you have several magazines issued, strip them and lay
them side by side. Chances are a difference in spring length will
be all too apparent. If this is the case, gently pull the shorter
springs to match the length of the longest example. Don’t pull
from any points other than the spring platform and base ends
in order to maintain a uniform spring profile.
There are numerous manufacturers out there and they all have
subtle differences between them, so before you get busy with
stretching platform springs make certain you’re looking at same
make examples. Similar to springs on a vehicle suspension,
they can all vary in rates and tensions.
As with all other components on the weapon system focus
your attention on serviceable appearance. Time and again we
must concentrate on the basics, namely free from damage,
corrosion & ingress of dirt and debris. The important issue with
mag bodies is to confirm that no damage, cracks or dents have
occurred that could potentially affect the internal movement
of the platform. The smallest external body dent can easily
cause an internal restriction leading to an eventual stoppage.
Dependant on climate/environment, consider appropriate
application of limited lubrication to moving parts. It’s your call.
Ammunition.
Come on guys, this one is fundamental. Condition, age and
manufacturers origin are all important considerations. Ammo
reliability is comparable to the fuel in your car. Quality varies
significantly. The older it gets and more importantly its method
of storage must be taken into account. If you’re fortunate to
receive a recently made batch, box or tin and in good condition,
chances are you’ll be avoiding complications. On the other
hand, if you’ll be sourcing from unknown suppliers, maybe
loose or of questionable origin? Be cautious. Tales of spiked
ammo have been heard doing the rounds! No one likes an in
your face breech explosion for breakfast.
Range time. Grouping and Zeroing.
Nothing will out-value the opportunity to get some trigger
time under your belt prior to hitting the ground. Zeroing
your weapon is critical if your life’s dependant on its efficient
operation. Know your environment. What are the expected or
perceived engagement ranges you’re most likely to encounter?
Are you city bound or in open country? Think about all
aspects of weapon condition, is a well worn barrel going to
consistently perform at distance shots or will you simply be
making a noise and wasting your ammo!
If we estimate likely engagement distances between
20m-200m you can focus on achieving consistent grouping in
the 100m ground. There’s no point in conjecture about the most
efficient weapon, ammo grade and sighting system of choice
for long reach targets. As highlighted from the outset we are
assuming the use of an AK type weapon, so you can forget your
Barretts and HK’s.
In what condition are the open sights fitted to your weapon?
Look at sight alignment, ease of movement during adjustment,
but also the locking method. Adopting a firing position, what
sight picture do you have before you? Make sure nothing’s
distorted resulting from mistreatment or heavy use.
In summary, if we expect a serviceable weapon has been
issued, in good working order and without below the surface
faults which might progress towards failing gauging checks etc,
leading to stoppages or even worse a catastrophic component
failure. The key factor to overall functionality and ultimately to
its reliability is none other than you, the end user!
Like most other things in life if you fail to maintain an
item of equipment that by it’s very nature requires a degree
of attention from the operator, then don’t expect that bit of kit
to thank you for it. Daily cleaning doesn’t have to be a dirty
subject to discuss around the dining table. If your weapon
system is consistently accurate and dependable not only will
you have pride in yourself and your good personal admin, but
your colleagues to the side of you may also be thanking you,
especially if they are the guys struggling with bad admin and
stoppages.
Stay Safe wherever you find yourselves.
Chalkster
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