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Articles
NEWS | June 22, 2020

Small Arms: CCMCK Cautions


We told you about the dangers of firing close combat mission capability kit (CCMCK) rounds without a proper weapon’s cleaning in our story on Page 41 of PS 802*(Sep 19).
        
Even after that warning, it seems some Soldiers aren’t doing PMCS before firing CCMCK rounds. Don’t be that Soldier. Make sure you use the right -10 TM and complete a good PMCS.
        
Also, a good cleaning after firing CCMCK is a must, because the rounds can leave an aluminum sleeve stuck inside the barrel. If the sleeve isn’t pushed out, the barrel is plugged.
        
Then when you go to the range to fire live rounds, the barrel isn’t clear of obstruction and that can lead to a catastrophic event. The barrel can explode in your face!
        
Here’s how to prevent trouble from happening:      
 
  • BEFORE OPERATION: Clean and lube your weapon with CLP like it says in the weapon’s -10 TM. Your weapon should be as clean as possible before firing CCMCK rounds.

  • AFTER OPERATION: Do the same cleaning and lubing procedure, but pay special attention to the barrel and bore, making sure there are no obstructions.
When you think you have the obstructions cleared out of the barrel, run your cleaning rod from muzzle to chamber. Check the chamber. You should see the end of the cleaning rod.
 
Look for the end of the cleaning rod in the chamber
Look for the end of the cleaning rod in the chamber

If you can’t see the end of the rod, you may have a stuck CCMCK round, sleeve or wax buildup. If you can’t push it out, tell your armorer.
        
And armorers, it’s important not to use a new M16/M4 barrel that’s fired less than 200 standard rounds for CCMCK. The older barrels have smoother bores and are less likely to have problems with a stuck CCMCK projectile.
        
If you have an M249, the barrel comes from the manufacturer ready to fire CCMCK. But you must first fire 200 regular rounds before firing CCMCK rounds.
* This article makes reference to another article but the web address has been updated and can be viewed HERE.
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