PDA

View Full Version : Mike Pannone's The M16/M4 Handbook



m24shooter
17 September 2008, 17:21
M16/M4 Handbook
Author: Mike Pannone
General Overview:

The M16/M4 Handbook is referred to as the Ranger Handbook for the M16 and M4 family of weapons. It is a 4”x6.5” 89 page spiral bound booklet printed on glossy paper that fits well in a pocket. It is large enough to provide informative and helpful full color pictures that give good visual detail to some of the topics discussed in the book without being so big that it becomes too bulky for carry. In fact, I walked around with the handbook in a back pocket for most of one day without even noticing it. It is similar in size to a Write In The Rain notebook.
Despite this handy compact package, the book is full of useful information for anybody who uses the M16, M4, or AR15 system. It combines the more mundane (yet essential) topics from the M16/M4 TMs, the BRM manual, the DOS and M68 manuals, some training guidelines, and other sources into one location. A glance at the Table of Contents shows the range of information provided to the reader: Rifle Specifications, Direct-Impingement Gas System Theory, Ballistics, Loading Sequence, BRM in a Nutshell, Malfunctions, Zeroing, Maintenance, Cleaning, and Lubrication, Training Tips, and Annexes.

Chapters:
Rifle Specifications
This is a brief description of the M16 and M4 series of rifles and carbines. It contains the usual technical info of weights, lengths, cyclic rates, and other info.

Direct-Impingement Gas System Theory
This chapter discusses the operating system of the rifle and carbine in terms of what makes it work. It details how the system bleeds and uses the propellant gasses, the mechanical operation of the functioning parts, and the key parts of the system.

Ballistics
This chapter offers a very good explanation of exterior ballistics for the end-user. Basic ballistic terms are defined as well as the role of exterior forces upon the projectile. The impact of environmental factors are discussed and how the shooter compensates for these. Zeroing is mentioned, and a chart showing the detailed trajectories of different zero ranges is provided.

Loading Sequence
Pannone discusses the loading process of the rifle by first covering the importance of good, reliable magazines. This is a key factor in many M16/M4/AR malfunctions. He describes how to test a magazine for bad feed lips as part of this. Pannone goes on to describe the actual manipulation of the weapon and magazines during the loading action, and verifying the proper feeding of the round.

BRM in a Nutshell
The BRM chapter is just what it says: a nutshell overview of BRM. Pannone describes taking up a stable shooting position with natural POA and the other essential elements of the act of shooting.

Malfunctions
In this section the author begins by describing the detection of a malfunction, followed by detailing the normal operation sequence of the rifle and carbine. Pannone then describes the two methods of dealing with malfunctions: immediate action and remedial action. This chapter uses the full color photos to great effect by not only showing the appearance of the various malfunctions but also the steps used to correct the stoppage.

Zeroing
This chapter starts with an explanation of the importance of correct and precise zeroing of the rifle or carbine. A brief discussion of MOA is followed by how to correctly adjust an EO unit or ACOG for the right brightness setting for zeroing. Pannone also takes the time to stress how important range time is by enforcing that it is in effect a rehearsal for what may be life-saving shot. The chapter closes by going over the selection of the correct zero range for the shooter based on their likely engagements.

Maintenance, Cleaning, and Lubrication
As a career Marine and Soldier, Pannone explains the misconception that weapon maintenance is limited to the cleaning of the weapon. He defines the term as also making sure the weapon is serviceable by replacing worn or broken parts in addition to cleaning and inspecting. In regard to the serviceability of the weapon, he lists the critical parts that need to be maintained for reliable operation of the rifle or carbine. The other major components are described along with their inspection and cleaning criteria. In the section on lubrication the key locations needing lube and the amount of lubrication that the shooter should use is provided. This is another chapter that benefits from the detailed pictures showing areas of concern. The chapter closes with the required function check to ensure safe operation of the system and a brief mention of the need for the shooter to have lube with them during operations.

Training Tips
As a handbook, only some basic tips are provided to the reader as this topic could be (and is) another book in and of itself. Pannone stresses the importance of the Four Rules and lists them and cautions against what is sometimes conventional thinking and assumption on the range. He then goes on to cover some basic principles for planning and evaluating. Targets are discussed in terms of paper, iron, and modifications used for target discrimination. Drills are discussed with some guidelines to enforce a 300M standard so the shooter will be confident in his ability to engage targets at the far end of the envelope. The use of different engagement sequences and timers to induce stress is discussed as well as other benefits of training.

Annexes
The Annexes to the M16/M4 Handbook have some truly useful information in them as well.
Annex A covers the adjustments of the commonly used sighting systems (the ACOG DOS series, M68, T-1, EOTechs, CQT, and MARS). Also included are adjustments for the iron sights of the rifle and carbine and the BUIS. The control settings, indicators, configurations, offsets, and zeroing values for the AN/PEQ-15, PEQ-2, and PAQ-4C are provided as well. The Annex finishes with an illustration of average measurements of a human target.
Annex B contains technical information regarding the TA01NSN, TA31RCOM4, TA31F, TA31A, M68, T-1, 551, 552 (including pictures of holdovers for different ranges), and the 553. Battery life is provided for the models that use batteries.
Annex C provides moving target leads, including the formula with common values.
Annex D closes out the handbook with a discussion of the combat mindset.

Conclusion:
As the notes on the back of the handbook say, this is not the “nice to know” but instead the “need to know” information for the individual, small unit leader, or trainer to have on hand prior to and during instruction. The individual will benefit from the material by having a better understanding of the technical aspects of the weapon. Leaders and trainers will have on hand an easy-to-use collection of all the pertinent facts and technical data on the M16 and M4 and commonly associated optic and targeting systems. This can be used to plan training sessions, as a reference during training, and as a backup during live fire and range time. The inclusion in the annex of the adjustments and characteristics of a variety of optics that can be found in small units will greatly benefit a leader or trainer faced with a class that may have a wide range of these.
I was quite impressed with this handbook, and will be picking up extra copies to send to friends in Iraq and A-stan.

ATS Tactical Gear has the handbook here: http://www.atstacticalgear.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=BH-012!279