IIIAS

liiiAT4
5.56 calibre auto111atic rifle
111anufactured by the
"Groupernent lndustriel
des Arrnernents Terrestres,
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Chapter I -General information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter II - Description and operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Chapter Ill- Use in normal conditions ................... 18
Chapter IV- Use in special conditions ................... 26
Chapter V -Jamming and trouble ...................... 27
Chapter VI - Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Chapter VII - Parts I ist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Chapter VIII -Table of compined unit components ........ 36
INTRODUCTION
The FA-MAS 5.56-mm calibre rifle was designed and mass-produced by
GIAT in its St. Etienne works (Manufacture Nationale d'Armes de St .
Etienne). Since the end of 1979, it has been used by the French Army
which has ordered several hundred thousand units. The rifle has been
studied in great detail from the following standpoints:
- ergonomics, with due consideration being given to the permanent
requirements of the user : dimensions, weight, transfer, ease of use and
maintenance, etc.,
- reliability and operating safety under the most difficult conditions
of use,
- operation of the rifle with all types of 5.56 mm ammunition curren-
tly in service (US, NATO),
- efficiency of its multiple functions : precision firing of single shots,
excellent stability and high power when firing in bursts (80 HP), grenade
firing, (anti -tank, anti-personnel) ,
- general quality of manufacture, with systematic monitoring of raw
materials, the fabrication processes and firing performance of the rifle.
Apart from the additional equipment supplied : bipod, bayonet attach-
ment, cleaning accessories, etc. , the FA-MAS can also be proposed with
training systems such as a sleeve for firing blank ammunition, or the
Balplast reduced size firing system.
3
1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
1-1 - Presentation of the equipment
1-1-1 - Function
The FA-MAS calibre 5.56 is an automatic individual weapon designed
for:
- Bullet firing with single shot fire, complete bursts or limited bursts
according to the position of the firing selector.
- A.T., 500 g. grenade firing by means of a sighting rule incorporated
in the protective handle.
- A.P., 500 g. grenade firing :
- Curved fire : buttstock placed on the ground, weapon inclined
at 45 or 75 , aiming obtained by means of a vertical fire sighting
rule fixed on to the protective handle.
- Direct firing :the same as A.T. firing.
1-1-2- Ammunition
- 5.56 mm cartridges 0 and T in conformity with NATO standards.
-With the 12" twist barrel, the FA-MAS can fire both French ammu-
nition (F1 and PPA) and American M193 ammunition. With a 9" twist
barrel the FA-MAS can fire French, Belgian SS 109, and M193 ammuni-
tion.
- 5.56 bulletless cartridges for 22 mm fin-stabilized rifle grenades.
- 5.56 blank cartridges using a sleeve for firing blanks.
- 5.56 "balplast" cartr idges with speeial kit .
1-2 - General description of the weapon
The operating mechanism is an inertia amplifying mechanism.
Empty cases are ejected to the right or to the left, according to the
conformation of the firer.
The line of sight, with single combat backsight, allowsaiming adjust -
ment for elevation and direction - there is also a retractable slide
fitted with luminescent spot for night firing.
The entirely armoured plastic fittings ensure:
- Protection of the vital parts of the weapon including the sighting
parts.
- Effective grasp for firing and carrying the weapon.
- Protection of the user against firing heat.
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1-3 -Static features
- Length:
Overall length without bayonet ................ ... . ... . . 757 mm
Barrel and branch length ............... .... ........... 488 mm
Length of line of sight ............... ................ . 330 mm
-Weight:
of the weapon without magazine or sling or bipod ... .... ... 3.610 kg
of the empty magazine . .. . .. ... ........ ........ ...... 0.150 kg
of the magazine fitted with 25 cartridges ... .. . .. ........ . 0.450 kg
of bayonet and sheath ........ ...... .................. 0.480 kg
of sling ..................................... .. .... 0. 1 50 kg
of bipod .. .. ...... .. ..... . . . ... .. ............ .. .. . 0.170 kg
- Barrel rifling :
Number ................................................. 3
Screw ........ .......... .... ....... .......... .... Right-hand
Pitch ... ..... ................... ..... .... 12 ins, i.e., 305 mm
optional pitch ............................. 9 ins, i.e., 228 mm
5
1-4 - Performa nee
Muzzle velocity of the ammunition Vo : 960 m/ s
Rate of fire : 1000 shots/ min.
H + L at 200 metres < 400 mm on a series of 10 cartridges.
H + L at 300 metres < 600 mm on a series of 10 cartridges
1-5- Operating limits
1-5-1 -Temperatures
1-5-1-1 - Extreme storage temperature
- 54C
+ 71 C
1-5-1-2- Extreme operating temperatures
- For bull et f i ring
- For grenade firing
- 31.5C
+ 51.5C
1-5-2 - Barrel wear
Avoid firing more than four full magazines ( 100 shots) without letting
the barrel cool down.
Barrel resistance : 10 000 shots, 420 grenades.
1-5-3 - Range limits
- Bullet firing
Single combat backsight from 0 to 300 metres.
- Grenade firing
Anti -tank firing: effective combat range= 75 to 100m
Flat trajectory firing : A.P. (anti -personnel) effective combat range=
100m
Vertical firing A.P. at 45
1-5-4 - Perforations
1-5-4-1 - Ammunitions
90% perforation
3.5 mm mild
Ammunitions steel plate
F1 355m
PPA 584m
55109 625 m
(9 ins)
1-5-4-2 -Grenades
min : 140m
max: 360m
min : 70 m
max: 180m
7 mm
armour plate
100m
210m
180m
AT 58 anti -tank grenades (80% probability)
- 250 mm of armour plating at oo incidence
- 130 mm of armour plating at 600 incidence
AP-AV model F1
- 100 mm of armour plating at oo incidence
15 mm light
alloy plate
140m
326m
273m
1-5-5- Grenade firing
Vo grenade ~ 65 m/ s for a grenade mass of approximately 500 g.
1-6 - Safety rules specific to the weapon described
1-6-1 - During transport
If the weapon is loaded, ensure that the safety catch is effectively in
the "safety" position.
1-6-2- Before firing
Ensure :
- that the firing pin and the cocking lever are in proper order,
- that the barrel is perfectly clean ; in particular, under operating
conditions which may involve a risk of filling with water, take the
precaution of opening the breech and tilting the weapon downwards
to release any water,
that the cheek-rest is on the opposite side to ejection.
-that the weapon is positioned for ejection towards the ground (in
the case of curved firing of A.P grenades).
1-6-3- During firing
- Do not put the hand beetwen the protective handle and the cocking
lever slot.
- Self-ignition : Maximum allowable rate 150 shots in 2 minutes.
1-6-4- After firing
- When the magazine still contains ammun1t1on : put the safety catch
back to the safety position.
- When the magazine is empty : make sure that the chamber is empty
of any ammunition.
7
2- DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
2-1- DESCRIPTION
The rifle is made up of 9 main parts :
1 -The "rifle body" , itself made up of the following components
-Barrel -Breech casing -Cocking mechanism -Stock -Tube sub-assembly.
2-The mobile assembly
3-The mechanism unit
4 -The stock fitted with the cheek rest
5 -The protective handle
6-The magazine
7-The sling
8 -The two branches of the bipod
9 - The bayonet
2-1-1-Rifle body unit ( ~ t a c k - breech casing -cocking mechanism
-barrel)
The splined chamber ba rrel is fixed to the light alloy breech casing.
This barrel and cas!ng assembly forms the basic structure of the weapon,
on to which are fixed 5 non-removable assemblies :
1 - The sub-assembly comprising outer tube and sighting apertures
2 - The foresight support
3 -The cocking mechanism
4 -The stock
5 - The grenade inserting ring,
and 5 removable assemblies :
1 - The mobile assembly in the T-slideway.
2 - The mechanism unit fitted by pinning to the rear of the magazine
casing.
3 - The stock fitted by pinning to the front of the magazine casing.
4 -The magazine fitted by means of a hook fixed to the front of the
magazine casing.
5-The protective handle which is fixed to the outer tube sub-assembly
by centring on the main spring rod fixture nut and by pinning to the
ringsight unit.
2-1-1-1- The outer tube sub-assembly
This sub-assembly is screwed on to the barrel and incorporates :
- The cocking system fitted by fastening to the main spring guide
rod.
- The stock fitted, by centring on the stock spacer on the forward
hoop of the outer tube.
- The ringsight unit, fitted by means of the ringsight unit screw, spring,
pointer and elevation screw ; these 4 parts are provided for adjusting
the line of sight elevation.
2-1-1 -2 -The cocking mechanism
The mechanism comprises :
- The cocking lever which closes the mobile assembly on to the coc-
king lever stop.
-The spring tube, sealed and lubricated for life, which contains the
main spring and ensures the connection between the cocking lever and
the mobile assembly.
2-1-1-3- The stock
The stock is fitted on to the breech casing by crimping a cylindrical
liner and on to the outer tube sub-assembly by centring the stock
spacer on the forward hoop of the outer tube.
The stock incorporates :
- The selector plate for trigger guard adjustment.
-The trigger and firing selector: single shot, burst, safety.
- The trigger guard arch.
- The pistol grip which is hollow and closed at the bottom by a hin-
ged cover, so that it can be used to contain cleaning (oiler) or spare
parts.
9
2-1-1-4- The f oresight support
This part is fitted to the barrel by pinning
and incorporates:
- The foresight consisting of a spring blade
which allows line of sight direction adjustment.
- The retractable slide with luminescent spot
for night firing.
2-1-1-5- The grenade inserting ring
- This part allows variation of the muzzle velocity of rifle grenades
with a flash suppressor sleeve with an external diameter of 22 mm.
(curved firing).
- At maximum insertion, it enables rear centring of the bayonet.
2-1-2- The bolt
The bolt comprises :
- The added mass which enables hooking of the bolt to the spring tube
through a sliding pin fixed to the latter part .
- The breech bolt with central ejector, designed for ejection to the right
or to the left by reversing the extractor and the plug after dismantling
the bolt.
- The firing pin.
- The delayed blow-back lever.
1n
9 19 18 27
20
2-1-3- The mechanism unit
This unit is made up of a plastic shell containing the trigger and ham-
mer mechanisms, as well as the burst limiter, controlled by a switch
situated under the unit.
23 16 2 4 3 15 11 13 14
~ = ~ - - - t - - - T - - _____1
21 29 26 24 25 22 8 5 Diagram 1
2-1-4- The stock and cheek rest
The plastic stock has a rubber recoil mechanism and incorporates the
shock absorber mechanism in its upper part.
The cheek rest is fitted to the right or left of the stock depending on
which side has been selected by the firer for ejection.
2-1-5 - The protective handle
The plastic part protects the sighting parts:
- Against accidental dropping of the weapon or shocks, and offers an
effective grasp for transport.
It incorporates :
- The sighting rule for vertical firing of grenades at 45 and 75
-The retractable rule for direct firing of grenades
- The bipod articulations.
11
2-1-6 - The magazines
The weapon takes a 25 bullet cartridge magazine
and a single propellent cartridge magazine
(for firing grenades).
The 25 cartridge magazine has a steel frame, a
shoe-plate, a follower spring and a plastic
follower plate.
2-1-7- The universal sling
l J j
The sling is made of synthetic material, and comprises a long belt
with a hooking device at one end and a short belt fitted with a mobile
slide. The width of the sling may be adapted to the morphology of
the user, and allows the weapon to be carried in several different
ways: over the shoulder, on the back, on the stomach.
2-1-8 - The bipod
The bipod comprises two independent branches with plastic base,
which are attached to the art iculations fitted to the protective handle.
It has two positions :
-transport
- utilisation
2-2- OPERATION
2-2-1 - Operating principle
The action of gas on the breech head through the case causes the
backward movement of the breech. Opening is delayed by the inertia
amplifying system (Type AA 52 and AA F1).
2-2-2 - Closing and loading mechanism
Backward movement (diagrams 2 and 3)
- The amplifying lever, under the breech bolt thrust and by the action
of the two lower arms on the receiver bearing surface, pushes back the
added mass with a speed increased by the amplifying ratio.
- The angular stroke of the lever is 45 and during this rotation the
following operations are effected :
- Firing pin withdrawal.
~ Extraction by means of the extractor fitted to the right or the
left according to the firer's preference.
- After complete rotation of the lever, the backward movement of
the bolt is effected for each of these parts at the same speed and the
compression of the main spring takes place throughout the backward
movement.
- A new cartridge is presented when the breech has moved back
beyond the magazine casing.
- At the end of the backward stroke, the bolt's surplus energy is
absorbed by the shock absorber, which it compresses over a maxi -
mum stroke of 25 mm.
/''"" 1
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Forward movement :
The movement is actuated by the main spring trigger and includes :
- Introduction of a new cartridge by breech thrust on to the base of
the cartridge presented during the backward movement,
- Closure of the breech which causes the extractor claw to engage the
case groove and compression of the ejector spring,
- Complete closure of the bolt, ensured by the backward move-
ment of the added mass, which brings the amplifying lever back to the
vertical position, by pushing the top of its upper arms.
Closure is considered "complete" when the cocking lever has moved
beyond the cocking lever stop.
Diagram 2
Diagram 3
5
Diagram 4
11
4
Diagram 5
Diagram 6
4 11
Diagram 7
2-2-3 - Trigger and firing mechanism
The trigger mechanism is of the so-called "escaping cam" type. (See
diagram 1 page11).
2-2-3-1 - Firing selectors
- The weapon has two selectors :
- The firing selector, located at trigger level,
- The 3-shot limited burst selector, situated on the underside of
the mechanism unit.
- This configuration is explained by the fact that the conventional
hammer and trigger mechanisms (single-shot firing and firing in bursts)
are independent of the burst limiter. Thus a f ailure of the burst l imiter
under harsh operating conditions (mud, sand, ice, etc) does not inter-
fere with operation of the basic mechanism.
The following three firing methods may be chosen :
- Semi -automatic :
Firing selector on position "1" 1 shot
Limiter selector on position "0" or "3" (inoperative)
- Limited bursts of 3 shots :
Firing selector on position "R" bursts
Limiter selector on position "3" bursts of shots
-Automatic
Firing selector on position "R" bursts
Limiter selector on position "0"
The safety position corresponds to placing of the firing selector on the
letter"S" situated on the centre line of the barrel in front of the trigger.
13 14
6
13
~ 5
2-2-3-2- Single shot operating mode
By pulling the trigger (28), the connecting rod
(14) causes rotation of the sear drive (13) and
the driven sear (11) which frees the hammer(4);
see diagram 4.
The hammer, under the action of the hammer
spring (2), pivots violently around its axis and
strikes the firing pin which causes departure
of the shot.
Cocking of the hammer is effected during the
backward movement of the bolt, and at the end
of its stroke the hammer hooks on to the auto-
matic sear (5); see diagram 5.
It is released at the end ofthe forward movement
of the added mass by the thrust of the left-hand
lower beak of the inertia amplifying lever ( 10)
on the automatic sear control rod (7); see
diagram 6.
At this moment, the hammer hooks on to the
driven sear ( 11) and firing is stopped. The inter-
ruption of finger action on the trigger releases
the sear drive (13) from the driven sear ( 11), the
latter ensuring that the hammer is always
hooked in position ready to fire (diagram 7) .
15
2-2-3-3 - Automatic operating mode
This is identical to the single shot operating
mode with regard to the first four paragraphs.
Then, since the stroke of the sear drive (13)
is longer in the burst position (diagram 8), the
hammer can no longer hook on to the driven
sear ( 11) and there is firing as soon as the
automatic sear (5) is clear.
Operation stops at the end of action on the
trigger or when the magazine is empty.
2-2-4- Operation in the limited burst mode
- When the limiter is engaged (position 3) and
the finger is pressed on the trigger, on each
backward rotation of the hammer, the hammer
rod (3) causes rotation of the limiter operating
lever (19), the driving-pawl (21) of which causes
the ratchet wheel to make one turn correspon-
ding to the counting of one shot (diagram 9).
A retaining catch (20) then engages in the oppo-
site wheel and prevents the ratchet wheel from
returning to its original position (diagram 10).
One shot is counted.
- When the hammer performs its stroke to strike
the firing pin, its rod frees the operating lever,
which returns to its original position supported
on the hub of the ratchet wheel (diagram 11).
- Counting ofthe following two shots is effected
in this way, and operation of the trigger mecha-
nism during the first two shots is identical to
operation in the automatic mode.
- At the third shot, the limiter catch (22) stops
the hammer at the end of its backward move-
ment, hooking it on to the lower catch of the
hammer (4) (diagram 12/ . This hooking is effec-
ted by rotation of the ratchet wheel cam,
which on the third shot causes pivoting of the
limiter catch.
Firing is interrupted, and it is the release of
finger pressure on the trigger (28) which releases
the limiter catch in two stages :
1 - Release of the driving-pawl (21) and retain-
ing catch (20) by rotation of the uncogging
part (23), the latter rotation being actuated
by the backward movement of the connecting
rod (diagram 13).
2 - Return of the ratchet wheel ( 18) to its ori-
ginal position under the action of its spring
which, by rotation of the cam, also effects the
return of the limiter catch to its normal position
(diagram 13).
The hammer can then catch on to the driven
sear ( 11).
Diagram 8
5 11
Diagram 9
21 20 18 23 22
3 4
Diagram 10
19 20 21 18 22
Diagram 11
19 3
Diagram 12
22 4
Diagram 13
22 21 18 29 22
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Diagram 14
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2-2-5 - Weapon safety
- All the weapon's safety functions are ensured
by the delayed blow back lever (diagram 14) .
1 -The backward movement of the firing pin :
if the bolt is not completely closed and the
hammer drops, it sends the firing pin against
the delayed blow back lever and firing of the
cartridge in the chamber cannot take place due
to the lack of a projecting boss.
-The backward position of the firing pin
produced by rotation of the delayed blow back
lever avoids accidents due to the inertia move-
ments of the firing pin, when closing.
2 - Control of the automatic sear: See section
2-2-2 Forward movement, third paragraph.
This system offers two safety functions:
-The hammer cannot drop if the bolt is not
correctly closed (diagram 6, page 15) .
- If the user, during reassembly, forgets the
delayed blow back lever, the automatic sear
cannot clear and the shot cannot take place
because the hammer remains hooked on to the
automatic sear.
17
3- USE IN NORMAL CONDITIONS
3-1 -Preliminary operations and checks
See paragraph 1-6 : Safety instructions concerning the equipment
before firing. In particular, make sure:
- for ball cartridge firing, that the cheek rest is on the opposite side
to ejection.
-for firing A.P. grenades, that the weapon is positioned in such a
manner that spent cartridges are ejected towards the ground.
- For optimum operational regularity, even under prolonged firing
conditions, that the quantity of lubricant on the moving parts and
trigger mechanism does not exceed the film value required for ade-
quate protection from corrosion.
N.B. : Under special conditions of sand or dust storms in desert areas,
the rifle must be dry before firing.
3-2 -Operating methods and checks
3-2-1 - Ball cartridge firing
3-2-1-1 - Use of magazine
- Loading a magazine :
Two cases:
1 -Cartridges supplied in bulk.
Insert the cartridges by pressing them one by one into the magazine,
making sure to place the cartridge base at the end with the two small
rear ribs.
2- Cartridges supplied on loading clip
Place the loader supplied with cartridges on the magazine. Fit the
loading clip to the loader.
Insert the series of cartridges by pressing the row of cartridges, with
the thumb.
- Unloading a magazine
Expel the first cartridge towards the front by pressing the base of the
cartridge using the base of another cartridge.
3-2-1-2- Inserting the magazine
- Place the weapon in the safet y position (S mark on the firing selector).
- Insert the magazine at an angle in order to engage the rear part of
the lips of the magazine casing first of all, and tip the lower part of the
magazine towards the front thereby pushing it into the casing until it
clicks into place.
3-2-1-3- Removing the magazine
- Place the weapon in the safety position (S mark).
- Press the magazine hook and pull the magazine downwards by
tilling it slightly towards the rear of the weapon.
- If applicable, remove any cartridge that may remain in the chamber
by manual cocking.
1R
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3-2-1-4 - Manual cocking
-Place the weapon in the safety position (S mark).
- Grasp the cocking lever with one or two fingers, pull it until the
bolt comes up a ~ a i n s t the shock absorber and let it come back to the
front I without accompanying it. I
- If the mechanism does not complete its forward travel (incomplete
closure) due to an excessive amount of impurities (mud, sand, snow,
etc.) slight forward pressure has to be exerted on the cocking lever
heel in order to complete closure. If closure is still difficult, check that
there are no foreign bodies in the barrel or breech.
- Depending on the position of the firer, the rifle is cocked by the
right hand or the left hand.
- Since the rifle does not have a breech stop, repeat the same operation
again, after each insertion of a magazine.
3-2-1-5- Uncocking
- Remove the magazine. See 3-2-1-3.
- Cock the weapon in order to extract and eject any cartridge which
might still be in the chamber.
- Pull the trigger, taking care to point the rifle in a safe direction.
3-2-1-6- Aiming for ball cartridge firing
The aiming device offerts three possibilities (2 for daylight firing and
one for night firing).
3-2-1-6-1
- Day firing
- With normal light, keep the two flaps
of the ringsight closed, the eye-piece dia-
meter is minimum and gives maximum
precision.
- In bad light, flip down the front flap,
the diameter of the eye-piece is greater.
3-2-1-6-2
- Night firing
- Flip down the two ringsight slide flaps
and lift up the slide located on the front
face of the frontsight support. For ball
cartridge firing, it is necessary to align
the target, the green luminescent spot
(materialising the support), and the two
red luminescent spots which appear on
the sighting rule support for direct gre-
nade firing when this sighting rule is
folded back.
3-2-1-7- Firing
Semi-automatic firing
- Firing selector on position 1. Limited burst
selector on position 0. (recommended position
although not compulsory).
- Pull the trigger, a single shot is fired. Release
the trigger. The following cartridges are fired in
the same way until the magazine is empty.
19
- For prec1s1on firing, the finger pressure control on the trigger IS
facilitated bv a small boss.
Firing in three-shot bursts
- Firing selector on position R. Limited burst selector on position 3.
- Pull the trigger.
- It is very important to pull the trigger home AS FAR AS POSSIBLE
and to hold it in this position. If trigger travel is limited, the rifle
acts as if it were in single shot firing mode. In such cases, it is possible
that bursts of only two shots, or even a single shot, will be obtained.
- In all cases, the following burst will include three shots if, as speci -
fied, the trigger is maintained fully pulled, as the burst selector returns
to its initial position as soon as the trigger is released.
In automatic firing
- Firing selector on position R. Limited burst selector on position 0 .
- Pull the trigger home completely.
- It is important to maintain the trigger pulled home for as long as the
burst of firing is to be continued.
- To interrupt a burst, simply release the trigger.
3-2-2 - Firing of blank cartridges
The rifle can be used for firing blank cartridges by screwing a blank
firing sleeve to a shutter against the front end of the barrel suppor-
ted on the rear part of the flash-suppressor. The rifle can then be
fired under exactly the same conditions as ball cartridge firing : in
single shots, in short bursts of three shots or in long bursts.
IMPORTANT:
- Check that the sleeve is always well
screwed on.
- THE USER MUST UNDER NO CIR-
CUMSTANCES USE THE WEAPON THUS
EQUIPPED WITH ORDINARY CARTRID-
GES OR GRENADE-LAUNCHING CAR-
TRIDGES.
20
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3-2-3 - Using the bipod
Deployment of the bipod
- Take one leg of the bipod and pull it towards the rear of the rifle
until it can swivel .freely around its joint.
- Swivel the leg forwards until it clicks into the notch of the required
position.
- Repeat this operation for the second leg.
Folding away of bipod
- Give a sharp knock on each leg, which then automatically returns
to the transport position.
3-2-4 - Grenade firing
3-2-4-1 -Types of grenade
The FA-MAS 5.56 F 1 can fire all types of 500 g grenades with a fin
diameter of 22 mm.
For example : - anti -tank (AT) grenades,
- anti -personnel (AP) grenades,
- anti -personnel, anti-vehicle (AP-AV) grenades.
- smoke grenades,
- lighting grenades,
- practice grenades with passive head.
3-2-4-2 - Firing methods
The FA-MAS is equipped with two sighting systems for grenade firing :
a) For indirect firing, a twin position sighting rule (45 or 75) :
at 45 the effective combat range is between 140 and 360 metres
at 75, the effective combat range is between 70 and 180 metres.
b) For direct firing, a sight notch sighting rule that is aligned with
the fore sight. There are two positions for firing at ranges of 75 and
100 metres. Yellow-orange luminescent spots are available for night
firing.
3-2-4-3 - Magazine for propellent cartridges
The rifle can take a special magazine for firing propellent cartridges.
The magazine holds only one propellent cartridge.
Magazines are inserted and removed in the same way as for firing ball
cartridges.
NB : Certain grenades are provided with a bullet trap and the use of
propellent cartridges is not necessary : with grenades of this type, ball
cartridges can be fired immediately after firing a grenade without
any further manipulation.
3-2-4-4- Preparing the weapon for grenade firing
1 -Place the rifle in the safety position.
2- Select the firing system :direct firing or indirect firing.
21
3-2-4-5- Indirect firing
- Place the grenade inserting ring on the selected
mark corresponding to the distance to be fired.
- Orient the anti-personnel sighting rule (see
photo) according to the angle selected (45 or
75).
- Push the grenade home on the inserting ring
until the stop is reached.
- Pull out the grenade safety pin.
- Load the magazine with a propellent cartridge.
- Take up the firing position, rifle butt on
ground, ejection side turned towards the ground.
- Place the firing selector in the position 1
(single shot firing).
- Cock the rifle, aim and fire.
The rifle can be fired in either the prone or the
standing position, with the butt firmly suppor-
ted.
3-2-4-6- Direct firing
- Place the grenade inserting ring in maximum position.
- Raise the sighting rule in the hand guard casing by pivoting it
forwards.
- Select the firing distance
Movable carrier in low position :
Movable carrier in high position :
range of 75 metres
range of 100 metres
- Push the grenade home on the inserting ring until the stop is reached
by slightly pivoting the grenade.
- Pull out the grenade safety pin.
- Load the magazine :
a- either special magazine with its propellent cartridge
b- or normal magazine with ball cartridges in the event of grenades
with built-in bullet trap.
-Take up firing position holding the rifle firmly against the body.
- Place the firing selector on position 1 for single shot firing.
- Cock the rifle.
- Aim by aligning the target, the sight holder and the sight notch.
-Fire.
, I
3-2-4-6-1
Standing position (see photograph)
Hold the rifle firmly by the pistol grip and
butt, holding it against the body.
For a right -handed person, the right hand
should hold the pistol grip and the left hand
the butt, the rifle being pressed against the
right shoulder.
The position is reversed for a left-handed
person.
3-2-4-6-2
Prone position (see photograph)
The rifle is held in exactly the same way as
in the standing position.
In the prone position, the rifle is supported
on the bipod but the firer must be holding
it firmly against the body.
3-2-4-6-3
Kneeling position (see photograph)
Hold the rifle in-the same manner as described
for standing position.
23
3-2-5- Aiming for grenade firing
3-2-5-1 - Direct fi ring i n dayl ight
The li ne of sight materiali sed with t he ret ractable sight ing rule must
pass t hrough the f our f ollowi ng poi nts:
1 -The eye of the firer
2 - The square not ch sight, of t he raised sighti ng rule.
3 - The normal frontsi ght .
4- Target_
3-2-5-2- Direct firing at night
The line of sight is in this case materialised on the raised sighting rule
by two yellow-orange luminescent spots and on the deployed slide
by a green luminescent spot.
3-2-5-3- Indirect firing (daylight only)
Identical to direct firing for 1, 2 and 4; for 3 :top of frontsight holder.
3-2-6- Use of the sling
1 - The hooking device of the long belt is placed on its hooking point
located on the bipod drum, by successive half-turns.
2- Insert the long belt in the metal buckle with beaks of the small
belt (beaks upside down).
3- Fold over the long belt after threading it through the stock loop
and insert in the quick tightening device then through the loop.
')II
Use of "shoulder slung weapons"
- Hook on the metal buckle by means of its beaks to the hooking
ring as indicated in the photograph.
" Combat" use
- Unhook the metal buckle with beak from the hooking ring.
- The metal buckle then slides along the long belt.
- Place the weapon slung across the chest.
- From this position it is possible to take aim quickly.
25
4- USE IN SPECIAL CONDITIONS
- cf. paragraph 1-5 operating limits (page 6)
4-1 - Very low temperatures and NBC environ-
ment
Use of the trigger guard arch
- Pull on the part of the arch located on a level
with the pistol grip so as to release it from
its normal operating position.
- Turn through 1800 to set it for use at very
low temperatures or NBC environment.
Use a lubricant compatible with the operating
temperature. If not, clean and lubricate with
paraffine oil only.
4-2 - Precautions to be taken during movements when water is likely
to enter the barrel (rain, weapon dropped into water, etc.)
- Take the precautions mentioned under section 1-6-2, second paragraph .
4-3- Sand and dust
Reduce lubrication to the minimum.
4-4- Bullet firing at night
See para. 3-2-1-6.
4-5- Direct firing of grenades at night
See para. 3-2-5-2.
5- JAMMING AND TROUBLE
5-1- Jamming
Possible jamming and trouble generally fall into one of the following
three categories :
1 - Trouble resulting from excessive fouling of the weapon due to
negligence by the user or his lack of knowledge of the weapon.
2 - Trouble caused by accidental mechanical failure of the weapon .
3 - Trouble caused by using the weapon in unfavourable conditions
(snow, sand, mud ... ).
Jamming or interruption of firing, unless caused by an empty magazine
or failure of a part, is generally quickly eliminated without looking for
the cause of the trouble.
- If there is incomplete closure, press on the base of the cocking lever
so as to make sure that the lever closes on to the cocking lever stop,
then resume firing. If slight pressure is insufficient to close the coking
lever, ensure that there is no foreign body fouling the barrel or firing
mechanism.
- If there is insufficient recoil, cock to eject the case of the fired
cartridge and insert another cartridge, then resume firing.
- In the case of any other firing trouble :
- Keep the weapon in firing position.
- Remove the magazine.
- Cock twice.
- Remove the case remaining inside the weapon (if applicable).
- Insert magazine- cock, then resume firing.
Should the trouble occur again : remove the magazine, replace it by
another, then resume firing. If the trouble persists, consult the gun-
smith or instructor to determine what is wt:ong.
NB : if the shot does not take place after firing, wait at least 10 seconds
before opening the breech so as to avoid the consequences of possible
delayed firing.
?7
5-2 -Troubles
Possible troubles
No percussion
No extraction
Resistance felt when inserting magazine
Incorrect position of cartridge
In single shot position departure in bursts
Cartridge case not ejected
Causes
Incomplete closure
Firing pin broken
Extractor deteriorated
Chamber fouled
Weapon fouled
Magazine warped
Magazine warped
Follower plate warped
Trigger-guard badly adjusted
Ejector spring too weak
Extractor spring too weak
Remedies
Cock and make sure
of closure before firing
Change firing pin
Change extractor
Clean weapon and
clean chamber (rifling)
Clean weapon
Change magazine
Change magazine
Adjust trigger-guard
Change ejector-spring assembly
Change extractor-spring assembly
Delayed firing Defective cartridge Check to ensure bullet is not still in barrel
Grenade not retained
Changing parts: see chapter on dismantling.
To replace the grenade brake spring :
Brake spring lost
- Close the inserting ring up towards the flash-suppressor.
?R
- Roll a sheet of heavy paper round these two parts, engage the
brake spring on to the cylinder thus formed and make it slide up
to its housing on the ring.
Replace the grenade brake spring
6- MAINTENANCE
6-1 - Dismantling
reassembly.
for maintenance and
6-1-1 - Remove the stock
- If the strap is tight, slacken it as would nor-
mally be the case for carrying the weapon over
the shoulder.
- Expel the stock assembly stud, and place it
in the tubular casing for fixing the stock to the
breech casing.
- Pull the stock backwards.
- In order to dismantle the cheek rest, push the
top of this part so that by elastic deformation it
can be removed from the stock.
6-1-2 - Remove the protective handle.
- Expel the assembly stud of the protective
handle a.nd place it in the tubular casing fitted
to the ringsight support.
- Push the protective handle towards the fore-
sight, removing it from the sighting line by
pulling it upwards.
6-1-3 - Remove the mechanism unit
- Push the mechanism unit assembly stud with
the tip of a bullet or one of the two stock studs
or protective handle studs and pull it so as to
bring it into contact with the breech casing
safety catch.
- Remove the mechanism unit by rotating it
round the rear support of the breech case.
29
6-1-4 - Remove the mobile assembly
- Pull back the mobile assembly until the cocking lever makes contact
with the rear face of the cocking lever stop.
- Free the mobile assembly from the spring tube by pushing the assem-
bly stud as under para. 6-1-3.
- Pull the mobile assembly backwards, allowing it to slide freely in the
T groove of the breech casing.
6-1-5 - Disassembly of the bolt
- Separate the mobile breech assembly, the
inertia amplifying lever and the firing pin from
the added mass by making it slide along the bot -
tom of the latter part until the lever is in the
vertical position. In this position the slide on
the head of the breech is freed from the cor-
responding part of the added mass, and the
two parts can be separated by pulling on them.
Dismantle the amplifying lever by making
it turn around its axis until its upper wings
are in line with the breech and remove it from
its housing in this position.
Pull the firing pin backwards.
6-1-6 - Dismantling the removable head
)
- Using the base of a case or the head of one of the stock assembly
studs or protective handle studs, raise the support finger of the remo-
vable head.
- Engage the base of the case or the head of one of the stock assem-
bly studs or protective handle studs under the extractor claw and pull
the removable head.
- After dismantling in this way, there are 6 parts or assemblies :
-The breech
- The removable head
- The support finger
- The ejector, its spring and its inside rod
- The extractor and its spring
-The plug.
In order to reverse the ejection, simply exchange the extractor a nd its
spring with the plug.
6-1-7- Dismantling the bipod
To dismantle the bipod proceed in the same way as for mount ing it
(section 3-2-3), but continue to rotate the arms 120 beyond their
normal position in use and in that position remove them laterally from
their articulations.
6-1-8- Reassembly
Reassembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling, although
the following precautions must be taken :
- Reassembly of the removable head :
Before reassembling the ejector make sure that the inside rod is exectly
in place (photo page 30) .
- Use the spring ejector assembly to centre the removable head
so as to be able to fit the support finger without any difficulty.
- Push the removing head with the firing pin.
- Fit the support finger, paying attention to the direction of
assembly : the groove in which the base of the case is engaged
(section 6-1-6) must be outside the breech after assembly.
- Reassembly of the mobile assembly :
First of all, assemble the firing pin and align the rear notch of the
amplifying lever passage with the breech bore before reassembling
the lever.
Before reassembling the added mass make sure that the two suppor-
ting parts of the amplifying lever on the added mass are opposite the
heel of the mobile breech.
Before assembling the mobile assembly on the breech casing make
sure that the slideway located on top of the breech is effectively
engaged in the corresponding part of the added mass.
- Reassembly of the mobile assembly on the breech casing :
Hold the mobile assembly in the open position and slide it freely,
without forcing, in the slideway of the breech casing.
- Reassembly of the mechanism unit : before reassembling the me-
chanism unit make sure that the hammer is hooked on to the auto-
matic sear and that the connecting rod is in the rear position.
Engage the rear part of the mechanism unit into the corresponding
housing of the breech casing by inclining it slightly (photo page 29),
pivot it around this hooking point and pin it.
31
- Reassembly of the protective handle :
- Reassembly of the stock :
Make sure that the cheek-rest is mounted on the side opposite ejection.
6-1-9 - Reversing of ejection
- Remove the support finger as indicated in section 6-1-6 and puH the
removable head as far as necessary to be a b l ~ to pull out the extractor
and the plug without completely dismantling the removable head.
- Reverse the two parts.
- Push the removable head back place by means of the firing pin and
replace the support finger.
6-2 - Maintenance
6-2-1 -Ingredients
Use Break-Free CLP or ARDROX 397/2 - paraffin oil only under
exceptional circumstances.
Attention :
- The use of paraffine oil facilitates cleaning of very fouled compo-
nents but in order to avoid oxidation, carefully clean the parts before
oiling them.
- Do not use chlorine solvents without the manufacturer's advice.
6-2-2 - Cleaning
The weapon must be cleaned as often as necessary, and obligatorily
after each use, as soon as circumstances permit.
Cleaning must be limited to the removal of dust, moisture, impurities
and surface rust. Cleaning must never be taken to extremes, where
wear or deformation of the parts could arise.
N. B. : The use of abrasive substances (emery cloth, glass paper) or
metal objects (knife blade or screwdriver) is strictly forbidden.
6-2-2-1 - Cleaning the barrel and chamber
The barrel is cleaned with a cleaning rod used with a square cloth of
dimensions (6 x 6 em of fine cloth) such that if forces slightly in the
barrel. The cleaning cloth must be removed from the barrel after
each return stroke. Introduce the cleaning rod by the barrel mouth
piece so that the patch does not catch in the ring grooves.
After a few strokes effected with a dry, clean cloth, the internal
surface of the barrel must be smooth and shiny. Otherwise, cont i nue
cleaning with an oil-soaked cloth.
The chamber must be cleaned with a metal brush; use an oil -soaked
cloth to remove any matter fouling the chamber.
6-2-2-2 - Cleaning of other metal parts
Other parts must be cleaned with a dry, clean cloth or with paraffin
oil if the parts are very dirty.
If rust patches show up, soak them in oil for a moment, then rub with
an oil -soaked cloth.
6-2-2-3 - Cleaning of plastic parts
Clean with a moist clean cloth.
6-2-2-4- Cleaning the mechanism unit
If metal debris or non-burnt products have entered the mechanism
unit, clean the trigger mechanism and burst limiter with a fine brush.
6-2-3 - Checking
Each cleaning should be an occasion for checking the condition of the
various parts of the weapon, and to show up incipient cracks, unusual
wear and other deformations as well as breakage : in particular, the firing
pin and the amplifying lever.
6-2-4 - Protection
Once the weapon is cleaned and its condition checked, it is necessary,
before reassembly, to give it a protection against rust.
All the metal parts should be lightly oiled after cleaning. The barrel is
protected by giving one backward and one forward stroke with an oil -
soaked cloth which should be clean.
6-3 - Adjusting the line of sight
See MAT 1057 (technical guidance leaflet
supplied with rifle ) for dismantling of the
protective handle.
6-3-1 - Adjustment for elevation
- The line of sight is adjusted for elevation by
moving the ringsight unit as follows. Lower the
adjustment wheel index and then compress
the ringsight spring by means of the screw.
To facilitate this operation, a cartridge case
can be removed to compress the spring.
- If the rifle fires high : tighten the bolt and
the ringsight is lowered.
- If the rifle fires low : unscrew the bolt and
the ringsight rises.
- Shift value : one rotation of a bolt notch
leads to an average point variation of about
6 em at a distance of 200 metres (0.30 r;ri )
33
6-3-2- Adjustment for direction
- Direction is adjusted by compressing or releasing a spring blade by
means of a serrated nut.
- If firing is to the left :screw off.
- If firing is to the right : screw on.
- Value of the shift : the passage from one notch to another causes
a variation in the mean centre point of about 6 em at 200m (0.30 m).
14
7 - PARTS LIST
Description of the parts itemised on the various diagrams
Hammer stop
2 Percussion spring
3 Percussion rod
4 Hammer
5 Automatic sear
6 Sear spring guide rod
7 Automatic sear control
8 Mechanism unit
9 Breech casing
10 Inertia amplifying lever
11 Driven sear
12 Driven sear notch
13 Driven sear drive
14 Connecting rod
15 Forward stud of connecting rod
16 Rear stud of connecting rod
17 Fire selector
18 Ratchet wheel
19 Limiter operating lever
20 Retaining catch
21 Driving-pawl
22 Limiter catch
23 Uncogging part
24 Disengaging trolley
25 Burst limiter switch
26 Uncogging spring pin
27 Connecting rod return spring
28 Trigger
29 Ratchet wheel stop pin
35
8 TABLE OF COMPINED UNIT COMPONENTS
PART NAME Oty
5.56 assault rifle, model F1......... . .. . ........ 1
ACCESSORIES
Magazine . ...... . .......................... 6
Magazine for one protellent cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Bayonet with sheath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Sling..... . .. . . . . .. . . ... . . .. .. . ........... 1
Removable rod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Cleaning rod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Chamber cleaning brush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Brass cleaning brush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Nylon cleaning brush. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Oil can. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Synthetic cloth bag for FA 5.56 F 1 accessories. . . . . . 1
Synthetic cloth magazine holder for FA 5.56 F 1 . . . 2
Technical guidance leaflet MAT 1057. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
SPARE PARTS
Support finger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Complete ejector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Extractor with spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
88 L6 PL LL

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