M16 Rifle Manual

M16A2 Maintenance Manual

This is U.S. Marine Corps Technical Manual TM 05538C-23&P/2, dated October 1984, written for the Rifle, 5.56-MM, M16A2. It covers organizational and intermediate maintenance. Organizational maintenance is the work done at unit level, and intermediate maintenance is the deeper repair handled by support shops. Armorers, M16A2 owners, collectors of military paperwork and reenactors use it as a period reference for how the rifle was serviced.

Features

• TM 05538C-23&P/2 Designation — The cover carries the Marine Corps technical manual number, so you can match it against references and other TMs in a collection.
• Written For The M16A2 W/E — The manual addresses the Rifle, 5.56-MM, M16A2 W/E, where "W/E" stands for "with equipment" and means the rifle as issued with its accessories.
• NSN 1005-01-128-9936 — The rifle's National Stock Number, the military's catalog number for an item, is printed on the cover.
• Organizational And Intermediate Maintenance — Separate chapters give instructions for unit-level upkeep and for support-level repair.
• Maintenance Allocation Chart — This table assigns each maintenance task to the level authorized to perform it.
• Repair Parts And Special Tools List — A dedicated section lists replacement parts and the special tools used to service the rifle.
• Torque Limits Appendix — Fastener torque values have their own section, so they are quick to find at the bench.
• Auxiliary Equipment Coverage — One chapter covers maintenance of the auxiliary equipment issued with the rifle.
• Tabbed Edge Index — Printed tabs on the cover line up with each section, from the introduction to the alphabetical index, so you can open straight to the chapter you need.

What The Manual Covers

The cover index lists an introduction and chapters on organizational maintenance, intermediate maintenance and auxiliary equipment. Appendices follow for references, the maintenance allocation chart, repair parts and special tools, expendable supplies and materials, illustrated manufactured items, and torque limits. An alphabetical index closes the book. The cover shows the Marine Corps emblem and a side-view drawing of the M16A2 alongside the October 1984 publication date.