ARMALITE®, INC OWNER’S MANUAL FOR M-15™ RIFLES AND CARBINES READ THIS MANUAL THOROUGHLY, PARTICULARLY THE WARNINGS, BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM! IT’S IMPORTANT! Copyright ArmaLite®, Inc. November 2008 Rev 15 P/N: MANUAL M15 ArmaLite® Inc. P.O. Box 299 Geneseo, Illinois, USA 61254 1-800-336-0184 www.ArmaLite.
1. READ THIS FIRST! Throughout this manual you will find WARNINGS and/or CAUTIONS printed in bold print. All WARNINGS and CAUTIONS should be read carefully and followed completely. WARNINGS discuss issues that could result in damage to your firearm, or injury or death to you or a bystander. CAUTIONS discuss issues that could result in damage or malfunction of your firearm. WARNING: IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ASSURE THAT YOUR FIREARM IS HANDLED, FIRED, AND STORED SAFELY AND RESPONSIBLY AT ALL TIMES.
2. SAFETY FIRST! IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! * Treat every gun as if it is loaded …AT ALL TIMES! * Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. * Never point your firearm at anything that you do not intend to shoot. * Keep your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard until you are aiming at your target and ready to shoot. * Always keep the safety in the “SAFE” position, especially when the firearm is loaded and cocked, until you are ready to fire.
3. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. READ THIS FIRST!----------------------------------------------------------- 2 2. SAFETY FIRST! IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!------------------- 3 3. TABLE OF CONTENTS----------------------------------------------------- 4 4. SAFE STORAGE--------------------------------------------------------------- 5 5. GENERAL INFORMATION------------------------------------------------ 5 6. EXPLODED DRAWINGS AND PARTS LISTS------------------------ 7 7.
4. SAFE STORAGE WARNING: ALWAYS ASSURE THAT YOUR FIREARM IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED BEFORE STORING IT. ALWAYS TREAT YOUR FIREARM AS IF IT WERE LOADED. ALWAYS STORE YOUR FIREARM IN A SAFE LOCATION, SEPARATE FROM THE AMMUNITION. Make certain that both the chamber and magazine of your rifle are unloaded before you store it. Store your rifle in a securely locked gun safe.
The National Match trigger is a two-stage trigger with distinct characteristics: a first stage, which is relatively light, and a second stage of heavier resistance. Microscopic variations in the surface of the parts may cause a feeling of grittiness in the first stage. This is normal on factory-made parts, and will not affect the release of the shot. A properly adjusted second stage will not be creepy, and is the key to a successful mechanism.
6. EXPLODED DRAWINGS AND PARTS LISTS The drawings and associated parts lists in this section will give you visual references to parts discussed in the text. In the text, you will note part numbers in parentheses behind some part names. Those part numbers are the same as part numbers shown in the exploded drawings and part lists. For example, a part numbered “U-7” in the text would refer to the part numbered “7” in the Upper assembly exploded view.
7. AMMUNITION Nomenclature of cartridges can be confusing. It is vital that you understand cartridge nomenclature and only fire cartridges for which this firearm was designed. WARNING: USE OF INCORRECT AMMUNITION CAN CAUSE WEAPON DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH. MAKE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT YOU ARE USING CARTRIDGES DESIGNED FOR YOUR FIREARM. DO NOT FIRE OLD, CORRODED, DEFORMED, OR HANDLOADED AMMUNITION. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CONTACT ARMALITE® BEFORE FIRING.
8. INITIAL ASSEMBLY, INSPECTION, AND CLEANING 8.1 INITIAL ASSEMBLY Your M-15™ Series firearm is shipped to you completely assembled. However, if it has a collapsible buttstock, the buttstock may require adjustment in length to fit you. ADJUSTING THE COLLAPSIBLE BUTTSTOCK To extend the collapsible buttstock, depress lever and pull the stock out until it locks into position. To collapse the buttstock depress the lever again and push forward until it locks into position.
8.2 INITIAL INSPECTION WARNING: READ THIS MANUAL COMPLETELY AS YOU INSPECT YOUR NEW ARMALITE® FIREARM. MAKE CERTAIN THAT YOU UNDERSTAND HOW TO ASSEMBLE, OPERATE, DISASSEMBLE, MAINTAIN, AND STORE YOUR FIREARM SAFELY BEFORE YOU USE IT. Any time you disassemble and reassemble a firearm, you should conduct a functional check of it. Check your firearm’s function as described in the Reassembly section of this manual. 8.
9. LOADING AND FIRING WARNING: ALWAYS KEEP THE SAFETY IN THE “SAFE” POSITION UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO FIRE THE WEAPON. REMEMBER THAT THE SAFETY IS SIMPLY A MECHANICAL DEVICE, AND AS SUCH, COULD POSSIBLY FAIL. NEVER DEPEND ON ANY SAFETY TO JUSTIFY UNSAFE GUN HANDLING. ALWAYS KEEP THE CHAMBER EMPTY AND THE WEAPON POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION EVEN WHEN THE SAFETY IS ON. WARNING: INJURY, DEATH, OR FIREARM DAMAGE CAN RESULT FROM FIRING A WEAPON WITH AN OBSTRUCTION IN THE BORE.
5. OPEN THE BOLT QUICKLY AND UNLOAD THE WEAPON. 6. EXAMINE THE WEAPON AND CARTRIDGE CAREFULLY TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION. WARNING: RAPID FIRING OF THE WEAPON MAY CAUSE SOME COMPONENTS TO BECOME HOT ENOUGH TO CAUSE INJURY. EXTENDED SESSIONS OF VERY RAPID FIRING MAY CAUSE A CARTRIDGE LEFT IN THE CHAMBER TO “COOKOFF”, FIRING ITSELF WITHOUT YOU PULLING THE TRIGGER. ALWAYS UNLOAD THE WEAPON IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOU FINISH FIRING.
2. Push upward on the magazine until the magazine catch (L-17) engages and holds the magazine. Pull down on the magazine slightly to make sure that it is locked in place. 9.2 CHAMBERING AND FIRING A ROUND, STARTING WITH THE BOLT OPEN AND MAGAZINE INSERTED 1. Depress the upper portion of the bolt stop (L-13) to release the bolt. 2. With the rifle pointed in a safe direction, move the safety (L-24) to “FIRE”. 3. Squeeze the trigger (L-32) and fire.
9.3 CHAMBERING AND FIRING A ROUND, STARTING WITH THE BOLT CLOSED AND MAGAZINE INSERTED 1. Pull the charging handle (U-2) all the way back. 2. Release the charging handle. If the bolt carrier (U3) doesn’t fully close, tap the forward assist to close it. If it still won’t close, clear the rifle and correct the problem. 3. Never “ride” the charging handle. Let it slide forward at full speed.
4. Set the safety to “FIRE”, grip the rifle firmly, and squeeze the trigger. WARNING: GRIPPING THE RIFLE LOOSELY WHEN FIRING CAN CAUSE THE SHOOTER TO FIRE TWO SHOTS (THE SECOND AS THE TRIGGER STRIKES THE SHOOTER’S TRIGGER FINGER DURING COUNTER-RECOIL.) THIS IS A SHOOTER ERROR, NOT A RIFLE MALFUNCTION. CAUTION: DO NOT REST THE RIFLE ON ITS MAGAZINE WHEN YOU ARE LOADING OR FIRING IT. DOING SO CAN FORCE THE MAGAZINE UP INTO THE RIFLE, REDUCING THE RELIABILITY OF FEEDING CARTRIDGES.
10. CLEARING / UNLOADING THE FIREARM WARNING: ALWAYS ASSUME ALL FIREARMS ARE LOADED. ANYTIME YOU HANDLE A FIREARM, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY INSPECT IT TO ASSURE THAT IT IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. WARNING: IF YOU KNOW NOTHING ELSE ABOUT YOUR ARMALITE® FIREARM, YOU MUST KNOW HOW TO UNLOAD IT AND CLEAR IT TO MAKE IT SAFE. Keep your rifle cleared when not in use. 1. Place safety lever (L-24) on “SAFE”. NOTE: If the rifle is not cocked, the lever cannot be pointed toward SAFE. 2.
3. Extract the cartridge (if any) from the chamber. To lock the bolt carrier assembly (U-3) open, pull the charging handle rearward, press the bottom of the bolt catch, and allow the bolt to move forward until the bolt stop retains it. Return the charging handle forward. 4. Look into the receiver and chamber to ensure that these areas contain no ammunition. WARNING: NEVER ASSUME THAT THE CHAMBER IS EMPTY UNTIL YOU HAVE VISUALLY EXAMINED IT AND SEE THAT IT IS EMPTY. 5.
11. ZEROING THE SIGHTS Rear Sight Aperture Windage Knob Because every shooter sees the sights differently, two shooters may have a different zero on the same rifle. 1. Rotate the elevation knob down (counter clockwise) until either the lowest digit on the elevation knob is aligned with index line above the knob and sight in at the shortest range to be fired (0 to 20 marked match rifle scale) or set the elevation knob to the distance to be fired, i.e. “2” for 200 yards. 2.
APPROXIMATE IMPACT SHIFT PER CLICK OF ADJUSTMENT: Rear sight adjustments: Windage; one click will move the shot group approximately ½ inch at 100 yards. Elevation; one click will move the shot group approximately ½ inch at 100 yards. NOTE: One windage click on the National Match sight moves the group ¼ inch at 100 yards. Front sight adjustments: The front sight adjustment is approximately 1 inch in elevation per click at 100 yards. Moving the sight in the direction “up” will raise the shot group.
12. DISASSEMBLY WARNING: ALWAYS UNLOAD YOUR FIREARM BEFORE CLEANING, LUBRICATION, DISASSEMBLY, OR REASSEMBLY. WARNING: ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN DISASSEMBLING, MAINTAINING, OR ASSEMBLING YOUR FIREARM. IN PARTICULAR, THE OPERATING SPRING IS UNDER HIGH COMPRESSION. IF IT SLIPS FROM YOUR GRASP, IT COULD CAUSE INJURY. 12.1 CLEAR THE RIFLE IMPORTANT: Put the safety on “SAFE”. Remove the magazine, THEN pull back the charging handle and check the chamber. SLING Remove the sling. 12.
12.3 UPPER AND LOWER RECEIVERS 1. Push the takedown pin (K-23) as far as it will go. CAUTION: EXCESS FORCE CAN SEVERELY DAMAGE THE RECEIVER. TAKE IT EASY! 2. Pivot the upper receiver (U-1) from the lower receiver (L-1). 3. Push the receiver pivot pin (L-20) as far as it will go. Take it easy! 4. Separate the upper and lower receivers. 12.4 CHARGING HANDLE AND BOLT CARRIER ASSEMBLY 1. Pull back the charging handle (U-2) and bolt carrier assembly (U-3).
2. Remove the bolt carrier assembly. 3. Pull the charging handle back and down to remove it. 4. Move the bolt assembly (BC-7) forward to the unlocked position and remove the firing pin retaining pin (BC-1). Do not open or close the split end of the firing pin retaining pin. 5. Push in on the bolt assembly (BC-7) to put it in the locked position. 6. Catch the firing pin (BC-2) as it drops out of the rear of the bolt carrier assembly.
7.Give the bolt cam pin (BC-3) a ¼ turn and lift it out. 8. Remove the bolt assembly from the bolt carrier assembly. 9. Press the rear of the extractor (B-6) to check that the spring works. 10. Use a punch or dummy round to remove the extractor pin (B-7).
11. Remove the extractor and spring assembly. Do not remove the spring assembly (B-4), its plunger (B-3) or the O-ring (B-5) from the extractor (B-6). 12.5 LOWER RECEIVER ASSEMBLY 1. Cock the hammer (L-28) with your thumb. Push in the buffer (L-5) and depress the buffer detent (L-8) to release the buffer. 3. Remove the buffer (L-5) and the operating spring (L-4).
12.6 DISASSEMBLING THE MAGAZINE Use the tip of a cartridge or another suitable tool to very slightly pry the rear of the floorplate up so that it can be pulled off the magazine. Remove the spring and attached follower from the magazine shell. The spring will exit the shell easily, but the follower must be twisted and withdrawn, rear first. Do not remove the spring from the follower. NO FURTHER DISASSEMBLY OF THE FIREARM IS REQUIRED.
13. MAINTENANCE WARNING: ALWAYS UNLOAD YOUR FIREARM BEFORE CLEANING, LUBRICATION, DISASSEMBLY, OR REASSEMBLY. WARNING: DO NOT APPLY LUBRICANT OR PRESERVATIVE TO YOUR AMMUNITION. DOING SO MAY CAUSE THE CARTRIDGE TO PARTIALLY MALFUNCTION, LEAVING THE BULLET LODGED IN THE BORE, CREATING A BORE OBSTRUCTION. 13.1 CLEANING SOLVENTS AND LUBRICANTS The Military Services generally use a multipurpose chemical called CLP (cleaner, lubricant, and preservative) sold commercially as “Break Free.
WARNING: LEAD MAY BE PRESENT IN THE FOULING OF A DIRTY RIFLE. AVOID CONTACT WITH IT, AND CLEAN HANDS AFTERWARD TO AVOID INGESTING LEAD. CAUTION: DON’T REVERSE THE DIRECTION OF THE BORE BRUSH WHILE IT’S IN THE BORE. 2. Install the chamber brush on the cleaning rod, dip it in cleaning solvent, and insert it into the chamber and locking lugs. Clean by pushing and twisting the cleaning rod. 3.
CAUTION: DO NOT BEND THE GAS TUBE. IF THE TUBE IS BENT, IT WILL SLOW OR BLOCK FORWARD MOVEMENT OF THE BOLT CARRIER ASSEMBLY. 4. Take the bore brush off the rod and install a swab holder and a swab. Apply cleaning solvent to the swab; then run it through the chamber and out the flash suppressor (if applicable). To remove carbon build up, let the solvent sit, then wipe clean. A bore brush may be used with care to remove heavy carbon buildup.
13.3 CHARGING HANDLE AND BOLT CARRIER ASSEMBLY 1. Clean all parts and outer surfaces of the bolt carrier assembly with a swab saturated with cleaning solvent. 2. Clean the bolt carrier key (BC-6) with a worn bore brush dipped in solvent and dry with a pipe cleaner. 3. Remove carbon deposits and dirt from the locking lugs with a bore brush dipped in solvent. 4. Clean the areas behind the bolt rings and under the lip if the extractor. 5.
WARNING: DO NOT INTERCHANGE BOLTS BETWEEN RIFLES. 8. Inspect the firing pin retaining pin for bends, breaks, or dents. 9. Inspect the bolt cam pin for cracks or chips. 10. Inspect the firing pin for bends, cracks, or a sharp, chipped, or blunted tip. 11. Lightly lubricate the firing pin and firing pin recess in the bolt assembly. 12. Generously lubricate the outside of the bolt cam pin and the firing pin retaining pin. Make certain to lubricate the bolt cam pin hole, bolt rings, and outside of the bolt.
13.4 LOWER RECEIVER ASSEMBLY CAUTION: DO NOT USE A WIRE BRUSH OR ANY TYPE OF ABRASIVE MATERIAL TO CLEAN ALUMINUM SURFACES 1. Wipe dirt from the trigger with a swab. 2. Use a swab and cleaning brush to clean powder fouling, corrosion, and dirt from the lower receiver. 3. Use a pipe cleaner to clean the buttstock screw vent hole. 4. Clean the buffer, recoil spring, and inside lower receiver with a swab dipped in solvent. 5. Lightly lubricate the buffer and operating spring. 6.
WARNING: ARMALITE’S NATIONAL MATCH TRIGGER ASSEMBLY ISN’T USER ADJUSTABLE. FOR SAFETY REASONS, IT IS INTENTIONALLY BUILT WITH A SMALL AMOUNT OF CREEP IN THE SECOND STAGE. AS IT BREAKS IN WITH USE (200 TO 500 ROUNDS), THE CREEP TENDS TO DECREASE TO AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL. IF EXCESS CREEP REMAINS, THE TRIGGER CAN BE TUNED BY A GUNSMITH USING TECHNIQUES SIMILAR TO THOSE USED WITH THE M1 / M14 TRIGGER SYSTEM. ARMALITE TECHNICIANS WILL FINE-TUNE THE TRIGGERS FOR A NOMINAL SHOP FEE, PLUS SHIPPING.
14. REASSEMBLY WARNING: ALWAYS UNLOAD YOUR FIREARM BEFORE CLEANING, LUBRICATION, DISASSEMBLY, OR REASSEMBLY. 14.1 LOWER RECEIVER ASSEMBLY Insert operating spring and buffer. 14.2 CHARGING HANDLE AND BOLT CARRIER NOTE: The extractor has a silicone plunger in the spring. Don’t lose it. 1. If the spring comes loose, seat the large end of the spring in the extractor. Assure the reinforcement ring is around the spring. 2. Insert the extractor with spring assembly into the bolt. 3.
6. Insert the cam pin (BC-3) and give it a ¼ turn. 7. Drop the firing pin into its opening. 8. Pull the bolt assembly forward and insert the firing pin retaining pin in the area behind the large flange of the firing pin. CAUTION: DO NOT POUND OR FORCE THE FIRING PIN RETAINING PIN INTO POSITION; IT MAY BE DAMAGED. 9. Turn the bolt carrier assembly up and try to shake out the firing pin. The firing pin must not fall out. 10.
11. Slide the bolt carrier assembly, bolt extended, into the upper receiver. 12. Push the charging handle assembly and bolt carrier assembly together into the upper receiver. 14.3 UPPER AND LOWER RECEIVERS NOTE: The hammer must be in cocked position to join the receivers. 1. Join the upper and lower receivers. 2. Align the pivot pin holes with the pivot pin and push the pivot pin in. CAUTION: TO AVOID DAMAGE TO THE EJECTION PORT COVER, CLOSE THE EJECTION PORT COVER BEFORE THE RECEIVERS ARE JOINED.
4. Close the upper and lower receivers. Push in the takedown pin. NOTE Normal forging and manufacturing variations may result in slight overhang or play. This will not affect function or accuracy. 14.4 HANDGUARDS AND SLING – THE BUDDY SYSTEM 1. Place the weapon on its buttstock with one hand gripping the stock. Insert one handguard into the hand guard cap (U-11). 2. Have your buddy press down on the slip ring (U-8). 3. Install one handguard. 4. Repeat these steps to install the second handguard. 5.
14.5 FUNCTIONAL CHECK 1. Remove the magazine and visually inspect the chamber to assure that it is empty. Install an empty magazine. Assure that it is caught solidly by the magazine catch. 2. Pull the charging handle to the rear and then manually return it forward. The bolt should remain to the rear against the bolt stop. Remove the magazine. Press in on the bolt stop (L-13). The bolt carrier assembly should be propelled forward by the operating spring. 3. Place the safety (L-24) on “SAFE”.
15. TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM CHECK FOR WHAT TO DO WON’T FIRE Selector lever on “SAFE” Put it on “FIRE”. Improper assembly of firing pin Assemble correctly. NOTE: the retaining pin goes in back of large shoulder of firing pin. BOLT WON’T LOCK WON’T EXTRACT Oil or fouling in bolt Clean with pipe cleaner. Defective ammunition Remove and discard. Too much carbon on firing pin Clean. Bolt not fully locked. Extract cartridge, clean area. Dirty bolt Clean.
TROUBLESHOOTING (CONTINUED) PROBLEM CHECK FOR WHAT TO DO WON’T EXTRACT Clogged gas tube Replace. Short recoil See below. Dirty, corroded, or reloaded ammunition Remove and discard. Dirty or defective magazine Clean and lubricate or replace. Too many rounds in magazine Remove excess rounds. Buffer assembly is restricted Take out and clean buffer and spring. Magazine not fully seated Adjust magazine catch: Press button on right side, and turn catch on left. Clockwise tightens.
TROUBLESHOOTING (CONTINUED) PROBLEM CHECK FOR WHAT TO DO SHORT RECOIL Loss of gas power Check entire gas path Weak or reloaded ammunition Replace with factory fresh ammunition. Dirty rifle Clean. Improper lubrication Lubricate generously. Defective magazine Replace. Dirty or corroded bolt catch Clean or replace. Needs oil Lubricate. Dirt or sand under trigger. Clean. Round jammed between bolt and charging handle and/or double feed 1. Remove magazine.
16. WARRANTY, SERVICE, AND SUGGESTIONS Specific warranty provisions for your ArmaLite® firearm are shown on the warranty card shipped with your new firearm. Be sure to complete your warranty card and return it to ArmaLite® immediately. The warranty will only be honored upon completion of the warranty form and its return to ArmaLite® within 30 days of the original customer’s purchase date along with a copy of the dated sales receipt. If no warranty card is on file, all work will be billed at shop rates.
To answer any questions you may have about the firearm, or to offer suggestions for improvements, please contact us at: ArmaLite, Inc P.O. Box 299 Geneseo, Illinois, 61254 Phone: 1-800-336-0184 or 309-944-6939 Fax: 309-944-6949 Email: info@ArmaLite.com THE WIZ 2008 PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS: The M-15™ rifle is protected by U.S. Patents 5,911,173 and 6,044,748. “ArmaLite®”, “M-15™”, and other model variants are trademarks of ArmaLite®, Inc.
