What setting for blanks?

Magazines the Army purchased after May 04 don't have the phosphate coating, so that's no longer a problem (it usually says "May 04" on these newer magazines). You can order these magazines with NSN 1005-01-204-4376.

But much of preventing magazine problems boils down to basic PM. Take apart all magazines that have been exposed to sand during a mission and clean them thoroughly with a toothbrush and rag, including the ammo itself. But don't use CLP or any other lube. They attract sand.

Half-Mast

IT ALSO HELPS TO KEEP SPARE MAGAZINES IN A ZIPLOC BAG THAT SEALS OUT SAND.

Dear Half-Mast,

When you're firing blanks with the M240 machine gun, what is the best setting for the gas regulator?

SSG M.B.

Dear Sergeant M.B.,

Good question. WP 0008 00-1 in TM 9-1005-313-10 used to say to switch to #2 setting if blanks are producing so much carbon that it's slowing down the M240. But that's been changed in the new change to the TM to fire only on the #1 setting. If the gun slows down from too much carbon, you should stop and clean the weapon. #2 should be used only in combat emergencies with live amino. The best way to prevent blank problems is to properly clean and lube your M240.

Eventually, the M240B version will use only a single port gas plug.

Half Mast