Page 143 - FAT 105 4.17 MOODLE

will allow the operator to disassemble
Figure 18: Various magazine catches.
position for feeding. A small lug or protru- •
sion on the catch corresponds to a recess
or slot in the magazine body. The catch
itself is spring-loaded. When the maga-
zine is inserted into the magazine well,
the body of the magazine will force the
catch outward until the recess/slot aligns
with the lug/tab. The spring will force the
lug/tab into the recess/slot and lock the
magazine in place. Once the magazine is
empty, the operator can depress the maga-
zine catch and remove the magazine. The
lug/tab on the catch will clear the recess/
slot in the magazine’s body and allow the
magazine to move freely.
The takedown lever/pin(s)/button serves
to open and disassemble the firearm.
Manipulating the takedown lever/pin
Figure 19: Various takedown levers, pins, and buttons.
the firearm for maintenance or cleaning.
The lever or pins operate in various ways
from sliding or rotating, to simply being
removed. Typically, the takedown lever/
pin will hold two separate major assem-
blies together that form a functioning
firearm. To reassemble the firearm, typi-
cally, all you need to do is assemble the
major assemblies and return the takedown
lever/pin(s)/button to its original position.
With some semi-automatic pistols, the
takedown lever doubles as a slide catch.
Sights – The sights of the firearm provide
a reference point of where the firearm is
pointing and an approximation of where
the projectile will impact. Two individual
sights are aligned to provide a point of aim
for the firearm. One sight is near the front
(muzzle) of the firearm and the other is
farther back, near or on the receiver. There
are various types of sighting systems that
are used by almost every make and model
of firearms. These types of sights are often
referred to as “iron sights.”
There are three basic sight setups and
many variations of each. The three basic
sight types are aperture and post, notch and
post, and post only. The biggest difference
between the sight setups is the rear sight
(or lack thereof); all three styles share the
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