Page 164 - FAT 105 4.17 MOODLE

Figure 17 : Disintegrating metal link belt.

in the action before the firearm can automati- The disintegrating metal link design is similar
cally index. Once the first round is fired, the ac- to a chain, with the links acting as links and the
tion moves the belt so that a fresh round moves cartridges acting as the pins. When the belt is
in line with the chamber. As the firearm con- assembled, one cartridge will connect two sepa-
tinues to fire, the belt will continuously feed rate links. As cartridges and links are added, the
through the action. belt will grow in length. Because of the “chain”
design, the belt can be made into any capacity
There are two basic types of belts: cloth/canvas
conceivable (500 – ?). When the belt is being
and disintegrating. The first belt-fed designs
cycled through the action, the bolt will strip the
relied on cloth or canvas belts that featured wo-
cartridge from the belt and the end link will
ven or sewn-in evenly spaced pockets used to
drop off. As the action continues to cycle and
hold cartridges. Cloth belts were somewhat lim-
rounds are being stripped, links will continue
ited in their capacities by the length of the belt
to drop out of the breech. The metal link has
manufactured, typically 50 – 300. The cloth and
proven itself to be extremely reliable and has
canvas material was quickly replaced with dis-
found use in firearms like the FN M249 Squad
integrating metal links when it was discovered
Automatic Weapon (SAW).
the material would cause malfunctions when
exposed to oil and dirt and debris.
To complete this lesson, take the test.

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