Manual / Guide · 1940
A British instructional booklet on the Lewis gun's mechanism and stoppages, sixth edition with notes on the .300 (American) Lewis guns issued to the Home Guard in 1940, with a coloured plate. The Lewis Gun dive uses its sections and Tables A and B for the cycle and the immediate-action drills.
SIXTH EDITION WITII NOTES ON THE ·300 (AMERICAN) LEWIS GUN • s ' MECHANISM Made Easy ~. N. r;t:-:iT !V~22 FULLY ILLUSTRATED WITH LARGE COLOURED PLATE AND NUMEROUS DIAGRAMS GALE& POLDEN LTD PRICE LONDON·AL'DERSHOT lf6. N r'\ DI'\DTC:.MI'\IITW BOOKS SPECIALLY RECOMMENDED s. d. Elementary Drill Memory Card for Squad Commanders. Gives in concise form action to be taken by a Squad Commander on commands being given by Company or Platoon Commanders. 0 6 By Post 0 7 CONTENTS.-Formlng Up-Action of Markers-Falling ln-Dresslnc-Squad Drill Movemenu-When to give words of command. Drill In Threes and Elementary Drill 3 6 By Post General Instructions for Drilling Recruits-Squad Drill without ArmsSquad Drill with Arms-Platoon and Company Drill. Reproduced from Training Pamphlet N o. 18, and Manual of Elementary Drill (All Arms). 1935, by permrssion of The Controller of H.M. Stationery Office. Small Arms Anti-Aircraft Training Edwards, M.B.E., F.R.Hlst.Soc. .. . Arranged by Major T. J. .. . ... ... ... By Post LEWIS GUN MECHANISM MADE EASY 3 6 Reproduced from S.A. T., Vol. I, Pamphlet5 Nos. 4, 6 and 20, by permission of the Controller of H.M . Stationery Office. The Complete lewis Gunner. A practical sequence of Instruction, in simple language and as few technicalities as Is compatible with efficiency. Fully illustrated with plates and diagrams .. . 2 0 By Post 2 3 lewls Gun Mechanism Made Easy. By Major C. H. B. Pridham, The Duke of Wellington's Regt. (late Officer Instructor, School of Musketry, Hythe). In handy book form with large folding Coloured Plate. (Revised to date.) With comparable notes on the American weapon ... .. . . .. . .. ... . . . each 6 By Post 8 Bren light Machine Gun. Folder In cover, of handy pocket size. Printed in colours .. . ... .. . ... ... ... . .. 0 I By Post The Browning Heavy Machine Gun Mechanism Made Easy (.300 Calibre Model 1917, Water Cooled) ... ... .. . . .. 6 By Post 8 The Mechanism of the Browning Automatic Rifle In pocket form. Illustrated with plates and diagrams. 0 I By Post *Vickers Machine Gun Mechanism Made Easy. Fully illustrated with half-tone plates .. . .. . ... ... .. . ... 6 8 By post By MAJOR C. H. B. PRIDHAM The Duke of Wellington's Regiment (Late Officer-Instructor, School of Musketry, Hythe) SIXTH EDITION WITH NOTES ON THE .300 (AMERICAN) LEWIS GUN * This book Is applicable to both the English and American Vickers Gun . lantern Slides for lecture Purposes. Lantern slides In Black and White cif any of the illustrations in this book can be supplied at 2s. 6d. each. These slides are invaluable for indoor lecturing purposes. Log Book and History Sheet for Automatic Weapons. Size, 11•x 6•, In bag container to keep the book clean ... ... each per doz. Extra History Sheets, per doz. VIsual Training and Application of Fire .. . Reproduad from Small Arms Training, Vol. 1, 1937, by permission By Post of The Controller of H.M . Stationery Office. 0 9 8 0 3 0 0 9 0 11 ALDERSHOT GALE & POLDEN LTD. PREFACE TO REVISED EDITION (NOVEMBER, First Published J anuaTy, 1919 Fifth Edition July, 1940 Sireth Edition November, Hl40 Eighteenth Impression March, 1941 PRINTJm DY GllE & POLDEN LTD., WELLINGTON WORKS, ALDERSHOT 1941 :P-8510 1940) RAPID TRAINING THis handbook for Lewis Gunners (1st Edition in 1919) was the first of its kind to supplement the old official textbooks, which were not specially adapted for rapid training purposes. Method of arrangement (Text and Diagrams) is intended: (a) To Save Time in Training. (b) To arouse interest in the gunner, with a view to increasing his skill in rapidly applying accurate bursts of fire on to any target. Text has been set out to catch the eye. The intricate design of the mechanism is thus made clear to the understanding of any sailor, soldier, airman-gunner, or A.A. gunner of the Mercantile l\Iarine or Mine-Sweeping Flotillas, Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps, and The Home Guard , whose time available for Lewis Gun training is limited by his other numerous duties. Care of Arms.-Experience in action shows the great importance of this old subject. A thorough knowledge of mechanism, particularly fascinating in the case of the Lewis Gun, ensures this. Cooling System.-A unique feature is the Cooling of the B arrel (see page 10 and Fig. Ill), the most effective system of Air Cooling ever invented. This enables the Lewis Gun to fire, at a rate of 10 rounds per second, for a prolonged period. No Barrel Changing is necessary. Diagrams (at end of book) can be spread out and examined whilst reading the text. IMPORTANT. - Faulty (foreign manufactured ) ammunition has, in the past, been the main cause of STOPPAGES. Proper care of the Gun (see pages 12 and 13) and use of good ammunition (of British make) reduce Stoppages to a minimum. C. H. B. PRIDHAM (Major). LEWIS GUN MECHANISM MADE EASY CONTENTS PAGE I DESCRIPTION OF GUN 2 LOADING OF GUN 3 UNLOADING GUN ACTION OF MECHANISM IN DETAIL-DURING TilE BACKWARD l\lOVEMKNT 4 DURING TilE FORWARD 1\fOVEMENT ..• 7 9 I\1ECHANISM OF l\IAGAZINE AND FUNCTIONS OF PARTS 10 ACTION OF GASES AND COOLING SYSTEM "THE .303 (and the .300 American type) Light Description Automatic Gun-Air cooled-Gas operated- of GUN. Magazine fed." Weight of Gun: 26 to 28 lbs.; Weight of Mounting, 2£ lbs. Weight of Magazine: Empty, It lbs.; full 4l lbs. (Holds 47 rounds.)* Length of Gun : 50! inches. Length of Barrel : 26l inches. Initial Velocity of Bullet : 2,440 feet per second. POINTS TO BE CARRIED OUT BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER 12 FIRL'IG NOTES O N STOPPAGES 14 htMEDIATE AcTION 16 TABLE OF STOPPAGES (SECTION "A") 19 TABLE OF STOPPAGES (SECTION "B ") 20 Fws. I, II AND Ill (CoLOURED PLATE OF LEwrs GuN) FIGS . IV, V AND VA (FEED ARM AND PAWLS) FIGs. VI AND VII (EJECTOR AJ."'D STRIKER PosT) FIG. VIII (MAGAZINE) ···r At ··· end .. . of Book Two forces work the Gun automatically, viz. : 1. The pressure of the Gases, caused by explosion of the Charge. 2. The Return Spring, contained in the Pinion. These two forces alone enable the Gun to flre at an average rate of ten rounds per second. A trained L ewis Gunner should be able to fue with accuracy 150 rounds per minute. The Position of the Cocking Handle normally shows whether the Gun is " Safe " or Loadedi.e., when a Filled Magazine is in position on the Gun:A. When C.H. is fully forward (vide Fig. II) -Gun is " Safe." • NoTE.-Magazines (double-sized, holding about 94. rounds) are also in use by the Royal Navy and the R.A.F. 2 3 B. When C.H. is in rear position (vide Fig. I) -Gun is Loaded. Note that when Gun is not in use, C.H. should be always in Forward Position, to avoid unnecessary strain or tension on the Return Spring. 11 To LOAD. (N.B.-An Empty Magazine rotates freely on the Gun. If resistance is met with, this EMPTY MAGAZINE. is caused by a Live Round coming up against the Cartridge Stop on the Feed Arm.) 1. See that Cocking Handle is in Forward Position. 2. Place Filled Magazine on the Magazine Post -Catch to Right-White of Centre Disc to Rear; press down Magazine, and at the same time rotate slightly in both directions without undue force, till the Hook of the Catch engages in the Recess inside the Magazine Post. 3. Rotate Magazine with Right Hand until resistance is met with. 4. Pull back C.H. to rear as far as it will go.* (N.B.-This action places a Live Round in position in the Cartridge Way in the Body by action of the Feed-Arm and Cartridge Guide, ready to be pushed forward by the Bolt into the Chambervide Fig. 1.) GUN is Now READY to FIRE. To FIRE. C.H. will be in Forward Position, and Gun will be Unloaded Automatically. A. If Trigger is Pressed-Gun fires. B. ~f pressure on Trigger is 1·eleased-C.H. will stop in the Rear Position, and Gun is Loaded and ready to con t inue firing, by Nose of Sear being engaged with Bent on Rack. C. If pressure on Trigger is maintained, and Gun reRses to fire owing to Empty Maga zine• NoTE.-Thc .800 (Amt>ricnn type) Lcwis Gun has Cocking Handle on left side of Body. To pull back Cocking Ilaml.le left hand must therefore Le used. Ill A. NORMAL-viz., at a Firing Position or when Front is clear. To UNLOAD 1. Remove Magazine. Normal. 2. Raise Butt into shoulder and press Trigger, and repeat (i .e., pull back C.H. and press Trigger) for safety. Gun is now Automatically Unloaded. B. WITHOUT FIRING, or when CHAMBER is not Clear. To UNLOAD 1. Pull back C.H. WITHOUT 2. Remove Magazine. FIRING. 3. Depress Ba..c;e of Live Round under Cartridge Guide with Point of Bullet (or Stripping Tool), and dra w Bullet of Round forward until its Point rests a bove Opening in F eed Arm. 4 . Hold C.H. back with Right Hand,· press Tngger with Left, and allow C.H. to come halfway forward. Bolt will then tap Base of Round clear of Cartridge Guide and underneath Cartridge Stop. Pull back C.H. to full extent, and release pressure on Trigger. Round can now be removed easily. 4 5 5. Press Trigger. (N.B.-Above is the method recommended for Unloading without Firing.) The Rear of the Striker Post then presses against the Curved Part (13) of the Cam Slot and rotates the Bolt (14) to the Left, thus releasing the Lugs (15) on the Bolt from the Locking Recesses (16) in the Body. The Lugs are now clear of the Recesses and in line with the Guide Grooves (17), which run along the inside of the Body. The Rear of the Str;ker Post then comes against the Rear end of tht Cam Slot, and the Piston Rod, continuing on its badward travel, thus carries the Bolt to the Rear. IV ACTION of MECHANISM described in detail, giving Names of each Part and how they Function. All Parts shown in the Diagrams I, II and Ill, and in the other Diagrams, are numbered alike. Action of GASES. PISTON ROD . Action of RETURN SPRING. STRIKER POST. SAFETY LOCKING DEVICE. ACTION of MECHANISM during the BACKWARD MOVEMENT. When a round is fired, the gases force the Bullet (1) up the barrel : a portion of them escapes through the Gas-Vent (2) into the Gas* Chamber (3) and Gas Regulator (4),* thence into the Gas Cylinder (5), where they strike against the Head (6) of the Piston Rod, forcing the Piston Rod (7) to the rear. As the Piston Rod travels backwards the Teeth on the Rack (8), being engaged with the Teeth on the Pinion (9), rotate the Pinion and wind up the Return Spring (10). The Striker Post (11 ), being one with the Piston Rod, and situated inside the Cam Slot (12) , moves back a distance of 1! inches along the straight portion of the Cam Slot. (N.B.-This is a device to insure Locking of the Bolt until the Bullet is clear of the Muzzle.) • NoTE.-Gas Chamber of .300 Gun has also a Gas Chamber Gland. Gas Regulator has 4 holes (Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4) varying in size. .303 Gun has 2 holes only. Smallest hole that gives sufficient gas should be used. 1N"oTE.-When the TRIGGE'R is pressed. tit Piston Rod is able to run free during both 13ack ward and Forward Movements--i.e., th . Bent (18) behind the Rack passes over the Nose (HJ) of the Sear (20), which is kept depressed. When the TRIGGER is released the Bent rides over the Nose of the Sear towards the end of the Backward Movement; when the Bent ha~ oassPd, the Sear rises again under the influence ol the * Trigger Spring (21 ), and engages with th e Bent directly after the commencement of th e Forward Movement.) Th e two Extractors (22) on the Bolt withdraw the Empty Case (23) from the Chamber (24) (vide F1g. Ill). The Left Lug (25) (vide Fig. VI) on the Rear End of the Bolt (26) moving to the Rear, pushes t he Tail (27) of the Ejector (28) out of the Boltway, and, the Ejector being pivoted, the Head (29) swings in and ejects the Empty Case through the Ejection Slot. The Feed Arm Actuating Stud (30} working in the Grooved Tail (31) of the Feed Arm (32), • NoTE.-The .300 Gun has the Spring (itted to the Sear, and not to the Trigger, as in the .303 Gun. Backward Movement (continued) BOLT and LOCKING LUGS. SEAR. EXTRACTORS. EJECTOR. F.A.A.S. and FEED ARM. Backward Movement (continued) FEED ARM PAWL. 6 carries the Feed Arm across to the Left (vide Fig. IV). The Feed Arm Pawl (33), being engaged behind a Projection (34) on the Magazine, and being carried across with the Feed Arm, thus rotates the Magazine one space to the Left. MAGAZINE. (Mechanism, vide Fig. VIII.) In the Magazine a Live Round is forced down the Slope of the Centre Block until the Bullet end is clear of the Lip, when it drops on to the Body and into the Cartridge Opening in the Feed Arm, being assisted down by the Projecting Tongue (35) of the Body Cover. LIVE The Round is carried to the Left (and forced into position under the Cartridge Guide) by the Indentations (36) and Separating Pegs (37) in the Magazine, assisted by the Right Side of the Cartridge Opening in the Feed Arm. ROUND. No. 2 (RIGHT) STOP PAWL. The Feed Arm Pawl Spring Retaining Stud (38), moving to the Left across the Face of the No. 2 (Right) Stop Pawl (39), allows the latter to come forward [under the influence of the Stop Pawl Spring (40)] and engage in front of a Projection (41) on the Magazine, thus preventing the Magazine from rotating too far in the feeding direction. No. 2 (LEFT) STOP PAWL. The No. 1 (Left) Stop Pawl (42) is pressed back as a Projection on the Magazine rides over it, but it cumes forward again when the Projection is clear and engages behind it, thus preventing the Magazine from counter rotating. FEED ARM TAIL STUD. At the end of the Backward Movement the Feed Arm Actuating Stud disengages from the 7 Grooved Tail of the Feed Arm, which is held in position ready for the next Forward Movement by the Positioning Stud on the tail of the Feed Arm engaging with the Left Side of the Top Locking Lug on the Bolt. V ACTION of MECHANISM during FORWARD MOVEMENT. [For Position of Mechanism at commencement of Forward Movement, see Fig. 1.] Forward Movement. Action of- When the Gun is Cocked the Return Spring is held compressed by the Nose (19) of the Sear (20), being engaged in the Bent (18) in rear of the Rack on the Piston Rod. On pressing the Trigger, the Nose of the Sear is released from the Bent, and the Return Spring (10) comes into play and rotates the Pinion (9). The Teeth of the Pinion being engaged with the Teeth on the Rack (8), the Piston Rod (7) is driven forward. The Striker Post (11 ), being now held in the Rear end of the Cam Slot (13) in the Bolt (14), tries to rotate the Bolt, but cannot, owing to the Lugs (15}, which are prevented from turning in the Guide Grooves (17). The Bolt is therefore carried forward by the Striker Post. SEAR and BENT. PINION and RETURN SPRING. STRIKER POST and BOLT. The Feed Arm Actuating Stud (30) is also car- F.A.A.S. and ried forward with the Bolt, and, riding inside the FEED ARM. Grooved Tail (31) of the Feed Arm, carries the Feed Arm (32) over to the Right (vide Fig. V). Forward 8 9 Movement (continued) The Feed Arm Pawl (33) during this movement FEED ARM passes over a projection on the Magazine, and PAWL No. 2 (RIGHT) STOP PAWL No. 1 (LEFT) STOP PAWL TOP EXTRACTOR CARTRIDGE GUIDE, CARTRIDGE .and BULLET STOPS. engages behind it. The Feed Arm Pawl Spring Retaining Stud (38) on the Feed Arm, moving to the Right, presses back the No. 2 (Right) Stop Pawl (39) out of the way of the Magazine. The No. 1 (Left) Stop Pawl (42) remains stationary, preventing the Magazine from rebounding or being drawn back by the Feed Arm Pawl. During the Forward Movement of the Bolt the Top Extractor (43) meets the Rim of the Cartridge, and pushes it forwards and downwards, into the Chamber, the Cartridge being guided and controlled during this movement by the Cartridge Guide (44), Cartridge (45) and Bullet Stops (46) on the Feed Arm and the Shoulders of the Cartridge Slot in the Body. i The Striker Post meanwhile has pushed its way through the Curved Portion (13) of the Cam Slot, and it now enters the straight portion. The Striker (47) travels along the straight STRIKER. portion, its nose passes through the Striker Way in the face of the Bolt, hits the Cap, and explodes the Charge. VI MECHANISM of the MAGAZINE and Functions of PARTS. I.-The MAGAZINE consists of:- The face of the Bolt knocks the Head of the Ejector (29) out of the Boltway, and the Tail (27) swings in behind ready for the Backward Movement. EXTRACTORS. The Extractors spring over the Rim of the Cartridge as it goes into the Chamber. STRIKER POST. The Bolt is now forward to the full extent; the Lugs (15) are clear of the Guide Grooves and opposite the Locking Recesses (16) in the Body. The Striker Post (11) is now able to rotate the Bolt to the Right, and the Lugs enter the Locking Recesses (16), thus locking the Bolt. See Fig. VIII Diagrams 1 to 7. (A) Circular Rotating Pan, and(B) Inner Ring. These are riveted together and rotate arow1d(C) The Centre Block of Aluminium, and(D) The Centre Disc with Catch and Spring. These are also riveted together, but remain stationary. H.-When the MAGAZINE is not in use : - BOLT. Forward Movement (continued) 1. Nib on the end of the Catch is engaged in MAGAZINE off the GUN. one of the twenty-five recesses of the Inner Ring, which also carries the Separating Pegs. 2. This prevents the Pan from rotating arow1d the Centre Block, except when a loading Handle has been inserted into the Central Opening or Axis Hole for the purpose of Filling. IlL-When a Filled MAGAZINE is fixed on the GUN : l. Magazine Catch is forced to the Right by the Hollow Cone of the Magazine Post ; this disengages the Nib from the Recess on the Inner Ring, and frees the Pan from the Centre Disc. MAGAZINE on the GUN. 10 2. The Pan is now able to rotate, and the Centre on( thet.Gu:) Block is forced to remain stationary by the Key con tnue on the exterior of the Magazine Post, which fits into the Keyway on the Centre Block. 3. The Pan rotating with the Inner Ring around the Centre Block causes a round to be carried by the Indentations and Separating Pegs free of the Lip at the end of the Spiral Channel in which the Bullet end lies. 4. The Round then falls out, being ens~~;d falling by the Tongue of the Body Cover. MAGAZINE VII GASES and COOLING SYSTEM. ACTION of GASES and COOLING SYSTEM (vide Fig. Ill). When a Round has been fired, the Bullet is forced up the Barrel by the Gases which pass out of the Muzzle and expand, striking against the Cone-shaped Interior of the Barrel Mouthpiece (48), which concentrates them and increases their pressure. Passing out of the Barrel Mouthpiece, they meet, rebound, and strike against the Fore Radiator Casing (49) (about It inches from the end), expelling all the Air in front of them. This causes Suction behind them , and draws Cool Air through the Flanges (50) of the Radiator. The Radiator, being made of Aluminium, which is a good conductor of Heat, and being in close contact with the Barrel throughout its length, quickly draws the Heat from the Barrel, and thus cools the Gun. (N.B.-Note the shape of the Fore Radiator Casing, which is tapered, and thus assists in expelling the Air and increasing the Suction.) NOTE.-The .300 (American type) Lewis Gun-as issued to the Home Guard-has no Radiator or Radiator ClUiing, and is therefore similar in appearance to the Lewis Gun as used by the R .A.F. 11 VIII 1. Withdraw Pistol Grip with Right Hand, To INCREASE thereby allowing Pinion Pawl to engage in Teeth TENSION of of Pinion. At the same timeRETURN 2. With the Left Hand press up Pinion Casing, SPRING. so that the Teeth of the Pinion are engaged with the Teeth on the Rack. 3. Draw back Cocking Handle the required distance. 4. Release Pinion, and replace C.H. in the forward position. 5. Reassemble Pinion and Pistol Grip. 6. Weigh Return Spring with the Spring Balance. (NoTE.-Care must be taken to hold Pinion up tip.ht wlule drawing back C.H. by placing left thumb over top of Body and fingers under Pinion Casing, or damage may he done to the Te1' th of Rack or Pinion. To avoid possibility of this occurring when adding considerable Weight, pull back C.H. about 2 inches only two or three times.) 1. Withdraw Pistol G·rip and allow Pinior> To DECREASE Casing to drop, so as to disengage Pinion with TENSION of Rack. RETURN 2. Draw back C.H. the required distance (1 mcb SPRING. gives 2 to 3 lbs.). 3. Press up Pinion Casing (with Left Hand) to engage Pinion with Rack. 4. Push Pistol Gnp home to connect with Pinion Pawl ; Piston Rod then flies forward, and Rack unwinds Return Spring. 5. Reassemble and Weigh Return Spring. 12 IX POINTS BEFORE FIRING. POINTS DURING FIRING. I.-POINTS which should always be carried out BEFORE FIRING. 1. Remove oil from Bore and Gas Cylinder (if oily). All gas parts to be absolutely dry. 2. Oil all Frictional Parts behind Body Locking Pin, and smear Bolt and Striker Post with graphite grease. 3. Weigh and adjust Return Spring (normally 12 to 14 lbs. with C.H. in Forward Position). 4. Test Feed Mechanism (i.e., the Pawls). 5. Make sure that Barrel Mouthpiece and Clamp Ring are screwed up tight. 6. Examine Magazines and Ammunition when filling. 7. Examine Spare Parts and adjust Spare Return Spring to same tension as that on the Gun. 8. Examine Mounting to see wheth er in good order, correctly fixed on, and firm in the ground. H.-POINTS DURING FIRING-i.e., to be carried out during a T emporary Cessation of Fire. 1. Replace empty Magazines in carriers, and send back for Refilling. 2. Slightly Oil as in Point 2 ("Before Firing "), especially Bolt, Striker Post, and Maga:tine Post (owing to Heat caused by firing). 3. See that Clamp Ring is tightly screwed up. 4. Examine and, if necessary, adjust Mounting. 5. Turn Gas Regulator slightly to prevent " seizing " of threads. 6. Weigh Return Sprin~ . 7. Place a Full Magazine on the Gun and Reload. 13 IlL-POINTS to be carried out AFTER POINTS AFTER FIRING. FIRING. 1. Immediately after FIRING : (1) Unload and clear Gun. (2) Release Tension off the Return Spring. (3) Clean Barrel, leaving Oily. 2. In Billets or after return from Firing : (4) Strip down Gun, c1ean thoroughly, .and Oil. (Clean Barrel with Boiling Water, if available.) (5) Clean and scrape Fouling off Gas Chamber, and all Gas parts. (6) Examine, dry and Oil Magazines. (7) Examine and Clean Mounting. (8) Carry out any necessary Repairs. (9) Clean Barrel thoroughly da ily for at least ten days, leaving Ouy. (10) Enter up approximate number of Rounds fired, Breakages, and number of Barrel used in ~un 's History Sheet. CARE and CLEANING Notes. 1. Never put too much Oil on the Frictional CLEANING Parts, as they work better with a little, especially NOTES. in cold weather. 2. Oil in Gas Cylinder causes Fouling, and renders Gun very liable to Frictional Stoppages. 3. To clean Gas Parts, use Mineral Burning Oil (Paraffin); this will reduce Fouling Stoppages to a minimum. 4. Clean Gun daily in damp climates ; weekly in dry atmospheres. 5. In Gas affected areas, or where Gun has been sprayed with Gas, clean thoroughly with Petrol or Paraffin. Burn all rags used. STOPPAGES. 14 15 X Knowledge of the Causes of Stoppage peculiar to each position, and how to rectify them in the shortest possible time, is essential. N.B.-These Positions can be quickly determined by TOUCH, as follows : With Butt in Shoulder, raise Fingers (extended) of Right Hand straight up from the Pistol Grip. If C.H. is felt at the Tips of the Fingers1st Position. If C.H. is felt on any other part of the Hand2nd Position. NOTES on STOPPAGES. 1. In common with other Automatic Guns, the Lewis Gun is liable to Accidental Cessation of Fire or Stoppages. The object of the Lewis Gunner is to get the Gun firing again in the shortest possible time. 2. Roughly, about 90 per cent. of p.ll Stoppages can be rectified at once by the application of what is known as " Immediate Action." Others can be remedied quickly by Examination of the Gun, a thorough knowledge of Mechanism, and practice in rectifying Stoppages. TEMPORARY STOPPAGES. PROLONGED STOPPAGES. POSITION of C.H. 3. STOPPAGES may be either TEMPORARY or PROLONGED. (1) Temporary: Those which can be cured by Immediate Action; these are generally due to neglect of the Points to be observed Before, During or After Firing. (2) Prolonged: These involving stripping down the Gun to remove a jamb caused by Breakage, or to rectify any failure in the Mechanism which cannot usually be carried out under Fire, and which put the Gun out of Action for a more or less prolonged period. 4. In any STOPPAGE the COCKING HANDLE stops in one of two different POSITIONS, known as:lst Position 2nd Position C.H. is fully forward. C.H. in any po!>ition between 1st (as above) and Gun fully cocked. 5. When STRIPPING a GUN to clear a STOPPAGE, take care not to alter the Tension on the POSITION FOUND BY TOUCH. NOTE ON STRIPPING. Return Spring. Whenever possible, see that C.H. is forward before removing or replacing Pistol Grip. Correct way to remove the Bolt.-Take off Butt -Hold up Pinion with Left Hand-Disengage Pistol Grip--Drop Pinion-Pull out Piston Rod. Caution.-Bolt will not go into Boltway if(1) Tail of Ejector protrudes into Boltway. (2) Rear End of Bolt is not properly screwed up. 6. To remove a Separated Case from the Chamber, use of the Clearing Plug is necessary, as follows:To remove Separated Case:- (1) Insert tapered end of Clearing Plug into Chamber, with centre pin pushed back. (2) Press Trigger, allowing Bolt to force centre pin forward. (3) Give Clearing Plug Handle an up-anddown rocking motion. HOW TO USE CLEARING PLUG. 17 16 HOW TO USE CLEARING PLUG (continued) IMMEDIATE ACTION. (4) Pull back C.H., and withdraw Clearing Plug from Chamber. (5) Press Trigger, load, and carry on Firing. (6) To remove Separation from Clearing Plug, knock centre pin back. IMMEDIATE ACTION. 7. Definition.-The initial attempt to remedy the Stoppage and get the Gun firing again as quickly as possible. First-Always feel for Position of Cocking Handle. (1) If in 1st Position.-Rotate MagazinePull back C.H.-Relay Gun, and carry OD Firing. (2) If in 2nd Position.-Pull back C.H.Counter-rotate Magazine-Relay Gun, and carry on Firing. This application of Immediate Action must be practised until it becomes a habit. 1t should be Instantaneous and Automatic. (2) .C.H. again stops in 2nd Position.-Pro- FURTHER ACTION ceed to( continuecl) (a) Pull back C.H. (b) Remove Magazine. (c) Examine Chamber, Ejection Opening, Cartridge Slot and Guide. Any further Action which may still be necessary will be found in the TABLE OF STOPPAGES (Columns 4 and 6). 9. The following TABLE OF STOPPAGES (pages 19 and 20) is arranged in TWO Sections : (A) Giving PROBABLE STOPPAGES, which are cured by IMMEDIATE ACTION, and(B) Giving POSSIBLE STOPPAGES, for which FURTHER ACTION is necessary. First-Learn how to recognize and rectify all Stoppages in Section A before proceeding to Section B. Those in Section B should occur very seldom. FURTHER ACTION. 8. If IMMEDIATE ACTION fails to remedy the STOPPAGE, proceed at once to apply any further Action that may be necessary to get the Gun firing again, as follows :After application of IMMEDIATE ACTIONAgain Feel for Position of Cocking Handle. (1) C.H. again stops in 1st Positiorz.-Proceed to(a) Remove Magazine. (b) Examine Feed Mechanism (i.e., the Pawls). (c) Pull back C.H., and examine Striker. Column 1 shows Position of Coclcing Handle. Column 2 emphasizes the importance of Immediate Action. Column 3 gives the Result of Applying Immediate Action. Column 4 shows How to Remedy the Stoppage. Column 5 indicates the Cause of the Stoppage, Column 6 gives any Fmther Action or Information not already indicated. The Abbreviations" LA." and" C.H." indicate Immediate Action and Cocking Handle respec~ tively. EXPLANATION OF TABLE OF STOPPAGES. 18 STOPPAGES. How Arranged. IMPORTANCE OF GOOD AMMUNITION. 10. STOPPAGES in the TABLE are numbered consecutively, and arranged(!) According to Position of Cocking Handle. (2) In order of Probability. Note.-Order of Probability of Stoppages in the TABLE was originally compiled as a result of experience gained in the War of 1915-18, on many fronts. From 1915 onwards, and for many years afterwards, vast quantities of Ammunition of Faulty (Foreign) Manufacture were used, causing Breakages, Blowbacks and Burst Cases. ll. With good Ammunition of British make, very few Stoppages that are not cured by Immediate Action should be incurred-especially if the Points Before, During, and After Firing are duly carried out. STOPPAGES during the PRESENT WAR. _\.cc01·ding to information recently received (October, 1940) extremely few Stoppages are now incurred. MULTIPLE LEWIS GUNS. 12. The use of Lewis Guns in pairs (preferably used a lternately), or in multiple form, increases Volume of Fire and a lso minimises the importance of Stoppages. 19 ~ ~~ ~ .: .:; .. I CD E z ~ ~ ~ :: .,; M ds'ii~ ·~ 6~ T~~~~ rJ ~ ~ ... Cl.l"C "0 ~ ... :I a. t.4 Q~ § " . oS :l< ·~ ··~ '~ ~».l:: ....... ~ JJ:a ,;jA~ :g "' D: V • I·- 0 ..,. ~ ... 0 ~ = •-= ~ ~ ~ 1-t :o=:z: "'~ ~ l3 r-t ~ ~>-> 4) 0 ~>-> ~ u l3 & ~ .c 0 0 I -~.. ~.E ~ ~~·§ ~~ ~ m ~ 6 ::l ~ .... . :::.~ ~ &1.1 ..I .:.: M-,! a:fl a:t 0 Ill: ~ • c Ill ... ~ cC _8~ ~0 Q.C < .. b§ ~ ~>-> ~ ., l3 ~ " ~ 0 0 ~E •E ~- .!3J!t ~ :ao=o c . < .. ~ "' ~ ... I c . . I 0 z -~~ .., ....; loi ..; a··c; .!3 §oo;::l ~ o o 1 1~ ~bt .~ F:-1 § gr:.~ ~ . ~.9 cu- - 3'2. I~ "' Fo "~ . c .c :: $ c g /l) ~ § c; "!=:' g ~ m ~ ..: . 8 : . ""'! """"' • c Cl! "'g • ~ '0 I~ I I . ..., 0 -< c I~ c tl .El I c I ii., .0 .s.:! o;::l ~ ~ ..., ~ I O,o lf ~g~ ~ ll I .g_bij.,'i: -~~ '0 _ >-O~ "<;·- 1>. ~o-ot~s::l ~~ """"'~= ~~ I -·:: I :E :: ...... a.o I ! ! ! o:Z: .:;:: 0 ._. - --; .8 1>. --; a . ... ~~ ~~1>-B - ~ 1-4 ~0 ~~ ~u.8~~ o . "i .....t u S~~ !2~ 8g § :z3 ... 0 ~ -~ ..,.SZ ~ :;,-s.g § :rll g .9 >.~., ~oc ·~· ·c :;o ~ ~=~~.s ,.a .,eo g} C)•· ~~! ~~., 8~~ ~ o..., L.o:zt o~ ~,938 ~e ~ ~ ~:;- .!:: "' '0 -g.;; ~ 0 0 ~- '0 ;;: 5~ ~ I ~ ~ . ~ e ..;• CO ·~::: tl " '0 .0 g ~ ""lXI::; ~ I I .,; • g :0 ~ -c: ~~ ~ 'd~ .,ci•='3~ c>o:;; l:J ...: .. 0"""' l3" 8 0 ~ ~ !M = f:< ~ ~ '0 .,_, "0 0 I :ll I . ~= u ~~ 1--4 .,~ ~- ~~'E ~~8 .o_ u 8-.. .o !:I M "' " ~~ ~ :5' CU"'' :::lp:; I • 4 ~ ~ ;:::: .::!g,.c <• 0~ &.. • ~ ~ 0 . . ~~~Pl ... E ifj I·-<>~>-. ~ . .,!:(~ .,; ~E~e~ ~8 ~ ~!::!8 :;!::!8 l:q ~ ~ • ~! Q) ~: ~~~ "0~'§ 8 ·..,eo :::1(; ::l 8 0<-c; ~ ~>-.0 .,£~:;3 .3 Q ~::l~ ~ r! gc co 0:::, ~ ~ cS I ..~ "0 1!9 0 ~~ ~ Z ~ §. ~~~u -:;c oo.~ 0 - ~ z 0~ o . .. ~ ~ : > 1 eh w (!I cC 5.s~:: 5~ 8~ c.t ~g;i ~~ ~~ 8 ~• e~ -.; .. Q ~ i:IZ Ll.l Ci .. .:~t3 §o~ ~.s ~~ ~§~ ~~~~ ~~~~$ Q 1: - 1 ~e-g ~~~ ... gJ, I~ a .:f~ .§ 1 ·""" = Ill ~ "" 8c ~8 g"'Q)'Nq. ~-~e= cC < ~ tl 0 I~ loo : TABLE B. No. 1. 2. 4. 3. 5. 6. Position of C.H . Action. Result of Applying Immediate Action. StoppageHow Remedied. Cause of stoppage. Remarks. 9. 1st I.A. Gun does not Fire: nothing Elected: Magazine does not rotate: No Feed Change Feed Arm Pawl Spring Broken or Weak Feed Arm Pawl Spring Fault usually found in I Spring. But Feed Arm Pawl may be I worn. 10. Jst I. A. Gun does not Fire: Mechanism Feed Live correct: Round Ejected Chan~te Broken or Faulty Striker - 2nd I.A. (nsing Lanyard) Gun does not Fire: Obstruction In Chamber prevents Live Round from entering Obstr uction removed with Clearing Plug Separated Case (Jammed In Chamber) If Clearing Plug• not I.A. Gun stops again : Live jammed Round against Empty in Chamber Clear Gun 'aand Cbange olt Broken, Worn or Gritty Extractor N.B.-Remove broken /'iece, or No. 14 Proonged Stop. may result. Broken Bottom Extractor Is liable to cause No. 14 Stoppage. --- 11. 12. - POSSIBLE STOPPAGE8--FOR WHICH FURTHER ACTION IS NECESSARY. 2nd Rod Piston I available - lteload, press Trigger, and Obstruction may adhere to next Round. lS. 2nd I.A. Empty Case in Boltway prevents Bolt from feeding Live Round Into Chamber Clear Gun, and carry on Firing Faulty EJection If it recurs- Change 14. 2nd I.A . Mechanis m jammed : Obstruction in Boltway Strip down Oun, and remove Broken piece of Metal in Boltway Prolonged Stop. re sulting from Breakage: broken part jammed in Mrchanism. 15. 2nd I.A. Double Feed Clear Gun, and Change (Right) Stop Pawl Faulty Action of Stop Pawl Caused by dirt, or Worn Pawl. -- - ----- - - - - -- - Eje,tor. - • NOTE.-11 Clearinc Pluc 11 not availa~lt, and SEPARATION does not adhere to next round-increase TENSION on RETURN SPRING, and repeat. (See ln.stzuctlons on how to use Clearing Plug, on page 16, para. 6.) 1 toO 0 INDEX TO PLATES Fig. I shows LEWIS GUN loaded and ready to FIRE. Cocking Handle is in Rear Position. Live Round is held in position under Cartridge Guide (44), resting on shoulders of Carh·idge Slot in the Body. Return Spring (10) is held compressed owing to Nose of Sear being engaged in Bent behind Rack of Pi ston Rod. Fig. 11 shows position of MECHANISM the moment after STRIKER (47) has exploded CHARGE. Cocking Handle is in Forward Position. Bullet (1) has been forced down Barrel by the pressure of the Gases. Breech is locked to take the force of the explosion. Fig. Ill shows the BACKWARD MOVEMENT of the MECHANISM in progress, and Action of the GASES operating the COOLING SYSTEM. Bullet has left the Muzzle. A portion of the Gases has entered the Gas Vent (2), passed through Gas Chamber (3), and into Gas Cylinder (5), thus forcing Piston Rod (7) to the Rear. This action has unlocked the Breech , and is winding up R eturn Spring. The Bolt, moving to the Rear, has extracted the Empty Case (23 ), which is about to be ejected through Ejection Slot. 1. Bullet (ii). 2 . Gas Vent (iil. 3. Gas Chamber (ii). 4 . Gas Regulator (ii). 5 . Gas Cylinder (ii). 6. Head of the Piston Rod (ii). 7. Piston Rod (i). 8 . Teeth on the Hack (i), (ii). 9. Teeth on the Pinion (i). 10. R etum Spring (i). 11. Striker Post (i). 12. Cam Slot (i). l 3. Curved Portion of Cam Slot (i) . l 4. Bolt (i). l5. Locking Lugs (i) . l6. Locki ng Recesses (i). 17. Guide Grooves (i). LB. Bent (i). 19. Nose of the Sear (ii). 20. Sear (i). 21. Trigger Spring (i). 22. Extmctors (ii i). 23. Empty Case (iii). 24. Chamber (i). 25. Left Lug (vi). 26. R ear E nd of the Bolt (i), (vi). 27. 'fail of the E jector (ii l, (vi). 28. Ejector (vi). 29. H ead of the E jector (i), (v i). 30. Feed Arm Actuating Stud (i), (iv), ( v), (vi). 31. Grooved Tail (i), (iv), (v). 32. Feed Arm (i). 33. Feed Arm Pawl (iv), (v), (va). 34. Projection (iv), (v). 35. Projecting Tongue (i), (ivJ. 36 . Indentations (iv ), (v). 37. Separating Pegs (iv). 38 . Feed Arm Pawl Spring Reta ining Stud (iv), (v), (va) . 39. No. 2 (Right) Stop Pawl (iv), (v). 40. Stop Pawl Spring (iv), (v). 41. Projection (iv), (v) . 42. No. 1 (Left) Stop Pawl (iv), (v). 43. Top Extractor (ii), (v). 44. Ca rtridge Guide (i), (iv). 45. Cartridge Stop (iv), (va). 46. Build Stop (iv), (va). 47. Striker (ii). 4-8. Barrel Mouthpi ece (iii). 49 . Fore Radiator Casing (iii). 50. Flanges of the Radiator (iii). N.B .- Roman numerals ·refer to the Diruuoms FIG. IV. FIG. V. POSITION of FEED ARM and PAWLS at com mencement of BACKWARD MOVEMENT. POSITION of FEED ARM and PAWLS at end of BACKWARD MOVEMENT. Carcnage Top Row 40 Direction of DJrecfton of reed llrm 43 flctualinr; Stuo and Bolt. feedllrm l Rctualinr; Stud and Bolt foil of Ejector ~ Direction of reed Arm 801 1 Direction of Feed Arm * N.ll.- App lics to .:JOH Gun only. FiG. Va. THE FEED ARM. Giving Names of Parts. __::,.,..._- Feed Arm Latch -i< Axt5·0penin_q for Magazine f'os t FIG. VII. FIG. VI. Action of EJECTOR during BACKWARD MOVEMENT. Action of STRIKER POST in CAM SLOT. Key way for Key on !1agazme Post Bullet: Stop ------ Diagram A.- AT END OF FORWARD MOVEMENT. STRIKER POST in Straight Portion of SLOT. (artndge Openm9 Cart:r/c/q{J Stop I I m Feed Arm ~ Diagram A.- Position Before Ejection of Empty Case. Stop Stud (hidden bypafv/) FA. Pawl Retaining ~EA PawiAxtsStud FA.Pawl Feed-Arm Pawl ~ '" .:J Diagram B.- Position After Ejection of Empty Case. Diagram B.- DURING BACKWARD MOVEMENT. Tail Stud (underneath! * N.B . -Applies to .303 Gun onl y . .300 Gun ha s a T o ngue fittin g und er a R ecess in front of t he Bony. STRIKER POST in Rear End of Curved Portion of SLOT having Rotated BOLT to the Left. No. 3 . No. 4. No. 5. No. 7. No. 6. FIG. VIII (See Pages 9 and 10 ). Diagram 1 showing (A) Magazine Pan. D iagram 2 showing (B) I nn er Ring, wit h 25 Separating Pegs and Recesses.* Diagram 3 showing th e Pan a nd Ring rive Led toget her, showing how Round is held in position by Rim Plates and Separating Pegs. Diagram 4 s how ing (C) Centre Block of Alutnin ium, showing Spiral Channel , Ramp, and Lip Jor Bullet end of ro und ; also Key Way and Cen t ral Opening. Diagram 5 s howing (D) Centre Disc, Catch, a nd Spring. D iagram (j s howing Centre Disc- top view. painted White. Note portion D iagram 7 showing Magazine with Centre Disc removed . *N.B.-Double-sized Magazines are also in use. tSee page 1.) - ('/) 0 z ,.. 0 z 0 z ~ 0 z