GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARFD)

No.96/Sec(Spl)))20/10 – Pt.II :: New Delhi , dated: 30.9.99

STANDING ORDER No. 61

The CSCs/RPF, All Indian Railways.
The CSC/RPSF, Railway Board

Sub: Care, maintenance and inspection of Small Arms

It is imperative that the user has confidence in his weapon. In order to ensure functional ability and reliability of a weapon at all time, its regular maintenance, inspection and examination needs no over emphasis. The useful life of our automatic and semiautomatic weapons can be extended by ‘looking after' them properly, through some well planned scheme of cleaning and maintenance etc..

Instructions on the subject have been issued time and again, but, there seems to be no much improvement in this regard. It is once again reminded that paying of special attention in this field to, is equally essential. Detailed instructions in this regard are, therefore, issued and sent herewith. Paras 3.4, 3.5 & 3.6 of the Standing Order No. 25 dated 7.6.97 relating to the subject, are thus repealed.

GENERAL

  1. The user unit is responsible for regular maintenance of weapons held on its charge. Necessary instructions be, therefore, issued to all concerned that the maintenance of their weapons should be of highest order. It should also be made clear to them that deteriorating condition of weapons, if attributed to improper cleaning, will be viewed seriously.
  2. The responsibility of regular examination of weapons lies with the Armourers. Since the Armourers are centrally located, it is, therefore, advised to ensure that they undertaken frequent trips to each Post/Out post for this purpose. During visits of Armourers, the respective Post-In charge shall ensure that the Arms are produced and laid out for inspection, only after getting them properly cleaned. Further, all the required and reasonable administrative facilities/ assistance i.e. a good writer for documentation work and the working party as per requirement, shall also be provided to the Armourer, so as to enable him to discharge his duty properly and efficiently.
  3. To streamline the system, it is also advised that, the Armourer may not be utilized in non-technical jobs by assigning them routine duties like that of ‘Kote Incharge', or the ‘Party Incharge of Arms/Amn. Escort Party or the ‘Over all officer in-charge of Central Armoury of Zonal Rly', etc. This being irregular and risky, may also at times lead to legal complications, because the Armourers are not accustomed to perform such type of non-technical duties. It will also provide a good plea to the Armourers for not carrying out their periodical inspections. Further, the existing number of Armourers over the Zonal Railways/RPSF are already short of the required strength as compared to their increased work load due to induction of new weapons, and their utilization for duties other than their professional job will deplete their strength further, which ultimately would effect the functional ability of weapons. Hence, any such practice, where in vogue, should cease forthwith.
  4. For better performance of Armourers, it is necessary that they are always equipped with good quality of tools and gauges as are required for examination and repair of weapons held on their maintenance charge. Further, maintaining of all the related records viz. various Stock Books, Inspection Files of each Division, etc. by them is also equally essential. This should also be ascertained by holding frequent inspections of their workshop.

Sd/-
(HARIDAS RAO)
DIRECTOR GENERAL/RPF
RAILWAY BOARD

DA/As above

 

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS IN RESPECT OF CARE, MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF ARMS

a). CARE & MAINTENANCE OF ARMS :

The weapons shall be regularly maintained at users level. The climatic conditions, which have appreciable deteriorating effect on functional ability of weapons, should also be kept in mind. However, for efficient functioning and up-keep of weapons, certain maintenance related aspects should be taken into consideration.

There are may factors which effect performance of Arms, e.g. heat deteriorates paintwork, humidity promotes formation of fungus & corrosion and woodwork decays – if left unattended.

The user units being solely responsible for maintenance of Arms under their charge, shall, therefore, ensure regular cleaning of Arms, as per the following detailed instructions.

GENERAL:

•  Regular cleaning and periodical maintenance, as well as treatment of weapon's surface with proper lubricants & paints, is essential. This would not only prevent corrosion of metal parts, but it would also check premature deterioration of woodwork, P.V.C., leather & webbing of Arms.

•  In zone like Assam, where humidity is high, taking of adequate precautions in this regard, are necessary, so as to prevent rust formation and metal corrosion.

•  Particular attention must be paid on maintenance of wooden parts, as moisture has deleterious effect on these parts.

B) CLEANING OF ARMS:

Different occasions of arms cleaning, along with the brief description of each, as well as the cleaning procedure to be adopted on these occasions, are furnished below.

i) DAILY CLEANING:

The individual concerned shall do normal cleaning of his weapon, after taking it out from the kote for duty drill etc, and then again, before depositing it in the kote after completion of that duty / drill.

METHOD: The weapons shall be wiped off with a rag so as to remove all the external particles of dirt & dust therefrom.

ii) WEEKLY CLEANING :

As far as possible, this shall be done within the vicinity of Quarter Guard, that too in the from of an ‘Arms Cleaning Parade'. A suitable ‘Day' & ‘Time' shall be fixed for this purpose by the respective DSCs – who shall also ensure that this ‘Parade' is held regularly, and that, all the available staff attend the same. Close monitoring of the system by the Officer-In-Charge of post, is however, essential.

The entire / available weapons of the kote shall be taken out on this occasion and divided individually / group-wise (depending upon the number of weapons, and strength of staff) for cleaning. The weapons shall be cleaned using different cleaning materials like, pull – through, chamber stick, cleaning rod, different cleaning brushes, flannelette, jute/rag and oil etc.

Arms cleaning on this occasion will be done under the direct supervision of a responsible officer- who shall ensure proper cleaning and then correct depositing of these Arms in kote.

After depositing of Arms in the kote on completion of cleaning, an entry to this effect shall be recorded in the post ‘Roznamcha' by the concerned supervisory officer – who should also sign the ‘Arms Cleaning Register' (to be introduced where not in existence) after entering necessary particulars therein, viz. the ‘Arsonel/Unit Number' and ‘Type' of all weapons so cleaned and the ‘Date/ Entry No. of the Post Diary' (this register shall invariably be produced before the Inspecting Officer).

METHOD: The weapons shall be stripped and it's exterior be thoroughly cleaned. The gas escape holes, crevices, the chamber & bore and all the functional parts shall be properly cleaned and then lightly oiled (Oil OX-52 shall be used). The weapons shall then be assembled and checked for correct functioning.

(The components of weapons which are required to be lubricated/ preserved during such cleaning, are shown in Annexure ‘A' to this order).

iii) MONTHLY CLEANING :

The Arms cleaning drill during this occasion too, will exactly be the same as mentioned above under head ‘weekly cleaning'.

METHOD: In addition to the cleaning of weapons – in the manner as has been prescribed above under head ‘weekly cleaning' the following actions will also be taken further in this regard:

The exterior of woodwork of the weapon will be treated with raw linseed oil. For this, wipe out the wooden part with dryj rag. Then apply raw ‘Linseed Oil' liberally thereon with a clean rag taking care to avoid the metal parts. The weapon should then be kept fJor 2-3 hours for the oil to soak and dry. Thereafter, that wooden part will be rubbed (Massaged) thoroughly. In no case, ‘Varnish' or ‘ Wood Polish' be applied on the wooden part, after its treatment as above.

(The components of weapons which are required to be lubricated/ preserved during such cleaning, are shown in Annexure ‘A' to this order).

iv) CLEANING BEFORE FIRING :

Cleaning of weapons before carrying out Range Classification (firing), fall under this category.

METHOD : During such cleaning, the bore of weapon shall be thoroughly cleaned, thereby removing all traces of oil . The ‘Action mechanism' and the ‘Recoiling Parts' shall be wiped out with an oily rag, ensuring that the face of bolt/breech block (shield in case of pistols) remains free from oil, and that, the gas escape holes are clear. The chamber will not be oiled, nor any lubricant be used with the view to facilitate extraction (of empty case), as this is liable to damage the weapon.

During the course of Range Classification (firing) too , the bore of weapons shall be cleaned, preferably, after completion of firing by each ‘DETAIL' so that excess deposit of gas fouling especially in the bore of weapons, could be prevented. During such cleaning, pull through/ cleaning Rod and flannelette/dry rag shall be used. Besides, the barrel of Light Machine Gun (LMG) should also be replaced with ‘Spare Barrel' at regular intervals.

v) CLEANING AFTER FIRING :

Thorough cleaning of each weapon immediately after every Range Classification (firing), is essential, so that the gas effected parts become free form carbon deposit.

METHOD : The conventional method adopted during such cleaning, is to clean the bore of weapon with boiled water by making use of funnel (preferably of No. BZ/BC-4001). The bore should then be completely dried and lightly oiled. The gas fouling marks i.e. ‘Rings' from the face of bolt/ breech block (shield – in case of pistols) should especially be cleaned, along with other gas effected portions of each component. Such cleaning of bore and the other parts should be done consecutively for seven days.

vi) ABNORMAL CLEANING :

This type of cleaning is done by the Armourer to remove rust and metallic fouling from the bore.

METHOD: Such rust & metallic fouling of the bore, which cannot be removed by normal cleaning by the user, will be removed by the Armourer by resorting to special cleaning with jute, wire gauge, brass-wire and emery powder.

(C) INSPECTION OF ARMS:

Besides cleaning, regular inspection of Arms is equally essential. Necessary particulars of different type of inspections, are furnished below:

•  MONTHLY VISUAL INSPECTION:

All weapons shall be visually inspected by the Officer-In-Charge of the respective post, at least once a month. Damage/deficiency etc noticed if any during such inspection, should immediately be reported by him to the appropriate Authority, besides taking up the required follow up action.

•  QUARTERLY DETAIL INSPECTION (INCLUDING EXAMINATION):

This type of inspection is carried out by the Unit Armourer, once a quarter. Detail inspection and examination of all the available Arms and the related accessories of each unit shall invariably be carried out by him. Necessary minor repairs and patchwork shall be competed by him on the spot. Weapons requiring major repairs etc shall, however, be closed at Headquarter for doing the needful.

Besides cleanliness and maintenance, the functional ability of the weapon shall also be ensured by the Armourer during his inspections. The defect and deficiency etc, as well as the serviceability of each weapon shall be recorded by him on the spot, in the prescribed from (No. RPF/A-05). Subsequently, a report to this effect shall be submitted by him to the appropriate authority – who shall take suitable action in the matter, especially in respect of those cases in which wear & tear in Arms in reported to have occurred due to sheer negligence of individual. The CSC shall also be apprised about the extensive damage of a weapon caused if any due to staff negligence.

During such alternate inspection i.e. Half Yearly, the Armourer shall strip each weapon fully. The weapon will then be cleaned thoroughly, i.e. all traces of dirt, rust, or rust stains will be removed with Kerosene oil and flannelette. The bore and chamber of the weapon will also be cleaned as per instructions – keeping in view their condition. Light preservation shall then be done by him by applying suitable preservative at all the required places. The weapon will then be assembled.

The following preservatives, should as per as possible, be used for this purpose.

i) For Metal - Oil ( No. OX-52) and Grease ( No. XG-279).
ii) For Leather - Dubbin Ordinary.
iii) For Wood - Raw Linseed Oil.
iv) For Web & Canvas - White Spirit (Denatured)
v) For Rubber - French chald.

(Components of Small Arms to be preserved internally by the Unit Armourer after every six months, and the preservative to be used for this purpose, are shown in Annexure ‘B' to this order).

iii ) YEARLY TECHNICAL INSPECTION :

As for as possible, the Commanding Officer (Small Arms)/ Railway Board, shall carry out technical inspection of all the Small Arms held on charge of the Zonal Railways/RPSF Bns, at least once a year.

During such inspection he shall ensure functional ability and reliability of Small Arms and the related accessories of the concerned Unit.

He will also judge the standard of maintenance of Arms by the user units. Besides pointing out maintenance lapses to the concerned officials, he will also guide them in this regard. The working ability of Armourer's will also be judged by him, ensuring that they adopt the correct repair technique.

Defect deficiency and serviceability of each weapon shall be recorded by him on the spot, in the prescribed from (No RPF/A-05). Subsequently, a detailed report shall be submitted by him in the prescribed from (No. RPF/A-04) to the Chief Security Commissioner/Commanding Officer concerned. Suitable action on each point of this report shall then be taken by the respective officers, especially in respect of each reported case of staff negligence. If any weapons are required to be sent to CARS/Dohad, appropriate strength of Armourers/working party should accompany such weapons, for carrying out repairs/ phosphating etc.

ANNEXURE ‘A'

 

  S.NO.

    WEAPONS

COMPONENTS TO BE LUBRICATED AND PRESERVED

TO BE LUBRICATED

TO BE PRESERVED

INTERALLY ONLY

EXTERNALLY ONLY

INTERNALLY & EXTERNALLY

1

RIFLES (BOLT ACTION) ALL TYPE

BARREL

BOLT

O BODY

O MAGAZINE

 

2

RIFLE

7.62 MM (SLR)

GAS CYLINDER

HOUSING

TRIGGER

MECHANISM

O BARRECH BLOCK

O PISTON

O CARRIER

O BODY

O BARREL

O COVER BODY

O MAGAZINE

 

3

C.M.STEN 9 MM & MACHINE CARBINE 9MM 1A/1A1

O BARREL CASING

O METAL BUTT

 

 

--

O BREECH BLOCK

O BARREL

O JACKET BARREL

O MAGAZINES

 

4

PISTOL REVOLVER .38

 

--

BODY

O BARREL

O CYLINDER

 

5

PISTOL BROWNING 9MM & PISTOL AUTO 9MM 1A

 

 

--

BODY

O BARREL

O SLIDE

O MAGAZINE

6

PISTOL SIGNAL 1”

(V.L.P. ALL MARKS)

 

 

--

BODY

O BARREL

7

GUN MACHINE 7.62MM & G.M. BREN .303”

 

 

 

--

 

 

 

 

 

--

O BREECH BLOCK

O PISTON

O BODY

O BARREL

O GAS CYLINDER

O SLIDE BUTT

O BARREL LOCKING NUT

O MAGAZINE

 

8

BAYONETS

(ALL TYPE)

 

 

--

FULLY

 

--

9

SCABBARDS

( METALLIC)

 

 

--

 

--

FULLY

COMPONENTS OF SMALL ARMS WHICH ARE TO BE LUBRICATED/PRESERVED DURING WEEKLY & MONTHLY CLEANING OF ARMS – BY USERS.

ANNEXURE ‘B'

 

COMPONENTS OF SMALL ARMS TO BE PRESERVED INTERNALLY BY THE UNIT ARMOURER AFTER EVERY SIX MONTHS

 

 

S.NO.

 

 

Components

Weapons

 

All types of bolt action Rifles

Rifles 7.62mm (SLR)

Gun Machine 7.62mm & .303”

All types of Revolvers, Pistols & VLPs

 

1

Barrel and Portion of body S.F.E., and the Guard Hands Front and Rear.

Equal volume of mixture of Oil OX-52 and Protective PX-6

 

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

2

Spring trap, Butt Plate & Screw.

Oil OX-52 and Protective PX-6

Oil OX-52 and Protective PX-6

Oil OX-52 and Protective PX-6

 

 

--

3

Spring Main / Return and Tube Spring return.

 

Grease XG-279

Grease XG-285

Grease XG-279

 

--

4

Portion of Barrel and Cylinder covered by Guard Hand.

 

 

--

 

Oil OX-52 and Protective PX-6

 

--

 

--

5

Portion of Body Covered by stock side.

Oil OX-52 and Protective PX-6

 

--

 

--

 

Oil OX-52 and Protective PX-6

 

6

Bolt Stock

 

- d0 -

--

--

--

7

Screw Pistol Grip

 

--

Oil OX-52 and Protective PX-6

Oil OX-52 and Protective PX-6

 

 

--

8

Plate Butt

Oil OX-52 and Protective PX-6

 

 

--

-- do --

 

--

9

S. F.E., Guard hand Front & Rear and Stock Butt.

 

Raw Linseed Oil.

 

 

--

 

--

 

--

10

Guard Hand Right & Left (If made of Wood)

 

--

Raw Linseed Oil

 

 

--

 

 

--

11

Stock Butt

--

-- do --

Raw Linseed

--

 

(Preservative to be used, is indicated against each column)

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