Cadet Small Bore Target Rifle – Aide Memoir

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The purpose of this aide memoir is to remind and revise those cadets and CFAVs who have been formally trained and tested in the use of this weapon. This revision can be undertaken online at any time, and as such should prove a valuable resource for maintaining currency and the high standards of training we have come to expect from the Cadet Forces. It does not constitute formal training or replace the need for revision periods before firing.

The L144A1 Cadet Small Bore Target Rifle (CSBTR) is a manually fed, bolt action .22 LR rifle for cadet target shooting. It is stated to fire with a high degree of accuracy up to 25m, on both indoor and outdoor ranges.

Parts of the Weapon

L144A1 Cadet Small Bore Target Rifle (CSBTR)

Handling Drills

On the command “For inspection – port arms” you should carry out the following actions:

  • Open the bolt and place the safety catch to SAFE (rear)
  • Inspect the face of the bolt, body and chamber to ensure they are clear

On the command “Ease springs” you should carry out the following actions:

  • Close the bolt
  • Place the safety catch to FIRE (forward), and in a safe direction operate the trigger
  • If trigger fails to operate correctly, repeat the above drills.

When the weapon is left on the firing point, the bolt is to be left open and a breech flag inserted.

Safe Handling

When handing over a weapon, NSPs are to be carried out and the recipient is also to inspect inside the weapon.

On the command “Load” (and “ready”) you should carry out the following actions:

  • Open the bolt and place the safety catch to SAFE
  • Place a round on the feed tray and carefully close the bolt

On the command “Unload” you should carry out the following actions:

  • Set the safety catch to SAFE and open the bolt. A round may be ejected
  • Inspect the face of the bolt, body and chamber to ensure they are clear
  • Close the bolt, place the safety catch to FIRE and operate the trigger

On the command “Stop” you should carry out the following actions:

  • Place the safety catch to SAFE and remove the finger from the trigger

Immediate Action (IA)

If the weapon fails to fire, tap down on the bolt handle and continue

Stoppage Drill

If the weapon still fails to fire, unload and inspect the chamber:

  • During dry training if you are instructed “chamber clear” you are to reload and continue firing.
  • During dry training if you are instructed “obstruction” (failure to extract) close the bolt and attempt to extract the case.

If the weapon still fails to fire a second time, unload and inspect the strike:

  1. Good strike – The round rim looks as if it has been struck with a deep firing pin impression. This failure to fire could be as a result of faulty ammunition
  2. Weak strike – There is a mark form the firing pin, but it has not been deep enough to fire the round. Perhaps the bolt was not locked correctly, or there is excessive buildup of wax on bolt face.
  3. No strike – There will be no mark on the rim of the round, most likely due to a broken firing pin.

Weapon Handling Test

Safety

You will be instructed to “take control of the weapon.” You should carry out the following actions:

  • Open the bolt and place the safety catch to SAFE
  • Inspect the face of the bolt, body and chamber to ensure they are clear
  • Close the bolt
  • Set the safety catch to FIRE and operate the trigger

Stripping, Cleaning and Assembling.

You will be instructed to “strip the rifle for daily cleaning”. You should carry out the following actions:

  • Set the safety catch to FIRE, operate the trigger and hold to the rear
  • Open the bolt and remove by continuing to move rearwards

You will be asked “what size flannelette is used to clean the barrel?“ You should answer “50mm x 30mm with a jag.”

You will be asked “show how you would remove fouling or debris from the chamber.” You should answer “With a Nylon brush and flannelette.”

You will be asked “show how you would examine the barrel for cleanliness.” With the bolt already removed, you should hold the rifle up to the light, muzzle 150mm away from the eye.

You will be instructed to “assemble the rifle and carry out a function test.” You should carry out the following actions:

  • Examine the barrel is clear and the serial number matches the barrel
  • Hold the bolt so the firing pin is located top centre
  • Ensure the safety is to FIRE, pull and hold the trigger and insert the bolt
  • Cock the weapon, safety to SAFE, attempt to fire. It should not
  • Set the safety to FIRE, operate the trigger. Audible click
  • If no noise heard, cock again, operate trigger again
  • If still fails to function, do not use and send to armourer

Firing Drills

Loading

You will be ordered“prone position, down” “load”. You should carry out the following actions:

  • Open the bolt and place the safety catch to SAFE
  • Simulate placing a round on the feed tray and close the bolt

Stoppages Immediate Action (IA)

You will be ordered “fire” and then“rifle fails to fire”. You should carry out the following actions:

  • Tap down the bolt handle to ensure the bolt has been locked, continue firing

You will then be instructed “rifle still will not fire”. You should carry out the following actions:

  • Set the safety to SAFE, open the bolt and inspect the chamber
  • You see that the chamber is clear, reload and continue firing

You will then be instructed “rifle fires alright”. You should carry on firing.

Stoppages IA and Obstruction Drill

You will be ordered “fire” and then“rifle fails to fire”. You should carry out the following actions:

  • Tap down the bolt handle to ensure the bolt has been locked, continue firing

You will then be instructed “rifle still will not fire”. You should carry out the following actions:

  • Set the safety to SAFE, open the bolt and inspect the chamber

You will then be instructed “Obstruction. Failure to extract.” You should carry out the following actions:

  • Close the bolt and open it again, a round or empty case may be ejected

You will then be instructed “Chamber clear.” You should carry out the following actions:

  • Reload and continue firing

You will then be instructed “rifle fires alright” “Stop.” You should place the safety catch to SAFE and remove the finger from the trigger.

Further Stoppages

You will be asked “If after carrying out the IA twice the weapon still fails to fire, what should you do?” You should answer “unload and inform a member of range staff.”

Unloading.

You will be ordered“Unload.” You should carry out the following actions:

  • Set the safety catch to SAFE and open the bolt. A round may be ejected
  • Inspect the face of the bolt, body and chamber to ensure they are clear
  • Close the bolt, place the safety catch to FIRE and operate the trigger

You will be ordered “for inspection – port arms.” You should carry out the following actions:

  • Open the bolt and place the safety catch to SAFE
  • Inspect the face of the bolt, body and chamber to ensure they are clear

You will be ordered“ease springs.” You should carry out the following actions:

  • Close the bolt, place the safety catch to FIRE, and operate the trigger

Knowledge Check

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Knowledge Check - CSBTR

This quiz will test your knowledge on the drills and weapon handling test on the Cadet Small Bore Target Rifle.

1 / 10

In which position is the safety catch in safe?

2 / 10

What actions are carried out as part of the immediate action (IA) drill?

3 / 10

Your weapon fails to fire a second time and you remove the ammunition. When you inspect it you see there has been a weak strike. What could be the cause of the fault?

4 / 10

On the unload drill after inspecting the bolt body and chamber the bolt is closed and what action is carried out?

5 / 10

The safety catch shown in the image is forward. What does this position indicate?

Question Image

6 / 10

What size flannelette is used to clean the barrel?

7 / 10

When carrying out Normal Safety Precautions on the CSBTR what three areas are inspected?

8 / 10

Your weapon fails to fire a second time and you remove the ammunition. When you inspect it you see there has been no strike. What could be the cause of the fault?

9 / 10

How do you examine the barrel for cleanliness?

10 / 10

Which part of the rifle is indicated by the number 4?

Question Image

Your score is

Capt. Nick author is an experienced CFAV, having joined the Campbell College Army Section in 1996, he has technically never left! Formally commissioning in 2004, he now holds the rank of Captain and undertakes the role of Training Officer, as well as assisting with national courses such as those at CTC Frimley Park and STEM Camp. With qualifications in exercise and range conduct, as well as skill at arms and first aid, they are at the frontline of cadet training and continues to draw on his experience to deliver safe and engaging cadet training to all age groups. All views are those of the author.

About Campbell College CCF

Campbell College Combined Cadet Force was the first such organisation established in Ireland in 1909. Starting life as an Officer Training Corps, many students served in both the First and Second World Wars, and continue to do so into the current day.