CMC-41R 02 Sep 06

WEAPONS TRAINING BATTALION COMBAT MARKSMANSHIP CENTER OF EXCELLENCE MARINE CORPS COMBAT DEVELOPMENT COMMAND QUANTICO, VIRGINIA 22134-5040

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

AN/PVQ-31A RIFLE COMBAT OPTIC

LEARNING OBJECTIVES. There are no learning objectives because this is a lesson purpose class. It is imperative that you learn all of this information because it may save your life in combat. 1. NOMENCLATURE AND DESIGN. a. The Rifle Combat Optic (RCO) has been fielded for a few years with different specifications. The ACO was initially fielded with no fiber optic on top and a Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) that was matched to the average impact point of a 5.56 out of a 20 and a 14.5 barrel. This made this sight effective on both the M4 and the M16. Next, the RCO was fielded as intended, but the target reference system was only put into some later models. The final product is the AN/PVQ-31 RCO this is the same sight with a few cosmetic changes. b. The RCO comes from the Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG) model TA31F made by Trijicon and has been given the Marine Corps nomenclature AN/PVQ-31A. The RCO is a 4x 32mm optic that does not require battery power. It is calibrated to accommodate bullet drop, thereby eliminating the need for mechanical elevation adjustments. The bullet drop compensator of the AN/PVQ-31A is matched to the trajectory of the 5.56mm round from a 20 barrel. The AN/PVQ-31B is designed for the M4A1. The acronym RCO will be used to refer to both optics. The RCO is a compact dual source illuminated telescopic sight. c. The RCO has more versatility over regular rifle or hunting scopes. It is a combat optic with a large exit

CMC-41R 02 Sep 06 pupil. This allows maximum eye latitude behind the optic. Meaning, you can be off center and still acquire your reticle compared to a traditional optic like a hunting or sniper scope. d. Trijicon guarantees the waterproofing of the optic to 66ft, If the adjuster caps are installed properly. The optic has been successfully tested to 500 ft. e. It is recommended that the tritium lamp be checked prior to deployment of the optic and every six months or immediately following any incident, which might lead to lamp failure such as the dropping of the AN/PVQ-31 onto a hard surface. Controls and indicators

f. To determine that the tritium lamp is functioning in the AN/PVQ-31 enter a dark room and look though the optic. The Chevron should be illuminated red. The illumination provided by the tritium lamp is very faint and will be hard to see without a dark-adapted eye. Remain in the dark room for approximately ten minutes to adapt your eyes to the dark. The reticle is illuminated in low light or complete darkness. If the reticle does not appear to illuminate in the dark, contact your unit maintainer for confirmation and disposal. g. AN/PVQ-31A: To be used on and calibrated for the M16A4 Rifle will also be used on the M16A2 Rifle AN/PVQ-31B: Carbine To be used on and calibrated for the M4A1

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2.

MOUNTING METHODS a. Mounting the RCO on the M16-A4/M4 rifles. The Rifle Combat Optic has a flat top adapter (1913 rail grabber) ideally suited for mounting on the M16A4 and M4. If the 1913 rail grabber has been loosened or removed, ensure loctite or another approved adhesive is used to prevent loosening during firing.

(1) Loosen the two knobs and place RCO rail assembly mount onto the weapons mounting rail. (2) Push the RCO forward so that front edge of recoil stop on the flat top adapter mount is against a recoil groove. (3) Tighten the knob on the mount assembly to affix the RCO to the mounting rail. (4) Check eye relief. If the RCO needs to be adjusted, loosen the two knobs, lift RCO off mounting rail, move it back or forth and repeat steps 1 through 3. (5) Tighten the rear knob on the mount assembly then tighten the front knob. Tighten knobs until hand tight, then tighten turn with tool more. (6) The flat top rail adapter can be reversed to put the tightening knobs on the right side instead of the left side. This does not interfere with operation of the weapon. b. Mounting the RCO on the M16A2 carrying handle (1) Remove 1913 rails grabber from RCO by removing the 2 screws in the bottom. Retain screws and washers. (2) Place RCO in carrying handle groove with the forward mounting hole (hole closest to objective lens) lined up with carrying handle hole.

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(3) Insert the TA53A screw with special washer into screws hole from underneath. If resistance is met remove optic and replace over the hole ensuring they are lined up. (4) The special washer should be placed on the screw after the lock washer so the U shape fits under the carrying handle against the curved surface. Using maximum finger pressure only, tighten the TA53A thumbscrew. 3. ZEROING THE RCO a. The AN/PVQ-31 is optically centered when it leaves the manufacturer. Emphasize the CAUTION. Forcing the adjusters to their extremes will render the optic useless. If you encounter resistance and you keep adjusting, all of a sudden the resistance will cease and the adjuster will turn freely again. At this point the optic is damaged. If the adjusters are turned counterclockwise beyond the surface of the adjuster housing (higher), it is possible that the adjuster could be removed. DO NOT attempt to remove the adjuster. Once the optic has been zeroed, never remove the adjuster caps. b. The adjusters can be moved with a coin, bladed screwdriver, or the extractor rim of the 5.56 mm casing. The shooter will be able to hear and feel the audible tactile clicks. Adjusting the optic is a precision exercise and should be treated that way. Move the adjusters slowly and count the amount of clicks based on the distance you need to move the strike of the round. c. Adjustment increments are 1 / 3 inch per click at 100 meters. This means that 3 clicks are required to move the bullet impact one inch on a target at 100 meters. At 36 yards 9 clicks are required to move the bullet impact one inch. d. BZO procedures for the RCO are very similar to that of the iron sights. The exception is for the accurate setting of the BDC for the 100 meter mark. The shooters should be reminded that this optic does not help the shooter shoot.

CMC-41R 02 Sep 06 It only helps the shooter see the target. The fundamentals of good shooting should be emphasized during zeroing. Ensure the shooter uses his 300m aim point for 36 yards, tip of the vertical post. (1) Place or select a suitable target at a range of approximately 36 yards and determine an aiming point. (2) Place a piece of tape over the fiber optic to reduce the blooming effect on the reticle. This gives a finer aim point on the top of the reticle. (3) Establish a good supported shooting position. (4) Use 300-meter aim point on the reticle. Place the top tip of the vertical post (which is the bottom, widest point of the chevron) on center mass. (5) Fire three rounds to obtain a shot group. (6) Locate center of shot group. (7) Check tightness of sight. (Tighten if necessary)

(8) Adjust reticle to move the center of the shot group to the desired point of impact. (a) 9 clicks of windage or elevation move the strike of the round one-inch at thirty-six (36) yards. (b) 3 clicks move bullet strike 1 inch at 100 meters. (c) 1 click moves bullet strike 1 inch at 300 meters. (9) Shoot another three round group and again assess and make corrections. e. When able, confirm zero at 100 or 300 meters, using the appropriate aiming point: tip of chevron for 100 meters; tip of vertical post for 300 meters. The 100 meter zeroing method is the ideal method for

CMC-41R 02 Sep 06 zeroing the optic to the weapon. It is not a BZO. The 100 meter method is done the same as the 36 yard method except from 100 meters. Ensure the shooters use the tip of the chevron as their aiming point onto the target. f. Zeroing or confirming at 100 meters ensures correct measurements of the BDC. Once aligned, this will place the horizontal stadia lines at the proper distances for accurate fire beyond 300 meters. g. The ranging capability of the reticle is performed as per the chart. The width of the stadia lines as well as the base of the chevron is 19 inches at its respective meter line. 19 inches is the baseline for determining the width of a mans chest. h. For quick target acquisition at 300m or less, place the illuminated chevron aiming point on a high center chest hold. Proper shooting techniques to aid in quick target acquisition is covered under applications.

The width of the chevron is equal to the mans torso

The width of the 4 stadia line is a target at 400m

i. The ranging feature is designed for the ideal situation where a target is exposing his torso and is 90 degrees to you. This is not the case in the real world. You may have a headshot, side shot, or an angled shot. Being able to relate 19 to other objects can assist with determining the

CMC-41R 02 Sep 06 targets range, such as a vehicle wheel is very close to 19, half the width of a truck door, etc. To gain knowledge of measurements in your AO, take the time to measure the average windows in buildings, houses, stores, etc. or when guessing the range and engaging targets at longer distances, keep your eyes on the impact of the rounds and adjust accordingly.

j. The target reference system can be used to communicate a location to other team members using a known fixed point. It can also be used for leading moving targets or adjusting for wind . k. The right side of the horizontal mil scale will appear out of focus. This is normal. The AN / PVQ-31 reticle includes a horizontal mil-scale graduated in 5 mil increments. The distance from the tip of the chevron to the first mil scale left and right is 10 mils. 4. APPLICATION a. Introduction: Under technical we talked about getting the optic operational and ready to use. In application well talk about HOW to put the optic/weapon system to work in the most efficient and effective way. Once the reticle and basic concepts are understood, the shooter will be able to engage targets quickly and accurately without wasting valuable time thinking about how to do it. Those shooters that are cross-eye dominant, meaning they are using their non-dominate eye behind the optic, will experience a shift in POI when using both eyes open shooting. Encourage these shooters to transition to their dominant side. If not, they must learn to compensate for that shift by aiming in the opposite direction of the shift. For example; the shooter, with both eyes open, is hitting a target on the far left side. The adjusted aiming point would be the far right side. The only other option is to use the optic like a traditional scope and close the non-shooting eye. The disadvantage of this choice is its

CMC-41R 02 Sep 06 much slower in close quarters shooting. The degree of shift is based on the indifference between the eyes. Some shooters experience a small shift in POI and others can be completely off target at 15 yards. b. Determine dominate eye; to maximize the AN/PVQ-31s potential you must know which of your eyes is dominant. determine this do the following: (1) With both eyes open, hold your index finger out in front of your line of sight. (2) Pick up an aiming point and keep your index finger on it. (3) Close your right eye. If your finger/aiming point moves, you are right eye dominant. If your finger/aiming point did not move, you are left eye dominant. To use any aiming device (optic) to its maximum potential you must use your dominate eye. This may mean learning to shoot from your opposite side. c. The RCO is a 4 power scope. When using it to engage targets at close distances, the magnification can slow down your reaction time. To use the scope at close ranges, snap shooting will train you to engage quickly. The AN/PVQ-31 is designed for BOTH eyes OPEN from muzzle to 300m for quick target acquisition and engagement. This allows the AN/PVQ31 to be utilized as a reflexive sight when SPEED is CRITICAL at these distances. Train yourself to: Keep BOTH eyes OPEN, Focus on your target, Bring the weapon/optic up into your line of sight, DO NOT switch focus to the reticle, Access and /or Engage when warranted. d. At extreme close ranges where time is critical to survival, put RED on TARGET and engage. Do not look for a chevron, just a red blur will suffice. This is a method for rapid target engagement, training to the shortest standard of time is critical. At close ranges where time is still critical, but distance will require a slight degree of accuracy, SEE the red chevron on target and engage. e. The shooter mustnt waste time in a fight when there To

CMC-41R 02 Sep 06 isnt time to waste. At these extreme close distances gun fights are won by the man who is on target first. Keep both eyes open throughout the engagement for rapid acquisition and engagement. f. Bindon Aiming Concept (BAC). The highly advanced Bindon Aiming Concept is an optical breakthrough that combines traditional long-stand-off marksmanship capability with the ultimate in close combat transitional aiming. Using the both-eyes aiming method, when the weapon is being moved, the perceived image is unmagnified, permitting extremely rapid target acquisition. As soon as the weapon movement is stopped and the shooter is close to the proper aim on target, the targeted image zooms into magnification, permitting greater shooting accuracy with higher hit ratios. This is particularly useful for moving targets or for targets in dense cover. Both eyes being open do the BAC automatically and unconsciously. Beyond 300 meters the AN/PVQ-31 provides a ranging reticle that will allow the shooter to place well aimed accurate hits on target using traditional marksmanship skills. To engage targets from 400-800m: ( 1) From a supported position (if possible) raise the ranging reticle until one of the horizontal lines fits the torso of the intended target. (2) Use that Crosshair reticle pattern to identify your intended Point of Impact.

700 meter Target

This graph shows the shadow and the resulting impact

(3) Ensure you have a FULL field of view with no shadow. Improper eye relief, or sight alignment will

CMC-41R 02 Sep 06 cause scope shadow. This will result in improper shot placement. (4) Focus on the reticle to acquire that precision aim. Close the non-shooting eye if it helps to focus. (5) Apply a smooth trigger squeeze so as to not disturb your sight alignment. (6) Follow through. DO NOT release the trigger, move your eye from the optic, or otherwise disturb your position. Identify your impact by maintaining a visual on your target. (8) Continue to access your target. Repeat if necessary. g. Transitional shooting is utilized when the shooter must engage targets at varying distances (based on actual or perceived threat) within a short period of time. This will require the shooter to transition from Speed and Traditional Marksmanship quickly and effectively. A mental transition must be made from speed vs. accuracy and vise versa as target priorities change. For the extremely close targets put the red on target, for targets 20-50m away put the chevron on the target, and aim in on longer ranges. h. Unlike the adjustable iron sights on the service rifle/ carbine, the RCO should not be adjusted for a wind change. The windage turrets on the RCO should only be adjusted during zeroing. For wind corrections during firing, a slight hold into the direction of the wind will produce the desired result.

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Wind direction: Right to left 3 mph 5 mph 10 mph 15 mph

100m

200m

300m

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For distances out to 200 meters in moderate wind, a center mass hold will produce a 90% hit potential. For further shots that require a more deliberate hold, apply the following: First, determine that the shot resulted in a miss and look for an impact. Second, estimate the deviation from target to impact and hold off an equal but opposite amount. Finally, fire another shot while applying traditional marksmanship skills and follow through with the mission. Repeat if necessary. i. Using the RCO with night vision. Night vision devices like the AN/PVS-7B or AN/PVS-14 can be used behind the RCO to display a magnified image at night. Mounting AN/PVS-14 behind the RCO on the rail system would require that the RCO be moved forward a great deal and a loss of zero would result, this method is not recommended. Mounting the AN/PVS-14 in front of the RCO on the extra rail space is not recommended either because the AN/PVS-14 is not a true inline night sight. The AN/PVS-14 produces an image viewable at night by multiplying existing light by an exponential amount. When placing a precise aiming point (RCO reticle) on the display of the night vision, the accuracy on the true image cannot be guaranteed. j. Adjusting the brightness of the reticle. The RCO reticle intensity is dependent on the amount of light exposed to the fiber optic collector. To brighten the reticle for a darker area, tape a small chemlight to the fiber optic. Ensure there is little to no exposed light to obstruct your vision or expose your position. To dim the reticle in bright daylight or reduce the blooming of your reticle, place tape over the fiber optic. k. Cleaning and maintenance should be done with the issued lens pen. To clean the AN/PVQ-31 remove all foreign material from the unit with lens pen if fresh water is not available.

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l. Pay special attention to the lenses. ALL foreign material must be removed before continuing. Next, remove the cap from the opposite end of the Lens Pen to expose the Felt Lens Cleaner. Ensure there is NO foreign material on the felt surface. Starting in the center of the lens, press the felt surface of the lens cleaner against the lens and in a spiral motion, work from the center to the outside edge of the lens. Repeat if necessary. When finished, depress Lens Brush Slider and retract the brush into the Len Pen. Replace the cap over the Felt Lens Cleaner. Do not break down the scope. The RCO will never be disassembled, except by the manufacturer.