This is to piggyback off of the commo post. Maybe some of this will be helpful to you guys, especially as we move into peacetime. I was a 91f (Small Arm repair) a gunsmith and now I work professionally in the firearms industry. I will break these down by firearm type and prioritize safety tips. Some of these tips have a flavor of personal preference, if you feel that's the case. Please take it with a grain of salt.

M4/M16 Variants.

- The M4a1 MWO converted M4s to fully automatic and ambidextrous safety.

- Check your barrel for obstructions prior to use. I'm not going to say to do a full PMCS prior to use. Though you're supposed to, we all know you won't. But please god, give it a once over. The primary cause of catastrophic failure while using the m4/16 are barrel obstructions. Obstructions are typically one of three things. 1. Dirt (Plugged from barrel being stabbed in the ground) 2. Sim rounds. 3. Squib rounds (A bullet that fails to exit the barrel.)

- Squib load / Squib rounds are not common, but they do happen. If you are firing and you hear a pop, but no recoil. Pull your weapon from the firing line for remedial action. This is important, bad loads need to be recorded and reported.

- Prior to the Zero range. There is no need to factory rest your sights. Look at your windage (Left and right) and use common sense. If your sights are mounted properly. They wont need a huge amount of adjustment. Deviation between shooters is small, so you can leave the previous zero without pulling your hair out.

- If there is some NCO standing at the clearing barrel with a spray bottle of CLP. Ask them not to spray your damn gun. Those two holes on the side of the bolt carrier are not for CLP. Too much CLP will lead to a multitude of annoying malfunctions. Secondly, you need to enter the range with an open bolt. Once you have loaded magazines, do not articulate the rifle until it is pointed down range.

- Rodding the barrel. This is a great unit habit (If done correct). To rod a barrel, lock the bolt to the rear. Insert the rod and slide the rod down the barrel until the end of the rod is visible. Do not slam the rod into the bolt face and close the bolt.

- Zeroing... Keep the same point of aim, no matter what. Don't make any adjustments until you get a good grouping. Once you get a tight group and begin to make adjustments. Move the bullet holes to the point of aim using the dial directions indicated on the sights (Iron or Optic).

- If you're not an experienced shooter. Don't listen to broad stroking; Left and right of group is trigger pull, above or bellow is your breathing. For new shooters, focus purely on your sight picture and trigger pull. When you go to sniper school, they will cover the nuances of breathing and body position. In the mean time, breath normal, lay comfortably and... trigger pull, sight picture.

- While shooting please remember your sight is physically higher than where the bullet will exit the barrel. The sandbag did nothing to deserve being shot.

- While qualifying. Take your time! You have more time to get that shot off than you think. Also, try to have fun with it. Practice resiliency, we know you've been waiting all day, it's hot as crap, your helmet strap is broken. But you'll do way better if you're enjoying your time.

- Post Firing range. Clean the gun. Let someone know if there is something broken or missing. You may get smoked, but chances are, you won't get charged for it either (Unless you clearly lost gear). That cotter pin that holds the firing pin in is like $1. Your drill sergeants lied. Also, that cam pin that holds the bolt to the bolt carrier. The one you twist after putting in. Please for the love of god don't forget that. There is no repair more frustrating.

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There is more I'm sure. I can do a dive into other weapon systems if you all want. Outside of the M9. The weapon tips are more mechanical in nature. Less user oriented. Just let me know if the comments if you have a preferred gun you'd like me to delve into.

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I'll take a gas station tornado with CLP fingers.