SM-39495 06+apc556

Maintenance Manual
APC556
Carbine cal. 5.56 mm x 45 NATO
manufactured by B&T Switzerland
B&T AG
P.O. Box 174 • 3608 Thun
Switzerland
Fon +41 33 334 67 00
info@bt-ag.ch
www.bt-ag.ch
SM-39495.06
Maintenance Manual APC556
\\SV12\Daten\12 Konstruktion\Projektablage\39495 APC223\tech Dokumentation\SM-39495.06 APC556.docx

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Contents
1 General Rules ................................................................................................................................. 5
1.1 Safety rules .............................................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Maintenance rules.................................................................................................................... 5
2 Technical Specifications.................................................................................................................. 6
2.1 General description .................................................................................................................. 6
2.2 Nomenclature........................................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Technical data.......................................................................................................................... 8
3 Troubleshooting Table .................................................................................................................... 9
4 Maintenance Procedures .............................................................................................................. 10
4.1 Disassembly........................................................................................................................... 10
4.2 Cleaning and inspections ....................................................................................................... 11
4.3 Reassembly ........................................................................................................................... 11
4.4 Maintenance Schedule .......................................................................................................... 13
5 Gauges.......................................................................................................................................... 14
5.1 Inventory of gauges ............................................................................................................... 14
5.2 Gauge condemnation criteria .................................................................................................14
6 Inspections and measures on Weapon complete ......................................................................... 16
6.1 Function Check ...................................................................................................................... 16
6.2 Zero Check ............................................................................................................................ 17
6.3 Precision Check ..................................................................................................................... 17
6.4 Checking Headspace ............................................................................................................. 18
7 Maintenance of Iron Sights ........................................................................................................... 19
7.1 Iron Sight Adjustment............................................................................................................. 19
7.2 Inspections ............................................................................................................................. 19
8 Maintenance of Upper Receiver.................................................................................................... 20
8.1 Inspections ............................................................................................................................. 20
8.2 Replacements ........................................................................................................................ 20
9 Maintenance of Bolt complete ....................................................................................................... 26
9.1 Inspections ............................................................................................................................. 26
9.2 Replacements ........................................................................................................................ 27
10 Maintenance of Magazine ............................................................................................................. 31
10.1 Inspections ............................................................................................................................. 31
10.2 Replacements ........................................................................................................................ 31
11 Maintenance of Lower Receiver.................................................................................................... 32
11.1 Inspections ............................................................................................................................. 32
11.2 Replacements ........................................................................................................................ 32
12 Maintenance of Stock.................................................................................................................... 37
12.1 Inspections ............................................................................................................................. 37
12.2 Replacements ........................................................................................................................ 37
13 Lubrication chart............................................................................................................................ 40
13.1 Weapon complete .................................................................................................................. 40
13.2 Bolt complete ......................................................................................................................... 40
13.3 Lower receiver ....................................................................................................................... 41
13.4 Bolt head ................................................................................................................................ 42
13.5 Stock ...................................................................................................................................... 42
14 Warranty Statement ...................................................................................................................... 43

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Related documents:
APC556 Operator Manual ........................................................................................... Ref TM-39495-1
APC556 Illustrated Parts Catalogue ............................................................................ Ref PC-36_ _ _
.......................................................................................................... _ _ _ ⇨ Product ID in section 2.3
Abbreviations and terms:

POA: Point of Aim
POI: Point of Impact
MPI: Mean Point of Impact
SMG: Submachine gun
Left/right side: Defined looking in firing direction.

1 General Rules
1.1 Safety rules
1. Consider every weapon loaded until checked personally by the individual operator.
2. Always keep fingers off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until the sights are on target.
3. Always point the weapon in a safe direction.
4. Verify your target and the backstop.
5. Before firing always verify the serviceability and condition of both the weapon and ammunition.
6. Hearing and eye protection are mandatory.
7. Be sure to use CIP certified cartridges of correct caliber only.
8. If a cartridge fails to ignite, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and open the chamber
only after a minimum of 30 seconds.
9. Live fire training should be carried out in open or well-ventilated areas to prevent excessive
exposure to toxic gases.
10. Operate your weapon consciously and do not use excessive force.
1.2 Maintenance rules

1. The weapon is to be cleaned after each deployment or firing.
2. Any malfunctions are to be reported to the unit armourer or manufacturer.
3. The weapon is to be presented to the unit armourer for inspection after each mission or a
minimum of once a year.

2 Technical Specifications
Technical specifications contained herein are subject to change in accordance with B&T product
improvement processes.
2.1 General description

The APC556 is a self-loading rifle chambered in cal. 5.56 x 45 NATO. The rifle operates using a short
stroke gas piston system: The bolt carrier is pushed rearwards by the same high pressure gases
driving the projectile through the barrel. The bolt head is locked until the projectile exits the muzzle at
which point the bolt carrier unlocks the bolt head and together they complete the cycle of ejecting the
empty casing and loading a new cartridge out of the detachable box magazine. After completion of
such a cycle, the weapon is loaded and armed and the next shot can be released by pulling the
trigger.
All manual operating elements such as bolt catch, magazine retainer and fire selector are
ambidextrous and the charging handle can be set for left or right operation.

2.2 Nomenclature
Fig. 2.1
Fig. 2.2

2.3 Technical data

Designation: APC556
Manufacturer: B&T AG, Switzerland
Product ID: BT-36050 full-auto BT-36052 semi-auto
Caliber: 5.56 x 45 NATO
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds
System: Short stroke piston gas operation
Barrel length [mm]: 308
Rifling: 6 grooves, right hand
Overall length [mm]: 785 - 820 (stock unfolded) 610 (stock folded)
Overall width* [mm]: 61 (stock unfolded) 104 (stock folded)
Overall height** [mm]: 210
Weight [kg]: 3.9 kg (with empty magazine inserted)
Sights: Flip-up peep sight with two aperture holes
Bore height [mm] 80
Designation: APC556 short

Overall length [mm]: 740 - 775 (stock unfolded) 565 (stock folded)
Overall width* [mm]: 61 (stock unfolded) 104 (stock folded)
Overall height** [mm]: 210
Bore height [mm] 80
Designation: APC556 N PDW

Overall length [mm]: 633 - 693 (stock unfolded) 535 (collapsed)
Overall width [mm]: 55
Overall height [mm]: 200 (without magazine)
*without charging handle

**without magazine, flip-up sights folded
Technical data are provided for information only and shall not serve as acceptance criteria.

3 Troubleshooting Table
# Observation Operator Action Armorer Action
1 Inconsistent impacts Present weapon at first opportunity to Perform precision
armourer for inspection of weapon check (6.3) with stated
corrective actions.
2 Failure to feed Pull charging handle to the rearmost Inspect moving parts
position and release. Inspect visually for excessive fouling
if a cartridge is chambered. and proper lubrication.
In case of jam, remove magazine, Inspect magazines (10)
clear and switch to another magazine. and magazine retainer
(11.2.2) for wear.
3 Failure to eject Pull charging handle to the rearmost Inspect moving parts
position and observe for ejected shell for excessive fouling
or cartridge. Inspect barrel to be clear. and proper lubrication.
Load a fresh cartridge. Inspect extractor
Present weapon for inspection of (9.2.1) and ejector
extractor and ejector to an armourer (9.2.3).
at the first opportunity.
4 Failure to strike Pull charging handle to the rearmost Inspect weapon for
position and remove eventual proper lubrication and
obstructions captured in the upper execute function check
receiver. Load a fresh cartridge. (6.1). Pay special
If failure repeats, clean weapon or attention to trigger
present it to an armourer. action (11.2.5) and bolt
(9).
5 Failure to ignite Wait 30 seconds with the muzzle If the indent on the
pointing to a safe direction. Then pull failed cartridge is
charging handle to the rearmost regular, most likely the
position and observe for ejected failure is due to the
cartridge. Collect cartridge for later cartridge. Otherwise
analyse. Load a fresh cartridge. inspect firing pin (9.1.2)
Present weapon and ejected cartridge and trigger action
to an armourer at the first opportunity. (11.2.5).
6 Excessive recoil Inspect gas cylinder and set to proper Inspect gas System for
when firing with horizontal position. excessive furring and
suppressor, clean if necessary.
eventually along with
stoppages
NOTE: FAILURE REPORTS TO THE MANUFACTURER MUST INCLUDE THE SERIAL NUMBER
OF THE WEAPON, THE TYPE OF AMMUNITION, THE HISTORY OF THE FAILURE AND THE
HISTORY OF THE ATTEMPTED CORRECTIVE ACTIONS. THE REPORT CAN BE SENT BY E-
MAIL (SECTION 15) ALONG WITH PICTURES.

4 Maintenance Procedures
NOTE: DO NOT OPERATE THE TRIGGER WHEN THE WEAPON IS DISASSEMBLED!
4.1 Disassembly
a. Clear weapon according to section 3.1. of APC556 Operator Manual (TM-39495).
b. Close the bolt according to section 3.5.2 of APC556 Operator Manual (TM-39495).
c. Press rear takedown pin from left side to right side (Fig. 4.1) and pull it out from right side (Fig.
4.2) until the lower receiver comes loose (Fig. 4.3).
Fig. 4.1 Fig. 4.2 Fig. 4.3

d. Grab stock assembly (Fig. 4.4) and push it downward out of the upper receiver (Fig. 4.5).
Fig. 4.4 Fig. 4.5
e. Move the charging handle rearward until you can grab the mainspring and remove it rearward.
f. Pull charging handle sideways out (Fig. 4.6).
Fig. 4.6 Fig. 4.7 Fig. 4.8
g. Slide bolt rearward out of the receiver. Remove cam plug as shown in
h. Fig. 4.7 , separate bolt head and bolt carrier.
i. Press spring loaded plug and rotate gas cylinder clockwise until the flat surface aligns with the gas
block (Fig. 4.8) and remove.

Fig. 4.9 Fig. 4.10
j. Grab gas piston and remove it by pulling it forward as shown in Fig. 4.9
k. Release front takedown pin (same procedure as 4.1c) and separate lower receiver.
The weapon is now disassembled as in Fig. 4.10 and ready for cleaning and inspections.
4.2 Cleaning and inspections

a. Use a fix cleaning rod of suitable length with a copper brush to clean the barrel from the rear side
(Fig. 4.11).
Fig. 4.11 Fig. 4.12
b. Use a shorter rod with the dedicated brush to clean the gas piston’s bore (Fig. 4.12).
c. Use a small brush to remove particles captured in the cavities of lower and upper receiver.
d. Use an oiled rag to wipe clean all accessible surfaces.
e. Inspect all components and accessible parts for cracks, deformations or other signs of
deterioration.
f. Apply a slight film of oil to all accessible surfaces of steel parts.
4.3 Reassembly
a. Connect the lower receiver to the upper receiver by installing the front takedown pin.
b. Insert the bolt head with the extractor in to the left, as shown in Fig. 4.13 no. 1.
c. Connect the bolt head to the bolt carrier with the cam plug as shown in Fig. 4.13 no. 2.

Fig. 4.13 Fig. 4.14

d. Check free movement of bolt head and the cam plug must not extend above the bolt carrier as
shown in Fig. 4.14.
e. Slide the bolt assembly into the receiver until the charging handle bore matches the enlarged port.
f. Insert the charging handle from either the left or right side (Fig. 4.15).
Fig. 4.15 Fig. 4.16
g. Insert the mainspring with the waved end first (directed as shown in Fig. 4.10).
h. Install the stock assembly in reverse of 4.1d.
i. Lock the lower receiver to the upper receiver in reverse of 4.1b.
j. Install gas piston in reverse of 4.1j.
k. Insert gas cylinder oriented as highlighted in Fig. 4.16. Rotate it to the desired setting as per
section 3.7 of Operator Manual (TM-39495)
l. Execute function check as per section 6.1.

4.4 Maintenance Schedule

a. Section 1.2 applies.
b. The unit armourer shall execute a deep cleaning procedure on the weapon every 10‘000 rounds
fired. This includes a complete disassembly of the weapon and washing all of its parts.
c. In order to reduce the probability of failures during a mission, preventive replacement of below
listed parts is recommended (refer to associated parts catalogue)
Part Number Description

BT-36546 Cam plug
BT-36511 Gas rod
BT-36867 Extractor
BT-36542 Extractor spring
BT-36540 Extractor plunger
BT-36543 Ejector pin
BT-36629 Ejector spring
BT-36541 Ejector
BT-36812 Firing pin
BT-36547 Firing pin spring
BT-36297 Disconnector
BT-36228 Hammer axle pin
BT-36249 Hammer spring
BT-36232 Disconnector spring
BT-36375 Trigger spring
d. The exchange of the parts has to be done according to the descriptions starting in section 7
especially the lubrication chart in section 13 has to be followed

5 Gauges
5.1 Inventory of gauges
Below listed gauges are required to inspect the APC556:
Headspace gauges
Plug gauge - Rejection
- Go
Fig. 5.1
Fig. 5.2
Combined gauge
Firing pin protrusion / extractor gauge
Fig. 5.3
5.2 Gauge condemnation criteria

Gauges must be condemned if
a. they are rusty
b. they are dented, scratched or otherwise deformed
c. they do not comply with below indicated tolerances (all dimensions in mm):
5.2.1 Plug gauge

See (5.4):
Fig. 5.4

5.2.2 Headspace Gauge

See fig. 5.5
Fig. 5.5
ØD LD α
Type
Maximal
Maximal
Maximal
Nominal
Nominal
Nominal
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
[mm]
[mm]
[mm]
[mm]
[mm]
[mm]
[mm]
[mm]
[mm]
Go 7.75 7.761 7.752 37.921 37.934 37.923 46°00' 46°09' 45°51'
Rejection
7.75 7.750 7.737 38.071 38.071 38.060 46°00' 46°09' 45°51'
+0.15
5.2.3 Combined gauge

Firing pin protrusion gauge (fig. 5.6)
Fig. 5.6
Extractor gauge (fig. 5.7):
Fig. 5.7

6 Inspections and measures on Weapon complete

6.1 Function Check
NOTE: REFER TO OPERATOR MANUAL FOR OPERATIONS.
a. Clear weapon according to section 3.1 of APC556 Operator Manual (TM-39495)

b. Extend stock to full length  Shall lock firmly.
c. Push on folding stock release knob  stock shall unlock with ease.
d. Close folding stock  stock shall lock firmly in closed position.
e. Open folding stock  shall lock firmly in open position.
f. Push down right side bolt catch  bolt shall snap into closed position.
g. Pull charging handle to its rearmost position and push bolt catch upward  bolt shall stay in open
position.
h. Push down left side bolt catch  bolt shall snap into closed position.
i. Engage safety and pull trigger  hammer shall not strike.
j. Rotate right side fire selector to single fire position and back to safe position  shall snap audibly
in both positions.
k. Rotate left side fire selector to single fire position, pull trigger and hold  hammer shall strike
audibly.
l. Pull charging handle to the rearmost position and slide it to forward position. Release trigger and
pull it again  hammer shall strike audibly.
m. Engage safety, insert an empty magazine and pull downward  magazine retainer must hold
securely.
n. Push right magazine retainer knob and hold it  magazine shall come loose. Repeat m and n with
left magazine retainer knob and all available magazines.
o. Insert one empty magazine, pull charging handle to rearmost position and release  bolt shall
stay open. Repeat with all available magazines.
p. Rotate gas cylinder from vertical to horizontal position and back  shall run smoothly and lock
positively in both positions.
q. Engage back up sights  both shall audibly snap in open position and point straight upward.
r. Close back up sights  both shall audibly snap in closed position.
s. Firmly pull carrying sling  hook and emergency release shall lock.
t. Inspect installed accessories for function and tight mounting.
For full automatic variants only:

u. Pull charging handle to the rearmost position and slide it to forward position. Rotate right side fire
selector to automatic fire position and back to single fire  shall snap audibly in both positions.
v. Rotate left side fire selector to burst fire. Pull trigger and hold  hammer shall strike audibly.
w. Pull charging handle to the rearmost position and slide it to forward position. Release trigger, pull
it and hold  hammer shall not strike. Repeat once, then release trigger.
In case of any failure, disassemble weapon according to the following procedures and inspect for
proper assembly or worn parts. Adjust or replace failing parts.

6.2 Zero Check

a. Fire five rounds at sight-in distance (30 m recommended by manufacturer).
b. Determine a rectangle sized to cover the entire group as shown in Fig. 6.1
POA
Fig. 6.1
c. If the POA falls inside the rectangle, the sight setting is correct.
d. If test fails, execute sight adjustment procedures (section 7.1).
6.3 Precision Check

a. Collect reference data using the Figure of Merit (FM): Fire a 10 rounds group with 10 randomly
selected weapons. Determine the FM of each group according to Fig. 6.2 and calculate the
average as reference value for the precision.
b. In order to inspect a weapon with doubtful precision, determine its Figure of Merit with 10 rounds
at the same distance as the reference value above.
c. If the actual value is more than 1.5x larger than the reference value, precision is irregular.
d. Inspect sight according to section 7. Repeat test b with criterion c.
e. In case of repeated failure, inspect barrel according to section 8.
f. If test b with criterion c still fails, condemn weapon. Otherwise execute procedure 6.2.
wx  w y
FM 
2
Fig. 6.2

6.4 Checking Headspace

a. Insert GO headspace gauge to the chamber (Fig. 6.3)
b. Close bolt gently
 Don’t activate the bolt catch to close the bolt.
c. Gently push on the charging handle to drive the extractor into the groove of the headspace gauge.
d. Check that the bolt reaches its full forward position. (Bolt head is not visible thought the extraction
window of the receiver as shown in Fig. 6.5.)
 Bolt must reach fully closed position.
e. Extract the headspace gauge from the weapon by pulling the charging handle to the rear.
f. Insert Rejection headspace gauge to the chamber.
g. Close bolt gently:
 Don’t activate the bolt catch to close the bolt.
h. Gently push on the charging handle to drive the extractor into the groove of the headspace gauge.
i. Check that the bolt does not reach its full forward position. (Bolt head is still visible thought the
extraction window of the receiver as shown in Fig. 6.4 yellow.)
 Bolt shall not reach front end position.
j. Disengage safety and pull the trigger:
 Hammer shall not strike.
k. Extract the headspace gauge from the weapon as per step e.
l. Headspace is correct if criteria d and i are fulfilled.
m. If headspace is not correct, disassemble the bolt head (see section 4.1 h), clean and check it for
excessive wear
 If excessive wear is visible exchange the bolt head and repeat headspace check
 If no excessive wear is visible exchange repeat the headspace check with cleaned bolt head,
barrel extension and chamber
 If the headspace check still fails, exchange the barrel unis as described in section 8.2.4
Fig. 6.3
Fig. 6.4 Bolt NOT in front end position Fig. 6.5 bolt in front end position
7 Maintenance of Iron Sights

7.1 Iron Sight Adjustment
a. Prepare the sights for adjustments by folding them up (section 3.8.1 of Operator Manual).
b. Raise the MPI by rotating the front sight’s wheel (Fig. 7.1) counter clockwise.
 refer to Table 7.1 to determine the proper angle of rotation.
c. Shift the MPI to the right side by rotating the rear sight’s wheel (Fig. 7.2) clockwise.
 refer to Table 7.1 to determine the proper angle of rotation.
by one mark approx. 1.5 cm

Elevation
by one full turn approx. 6 cm
by one mark approx. 1cm
Windage
by one full turn approx. 6 cm
Table 7.1: Sight adjustments at 30 m
d. Execute inspection 6.2 to verify proper setting.
Fig. 7.1 Fig. 7.2 Fig. 7.3
7.2 Inspections
a. Sights showing signs of mechanical impacts or any exposure to excessive force are to be
rejected.
b. Push front and rear sight up until both audibly snap in open position and point straight upward.
c. Tilt aperture from large to small and vice versa (section 3.8.1 of Operator Manual).
d. Push front and rear sight down until both audibly snap in closed position and lie horizontally.
e. Grab front and rear sight with a firm grip and attempt to move. If any play is detectable adjust the
clamping force with an allen wrench as shown in Fig. 7.3.
f. Execute zero check according to section 6.2.

8 Maintenance of Upper Receiver

8.1 Inspections
8.1.1 Barrel caliber inspection

a. Disassemble weapon as outlined in section 4.1.
b. Clean barrel according to section 4.2 and wipe it dry with a cotton rag.
c. Insert the plug gauge to the barrel from chamber side (Fig. 8.1): If the gauge passes through the
length of the barrel, this barrel is to be rejected.
 Do not use excessive force when inserting the plug gauge. Doing so can cause damage to the
barrel.
Fig. 8.1
8.2 Replacements
8.2.1 Clamping upper receiver

Caution!
Clamping of the upper receiver in a bench vice can lead to damage if performed on the wrong place
or with excessive force.
 Always use a vice with plastic jaws to clamp the receiver.
 The receiver can be clamped on the rear as shown in Fig. 8.2 and Fig. 8.4
 The receiver can be clamped on the barrel block as shown in Fig. 8.3 and Fig. 8.5
 The receiver can be clamped on the barrel with prismatic jaws as shown in Fig. 8.6
 Never clamp the receiver in the region of the charging handle and ejection ports as
shown in Fig. 8.7 and Fig. 8.8

Fig. 8.2 Fig. 8.3
Fig. 8.4 Fig. 8.5
Fig. 8.6
Fig. 8.7 Fig. 8.8

8.2.2 Removing flash hider

b. Clamp the upper receiver as outlined in section 8.2.1 (Fig. 8.6 recommended).
c. Apply heat to the flash hider using a heat gun.
d. Remove the flash hider (right handed thread) using a wrench as shown in. Fig. 8.9.
Fig. 8.9
e. Clean thread on barrel and flash hider of glue residue.
8.2.3 Removing hand guard

b. Clamp the upper receiver as outlined in section 8.2.1 (Fig. 8.3 and Fig. 8.5 recommended).
c. Apply heat to the two handguard screws (6 and 12 o’clock) using a heat gun.
d. Remove the handguard screws using a Torx T20 wrench (Fig. 8.10, Fig. 8.11)
Fig. 8.10 Fig. 8.11

e. Clean thread in upper receiver from residues of glue.
f. To mount the handguard see section 8.2.7.

8.2.4 Replacing Barrel

b. Remove flash hider as outlined in section 8.2.2
c. Remove handguard as outlined in section 8.2.3
d. Clamp the upper receiver as outlined in section 8.2.1 (Fig. 8.2 and Fig. 8.4 recommended).
e. Apply heat to the 9 barrel screws using a heat gun.
f. Remove the 4 barrel screws on both sides of the receiver using a Torx T20 wrench (Fig. 8.12
green).
g. Remove the upper barrel screws using a 3 mm Allen wrench (Fig. 8.12 yellow).
h. Remove the barrel unit from the receiver (Fig. 8.12 red).
Fig. 8.12 Fig. 8.13
i. Clean upper receiver of glue residues.

j. Prepare new barrel unit including new screws.
 Do not use the old screws when mounting the new barrel
 Use only OEM screws when mounting new the barrel
k. Clean contact surfaces of upper receiver.
l. Degrease the threads on barrel block and apply Loctite 603.
m. Insert barrel unit in receiver (Fig. 8.13 red).
n. Insert the 9 barrel screws and hand tighten.
o. Tighten the upper barrel screw to 7 Nm using a torque wrench with a hex socket (Fig. 8.13
yellow).
p. Tighten the 4 barrel screws on each side of the receiver to 7 Nm using a torque wrench with a
Torx socket (Fig. 8.13 green).
 Do not tighten the side screws prior to tightening the upper screw. This can lead to a
misalignment of the system.
q. Reassemble the complete weapon.
r. Perform a function check as outlined in section 6.1.1.
s. Check the headspace as outlined in section 6.4.
t. Perform a zero check as outlined in section 6.2.
u. Perform a precision check as outlined in section 6.3.
8.2.5 Replacing Brass Deflector

b. Remove the screws using a Torx wrench (Fig. 8.14 green).
c. Clean upper receiver of gule residue.
d. Degrease the threads on upper receiver and apply Loctite 243 to each screw.
e. Insert and hand-tighten the two deflector screws.
Fig. 8.14
8.2.6 Replacing Bolt Slide

b. Apply heat to the six guidance screws using a heat gun.
c. Remove the screws using a Torx T10 wrench (Fig. 8.15 green).
d. Clean upper receiver of glue residue.
e. Degrease the threads on new bolt guide and apply Loctite 603.
f. Insert new rail with the intake surfaces facing downwards (Fig. 8.16 green).
g. Insert and hand-tighten the six guidance screws.
Fig. 8.15 Fig. 8.16

8.2.7 Mounting Handguard

a. Apply a thin film of conservation grease on the contact surfaces between the gas block and
handguard (green surfaces in Fig. 8.17)
b. Degrease the handguard threads on upper receiver and apply Loctite 603
c. Insert and hand-tighten upper handguard screw (Fig. 8.18)
d. Insert and hand-tighten lower handguard screw (Fig. 8.19)
Fig. 8.17 Fig. 8.18 Fig. 8.19
8.2.8 Mounting Flash hider

a. Clamp the upper receiver as outlined in section 8.2.1 (Fig. 8.6 recommended)
b. Clean and degrease the threads on the flash hider and the barrel
c. Apply Loctite 603 to the threads of barrel and flash hider
d. Screw flash hider on the barrel
e. Tighten the flash hider to 50 Nm using a torque wrench with open ended insert (Fig. 8.20)
Fig. 8.20

9 Maintenance of Bolt complete

9.1 Inspections
9.1.1 Extractor inspection

b. Visually inspect extractor for wear and replace if necessary according to section 9.2.1.
c. Use extractor gauge (section 5.2.3) to inspect proper spacing between extractor and bolt face:
 GO side shall slide under extractor claw (Fig. 9.1)
 NO-GO shall not (Fig. 9.2)
d. In case of failure, repeat with cleaned parts or replace extractor (section 9.2.1).
Fig. 9.1 Fig. 9.2
9.1.2 Firing pin inspection

a. Disassemble weapon as outlined in section 4.1
b. Press on back of firing pin (Fig. 9.3) and hold while inspecting.
c. Inspect tip of firing pin for wear and defects, replace if necessary according to section 9.2.2.
d. Use firing pin protrusion gauge (section 5.2.3) to inspect firing pin protrusion:
 the GO side shall slip over the firing pin’s tip (Fig. 9.4)
 the NO-GO side shall not. (Fig. 9.5)
e. In case of failure, replace firing pin according to section 9.2.2.
Fig. 9.3 Fig. 9.4 Fig. 9.5

9.2 Replacements
9.2.1 Replacing extractor

b. Fix bolt in a vice with prismatic jaws made of plastic as shown in Fig. 9.6
c. Put pointed tool in the notch of the extractor
d. Turn the pointed tool (Fig. 9.6 red arrow) while pushing the extractor plunger (Fig. 9.6 yellow
arrow) to slide the pointed tool between extractor and extractor plunger (Fig. 9.7)
Fig. 9.6 Fig. 9.7
Fig. 9.8 Fig. 9.9
e. Continue to turn the pointed tool to lift the extractor from its position. (Fig. 9.8)
f. When the back edge of the extractor is clamped by the extractor plunger (Fig. 9.8) the pointed tool
can be removed.
g. The extractor can now be removed upwards with a gripper (Fig. 9.9)
Caution!
Spring may eject when extractor is removed!
h. Take the extractor plunger and the spring out.

i. Clean extractor slot and extractor spring hole on bolt.
j. Replace worn out parts.
k. Place extractor spring and extractor plunger in bolt with the surface of the plunger facing to the
firing pin.
l. Place extractor in the extractor tool (BT-36850) as shown in Fig. 9.10.
m. Push the extractor parallel to the bolt axis until it can be pushed laterally into the correct position in
the bolt (Fig. 9.11 red arrow). The extractor spring is thereby preloaded.
n. Perform an extractor inspection as outlined in section 9.1.1.
o. Reassemble the complete weapon.
p. Perform a function check as outlined in section 6.1.1.
Fig. 9.10 Fig. 9.11
9.2.2 Replacing firing pin

b. Clamp bolt in a vice with prismatic jaws made of plastic as shown in Fig. 9.12.
c. Press on back of firing pin in order to release the firing pin retainer. (Fig. 9.12 red arrow).
d. While holding the pressure on the firing pin push out the firing pin retainer with a pin driver 3.5 mm
(Fig. 9.12 yellow arrow).
e. Remove firing pin retainer, firing pin and firing pin spring.
f. Replace worn out parts.
g. Push firing pin spring over firing pin and insert it to the bolt making sure notch is in line with
retainer pin hole.
h. Slide firing pin retainer into the beginning of the hole in the bolt.
i. Press on back of firing pin in order to allow the firing pin retainer to slide into place when pressing
at it from the side
j. Perform a firing pin protrusion check as outlined in section 9.1.2
k. Reassemble the complete weapon
l. Perform a function check as outlined in section 6.1.1.

Fig. 9.12 Fig. 9.13
9.2.3 Replacing ejector

b. Clamp bolt in a vice with prismatic jaws made of plastic as shown in Fig. 9.13
c. Slide an empty case or a dummy round under the extractor and tilt it until it reaches the breech
face (Fig. 9.13 red arrow). Hold the case in place in order to preload the ejector.
 Never use a live round to perform this operation
d. Drive out the ejector retainer with a pin driver 1.5 mm (Fig. 9.13 yellow arrow).
e. Slowly tilt the empty case away from the breech face until the ejector spring is no longer under
pressure.
g. Place ejector spring and ejector in the bolt
h. Slide an empty case or a dummy round under the extractor and tilt it until it reaches the breech
face (Fig. 9.13 red arrow). Hold the case in place in order to preload the ejector.
 Never use a live round to perform this operation
i. Drive in the ejector retainer with a pin driver 1.5 mm (Fig. 9.13 yellow arrow).
j. Reassemble the complete weapon
k. Perform a function check as outlined in section 6.1.1.

9.2.4 Replacing Bolt trap

b. Clamp bolt carrier in a vice with plastic jaws as shown in Fig. 9.14
c. Drive out bolt trap pin with a pin driver 2.5 mm (Fig. 9.14 yellow arrow).
d. Slowly open vice to relieve the preload of the bolt trap spring.
e. Replace worn out parts.
f. Insert bolt trap spring and bolt trap into bolt carrier.
g. Fix bolt carrier in vice in order to preload the bolt trap spring (Fig. 9.15), checking the alignment of
the pin holes.
h. Insert bolt trap pin
i. Push bolt trap pin with a pin driver into the bolt carrier as shown in Fig. 9.16.
j. Reassemble the complete weapon.
k. Perform a function check as outlined in section 6.1.1.
Fig. 9.14 Fig. 9.15 Fig. 9.16

10 Maintenance of Magazine
10.1 Inspections
a. Visually inspect magazine for fouling, cracks and fissures.
b. Push down magazine follower and check that it runs freely into the magazine body
10.2 Replacements
a. Place magazine on a flat surface
b. Push on locking knob of spring plate with a pin driver 5mm (Fig. 10.1 yellow arrow)
c. While holding pressure in locking knob slide magazine floorplate in the direction of the red arrow
in Fig. 10.1.
 Spring and floorplate will forcefully eject! Cover magazine floor with hand while
processing!
d. Remove magazine spring and follower.
e. Clean interior of magazine body.
g. Put follower, magazine spring and spring plate together and slide them into magazine body.
h. Push spring plate into magazine body and slide magazine floorplate into magazine body until
locking knob audibly snaps into floorplate. (Fig. 10.2 red arrow).
i. Check that all parts are held securely in place.
Fig. 10.1 Fig. 10.2

11 Maintenance of Lower Receiver

11.1 Inspections
a. Disassemble weapon as per section 4.1.
b. Visually inspect lower receiver for dirt or rusty parts.
c. Disassemble to appropriate level following procedures of section 11.2.
d. Clean interior of lower receiver frame, replace rusty or worn out parts.
e. Reassemble weapon and execute function check section 6.1.
11.2 Replacements
11.2.1 Replacing takedown pins

a. Use a 2.5 mm pin driver to remove takedown pin spring (Fig. 11.1).
b. Completely remove takedown pin.
c. Replace worn out parts.
d. Reassemble in inverted order.
Fig. 11.1
11.2.2 Magazine retainer

a. Fully depress the right magazine retainer knob and hold tension (Fig. 11.2 red)
b. Press the left magazine retainer knob (Fig. 11.3 yellow) and rotate magazine retainer downwards
(Fig. 11.3 orange), maintaining pressure on rear of knob.
c. Rotate the magazine retainer to vertical position (facing downwards) and remove
d. Remove magazine retainer knob and springs.
e. Remove any dirt and foreign particles, replace worn out parts.
f. Prepare springs in magazine retainer knob as in Fig. 11.4 (orange).
g. Place magazine retainer knob in receiver and fix with finger.
h. Install magazine retainer reverse to above.
i. Inspect subassembly for proper motion.

Fig. 11.2 Fig. 11.3 Fig. 11.4
11.2.3 Bolt catch

a. Remove magazine retainer as outlined in section 11.2.2 a-d.
b. Use pin driver 1.5 mm to drive out bolt catch knob pin (Fig. 11.5 green arrow).
c. Remove right bolt catch knob to the right side (Fig. 11.5 orange arrow).
d. Remove left bolt catch knob to the left side (Fig. 11.6 orange arrow).
e. Use pin driver 1.5 mm to drive out bolt catch spring pin (Fig. 11.6 green arrow).
Fig. 11.5 Fig. 11.6
f. Remove bolt catch from lower receiver (Fig. 11.7 yellow arrow).
g. Use pin driver 1.5 mm to drive out bolt catch pin (Fig. 11.7 green arrow).
h. Remove dirt and foreign particles, replace worn out parts.
i. Insert bolt catch pin and bolt catch spring to bolt catch.
j. Insert bolt catch into lower receiver.
k. Insert bolt catch knob from the left side of the receiver and make sure it aligns with the notch in
the bolt catch
l. Insert bolt catch spring pin half way into the left of the lower receiver as shown in Fig. 11.8.
m. Use pin driver 1.5 mm and reach through the magazine retainer cut out in the lower receiver to the
bolt catch spring as shown in Fig. 11.8.
n. Pull the bolt catch spring down and over the bolt catch spring pin.
o. Insert bolt catch spring pin all the way into the lower receiver.
 Confirm that the bolt catch spring is retained by the pin.
p. Inspect subassembly for proper motion.

 Bolt catch shall snap back in retracted position by the bolt catch spring after pushing the Bolt
catch upwards by the bolt catch knob.
Fig. 11.7 Fig. 11.8
11.2.4 Fire selector

a. Make sure hammer is cocked.
b. Rotate fire selector to single fire position.
c. Use lifting point to press in selector lever retainer through hole on right side and slide off right
selector lever (Fig. 11.9). Remove selector lever retainer and spring.
d. Rotate fire selector to a position halfway between “safe” and “single fire” (Fig. 11.10) and pull it out
of the lower receiver frame.
Caution!
Position locks and springs will eject
e. Remove selector position locks with springs (Fig. 11.11)
Fig. 11.9 Fig. 11.10

Fig. 11.11
f. Remove any dirt and foreign particles, replace worn out parts.
g. Apply Molykote PG-21 to selector position locks with springs and insert into lower receiver frame.
h. Install selector lever (reverse to step d) and rotate to single fire position.
i. Install selector lever retainer with spring and slide on right selector lever until it audibly clicks into
the locked position.
j. Rotate selector lever to all positions: Shall click positively into each position.

11.2.5 Trigger action
Fig. 11.12 Fig. 11.13 Fig. 11.14
a. Remove fire selector according to section 11.2.4a-e.

b. Slightly press down the hammer, pull the trigger and slowly accompany the hammer to its upright
position.
c. Use pin driver 2.5 mm to drive the hammer axle pin out of the lower receiver frame (Fig. 11.12).
d. Remove hammer with hammer spring and release lever (fully automatic variants only).
e. Use pin driver 2.5 mm to drive the trigger axle pin out of the lower receiver frame (Fig. 11.13).
f. Remove trigger and disconnector with the respective springs and remove the automatic sear (fully
automatic variants only, Fig. 11.14).
g. Remove any dirt and foreign particles, replace worn out parts.
h. Prepare the subassembly trigger/trigger spring/disconnector spring/disconnector as in Fig. 11.15
and place it in the lower receiver frame.
i. Insert the trigger axle pin to the left side of the lower receiver frame and press it halfway in (Fig.
11.16), verifying that it retains the entire trigger group.
j. Place the automatic sear into the lower receiver frame and secure by pressing the trigger axle pin
in until flush with the receiver.
Fig. 11.15
Fig. 11.16 Fig. 11.17
k. Put the release lever in place with one end under the automatic sear (green arrow in Fig. 11.18)
l. Drive the hammer axle pin until it is flush with the release lever (red arrow in Fig. 11.18)

m. Prepare hammer and spring as in Fig. 11.17. Place the ends of the spring as highlighted in Fig.
11.19, push the hammer into an upright position and tap the hammer axle pin until centered in the
receiver.
Fig. 11.18 Fig. 11.19

n. Inspect subassembly for proper motion.
o. Install fire selector according to 11.2.4g-j.
11.2.6 Replacing grip cover

a. Open grip cover.
b. Use pin driver 2.5 mm to drive out the grip cover axle pin (Fig. 11.20).
c. Separate grip cover, cover axle pin and cover spring (Fig. 11.21).
d. Replace worn out parts.
e. Prepare the cover for reassembly by inserting the spring into the cover, pushing it in with the pin
driver and holding it in place using short pin (Fig. 11.21) as assembling aid.
f. Insert the cover axle pin until the spring locks into the groove. Remove the assembling aid.
Fig. 11.21 Fig. 11.22

Fig. 11.20

12 Maintenance of Stock
12.1 Inspections
a. Visually inspect stock for cracks, breakages or other signs of damage.
b. Perform a function check as outlined in section 6.1 a-e.
c. Inspect the sticker on the back of the stock adaptor to be present and undamaged
 replace if deemed necessary.
12.2 Replacements
12.2.1 Stock and stock adaptor

b. Use 3 mm Allen key to remove folding stock axle screw (Fig. 12.1).
c. Push on stock release knob and rotate folding stock to right side out of hinge (Fig. 12.2).
d. Separate stock and stock adaptor.
Fig. 12.1 Fig. 12.2

e. Replace any worn parts or proceed disassembling
 stock see section 12.2.2
 stock adaptor see section 12.2.3
f. Press stock into hinge on stock adapter (refer to Fig. 12.2).
g. Visually align hinge bore holes.
h. Reinsert stock axle screw and tighten to 1.5 Nm using a torque wrench with 3 mm hex insert.
12.2.2 Stock
a. Use a 4 mm pin driver to push on locking tooth of stock release button and hold the pressure (Fig.
12.3 green arrow).
b. Remove stock release button from stock (Fig. 12.3 red arrow).
c. Remove stock release button spring from stock.
d. Use circlip pliers to remove circlip (Fig. 12.4 red arrow).
e. Use a 3 mm pin driver to push out the Stock release latch axle pin (Fig. 12.5 green arrow).
f. While holding pressure on stock release latch lock with a pin driver 3 mm (Fig. 12.6 green arrow)
remove stock release latch from stock (Fig. 12.6 red arrow).

Fig. 12.3 Fig. 12.4
Fig. 12.5 Fig. 12.6

g. Use a 2.5 mm pin driver to push out stock release axle pin (Fig. 12.7 blue) and remove Stock
release slide (Fig. 12.7 red)
h. Remove stock release latch lock and spring (Fig. 12.7 yellow)
i. Use needle-nosed pliers as shown in Fig. 12.8 to remove stock clip
j. Separate stock base and stock extension
k. Replace worn out parts.
l. Reassemble in inverted order.
Fig. 12.7 Fig. 12.8

12.2.3 Stock Adaptor

a. Use a 2.5 mm pin driver and a hammer to drive out the recoil buffer pin (Fig. 12.9 yellow arrow).
b. Pull the recoil buffer out of the stock adaptor (Fig. 12.9 red arrow). If necessary, remove sticker on
rear of stock adaptor and gently tap out buffer using a 6 mm punch.
c. Insert new recoil buffer to the stock adaptor.
d. Set recoil buffer pin.
e. Make sure that the pin does not protrude the stock adaptor neither left nor right and inspect the
installed recoil buffer is firmly seated.
Fig. 12.9

13 Lubrication chart
In the following section the positions where lubrication hast to be applied are highlighted
O Gun oil
F Gun grease
F Molykote PG-21 Gun grease
13.1 Weapon complete
Fig. 13.1
13.2 Bolt complete
Fig. 13.2

13.3 Lower receiver
Fig. 13.3

13.4 Bolt head
Fig. 13.4
13.5 Stock
Fig. 13.5

14 Warranty Statement
Warranty claims on behalf of the Client are to be explicitly declared as such. During the legal warranty
period, B&T provides warranty cover solely for defects that arise as a result of faulty materials,
construction errors or poor workmanship. If a warranty claim is justified, B&T will, at its own discretion,
either repair or replace the defective good. Costs incurred in transporting the defective good to B&T
are borne by the Client. Spare parts fitted and replaced become the property of B&T.
Inasmuch as is legally permitted, any other liability of B&T is excluded, in particular liability for
damages arising either directly or indirectly from the delivered good itself, from its use or from its
defects.
Merchandise is covered by the warranty provisions of the manufacturer. Parts that are naturally
subject to wear and tear, damage arising from insufficient maintenance work, non-compliance with
operating regulations and cases of force majeure are all excluded from warranty cover. Warranty
claims lapse if the Client itself or third parties alter or repair the delivered good without the prior
written consent of B&T.
All product specifications are subject to change without prior notice. Published data are mean values
and therefore not suitable acceptance criteria.
The manufacturer:
B&T AG
3608 Thun
Switzerland
Phone ++41 (0)33 334 67 00
e-mail info@bt-ag.com


SM-39495 06+apc556

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Maintenance Manual

\\SV12\Daten\12 Konstruktion\Projektablage\39495 APC223\tech Dokumentation\SM-39495.06 APC556.docx

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Abbreviations and terms:

Left/right side: Defined looking in firing direction.

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1.2 Maintenance rules

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2.1 General description

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2.3 Technical data

Designation: APC556 short

Designation: APC556 N PDW

*without charging handle

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Fig. 4.1 Fig. 4.2 Fig. 4.3

Fig. 4.4 Fig. 4.5

Fig. 4.6 Fig. 4.7 Fig. 4.8

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Fig. 4.9 Fig. 4.10

4.2 Cleaning and inspections

Fig. 4.11 Fig. 4.12

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Fig. 4.13 Fig. 4.14

Fig. 4.15 Fig. 4.16

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4.4 Maintenance Schedule

Part Number Description

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5.2 Gauge condemnation criteria

5.2.1 Plug gauge

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5.2.2 Headspace Gauge

5.2.3 Combined gauge

Extractor gauge (fig. 5.7):

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6 Inspections and measures on Weapon complete

NOTE: REFER TO OPERATOR MANUAL FOR OPERATIONS.

a. Clear weapon according to section 3.1 of APC556 Operator Manual (TM-39495)

For full automatic variants only:

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6.2 Zero Check

6.3 Precision Check

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6.4 Checking Headspace

7 Maintenance of Iron Sights

by one mark approx. 1.5 cm

d. Execute inspection 6.2 to verify proper setting.

Fig. 7.1 Fig. 7.2 Fig. 7.3

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8 Maintenance of Upper Receiver

8.1.1 Barrel caliber inspection

8.2.1 Clamping upper receiver

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Fig. 8.2 Fig. 8.3

Fig. 8.4 Fig. 8.5

Fig. 8.7 Fig. 8.8

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8.2.2 Removing flash hider

e. Clean thread on barrel and flash hider of glue residue.

8.2.3 Removing hand guard