Traverse Bar and T&E Mechanism

Zero the T&E Mechanism. Before the gunner can use the T&E mechanism to engage targets, he must zero it.

Lay the Gun for Direction. When a sector of fire has been assigned, pick up the rear legs of the tripod and shift the tripod until the muzzle of the weapon points to the center of the sector of fire. Once the MK 19 is laid for direction, firmly stamp in the tripod shoes and place sandbags on the legs. This aids stability and may prevent accidental movement.

Obtain and Record Direction Readings to all Targets Within the Sector of Fire. Loosen the traversing slide lock lever and move the slide along the traversing bar until the MK 19 is laid on the center of a point target or on either flank of a linear target. Lock the traversing bar and read the direction from the scale on the traversing bar. If the left edge of the traversing slide does not fall exactly on a 5-mil tickmark, move the left edge of the traversing bar slide back to the next smaller mil reading. Use the traversing handwheel to complete the initial lay. Obtain a reading to the target by the direction of the MK 19 barrel. If the barrel is moved to the right, record a right reading. Read the number on the traversing bar from the left side of the traversing slide lock. If the barrel is moved to the left and the traversing slide lock is on the right side of the zero, record a left reading. After taking a direction reading for a target, measure the width of the target in mils using the traversing handwheel to move across the target. Reposition the traversing mechanism before moving to another target.

Obtain Elevation Reading. Ensure the MK 19 is laid on the center base of the target. Read the elevation from two scales: the first, or major, part from the elevating screw plate scale; the second, or minor, part from the elevating handwheel. Separate the two parts of the elevation reading with a slash (for example, -50/3). An elevation reading may not be valid on any other T&E mechanism than the one from which it was read. If the number of threads is increased or decreased after the data is recorded, accurate fire cannot be placed on the target. For example, if a weapon is freed to engage a secondary sector, and the base of the T&E mechanism is rotated, the data is wrong unless the same number of threads is exposed before and after the move.

1. Major Reading. The elevating scale plate is graduated in 50-mil increments from -250 to +100. Except for the zero, each number has a plus or minus sign above it. All numbers, including zero, have an index line below them. To get the major elevation reading, hold the T&E mechanism so that the eyes are even with the top of the elevating handwheel. The major reading (for example, -50) is the first number, with an index line, that is visible above the handwheel.

2. Minor Reading. The elevating handwheel is marked in 50 increments of 1 mil each. The minor reading, which has no plus or minus sign, is the number that lines up with the pointer. The minor reading represents the number of mils the gun is laid below the major reading, for example, 3 mils. Verify a direction elevation reading by firing and adjusting on the target. Use the dry-fire method to get data to targets without live firing and adjusting. Set the rear sight on the range to the target, lay the gun on the center base of the target, and take direction and elevation readings. Use the dry-fire method only when firing is not feasible.

NOTE: Correct range setting is critical since any discrepancy causes an error in the elevation when the target is engaged.