What action must be taken for a misfire with the M120?

In the case of a misfire with the M120 mortar system, swabbing the bore immediately is the appropriate action to take. This procedure is vital as it helps to ensure the safety of the crew and prevents potential hazards. If a round does not fire, there may be a live round still in the tube. Swabbing removes any obstructions or potential residue that could ignite a subsequent round if another is loaded.

The waiting period is essential in misfire procedures, but it typically involves a safe wait of 30 seconds to a minute before taking further action to ensure the round has indeed failed to fire. However, swabbing the bore is prioritized directly after that waiting period, as addressing the condition of the bore helps mitigate risks.

Re-positioning the sight and loading another round following a misfire would ignore crucial safety protocols. Ensuring that the mortar tube is clear and clean prior to attempting to fire again is critical, which underscores the importance of swabbing the bore. Thus, proper handling and maintenance procedures directly correlate with effective operation and safety when dealing with misfires in mortar systems.