Which gun utilizes the clearing sector holdback tool to force the bolts into the clearing path and clear the weapon?

• A. GAU-8
• B. M61A1
• C. M2
• D. M134

Answer: (B)

The situation tests a maintenance procedure for clearing a jam in a rotary cannon using a specialized holdback device. In the M61A1 Vulcan, there is a clearing sector that can be held back with a dedicated tool, which is used to push the bolts forward into a clearing path. This forces the bolt assembly into the clearing channel so a jammed round can be ejected and the gun can be cycled cleanly. That specific tool and procedure are characteristic of the M61A1’s clearing method, which is why it’s the correct choice.

The other listed guns use different clearing methods and don’t rely on this particular clearing sector holdback tool, so they don’t employ the same procedure for forcing bolts into a clearing path.