Officially the FPW was not to be used detached from the parent vehicle, unless in an emergency. The operator's manual lists four precautions that would have to be taken to utilize the weapon outside of the vehicle. These included a note about the excessive muzzle rise of the weapon during firing, that the barrel collar would become hot when firing and should not be touched, that hearing protection should be worn, and lastly that a brass catching bag or evacuation hose system would have to be installed.