WAR DEPARTMENT

INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL

§
WEAPON AND AMMUNITION TECHNICAL
MANUAL, INFANTRY REGIMENT,
PARACHUTE
June 1944
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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
WEAPONS

MORTARS
60 MM, MORTAR, M2, MOUNT M2..........................................3
81 MM, MORTAR, M1, MOUNT M1..........................................4

SMALL ARMS
AUTOMATIC PISTOL, CAL. .45, M1911A1..................................5
U. S. RIFLE, CAL. .30, M1............................................7
U. S. RIFLE, CAL. .30, M1903A3 AND M1903A4 (SNIPER’S)................9
U. S. CARBINE, CAL. .30, M1 AND M1A1................................11
SUBMACHINE GUN, CAL. .45, M1 AND M1A1...............................13
SUBMACHINE GUN, CAL. .45, M3........................................15
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CAL .30, M1918A2..........................17
BROWNING MACHINE GUNS, CAL. .30, 1919A4 AND 1919A6..................20
MOUNT, TRIPOD, MACHINE GUN, CAL. .30, M2............................22
BROWNING MACHINE GUNS, HEAVY BARREL, CAL. .50, M2 HB................25
MOUNT, TRIPOD, MACHINE GUN, CAL. .50, M3............................27

GRENADE LAUNCHERS
LAUNCHERS, GRENADE, M1, M7, AND M8..................................28

ROCKET LAUNCHERS
LAUNCHER, ROCKET, ANTITANK, 2.36 INCH, M9 AND M9A1..................30
LAUNCHER, ROCKET, ANTITANK, 2.36 INCH, M1A1.........................31

KNIVES
KNIFE, TRENCH, M3 AND SCABBARD, TRENCH KNIFE, M6 AND M8.............33
BAYONET, M1 AND SCABBARD, M7........................................33

AMMUNITION
60 MM MORTAR SHELLS
SHELL, HIGH-EXPLOSIVE, 60 MM, M49A2.................................36
SHELL, ILLUMINATING, 60 MM, M83.....................................36
SHELL, PRACTICE, 60 MM, M50A2.......................................37
PROJECTILE, DRILL, 60 MM, M69.......................................37

81 MM MORTAR SHELLS
SHELL, HIGH-EXPLOSIVE, 81 MM, M43A1.................................38
SHELL, HIGH-EXPLOSIVE, 81 MM, M56...................................39
SHELL, CHEMICAL, 81 MM, M57.........................................39

SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION

CALIBER .30 CARTRIDGES..............................................40
CALIBER .45 CARTRIDGES..............................................42
I
RIFLE GRENADES
GRENADE, ANTITANK, M9A1................................................43
GRENADE, ANTITANK, PRACTICE, M11A2.....................................43
GRENADE, RIFLE, FRAGMENTATION, IMPACT, M17.............................43
ADAPTER, GRENADE-PROJECTION, M1........................................43

2.36 INCH ROCKETS

ROCKET, H.E.A.T., 2.36 INCH, M6Al......................................44
ROCKET, H.E.A.T., 2.36 INCH, M6A2......................................45
ROCKET, H.E.A.T., 2.36 INCH, M6A3......................................46
ROCKET, WP SMOKE, 2.36 INCH, M10.......................................47

HAND GRENADES
GRENADE, HAND, FRAGMENTATION, MK. IIA1.................................48
GRENADE, HAND, OFFENSIVE, MK. IIIA1....................................49
GRENADE, HAND, PRACTICE, MK. II........................................49
GRENADE, HAND, TRAINING, MK. IAI.......................................49

DEMOLITION EXPLOSIVES
HALF-POUND BLOCK, TNT—STANDARD.........................................50
BLOCKS, DEMOLITION, CHAIN, M1..........................................50
BLOCK, DEMOLITION, M1..................................................50

II
WEAPONS

1
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2
60 MM MORTAR, M2, MOUNT, M2
The 60 mm Mortar, M2, is of French
origin, developed by the Edgar Brandt Company,
but manufactured in the United States under
rights purchased from the Brandt organization.
Its design has been altered and improved to
conform to our standards. In addition to its
normal function, it is now utilized as a
projector for the illuminating shell, M83,
employed to disclose aerial targets at night.

MORTAR, M2-The mortar consists of the

barrel, base cap and firing pin. The base cap,
ending in a spherical projection which fits
into a socket in the base plate, is screwed to
the breech end of the smooth-bored barrel. The
firing pin fits in the base cap, which is bored
and threaded axially to receive it.

MOUNT, M2-The bipod mount comprises the

leg, elevating mechanism and traversing
mechanism assemblies. The leg assembly consists
of two tubular steel legs connected by a clevis
joint attached to the elevating screw guide Ammunition
tube. Spread of the legs is limited by the Projectile and propelling charge are in
clevis joint, which is provided with a spring one unit constituting a complete round. The
latch to lock the legs in the open position. shell is furnished with stabilizing fins and a
The legs terminate in spiked feet. The left leg nose fuse. Propelling charges are divided into
has a cross-leveling mechanism consisting of a parts to provide for zone firing.
sliding bracket connected by a link to the
elevating screw guide tube. CHARACTERISTICS
The elevating mechanism assembly
consists mainly of an elevating screw nut which MORTAR, M2
moves vertically on a screw within a guide Weight of Mortar, M2, and Mount, MP....42.0 lb.
tube, the elevating screw being actuated by a Weight of mortar.......................12.8 lb.
crank attached to its lower end. Overall length of mortar..............28.6 ins.
The traversing mechanism consists of a Diameter of bore......................2.36 ins.
horizontal screw operating in a yoke and Rate of fire, maximum........30 to 35 rds./min.
actuated by a traversing handwheel. Rate of fire, normal...............18 rds./min.
The sight bracket fits in a dovetail
slot provided in the yoke. The barrel is MOUNT, M2
clamped to the bipod by means of a clamping Weight of mount........................29.2 lb.
collar and saddle, shock absorbers being used Weight of bipod........................16.4 lb.
to stabilize the mortar and mount during Weight of base plate....................2.8 lb.
firing. Elevations, approximate..............40º to 85º
The base plate consists of a pressed Mortar clamp position A............40º to 65º
steel body to which are welded a series of ribs Mortar clamp position B............45º to 70º
and braces, a front flange and a socket. A Mortar clamp position C............50º to 85º
locking lever fastens the spherical projection Maximum traverse, right................70 mils
of the base cap in the socket. Maximum traverse, left.................70 mils
Sighting and Fire Control Equipment AMMUNITION
Shell Range, Approximate
Sight (Collimator), M4 H.E., M49A2...................100 to 1,985 yds.
Illumination, M83
Training, M69

3
81 MM MORTAR, M1, MOUNT, M1
During the first World War, the standard Ammunition
mortar adopted by the U. S. Army for infantry Stabilization in flight is obtained by
use as an indirect fire weapon was the British fins on the shell which cause the projectile to
3” Stokes trench mortar, Mk. I. Designs for a strike nose first. A point detonating impact
new mortar were started in 1920, but were type of fuse is fitted to the nose of the
abandoned in favor of attempts to improve bomb shell. The propelling charge attached to the
vanes in an effort to attain greater accuracy. base end of the projectile consists of an
While these tests were under way, the French ignition cartridge and propellant increment.
firm of Edgar Brandt succeeded in developing a The increments of the charge arc removable to
refined version of the Stokes mortar, together provide for zone firing.
with suitable ammunition, which satisfied the
requirements of the 17. S. War Department.
After tests of the Stokes-Brandt mortar and
mount were completed successfully by the
Ordnance Department, and the using arms,
manufacturing rights were purchased from the
Brandt Company.
The 81 mm Mortar, Ml, has a heavier
barrel than the Stokes, Mk. 1, and a heavier
base plate of new design. It also has a greater
range and a higher rate of fire.

MORTAR, Ml-The complete weapon consists

of a barrel, bipod and base plate. The barrel
is demountable from the bipod to form one load,
while the bipod and base plate comprise two
loads. Each load is light enough to be carried
by one man. The smooth-bore muzzle-loading
barrel is a seamless drawn-steel tube fitted at
the breech end with a base cap within which is
secured a firing pin protruding into the
barrel.

MOUNT, Ml-The mount consists of a base

plate and a tubular steel bipod formed by two
legs attached to a center trunnion by means of
a compass joint. The left leg carries a cross-
leveling mechanism which consists of a sliding
bracket connected with the guide tube by a
connecting rod. The mortar clamp, in two
sections, clamps the barrel to the bipod and CHARACTERISTICS
can be adjusted to three positions on the
barrel. MORTAR, Ml
The base plate is a rectangular pressed Weight of Mortar, Ml, and Mount, Ml...136.0 lb.
steel body to which are welded a series of ribs Weight of mortar.......................44.5 lb.
and braces, a front flange, three loops, two Overall length of mortar..............49.5 ins.
handle plates and a socket for the spherical Diameter of bore.......................3.2 ins.
end of the tube base cap. Rate of fire, maximum........30 to 35 rds./min.
Rate of fire, normal...............18 rds./min.
Sighting and Fire Control Equipment
Each mortar is equipped with a sight MOUNT, M1
which includes a collimator, elevating and Weight of mount........................91.5 lb.
lateral deflection mechanisms, and longitudinal Weight of bipod........................46.5 lb.
and cross-levels. The sight mechanism, Weight of base plate...................45.0 lb.
supported by a bracket fitted into the mortar Elevations, approximate..............40º to 85º
yoke, provides accurate laying for elevation Mortar clamp position A............40º to 70º
and deflection. Sight, M4, and Aiming Posts, Mortar clamp position B............50º to 80º
M7, 118 and M9, are used with the 81 mm mortar. Mortar clamp position C............55º to 85º
Maximum traverse, right................65 mils.
Transportation Maximum traverse, left.................65 mils.
The 81 mm mortar can be carried by two men
or can be transported on Hand Cart, M6A1. It is AMMUNITION
also part of the armament of the Half Track 81 Weight Ranges, Approximate
mm Mortar Carrier, M4. H.E. shell, M43A1, 6.87 lb....lOO to 3,290 yds.
M36, IO.62 lb.....300 to 2,558 yds.
Chemical shell, M57,10.75 lb..300 to 2,470 yds.

4
AUTOMATIC PISTOL, CAL. .45, M1911A1

This is a recoil-operated, self-loading, TRIGGER—The face of the trigger has been

semi-automatic weapon and is the standard cut to sharper radius and knurled.
sidearm of the U. S. Armed Forces.
The initial energy of the exploding MAINSPRING HOUSING—The flat mainspring
cartridge holds the barrel and slide firmly housing of the M1911 pistol has been replaced
locked together by two lugs on the barrel’s by a carved housing fitting the palm of the
upper surface which engage corresponding band.
keyways in the slide. As pressure decreases the
barrel drops, permitting the slide to recoil CHARACTERISTICS
and compress the operating spring. As with
other automatic and semi-automatic weapons the Weight.................................2.44 lb.
fired case is ejected on the recoil stroke and Weight of recoiling parts..............1.12 lb.
a new round picked up and chambered as the Weight, barrel..........................0.2 lb.
spring returns the slide to position. Length, overall........................8.6 ins.
The M1911Al pistol incorporates the Length of barrel......................5.03 ins.
following modifications of the original M1911 Rifling, length............4.08 ins., 9.2 cals.
design: Number of grooves.............................6
Twist..Left-hand, 1 turn in 16 ins., 35.5 cals.
GRIP SAFETY—The tang of the grip safety Depth of grooves.....................0.0039 in.
has been extended better to protect the Cross-sectional area of bore.....0.1581 sq. in.
operator’s Type of mechanism..Short recoil, semi-automatic
hand. Feeding device.........................Magazine
Capacity of feeding device.............7 rounds
RECEIVER—A clearance cut has been made Cooling.....................................Air
on either side of the receiver for the trigger Trigger pull.........6.5 lb. max.; 4.5 lb. min.
finger.

5
 PARTS DIAGRAM

1 Barrel 25 Mainspring Housing, Arched

2 Barrel Bushing 26 Mainspring Housing Pin
3 Barrel Link 27 Mainspring Housing Pin Retainer
4 Barrel Link Pin 28 Plunger Spring Assembly
5 Disconnector 29 Plunger Spring
6 Ejector 30 Plunger Tube
7 Ejector Pin 31 Rear Sight, 1/16" Notch
8 Extractor 32 Recoil Spring
9 Firing Pin 32 Recoil Spring, General
10 Firing Pin Spring 33 Recoil Spring Guide
11 Firing Pin Stop 34 Recoil Spring Guide Plug
12 Front Sight, 1/16" 35 Safety Lock
13 Grip Safety 36 Safety Lock Plunger
14 Hammer 37 Sear
15 Hammer Pin 38 Sear/Disconnector Pin
16 Hammer Strut 39 Sear Spring
17 Hammer Strut Pin 40 Slide
18 Magazine Assembly 41 Slide Stop
19 Magazine Catch 42 Slide Stop Plunger
20 Magazine Catch Lock 43 Grips
21 Magazine Catch Spring 44 Screw, Blued
22 Mainspring 45 Stock Screw Bushing
23 Mainspring Cap 46 Trigger
24 Mainspring Cap Pin 48 Lanyard Loop

6
U. S. RIFLE, CAL. .30, M1

The “Garand” rifle, designated as U. S. then forces the cartridges upward in the clip
Rifle, cal. .30, Ml, is a self-loading, semi- and the forward movement of the bolt slides the
automatic shoulder weapon produced according to top cartridge into the chamber. The bolt is
the design of Mr. John C. Garand, an employee then locked by being rotated clockwise to
at the Springfield Armory of the Ordnance engage the locking lugs in the receiver. The
Department. The rifle is gas-operated, clip-fed rifle is then ready to be fired again.
and air-cooled. It weighs 9½ pounds without the The entire clip is placed in the gun
bayonet of approximately 1 pound weight. without removing the cartridges from the clip.
Ammunition is loaded in clips of eight It is necessary to squeeze the trigger to fire
rounds carried in a bandoleer with six pockets each cartridge. When the last round in the clip
holding a total of 48 rounds. Bandoleers weigh has been fired the clip is automatically
3¼ pounds each. ejected to the right from the top of the
The advantages of this rifle are receiver and the bolt remains open. The rifle
inherent in the fact that it reloads itself is now ready for the insertion of another clip.
after each shot. This prevents disturbance of A receiver sight is used for greater
aim or increase in fatigue due to manual ease of aiming and to obtain a longer sight
operation of a bolt handle. It enables the radius. It is adjustable for range and windage.
soldier to deliver a volume of fire limited The elevation knob on the left side has
only by his proficiency as a marksman and his numbered graduations for ranges of 100, 300,
dexterity in inserting clips into the magazine. 500, 700 and 1100 yards. The windage knob is on
Troops equipped with this rifle possess greatly the right side and each windage graduation
increased firepower with which to combat enemy represents an angular adjustment of 4 minutes.
ground forces, rapidly moving armored vehicles Both elevation and windage knobs are provided
and low-flying planes. with clicks which represent approximately one
The rifle consists of three main groups: minute of windage or one inch elevation at the
a barrel and receiver group, a trigger-housing target for each 100 yards of range.
group, and the stock. The principal components
of the barrel and receiver group are the CHARACTERISTICS
barrel, gas cylinder lock, gas cylinder,
operating rod, bolt assembly and hand guard. Weight..................................9.5 lb.
The trigger housing supports the hammer, with Bayonet, M1905: 10.5 lb.
safety, trigger and trigger guard. Length (over-all).....................43.6 ins.
When the rifle is loaded and the bolt Length of barrel........................24 ins.
closed the hammer is held in the cocked Length of rifling........21.30 ins., 70.8 cals.
position. Pressure on the trigger releases the Number of grooves........................2 or 4
hammer to strike the firing pin which transmits Twist..Right-hand, 1 turn in 10 ins., 33.3 cal.
the blow to the primer of the cartridge. As Depth of grooves.....................0.0040 in.
the bullet passes the gas port some of the gas Cross-sectional area of bore.....0.0740 sq. in.
enters the gas cylinder, where it drives the Type of mechanism..Gas-operated, semi-automatic
operating rod back, compresses the operating Feed.................................8-rd. clip
rod spring and carries the bolt to the rear. Cooling.....................................Air
The empty cartridge case is extracted and Sight radius..........................27.9 ins.
ejected to the right front. The rearward Trigger pull.........7.5 lb. max.; 4.5 lb. min.
movement of the bolt cocks the hammer and Normal pressure..............50,000 lb./sq. in.
uncovers the magazine. The operating rod spring

7
 PARTS DIAGRAM

1 Rear Sight, Complete 36 Bullet Guide

2 Elevator Pinion Assembly 37 Operating Rod Catch Assembly
3 Windage Knob 38 Follower Rod
11 Aperture 39 Follower Arm Pin
12 Sight Base 40 Operating Rod Spring
13 Sight Cover - Metal 41 Operating Rod
14 Firing Pin 42 Barrel
15 Extractor 43 Front Sight
16 Extractor Plunger And Spring 43A Front Sight Lock Screw
17 Ejector And Ejector Spring 44 Gas Cylinder Lock
18 Clip Latch Pin 45 Gas Cylinder Lock Screw
19 Clip Latch Spring 46 Gas Cylinder
20 Clip Latch 47 Stacking Swivel
21A Bolt 47A Stacking Swivel Screw
22 Trigger-Sear Assembly 48A Handguard W/ Metal, Front
23 Hammer Spring 49 Lower Band
24 Hammer Plunger 50 Lower Band Pin
25 Hammer 51 Handguard Ferrule, Front
26 Clip Ejector 52 Handguard Spacer, Front
27 Sear 53 Handguard W/ Retainer, Rear
28 Hammer Pin 54 Handguard Band Clip, Rear
29 Trigger Pin 55 Stock
30 Hammer Spring Housing 56B Stock Ferrule
31 Safety 56C Ferrule Swivel
32A Trigger Housing, Stripped 56D Ferrule Swivel Screw
33 Trigger Guard 58 Buttplate Assembly
34A Follower And Slide Assembly 59 Butt Screw, Long
35 Follower Arm 60 Buttplate Screw, Short

8
U. S. RIFLE, CAL. .30, M1903A3 AND M1903A4
(SNIPER’S)

This bolt-action, manually operated Ml903A4 (SNIPER’S)—As implied by the

rifle replaced the Krag-Jorgenson as U. S. Army designation, this rifle is equipped for highly
standard in 1903 and remains a standard item of accurate fire against such targets as enemy
issue and manufacture although largely snipers or individual occupants of observation
supplanted for combat purposes by the gas- posts. The iron sights, front and rear, are
operated, semi-automatic rifle, Ml. removed and a hunting type commercial telescope
The Ml903 rifle, like virtually all is mounted upon the receiver. The bolt handle
military rifles in use today, represents of the rifle has been slightly modified to
adaptation of the original Mauser design, prevent interference with the telescope when
developed in Germany during the last decade of the handle is raised and retracted. The
the 19th century. It is fed from a magazine telescopes now in use on the M1903A4 rifle
well which is integral with the receiver. The include the Weaver 330-C with a magnification
magazine holds five cartridges which maybe of 2¾ diameters and the Lyman Alaskan telescope
loaded either singly & from the brass clip in with a magnification of 2½ diameters. Both are
which they are assembled at the arsenal. With supplied with crosshair reticles. The hairs
an additional cartridge in the chamber, the used are of medium weight and subtend not more
weapon has a capacity of six rounds at one than one minute of angle. Both Weaver and Lyman
loading. telescopes have internal adjustments permitting
This rifle is rarely used at ranges exceedingly precise changes of elevation and
greater than 600 yards but when necessity windage.
arises may be fired with a high degree of
accuracy at 1,000 yards. All rifles of the RIFLE, CAL. .30, Ml903A3 CHARACTERISTICS
series are equipped with swivels for the Ml907
sling and carry integral with the front band a Weight, with sling......................9.0 lb.
stud which permits mounting of either the Ml or with Bayonet, Ml: 9.9 lb.
Ml905 bayonet. Length overall........................43.5 ins.
with Bayonet, Ml: 53.3 ins.
Ml903A3—The rear sight with which this Length of barrel........................24 ins.
model is equipped is similar to that developed Rifling, length..........21.28 ins., 70.7 cals.
for the caliber .30 carbine. It is a-ramp type Number of grooves........................2 or 4
of sight, protected by parallel metal “ears”. A Twist.Right-hand, 1 turn in 10 ins., 33.3 cals.
knurled thumbscrew on the right side affords Depth of grooves......................0.004 in.
six points of windage adjustment, three right Cross-sectional area of bore.......0740 sq. in.
and three left. The peep slides upon the ramp Type of mechanism...........Manual, bolt action
which is graduated for adjustments in elevation Feed.................................5-rd. clip
covering ranges from 200 to 800 yards in 100- Cooling.................................... Air
yard increments. The sight is mounted on the Trigger pull.............6 lb. max.; 4 lb. min.
receiver bridge closer to the operator’s eye
than the rear sight of the M1903Al. This RIFLE, CAL. .30, M1903A4 CHARACTERISTICS
location increases the sight radius by
approximately 6 inches. Weight of Characteristics of the M1903A4
Sniper’s Rifle are identical with the above
except that the weight of the telescope:

330-C telescope with Weaver sight.....9.7 lb.

Lyman Alaskan telescope...............9.9 lb.

9
 PARTS DIAGRAM

1 Firing Pin Rod 37 Front Sight Base Spline

2 Safety Lock Assembly 38 Front Sight Blade Pin
3 Bolt Sleeve Lock 40 Front Sight Base Pin
4 Bolt Sleeve Lock Spring 58 Butt Swivel
5 Bolt Sleeve Lock Pin 69 Trigger Guard, 1 Piece, Stamped
6 Bolt Sleeve, Stripped 70 Buttplate
7 Mainspring 71 Upper Band
8 Striker Sleeve 72 Lower Band
9 Striker 73 Follower
10 Bolt, Stripped 74 Rear Sight Assembly
11 Extractor Collar 75 Front Sight Key
12 Extractor 76 Upper Band Screw
13 Cut-Off Spindle 77 Front Sight Blade
14 Cut-Off Screw 78 Front Sight Base
15 Cut-Off 79 Handguard Ring
16 Cut-Off Plunger Spring 80 Butt Swivel
17 Cut-Off Plunger 81 Stacking Swivel
18 Ejector Pin 82 Stacking Swivel Band
19 Ejector 83 Sling Swivel, Stamped
20 Sear Pin 84 Handguard
21 Sear Spring 155 Barrel
22 Trigger Pin A Rear Sight Base
23 Sear B Windage Yoke, Stripped
24 Trigger C Slide Aperture
25 Follower D Slide Aperture Spring
26 Floorplate Catch E Slide Aperture Screw
27 Floorplate Catch Spring F Windage Yoke Spring
28 Floorplate Catch Pin G Windage Yoke Spring Plunger
29 Guard Screw, Rear H Windage Yoke Screw
30 Guard Screw, Front I Windage Index Knob
32 Floorplate J Windage Index Knob Click Spring
33 Magazine Spring K Windage Index Knob Screw
36 Front Sight Base Screw

10
U. S. CARBINE, CAL. .30, M1 AND M1A1

This compact, light-weight, semi- designated Cartridge, Carbine, Cal. .30, MI.
automatic weapon is now standard for those The bullet weighs 110 grains and is propelled
groups and units formerly equipped with the by a 14-grain charge of military smokeless
caliber .45 pistol, M1911Al. It is the powder.
regulation arm for all officers
up to the rank of major. SIGHTS—The original models of the
The caliber .45 pistol is essentially a carbine were equipped with an “L” type of rear
defensive weapon. The development of the sight with no adjustments for windage and with
caliber .30 carbine has placed in the hands of elevation adjustments of only 150 and 300
our troops not only a high-speed, accurate yards. This has been
defensive arm but an offensive weapon as well. replaced by a ramp type of rear sight with
The carbine is capable of delivering effective click adjustments permitting three points of
fire at ranges as great as 300 yards-at least either right or left windage. The peep
four times the effective range of the pistol eyepiece slides upon the ramp which is
which it has replaced. graduated for elevation from 100 to 300 yards
The carbine is gas-operated, a portion in 50-yard increments. The front sight is an
of the gases of the explosion being admitted to “A” blade protected by wings.
a gas cylinder through a port in the barrel.
Travel of the piston under pressure of the CHARACTERISTICS
gases drives the bolt to the rear against the
compression of the operating spring and Weight, total.........................5.45 lbs.
extracts and ejects the fired case, The spring Length, overall, stock extended.......35.6 ins.
closes the bolt which picks up and chambers a Length, stock closed..................25.5 ins.
new round on its forward travel. Operation, Length of barrel........................18 ins.
functioning, and general design of the carbine Rifling, length..........16.77 ins., 55.7 cals.
are similar in many respects to those No. of grooves................................4
characteristics of the caliber .3O Rifle, Ml. Twist..Right-hand, 1 turn in 2O ins., 66.6 cal.
Like the Rifle, Ml, the carbine is a Depth of grooves......................0.004 in.
semi-automatic arm and the trigger must be Cross-sectional area bore.........0.074 sq. in.
pulled for each shot. In case of failure of the Type of mechanism..Gas-operated, semi-automatic
gas-operated mechanism, the gun may be used as Feed...........................15-rnd. magazine
a hand-operated repeating arm, the slide being Cooling.....................................Air
retracted and returned to position by hand. Trigger pull.............6 lb. max.; 4 lb. min.
The weapon is fed from a box magazine
with a capacity of fifteen rounds of ammunition

11
 PARTS DIAGRAM

1 Buttplate Screw 24 Band Spring

2 Buttplate 25 Barrel Band
3 Stock 26 Front Sight
4 Slide Lock 27 Front Sight Key
5 Slide 28 Front Sight Pin
6 Slide Lock Spring 29 Trigger Guard Pin
7 Recoil Plate Screw 30 Sear
8 Recoil Plate 31 Hammer
9 Receiver 32 Hammer Spring Plunger
10 Operating Slide Spring 33 Trigger Housing
11 Extractor 34 Safety Spring And
12 Firing Pin 35 Safety Spring Plunger
13 Bolt 36 Magazine Catch Spring
14 Extractor Spring 37 Magazine Catch Plunger
15 Extractor Spring Plunger 38 Magazine Catch
16 Ejector Spring 39 Trigger Pin
17 Ejector 40 Safety, Wing Type
18 Rear Sight 41 Hammer Pin
19 Gas Piston Nut 42 Stock Escutcheon
20 Gas Piston 43 Trigger
21 Handguard 44 Sear Spring
22 Barrel 45 Hammer Spring
23 Recoil Spring Guide 46 Trigger Spring

12
SUBMACHINE GUN, CAL. .45, M1 AND M1A1

This weapon is a redesign of John T. CHARACTERISTICS

Thompson’s model M1928A1. The M1 has a spring-
loaded firing pin like the M1928A1. To Weight................................11.25 lb.
simplify production several modifications were Weight, less magazine, oiler, and sling..11 lb.
made. Weight of recoiling parts..............1.62 lb.
Unlike the M1928A1, the M1 has a Weight of barrel.......................0.95 lb.
permanently attached buttstock and a simple Length................................33.7 ins.
fixed aperture rear sight. Not present on the Length of barrel.....................10.52 ins.
M1 is the Cutt’s compensator and the ability to Rifling, length.......................9.74 ins.
accept the M1928A1 50-round drum type magazine. Number of grooves.............................6
The charging handle was also moved from the Twist.............Right-hand, 1 turn in 16 ins.
top, as on the M1928A1, to the right side of Depth of grooves.....................0.004 ins.
the receiver on the M1. Cross-sectional area of bore........0.1581 ins.
Submachine Gun, Cal. .45, M1 and Operation.....................straight blowback
Submachine Gun, Cal. .45, M1A1 Thompsons are Feed..................20-rd and 30-rd magazines
straight blowback submachine guns. They are Cooling.....................................Air
selective for semi-automatic or fully-automatic Cyclic rate of fire...........600-700 rds./min.
fire. It fires a cal. .45 cartridge from 20- Sights...........Fixed peep rear, A-blade front
round or 30-round box magazines. It has a rate Sight radius..........................21.2 ins.
of fire of 600 to 700 rounds per minute. Trigger pull............14 lb. max.; 10 lb. min
M1A1 differs from the M1 only in having Pull to retract bolt..................18-23 lb.
the firing pin machined into the face of the
bolt.

SUBMACHINE GUN, CAL. .45, M1

13
 RECEIVER PARTS DIAGRAM

A Rear Sight G Fore Grip Screw

B Ejector Plate Stud H Horizontal Fore Grip
C Ejector Assembly I Barrel and Receiver
D Front Sight J Frame Latch
E Sling Swivel Assembly K Frame Latch Spring
F Sling Swivel Plate Screw

FRAME PARTS DIAGRAM

A Butt Plate Small Screw G Small Butt Stock Screw

B Butt Plate Assembly H Large Butt Stick Screw
C Butt Stock I Sling Swivel Plate Screw
D Frame Group J Sling Swivel Assembly
E Vertical Rear Grip K Butt Plate Large Screw
F Rear Grip Screw

20-ROUND AND 30-ROUND BOX MAGAZINE PARTS DIAGRAM

14
SUBMACHINE GUN, CAL. .45, M3

This weapon has been designed and put in Use of a heavy bolt holds the cyclic
quantity production since the outbreak of World rate of fire to 350-450 rounds per minute.
War II to fill the requirements for a light, This low rate of fire and the design which
portable arm with a high fire-potential. places the stock in almost a straight line with
Although the submachine gun (or ‘machine the axis of the bore combine to reduce recoil,
pistol,” as it is known in Europe) has been a virtually to eliminate muzzle-climb, and to
standard weapon of the U. S. Armed Forces for produce exceptional accuracy whether the weapon
nearly 15 years, the cal, .45, M3, is an be used from the shoulder or as a “two-hand”
entirely new weapon, the result of study and pistol. Stampings are used wherever possible
experimentation and the testing of more than in the manufacture of the M3, only the barrel
twenty foreign and domestic weapons of this and bolt require machine operations, no
type. critical metals are employed, and the gun may
The Submachine Gun, M3, is now in use in be produced at a minimum cost for one of this
all theaters of operation. It is the primary type.
weapon for such shock units as commando raiders The gun may be taken down without tools
and paratroopers and is carried as an auxiliary and folded into a space 12 5/8 inches long, 7
arm in tanks and other vehicles. 3/8 inches high, and 3 1/8 inches deep, or
It is a straight blowback operated about 291 cubic inches. This permits convenient
weapon weighing 8.9 pounds complete with stowing in a soldier’s pack for shipment or for
magazine, oiler, and sling. It is chambered for packing in a standard container to be dropped
the cal. .45, Ml911, cartridge but may be by parachute.
converted to 9 mm by substitution of a barrel
of that caliber, a replacement bolt, a 9 mm CHARACTERISTICS
magazine and a magazine adapter. Conversion to
9 mm permits use of the Parabellum cartridge, Weight, complete........................8.9 lb.
standard in the British Armed Forces, as well Weight, less magazine, oiler, and sling.8.1 lb.
as use of certain types of captured enemy Weight of recoiling parts...............2.0 lb.
ammunition. Weight of barrel.......................0.62 lb.
The overall length is 29.8 inches which Weight of barrel assembly..............1.43 lb.
is shortened to 22.8 inches when the extension Length, overall, stock extended.......29.8 ins.
stock, which may be used in emergency as a Length, stock closed..................22.8 ins.
cleaning rod, is closed. Length of barrel.......................8.0 ins.
Rifling, length........................7.2 ins.
Operation Number of grooves.............................4
The fixed firing pin in the heavy bolt Twist..Right-hand, 1 turn in 16 ins., 35.5 cal.
fires the cartridge at the completion of the Alternate: 1 turn in 15 ins., 33.3 cal.
forward stroke and the major portion of the Depth of grooves.....................0.0035 in.
energy of the explosion is absorbed by the Cross-sectional area of bore.....0.1581 sq. in.
inertia of the bolt. When this is over come the Operation.....................Straight blowback
remaining energy is sufficient to drive the Feed.............................30-rd magazine
bolt to the rear against the compression of the Cooling.....................................Air
operating springs. The fired case is ejected on Cyclic rate of fire...........350-450 rds./min.
the retracting stroke and the fully compressed full-automatic on1y
dual spring returns the bolt to firing Sights...........Fixed peep rear, A-blade front
position, picking up and chambering another Sight radius..........................10.8 ins.
round on the forward movement. Trigger pull.............5 lb. max.; 7 lb. min.
Pull to retract bolt..................18-23 lb.

15
 PARTS DIAGRAM

1 Barrel 23 Cover Pin

2 Barrel Assembly 25 Retracting Lever Pawl Spring Pin
3 Bolt 26 Sear Pin
4 Magazine Catch 27 Trigger Pin
5 Stock Catch 28 Guide Rod Locating Plate
7 Cocking Lever 29 Guide Rod Retaining Plate
7 Guide Rod Retaining Clip 30 Receiver
8 Barrel Collar 33 Guide Rod
9 Ejection Port Cover 34 Sear
10 Ejector 36 Stock Catch Sleeve
11 Extractor 38 Driving Spring
12 Trigger Guard 39 Magazine Catch Spring
13 Retracting Handle 40 Ratchet Spring
14 Housing 41 Retracting Lever Spring
16 Retracting Lever With Pawl 42 Retracting Lever Pawl Spring
18 Magazine 43 Stock Catch Spring
19 Barrel Retaining Pin 44 Trigger Spring
20 Connector Pin 46 Trigger With Connector
21 Extractor Pin 47 Oiler
22 Cotter Pin

16
BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, CAL. .30, M1918A2

This gas-operated, air-cooled shoulder GUIDE—A right-and-left guide fastened to

weapon represents successive modifications of the trigger guard facilitates insertion of the
the Ml918A1 and the M1918, developed during magazine.
World War I to meet infantry requirements for
an easily transported weapon with a high fire- SIGHT—A new rear sight provides
potential. adjustments for both elevation and windage by
Commonly known in the service as the large mounts equipped with click mechanism for
BAR, the M1918A2 is now in active use on all minutes of angle.
fighting fronts.
The differences between BAR, M1918A2,
and its predecessor models are summarized
below:

BIPOD—A bipod with spiked feet was

clamped to the gas cylinder of the M1918Al.
This has been replaced by a bipod with skid
type shoes, mounted on a bearing integral with
the flash hider. The legs may be folded to the
rear or extended in the tubes in which they
slide and locked in the extended position.

RECOIL SPRING—A metal shield has been

set in the wooden forearm of the M1918A2 to
protect the recoil spring from heat generated
during sustained
fire. CHARACTERISTICS

CYCLIC RATE—The M1918A2 differs from Weight, complete.......................l9.4 lb.

both prior models in that it is equipped with a Weight, less bipod.......................17 lb.
selector mechanism, housed in the butt, which Weight of barrel.......................3.65 lb.
permits either a high-speed automatic fire of Length overall........................47.8 ins.
500-600 rounds per minute or a retarded fire of Length of barrel.....................24.07 ins.
300-350 rounds per minute. The gun cannot be Rifling, length..........2l.41 ins., 71.1 cals.
operated as a single-shot or a bearing integral No. of grooves................................4
with the flash hider. semi-automatic weapon. Twist..Right-hand, 1 turn in 10 ins, 71.1 cals.
Depth of grooves......................0.004 in.
BUTT PLATE—A hinge lug welded to the Cross-sectional area of bore......0.074 sq. in.
butt plate permits the mounting of an outer Operation...................................Gas
plate which may be swung parallel with the top Feed.............................20-rd magazine
line of the stock to serve as an additional Cooling.....................................Air
support for the gun against the operator’s Rate of fire......High-speed, 500-600 rds./min.
shoulder. When not in use the outer plate Retarded, 300-350 rds./min.
folds against the inner and is retained by a Trigger pull............10 lb. max., 6 lb. min.
spring-ball latch.

17
 PARTS DIAGRAM

1 Actuator 41 Change Lever

2 Buttplate Bearing Ball 42 Sear Release Stop Lever
3 Barrel Assembly 43 Bolt Link
4 Front Sight Base 44 Bolt Lock
7A Flashhider & Bipod Bearing 45 Ejector Lock
8 Front Sight Blade 46 Gas Cylinder Lock
9 Bipod Body 47 Bolt Lock Pin
11A Gas Cylinder Body 48 Firing Pin
13 Bolt 49 Operating Handle Plunger Pin
15 Front Swivel Bracket 50 Change Lever Stop Spring Retaining Pin
16 Gas Cylinder Tube Bracket 51 Gas Cylinder Tube Retaining Pin Assembly
17 Sear Carrier 52 Trigger Guard Retaining Pin Assembly
18 Magazine Catch 53 Sear Pin
19 Buffer Cone 57 Gas Cylinder Tube Bracket Pin
20 Trigger Connector 58 Bolt Link Pin
21 Buffer Cup 59 Hammer Pin
23 Ejector 60 Trigger And Magazine Catch Pin
24 Forend Escutcheon 61 Rear Sight Elevator Screw Retaining Pin
25 Extractor 62 Rear Sight Elevation Knob Pin
27B Forearm Assembly, Walnut 63 Front Sight Key Pin
28 Bolt Guide 64 Rear Sight Windage Knob Pin
29 Recoil Spring Guide 68 Buttplate Assembly
30 Hammer 72 Rear Sight Elevator Screw Knob Plunger
31 Operating Handle 73 Operating Handle Plunger
32 Buffer Head 74 Rear Sight Windage Click Plunger
33 Bipod Leg Key 77 Magazine Release
34 Buffer Key 78 Sear Release
36 Front Sight Key 80 Rear Sight Windage Scale
37 Rear Sight Elevation Knob 81 Swivel Bracket Screw
38 Rear Sight Windage Knob 82 Buttplate Screw, Long
39 Rear Sight Leaf, Stripped 83 Forend Screw, Long
40L Sliding Bipod Leg, Left 84 Forend Screw, Short
18
85 Rear Swivel Screw 107 Actuator Spring
86 Buttplate Screw, Short 108 Operating Handle Plunger Spring
87 Rear Sight Elevation Screw 109 Magazine Catch Spring
88 Rear Sight Windage Screw 110 Buttplate Lock Spring
89 Rear Sight Windage Scale Screw 111 Recoil Spring
90 Bipod Thumb Screw 112 Counter Recoil Spring
91B Sear 113 Buffer Spring
92 Buttplate Lock Spring Set Screw 114 Extractor Spring
93 Rear Sight Base Set Screw 116B Rear Sight Leaf Spring
94B Forend Shield 117 Sear Spring
96 Stock Retainer Sleeve 122 Front Bracket Swivel
98A Gas Piston Slide Assembly, Old Style 124A Butt Swivel Assembly
99 Rear Sight Elevator Slide 126 Trigger Assembly
100 Bolt Guide Spring 127 Buffer Tube
101 Change And Stop Lever Spring Assembly 128 Gas Cylinder Tube
102 Change Lever Stop Spring 130 Actuator Tube Assembly
103 Change Lever Stop Spring Assembly 131 Buffer Tube Washer
104 Rear Sight Elevation Click Spring 133 Bipod Friction Washer Assembly
106 Ejector Lock Spring 134 Stock Sleeve Lock Washer

M1918A2 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE, LEFT SIDE

FILED STRIPPED M1918A2

19
BROWNING MACHINE GUNS, CAL. .30, M1919A4 AND
M1919A6

The Browning Machine Guns, Cal. .30, of the lever from above. The trunnion block was
M1919A4, M1919A5, and M1919A6, represent equipped with a bunter plug to resist wear by
modifications and improvements upon the older the points of the bullets.
M1919A2 which evolved from the M1919, Further modifications have been made
originally designed as armament for the M1917 since the weapon was designated M1919A4. These
and Mk. VIII tanks, now obsolete. include substitution of a buffer plug, buffer
They are air-cooled, fabric-belt-fed ring, and buffer disks for the older tapered
weapons operating on the short-recoil principle form of plug with ring and filler. The change
common to all Browning machine guns. All have eliminates the “freezing” of ring and plug
heavy barrels reciprocating within a steel which retarded buffer spring action.
sleeve, perforated to facilitate cooling. The bottom plate has been redesigned so
Mechanically they are identical with the that plate, stirrup, and elevating bracket are
Browning water-cooled machine gun, M1917, and now a unit. The bottom plate is riveted to the
working parts arc interchangeable. receiver and a recess in the plate serves to
locate the gun in the pack hanger.
Ml919A4—STANDARD—This gun is issued in
two types, fixed and flexible. The fixed gun SIGHTS—Sights are of the conventional
is used only for tank installation and is machine gun type with the front sight mounted
mounted as a unit with 37 mm or 75 mm guns. The on the gun’s trunnion block. The rear sight
two move together within the limited elevation base is mounted on a bracket on the left side
and traverse of the tank mounts and the machine plate of the receiver. The folding leaf bears a
gun so installed cannot be aimed individually. mil elevation scale graduated for the sight
It has a vertical buffer tube and is without radius of 13.94 inches. Each division on the
pistol grip. elevation scale represents 100 yards and the
The flexible gun is for more general scale is graduated up to 2,400 yards.
use. It is used as armament for combat
vehicles, armored and unarmored, or may be M1919A4 CHARACTERISTICS
fired as a ground weapon from the machine gun
tripod mount, M2. It is equipped with a pistol Weight, total..................Flexible, 31 lb.
grip and is fired from the back plate trigger. Weight of recoiling parts..............ll.7 lb.
As used by motorized and mechanized Weight of barrel.......................7.35 lb.
units the gun is installed on mounts of various Weight, overall..............flexible, 41.l lb.
types, depending upon the type of vehicle and Length of barrel........................24 ins.
the position of the gun thereon. It is Rifling, length...............38 ins., 71 cals.
customary to carry a tripod mount, MZ, for each No. of grooves................................4
gun to adapt the weapon for ground use. Twist, Right-hand, 1 turn in 10 ins., 33.3 cal.
Barrels of the M1919, A4, A5, and A6 Depth of grooves......................0.004 in.
guns are 24 inches long, 5.37 inches longer Cross-sectional area of bore......0.074 sq. in.
than the barrel fitted to the M1919A2. The Operation. ........................Short-recoil
barrel sleeve has been correspondingly Feed......................Fabric belt, 250 rds.
lengthened from 13.7 inches to 19.08 inches. Cooling.....................................Air
Separate front barrel bearing plugs are Rate of fire..................400-550 rds./min.
provided to permit the use of either Ml or M2 Sear release..............................9 lb.
ammunition. The M1919A2 gun was also modified Trigger pull...........................7-12 lb.
by the addition of a belt feed lever group Normal breech pressure.......50,000 lb./sq. in.
assembly which permits assembly and disassembly
20
 M1919A6— SUBSTITUTE STANDARD—The design- Ml919A6 CHARACTERISTICS
ation of M1919A6 is given the Browning Machine
Gun, Cal. .3O, M1919A6 as modified for infantry Weight, total..........................32.5 lb.
use. The principal modifications, shown in the Weight of recoiling parts...............7.5 lb.
illustration herewith, include a shoulder Weight of barrel.......................4.65 lb.
stock, a carrying handle, and a bipod mount Length, overall.........................53 ins.
fixed to the barrel sleeve. A new front barrel Length of barrel........................24 ins.
bearing was provided and the cover latch Rifling, length............21.38 ins., 71 cals.
changed to permit easier opening of the cover. No. of grooves................................4
Changes were made in the barrel plunger and Twist..............1 turn in 10 ins., 33.3 cal.
driving spring to assure proper functioning Depth of grooves......................0.004 in.
without the muzzle plug. Cross-sectional area of bore......0.074 sq. in.
Operation..........................Short-recoil
Feed......................Fabric belt, 250 rds.
Cooling.....................................Air
Rate of fire..................400-450 rds./min.
Trigger pull............................8.5 lb.
Normal breech pressure.......50,000 lb./sq. in.

PARTS DIAGRAM

1 Shoulder, Gun Stock Group 13 Spring, Helical, Compression

2 Plate Assembly, Back 14 Screw, Shoulder
3 Handle, Bolt 15 Cover Group
4 Bolt Group 16 Flash Hider, Cal. .30, M6
5 Lock Frame Group 17 Lock, Barrel Bearing
6 Barrel Extension Group 18 Clip, Retaining Assembly
7 Barrel Assembly, M1919A6 19 Flash Hider, M7
8 Barrel Assembly, M1919A4 20 Ring, Retaining
9 Pin, Cotter 21 Bipod Assembly
10 Nut, Castellated, Hexagonal 22 Bearing, Front Barrel
11 Plate, Movable, Cover Catch 23 Handle Assembly, Carrying
12 Plate, Fixed, Cover Catch 24 Casing and Barrel Jacket Group

21
MOUNT, TRIPOD, MACHINE GUN, CAL. .30, M2

This tripod mount was developed for the mechanism. Free elevation, with the gun
air-cooled caliber .30 Browning machine gun, supported only at the trunnion, is through an
Ml9l9A2. It is the standard mount for that gun arc of 21º. Free depression may be obtained up
as modified to the current designation of to -45º.
Ml919A4. It is carried as auxiliary equipment The tapered steel pintle on the receiver
in combat vehicles and is used by cavalry as a of the gun mates with a bronze bushing in the
pack mount. The tripod mount, M2, is for use tripod head and is held securely by a latch
against ground targets only, its limited range which engages in an annular groove on the
of elevation precluding its employment in pintle.
antiaircraft fire.
The mount consists of three telescoping CHARACTERISTICS
tubular steel legs in a tripod head. The two
rear legs are joined by and obtain additional Weight...................................14 lb.
support from a graduated traversing bar which Length, extended......................32.5 ins.
also carries the elevating mechanism and Folded for transportation...............27 ins.
supports the rear of the gun. Spread of rear legs.....................30 ins.
The dial with which the bar was Command.................................11 ins.
originally equipped has been replaced by a more Traversing range, free........6,400 mils (360º)
easily read scale graduated in lOO-mil mechanical................50º
increments and 5-mil subdivisions. The scale Traversing bar graduated...............8OO mils
has a range of 444.5 mils to right and left Elevating range, free................+2lº, -45º
from 0. mechanical..........+19º, -41º
With the rear of the gun supported by least increment..........l mil
the bar, elevation of +19º and depression of - Elevating handwheel graduated.........every mil
21º may be obtained by use of the elevating

22
 M2 TRIPOD PARTS DIAGRAM

1 Pin, Cotter 14 Latch Sleeve

2 Nut, Slotter, Hexagonal 15 Spring, Helical, Compression
3 Bolt, Machine, Hexagonal 16 Leg Group
4 Pintle, Tripod Mount, Cal. .30 17 Leg, Rear Left
5 Nut, Plain, Hexagonal 18 Bolt, Machine, Hexagonal
6 Bolt, Machine, Hexagonal 19 Spacer, Sleeve
7 Bar, Assembly, Traversing 20 Screw, Machine, Hexagonal
8 Nut, Plain, Hexagonal 21 Washer, Lock
9 Bolt, Machine, Hexagonal 22 Lock Assembly, Pintle
10 Leg, Front 23 Pin, Straight, Headless
11 Bolt, Machine, Hexagonal 24 Cam, Pintle Lock Release
12 Leg Assembly, Rear Right 25 Collar, Shaft
13 Pin, Straight, Headless

MECHANISM, ASSEMBLY TRAVERSING AND ELEVATION

23
 TRAVERSING AND ELEVATION MECHANISM PARTS DIAGRAM

1 Mechanism, Assembly Traversing and 20 Chain Assembly, Single Leg, Machine Gun
Elevation Fastening Pin
2 Screw, Machine, Buttonhead 21 Hook, Chain
3 Washer, Lock 22 Chain and Swivel
4 Lever, Traversing Slide Lock 23 Stop, Upper Elevating Screw
5 Screw, Traversing Slide Lock 24 Ring, Externally Threaded
6 Spring, Helical, Torsion 25 Screw, Elevating, Lower
7 Nut, Self-locking, Hexagonal 26 Ring, Click, Elev. Handwheel
8 Washer, Thrust, Plain 27 Handwheel, Elevating
9 Nut, Self-locking, Hexagonal 28 Pointer, Dial
10 Handwheel, Traversing 29 Screw, Elevating, Upper
11 Spring, Helical, Compression 30 Plate, Scale, Elevating Screw Upper
12 Pin, Click, Elevating and Traversing 31 Setscrew, Lock, Elevating Handwheel
Mechanism 32 Pin, Straight, Headless
13 Ring, Traversing Mechanism, Click 33 Spring, Helical, Compression
14 Nut, Union, Locking, Traversing, Scale 34 Pin, Straight, Headless
15 Dial, Scale, Traversing, Mechanism 35 Pin, Spring, Tubular, Slotted
16 Screw, Traversing 36 Stop, Elevating Screw, Lower, Assy.
17 Key, Woodruff 37 Sleeve, Elevating, Mech.
18 Yoke, Upper Elevating Screw 38 Plug, Sleeve, Elevating
19 Pin, Quick Release

24
BROWNING MACHINE GUN, HEAVY BARREL, CAL. .50, M2
HB

Assembly of a heavy barrel (27 pounds) In many of these the gun is installed in ring
in the receiver of the caliber .50 Browning mounts permitting maximum elevation
machine gun permits continued firing over a
longer period, or firing of longer bursts, with TURRET TYPE-The standard caliber .50,
less danger of damage to the weapon by heavy barrel, machine gun is slightly modified
overheating. The heavy barrel is quickly and for installation in tank turrets. The
easily dismounted to form a separate load for conventional blade and folding-leaf sights are
carriage by pack or for limited movement by replaced by antiaircraft sights and an
hand. Any type of caliber .50 barrel, light or Edgewater ring spring adapter is placed on the
heavy, air- or water-cooled, may be fitted to barrel. The distinguishing designation “Turret
any caliber .50 receiver. 13~ changing the back Type” is used for manufacturing, supply, and
plate assembly any air-cooled gun may be administration identification.
adapted for either fixed or flexible use.
SIGHTS-Usual sight equipment is the
FEED-All types of caliber .50 ammunition conventional blade and folding-leaf A sights. A
may be used. Feed is from a disintegrating mount is provided for either the T3, Ml, or
metallic-link belt loaded in increments of 110 M1918A2 telescopic sights.
rounds. The gun is normally assembled for
left-hand feed, which may be changed to right- RATE OF FIRE-The timed cyclic rate of
hand feed by reversal of certain parts. the caliber .50, heavy barrel, gun is from 450
to 575 rounds per minute. Normal fire is in
FIXED TYPE-The fixed type of caliber short bursts or single shots in swift
.50, heavy barrel, machine gun is used only in succession. A single burst of from 100 to 150
Heavy Tanks, M6 and M6Al. Two of these guns rounds may be fired from a cool gun. At the
are rigidly mounted in Twin Mount, T52, in the rate of 40 rounds per minute, 500 rounds may be
bow of the tank below the 3 inch and 37 mm guns fired without overheating.
which are the principal weapons. While the guns
are fixed, the mount may be moved by hand in CHARACTERISTICS
limited traverse and elevation. Fixed guns are
identical with those of flexible type except Weight, total ....................fixed, 82 lb.
that the spade grip assembly has been removed flexible, 84 lb.
from the horizontal buffer back plate and turret, 81 lb.
filler plates added. Weight of recoiling parts..............38.8 lb.
Weight of barrel.........................27 lb.
FLEXIBLE TYPE-The Browning machine gun, Length, overall.........................65 ins.
heavy barrel, caliber .50, M2, in flexible and Length of barrel........................45 ins.
turret types, is the most widely used of any U. Rifling, length............40.91 ins., 81 cals.
S. machine gun, It is used by infantry and No. of grooves.........................8
special weapon units from the Tripod Mount, M3, Twist........l turn in 15 ins., 30 cals.
as an anti-tank weapon. The limited elevation Depth of grooves......................0.005 in.
of the mount restricts its use in antiaircraft Cross-sectional area of bore.......2021 sq. in.
fire. It is installed in both medium and heavy Operation .........................Short-recoil
tanks both as a turret gun and in ring mounts Feed...........Metallic-link belt, 100 rds. ea.
and is standard M7, in the Cooling.....................................Air
75 mm, 76 mm, 3 inch, and 105 mm gun motor Rate of fire..................45O-575 rds./min.
carriages; in the Multiple Gun Motor Carriages, Firing pin release
M13, M15, and M16; in the Armored Utility Car, Pressure at sear...............10-20 lb.
M2O; in halftrack cars, scout cars, medium and Pressure at sear bar...........30-35 lb.
heavy tractors, and tracked landing vehicles. Normal breech pressure.......48,000 lb./sq. in.

25
 BROWNING MACHINE GUN, HEAVY BARREL, CAL. .50, M2 HB PARTS DIAGRAM

1 Cover and Receiver Groups 13 Screw

2 Back Plate Assembly 14 Slide
3 Bolt and Rod Assembly 15 Retracting Slide Assembly
4 Driving Spring Rod Assembly 16 Barrel Assembly
5 Bolt Group 17 Barrel Carrier Assembly
6 Barrel Buffer Group 18 Nut
7 Barrel Extension Group 19 Ring
8 Belt Holding Pin 20 Segment
9 Cartridge Stop Assembly 21 Cone
10 Front Cartridge Stop 22 Screw
11 Headless Shoulder Pin (Bolt Stud) 23 Flash Hider
12 Wire

26
MOUNT, TRIPOD, MACHINE GUN, CAL. .50, M3

This mount is similar in all essentials subdivisions to 400 mils left and right of
to the .30 caliber tripod mount, M2, but is of zero. The traversing dial formerly furnished
more rugged construction throughout to with this caliber .50 mount has been
accommodate the heavier caliber .50 weapon. It eliminated.
is designed for ground fire with the caliber The lower end of the elevating mechanism
.50, heavy barrel, flexible Browning gun. attached to the traversing bar through the
Each leg consists of two telescoping traversing slide; the upper end is attached to
sections of seamless steel tubing. A shoe with the gun with a pin. The mechanism is a double
spade extension is welded to the end of each screw assembly and affords an elevating range
lower section. Normal mounting of the tripod from +100 mils to -250 mils in increments of 50
is with the front leg at an angle of 60º and mils or in 5 mil subdivisions.
with all extensions closed. In this position
the gun trunnion is 10 inches above the ground.
Minor adjustments in command height may be CHARACTERISTICS
obtained by changing the angle of the front leg
or by extending the telescoping sections of all Weight...................................44 lb.
three legs. A clamping ring on each sleeve Length, extended........................71 ins.
section of each leg permits locking the Folded for transportation...............41 ins.
extension at any desired length. Height of trunnion, legs retracted......10 ins.
A bronze bushing on the tripod head Legs extended.......13 ins.
mates with the pintle of the gun which is Spread of rear legs.....................30 ins.
locked in position by a pintle latch. A free Command.................................11 ins.
traverse of 360º is possible. As with the Range of traverse.............6,400 mils (360º)
caliber .30 gun a traversing bar joins the two Traversing bar graduated...............8OO mils
rear legs, supports the rear of the gun, and Range of elevation...............+100º to -250º
carries the elevating and traversing mechanism. Elevating handwheel graduated.........every mil
The traversing scale is graduated into 5-mil

27
LAUNCHERS, GRENADE, M1, M7, AND M8

Grenade launchers are tubular devices These cartridges are illustrated and described
attached to the muzzles of U. S. rifles and in the small arms ammunition section.
carbines to permit launching or firing of the Modern warfare has emphasized the need
various standard rifle grenades, explosive or for grenades to be fired at longer ranges and
practice, the parachute and cluster Ground at higher velocities than were possible with
Signals, M17A1 and M22A1 inclusive. The MK II the standard blank grenade cartridges. This has
fragmentation hand grenade may be converted to been accomplished by the so-called “vitamin
a rifle grenade by means of a Grenade pill,” recommended for standardization on 15
Projection Adapter, M1, and may be fired from January 1944 as Cartridge, Grenade, Auxiliary,
the standard grenade launchers. Cal. 30, M7.
The designation as caliber .3O is
somewhat misleading but refers to the rifle
with which the auxiliary cartridge is used. The
cartridge itself is a tube of drawn brass 0.45
inch in diameter and open at both ends. The
open ends are scaled with paper wads after the
tube is loaded with 20 grains of powder.
One end of the auxiliary cartridge is
finished with a beveled rim which serves to
keep it in place when it is inserted into the
muzzle end of the launcher. The body of the
launcher is then inserted in the stabilizer
tube of the grenade as in normal firing. The
effect is that of a booster, the flame of the
LAUNCHER, GRENADE, M1-The M1 launcher is grenade cartridge igniting the charge of the
for use with caliber .30 rifles of the 1903 auxiliary cartridge and the power of the two
series. The gas-operated, semi-automatic M1 combining to project the grenade from the
rifle and M1 carbine employ the M7 and M8 launcher. Tests have determined that from 100
grenade launchers respectively. to 150 yard or greater range is obtained when
All launchers are of the same outside the auxiliary cartridge is used.
diameter. The tubular body of the launcher The auxiliary cartridge case is ejected
fits snuggly within the stabilizer tube and the from the launcher simultaneously with the
depth to which the launcher is inserted in the launching of the grenade. Since a maximum
tube determines the range attained by the fired range is desired, the grenade is set as far
grenade. The range of the fired grenade back as possible on the launcher when the
increases as the number of visible rings auxiliary is used. The auxiliary also
decreases. increases the grenade’s velocity, however, so
The exterior surface of the launcher is that it may be used at shorter ranges where a
marked in a series of rings. These rings are reduced time of flight is desired.
marked consecutively from the rear to the
muzzle. The rings are raised so that they may
be counted and the range determined during
night firing.
In all cases the actual launching is
accomplished by means of a special blank
cartridge, caliber 30, fired in the usual way
in the rifle or carbine. The grenade cartridge
may be distinguished from the ordinary blank
cartridge by a rose crimp in the mouth of the
case.

28
 LAUNCHER, GRENADE, M7—This launcher rep- LAUNCHER, GRENADE, M8—Development of a
resents an improvement, without change in grenade launcher for the Carbine, Ml, was
designation, upon the original model designed deferred until after a satisfactory launcher
for use with the U. S. Rifle, Ml, A launcher of had been developed for the M1 rifle. Both
simple clamp-on design could not be used with weapons are gas-operated, semi-automatic arms
this gas-operated weapon because of the and it was felt that the many difficulties
creation of excess pressures which caused encountered in designing a launcher for the
premature opening of the breech and drove rifle would be greatly augmented with the
operating rod and bolt back with sufficient lighter gun.
force to break the receiver. The problem proved much simpler than had
The problem was solved by the been expected. It was found that immobilization
development of a valve screw to be inserted in of the semi-automatic feature of the carbine
the gas cylinder of the rifle in place of the was not necessary and that a simple clamp-on
regular gas-cylinder lock screw. The valve launcher similar to the Ml and M2 could be
within the screw opens to permit the escape of used. The carbine may be operated semi-
excessive pressures. Service ammunition may be automatically with the launcher attached and
fired from the Ml rifle with the grenade there is little loss of accuracy.
launcher in place. Since the valve is fully
open, operating pressures are not developed SIGHT-By action of the Ordnance Com-
within the cylinder and the rifle can be used mittee 10 February 1944 (OCM 22547) a new and
only as a single-shot weapon. more accurate sight, adaptable to all U. S.
The M7 launcher as first designed rifles and carbines, was standard as Sight,
fastened to the muzzle of the Ml rifle by means Rifle Grenade Launcher, M15. It consists of a
of a two-armed, hinged clamp. Service tests five-inch sighting bar which may be quickly
demonstrated that three distinct motions were attached to or removed from a plate permanently
necessary to attach or remove the device. mounted on the left side of the rifle stock.
Technicians at Springfield Armory developed a The bar carries a leveling bubble, a front
superior fastening in the form of a simple clip sight, and an aperture rear sight with click
which locked behind the bayonet stud on the gas adjustments for elevation.
cylinder. Manufacturing was facilitated by
using larger parts and reducing the total
number of parts of the launcher from ten to
five.

29
LAUNCHER, ROCKET, ANTITANK, 2.36 INCH, M9 AND
M9A1

The rocket launcher, popularly know and rectangular frame at the muzzle of the
widely publicized as the “Bazooka,” represents launcher. The vertical sides of the frame
the adaptation the modern warfare of one of the carried graduation for ranges of 100, 200, and
oldest forms of military pyrotechnics, the 300 yards.
rocket. It represents, too, the first The rocket launcher was introduced as a
practical development of a rocket launcher as a combat weapon during the North African campaign
shoulder weapon for infantry use against tanks of 1942-43. Use in battle indicated the need
and other armored targets. for various improvements and for a model which
could be broken down into two approximately
M9–LIMITED STANDARD—The launcher is an equal loads for use by parachute troops. The
open tune approximately 54 inches long and present launcher, M9, represents the
2.365 inches in internal diameter equipped with development of those tactical requirements.
a shoulder stock, a pistol grip, electrical Since a higher safety factor was
firing mechanism, and sights. The Rocket, required, the tube of the launcher is now
M6A3, is 19.4 inches long and weighs 3.38 wrapped with wire around all that portion
pounds. It carries a shaped charge of TNT adjacent to the operator’s face. The skeleton
capable of penetrating heavy armor at angles of stock is of metal and is shaped so as to permit
impact up to 30°. The optimum range is two shoulder positions for east of sighting at
approximately 200 yards, although the rocket high and low elevations and for prone shooting.
may be employed at ranges as great as 600 Midway of the tube is a flange with bayonet
yards. The Rocket, 2.36 inch, M6A3, is joints which breaks the launcher into sections
illustrated and described in the ammunition which may be carried by paratroopers or packed
section. into containers for aerial delivery. Reassembly
In its original form the rocket launcher can be effected in a few seconds without tools
was supplied with a wooden shoulder stock ant1 the joint locked rigidly.
midway of its length and was not reinforced. A The dry cells which supplied the
two-cell dry battery supplied the spark for ignition spark in the earlier models have been
ignition of the rocket’s propelling charge, replaced by a self-contained magneto operated
pressure on the trigger completed this circuit. by pressure on the “squeezer” type trigger. A
one-way safety switch incorporated in the
trigger mechanism cuts out the magneto and
prevents generation of an electrical impulse as
the trigger returns to position.
The sight is an optical ring hinged to
fold against the tube when not in use and
protected by a cover. An adjustable range scale
provides graduations from 50 to 700 yards in 50
yard increments.
Assembled and ready for firing, the
rocket launcher measures 55 inches overall and
weighs approximately 14½ pounds.

M9A1–LIMITED STANDARD—The 2.36 inch

The first models of the launchers were Rocket Launcher, M9A1, is the same as the M9
equipped with a hinged rear sight and fixed 1auncher except for a modified tube coupling
front sights. These were followed by a peep
better fitted to withstand rough usage.
rear sight and a front sight in the form of a

30
LAUNCHER, ROCKET, ANTITANK, 2.36 INCH, M1A1

The 2.36 inch Rocket Launcher, M1A1 firing battery and one spare battery are kept
known as the “Bazooka,” is an electrically in the wooden stock.
operated shoulder weapon. It is employed
against tanks, armored vehicles, pillboxes, and CHARACTERISTICS
emplacements.
Weight, total..........................13.3 lb.
The rocket launcher has a wooden Rails or tubes:
shoulder stock midway of its length and was not Length...............................54.5 in.
reinforced. A two-cell dry battery supplied Number and arrangement.......Single tube with
the spark for ignition of the rocket’s stock and trigger
propelling charge, pressure on the trigger Composition............Smooth bore steel tube
completed this circuit. Mounting.....Fired from shoulder in standing,
kneeling, or prone position
The rocket launcher is equipped with a Elevation...........................By operator
peep rear sight and a front sight in the form Traverse............................By operator
of a rectangular frame at the muzzle of the Rate of fire......Not specified. Weapon must be
launcher. The vertical sides of the frame sighted before firing each round
carried graduation for ranges of 100, 200, and Firing mechanism........Electric trigger switch
300 yards. Fire control equipment........Front stud sights
provide for ranges of 100,
The launcher is operated normally by two 200, and 300 yds. Inter
men although it can be handled by one man in an mediate or greater range
emergency. This launcher has a flash deflector must be estimated. Rear
to protect the operator from unburned powder as sight is a peep sight.
the rocket leaves the tube. One dry cell

2.36 INCH ROCKET LAUNCHER, M1A1-LEFT SIDE

1 Front Sight 4 Trigger

2 Flash Defelctor 5 Light Bulb
3 Rear Sight 6 Contact Spring

31
 2.36 INCH ROCKET LAUNCHER, M1A1-RIGHT SIDE

1 Tail Latch 6 Stock

2 Breech Guard 7 Hasp
3 Contact Spring 8 Circuit Indicator Cover
4 Barrel Reinforcing Wire 9 Sling
5 Face Guard 10 Trigger Guard

32
KNIFE, TRENCH, M3 AND SCABBARD, TRENCH KNIFE, M6
AND M8
KNIFE, TRENCH, M3-The Trench Knife, M3,
has been developed to fill the need in modern
warfare for an efficient weapon for hand-to-
hand fighting. While designated for issue to
soldiers not armed with the bayonet, it was
especially designed for such shock units as
parachute troops and rangers.
The shaped and corrugated handle is of
leather washers under compression. One cutting
edge runs the full length of the blade; the
other edge of the blade is ground to a cutting
edge for 2 inches from the point, then tapers
to a thicker section for rigidity and strength.
The knife weighs 9 ounces and measures 11.7
inches overall. The blade is 6.7 inches long. SCABBARD, TRENCH KNIFE, M8—The scabbard
is made of plastic and replaces the leather
SCABBARD, TRENCH KNIFE, M6—The scabbard scabbard, M6, formerly issued as a sheath for
is made of leather with a steel plate fitted to this weapon. The plastic is reinforced with
the lower portion to secure the blade. metal about the tip of the blade to protect the
Additionally, steel staples on the throat of wearer from injury in event of a fall or other
the scabbard, prevent the blade from protruding accident. The scabbard weighs approximately 4
through the bottom of the scabbard. ounces and is 14 inches long overall.

BAYONET, M1 AND SCABBARD, BAYONET, M7

BAYONET, M1-This offensive and defensive
weapon has replaced the M1905 bayonet on all
U.S. Army rifles and incorporates various
improvements which experience with the older
model had shown to be desirable. The new
bayonet is shorter, better balanced, and may be
used if necessary as a trench knife in hand-to-
hand combat. It measures 14.4 inches long
overall, has a ten-inch blade, and weighs 13.5
ounces. M4 bayonet is now being developed for
the Carbine, Ml.

SCABBARD, BAYONET, M7-Scabbard, Bayonet,

M7 has replaced the M3 scabbard issued with the
M1905 bayonet. It is made of plastic, is 11.2
inches long, and weighs 5 ounces.

33
AMMUNITION

34
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK

35
60 MM MORTAR SHELLS
SHELL, HIGH-EXPLOSIVE, 60 MM, M49A2
SHELL, ILLUMINATING, 60 MM, M83
SHELL, PRACTICE, 60 MM, M50A2
PROJECTILE, DRILL, 60 MM, M69

The Mortar, M2, fires projectiles powder dry and to facilitate attaching the
weighing approximately three to four pounds and increments to the shell. The number of
is accurate up to 1,985 yards at 45º elevation. increments depends on the range desired. Four
A round consists of projectile, fuze, of the M3 increments weight 0.024 pound. Each
propellant charge for zone ranging, primer, and M3 increments weights 35 grains.
a cartridge loaded with a balistite explosive. The increment propellant holder, M1, is
The primer strikes a firing pin (or used to attach the increments between the fins.
anvil) at the base of the mortar tube. This The holder is a ring fitted with metal clips
action ignites the charge in the ignition each of which has a loop on the end. The loop
cartridge and firing the propellant charges is pushed through the hole in the increment,
attached to the fin assembly thereby holding it in place between the fins.

SHELL, H.E., 60 mm, M49A2-STANDARD-The SHELL, ILLUMINATING, 60 mm, M83—

complete round, weighing 2.94 pounds, consists STANDARD—This shell has been designed for use
of the fuzed and finned shell, H.E., M49A2, the in illuminating a target. Upon functioning of
M32 percussion primer, the M5A1 ignition a time fuze, M65, an expelling charge is
cartridge, and the M3 propellant increment. ignited which starts the flare burning, shears
The shell body is manufactured from a number of pins holding the tail of the shell
either a steel casting or forging. A bursting to the body and then expels the flare and
charge of 0.34 pounds of flake TNT is loaded parachute assembly from the shell body. The
into the shell body in two 0.17 pound expelling charge is 0.06 pounds of black
increments. The first increment is powder.
consolidated at 2,000 p.s.i. pressure and the The M83 shell is 4.74 inches longer than
second at 5,000 p.s.i. pressure. the high-explosive, M49A2, and the complete
The propelling charge consists of a round weighs 3.72 pounds. The propelling charge
Hercules NG formula powder in sheet form having is a Hercules NG formula with several
a single perforation. Several sheets are sewn perforated sheets sewn together. The charge is
together and assembled in a cellophane bag. assembled in a cellophane bag which is attached
The purpose of the cellophane being to keep the between the fins by the increment propellant
36
holder, M1A1. The maximum pressure is obtained shells in order to obtain identical ballistic
with 130 grains of this powder. properties. The propelling charge for this
The range at the maximum setting (14 shell is a Hercules NG formula, in sheet form,
seconds) of the time fuze, M65, is 1,040 yards perforated and with several sheets Sewn
at 50º elevation. together. There is one hole in the middle of
each sheet. The increments are attached to the
SHELL, PRACTICE, M50A2—STANDARD—Loaded shell by the MlAl increment propellant holder
and fuzed, the projectile weighs 2.90 pounds, after being assembled in a cellophane bag. The
of which 0.34 pound is the weight of the charge maximum pressure is obtained with 168 grains of
which includes 0.29 pound of inert loading and this powder.
0.05 pound of black powder pellet. Practice
shells are filled with sand to make their PROJECTILE, DRILL, 60 mm, M69-STANDARD—
weight approximately the same as high explosive See Table of Characteristics.

CHARACTERISTICS

Shell, H.E., Shell, Ill., Shell, Prac., Projectile,

Drill,
M49A2 M83 M50A2 M69
Caliber...................60 mm 60 mm 60 mm 60 mm
Model of Mortar...........M2 M2 M2 M2
Proj. Weight..............2.90 lb. 3.70 lb. 2.90 lb. 2.90 lb.
Proj. Charge..............TNT Expelling Charge Inert ---
Proj. Charge Weight.......0.34 lb 0.06 lb., black 0.29 lb.
powder
Fuze......................P.D., M52 Time, M65 P.D., M52 ---
Primer....................M32 M32 M32 ---
Cartridge.................M5A1 M5A1 M5A1 ---
Propelling Charge Weight..0.024 lb. 0.018 lb. 0.024 lb. ---
Complete Round Weight.....2.94 lb. 3.72 lb. 2.94 lb. 2.94 lb.
Muzzle Velocity...........518 ft./sec. 390 ft./sec. 518 ft./sec. ---
Maximum Range.............45º 0’—1,985 yds. --- 45º 0’—1,985 yds. ---
85º 30’—300 yds. 85º 30’—300 yds.
Rated Maximum Pressure....6,000 p.s.i. 6,000 p.s.i. 6,000 p.s.i. ---

37
81 MM MORTAR SHELLS
SHELL, HIGH-EXPLOSIVE, 81 MM, M43A1
SHELL, HIGH-EXPLOSIVE, 81 MM, M56
SHELL, CHEMICAL, 81 MM, M57

Since the last war, vast, changes in shell with fuze, P.D., 3152, weighs 6.92
design have been made in the old “Stokes” pounds. Of this the TNT bursting charge weighs
mortar projectiles to improve their ballistics 1.22 pounds; an alternate charge consists of
and functioning. 0.98 pound of 50/50 Amatol and 0.19 pound Cast
All the existing 3 inch and 81 mm mortar TXT booster surround. Another loading consists
shells have a fin assembly to give greater of 1.28 pounds of trimonite. The weight of six
stability to the shell in flight. Due to the 3x1 increments of sheet powder propellant is
improved stability, the present standard 0.097 pound, The sheet powder used has a
projectiles use a point-detonating fuze, the Hercules NG formula. Several of the sheets are
M52 or M53, in place of the “always” fuze that sewn together, each sheet having five
was necessary in World War I shells. perforations, one in the middle and one in each
The interior of the fin assembly is corner, the web size being 0.008 inch. Each
machined to take the ignition cartridge and is increment is contained in a Cellophane bag
perforated by a number of holes to permit the which protects the charge and insures dry
flame from the ignition cartridge to flash powder. The complete round weighs 7.05 pounds.
through to the propelling increments which are An alternate method of manufacture is a
clipped between the fins by the M2A1 propellant one piece shell body which does away with the
increment holder in the M43A1 high-explosive adapter needed with the M43Al round. This is
round. On the M56 and M57 rounds the the M43A1B1 shell. The shell body is produced
increments arc placed around the cartridge by any of the following methods: forging,
holder tube. The shells are loaded through the cupping of specially rolled plates, welded
muzzle of the mortar and ignition occurs when longitudinally, or casting.
the primer strikes the fixed firing pin in the
base of the barrel. Firing Data (45º) for Shell, H.E., M43A1
Both the 81 mm and 3 inch mortars are
smoothbored. The 81 mm mortar, M1, is the Muzzle Maximum
present standard for manufacture and issue, and Charge Velocity Range
it has superseded the 3 inch mortar, Mk. IA2. Cartridge...........235 ft./sec. 541 yds.
The ammunition is the same for both although a Cartridge+1 Incr....332 ft./sec. 1,020 yds.
larger propelling charge can be used in the 81 Cartridge+2 Incr....419 ft./sec. 1,500 yds.
mm mortar. Cartridge+3 Incr....499 ft./sec. 2,042 yds.
Cartridge+4 Incr....572 ft./sec. 2,517 yds.
SHELL, HIGH-EXPLOSIVE, M43Al—STANDARD— Cartridge+5 Incr....638 ft./sec. 2,963 yds.
This high-explosive shell is intended primarily Cartridge+6 Incr....700 ft./sec. 3,988 yds.
for use against enemy personnel. As fired, the
38
 SHELL, HIGH-EXPLOSIVE, M56—STANDARD—The Firing Data (45º) for Shell, Chemical, M57 (FS)
M56 projectile embodies a relatively large
charge, 4.30 pounds of TNT, in relation to the Muzzle Maximum
total weight, 10.62 pounds, of the shell as Charge Velocity Range
fired with the fuze, P.D., M53. It is designed Cartridge+1 Incr....291 ft./sec. 808 yds.
primarily for use against light emplacements. Cartridge+2 Incr....390 ft./sec. 1,374 yds.
Alternate bursting charges are: 3.89 pounds of Cartridge+3 Incr....472 ft./sec. 1,916 yds.
50150 Amatol and 0.20 pound of Cast TNT booster Cartridge+4 Incr....544 ft./sec. 2,431 yds.
surround, or 4.46 pounds of trimonite. The
maximum range is less than the R143Al. Ranges Firing Data (45º) for Shell, Chemical, M57 (WP)
are listed in Table B. The M2 increment powder
used in this round comes in sheets and is a Muzzle Maximum
Hercules NG formula. Several sheets are sewn Charge Velocity Range
together and each sheet has one perforation and Cartridge+1 Incr....297 ft./sec. 833 yds.
a web of 0.008 inch. Cartridge+2 Incr....399 ft./sec. 409 yds.
Cartridge+3 Incr....484 ft./sec. 1,952 yds.
Firing Data (45º) for Shell, H.E., M56 Cartridge+4 Incr....560 ft./sec. 2,466 yds.

Muzzle Maximum SHELL, TARGET PRACTICE, M44-STANDARD-

Charge Velocity Range Loaded and fuzed, the cast-iron shell of this
Cartridge+1 Incr....306 ft./sec. 875 yds. round weighs 6.92 pounds, the same as the high-
Cartridge+2 Incr....412 ft./sec. 1,474 yds. explosive shell, M43Al. The charge used is 0.2
Cartridge+3 Incr....502 ft./sec. 2,046 yds. pound of black powder. Fuze, PD, M52, is used.
Cartridge+4 Incr....583 ft./sec. 2,558 yds. A propelling charge consists of sheet power in
6 increments of approximately 172 grains each.
SHELL, CHEMICAL, M57—STANDARD—The Only four increments arc used in the 3 inch
chemical shell, M57, with WP or FS filler, is trench mortar, due to the lower pressures
used to make a smoke screen. When the shell is allowed in this mortar.
detonated, the burster charge fragments the The sheet powder used has a Hercules NG
shell body, scattering the filler to form the formula. Several of the sheets are sewn
smoke cloud. The round used the same increment together, each sheet having five perforations,
powder as the M56, HE, Shell. one in the center and one in each corner, the
As fired, the shell weighs 11.86 pounds web size being 0.008 inch. The round is
when FS filled, and 11.33 pounds when WP assembled with percussion primer, M33.
filled. The weights of the chemical charge
arc 4.59 pounds with FS, and 4.06 pounds with SHELL, PRACTICE, M43Al—STANDARID—The
WP filler. The weight of the tetryl burster M43A1 practice shell uses a black powder charge
charge is 0.08 pound. Complete round weights of 0.16 pound in place of the 1.22 pounds of
arc as follows: 12 pounds when FS filled, and TNT charge used in the high-explosive round,
11.47 pounds when WP filled. M43Al. In all other respects the M43A1 practice
shell is identical with the high-explosive
shell, M43A1. The round is assembled with
percussion primer, M33.

PROJECTILE, DRILL, M68—STANDARD—See

Table of Characteristics.

CHARACTERISTICS

Shell, H.E., Shell, H.E., Shell, Chem., Shell, T.P., Shell,

M43A1 M56 M57 M44 Training,
M68
Caliber..................81 mm 81 mm 81 mm 81 mm 81 mm
Model of Mortar..........M1 M1 M1 M1 M1
Proj. Weight.............6.92 lb. 10.62 lb. 11.33 lb. 6.92 lb. ---
Proj. Charge.............TNT TNT Chem. (FS) BP ---
Chem. (WP)
Proj. Charge Weight......1.22 lb. 4.30 lb. 4.59 lb. 0.2 lb. ---
4.06 lb.
Burster..................--- --- M1 --- ---
Fuze.....................P.D., M52 P.D., M53 P.D., M52 P.D., M52 ---
Primer...................M33 M34 M34 M33 M34
Cartridge................M6 M6 M3 M6 M6
Propelling Charge Weight.0.097 lb. 0.116 lb. 0.116 lb. 0.097 lb. 120 grs.
Complete Round Weight....7.05 lb. 10.77 lb. 11.59 lb. 7.05 lb. ---
Muzzle Velocity..........700 ft./sec. 583 ft./sec. 560 ft./sec. 700 ft./sec. 172 ft./sec.
Maximum Range............3,288 yds. 2,558 yds. 2,466 yds. 3,288 yds. 310 yds.
Rated Maximum Pressure...6,000 p.s.i. 6,000 p.s.i. 6,000 p.s.i. 6,000 p.s.i. ---

39
SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION
CALIBER .30 CARTRIDGES

The caliber .30 cartridge, standard for

all rifles and machineguns manufactured in that
caliber, is issued in the following forms:
Ball, M.2; Tracer, Ml; Incendiary, Ml; Armor-
Piercing, M2.
The caliber .30 cartridge is also issued
in the following special-purpose forms: Rifle
Grenade, M3; Dummy, M2; Blank, M.1909; Guard,
Ml; and High-Pressure Test, M13.

TRACER, CAL. .30, Ml—This ammunition is

used in machine guns and rifles to indicate the
path of the bullet in flight as an aid in fire
against moving targets. The round is identified
by a red point, approximately .30 inch long, on
the bullet. A 17-grain tracer compound is
ignited by the propelling charge and burns with
a brilliant red flame. The length of the trace
is approximately 1,000 yards. Tracer bullets
have an incendiary effect upon targets struck
BALL, CAL. .3O, M2—The cartridge so
before the trace has burned out, but this
loaded is for use against enemy personnel and
action is not so pronounced nor so reliable as
those material targets which do not require the
with rounds loaded for incendiary purposes.
employment of armor-piercing or other special-
The trajectory of the Tracer, Ml, bullet
purpose rounds. The complete round includes
crosses that of the Ball, M2, and Armor-
primer, case, propelling charge of approx-
Piercing, M2, at approximately 600 yards.
imately 50 grains of IMR 4895 powder, and 150-
grain bullet. The case is of drawn brass.
Production of the steel case is being
discontinued. The bullet consists of a gilding
metal jacket on an alloy core of 9O% lead, lO%
antimony. As an alternate, a core of 97.5%
lead, 2.5% antimony may be used. The bullet is
not boattailed. The neck of the case is
crimped into a cannelure in the bullet and
yields to a minimum pull of 45 pounds.
Tested for accuracy, the M2 ball groups
within a 13-inch circle at 500 yards and within
a 15-inch circle at 600 yards. The following
range table gives the external ballistics of ARMOR-PIERCING, CAL. .30, M2—This
the M2 150-grain service bullet. Those of the ammunition is designed for fire against enemy
armor-piercing, incendiary, and tracer bullets aircraft, lightly armored vehicles, and similar
vary slightly there from due to minor targets. The round is identified by a black
differences in bullet weights and velocities. tip on the bullet. The core is of hardened
Use of the IMR 4895 powder, which replaced the steel instead of the lead alloy used in the
older IMR 4876, has shown a decrease in flight ball cartridge.
time of from one to two seconds at the ranges
listed. INCENDIARY, CAL. .3O, M1—This round,
used for the purpose indicated by its
RANGE TABLE designation, has not been manufactured since
November, 1943. Existing stocks are issued for
Angle of Time of Maximum Angle of use in caliber .30 rifles and machine guns. The
Range Fall Flight Elevation Ordinate round is identified by the light-blue tip,
(Yards) (Mils) (Seconds) (Inches) (Mils) approximately .30 inch in length, on the
100 0.7 0.12 0 1 bullet. The bullet is not boattailed and
2O0 1.5 0.25 3.6 2 contains a chemical incendiary compound which
300 2.4 0.38 7.2 3 ignites upon contact.
400 3.4 0.53 14. 4
500 4.6 0.70 21.6 6
600 6.0 0.89 36.0 9
700 7.7 1.11 61.2 12
800 9.6 1.35 86.4 17
900 11.9 1.62 159.6 22
1,000 14.6 1.91 183.6 28

40
 CARBINE, BALL, CAL. .30, Ml—This is the
RIFLE GRENADE, CAL. .30, M3—This standard cartridge for use in the U. S.
specialized cartridge is used in caliber .3O Carbines, Cal. .30, Ml and MlA1. It can be
rifles of all types for firing rifle grenades fired in no other caliber .30 weapon and is
from the Grenade Launchers, Ml, M2, and M7. It immediately identified by its small size (1.68
is not used in machine guns. It may be inches overall) and the straight case. It is
identified by the five-petal rose crimp of the manufactured as Ball, Ml; Tracer, M16; Grenade
nose of the case. The case is base-loaded with Cartridge, M6, for firing rifle grenades from
5 grains of FFFG black powder for rapid Launcher, M8; as a Dummy, M13; and as a high-
ignition, then with 45 grains of a progressive- pressure test load developing a breech pressure
burning IMR powder. of approximately 50,000 pounds. There is no
blank cartridge for the Carbine, Ml, nor are
cartridges made with armor-piercing or
incendiary bullets. The grenade cartridge is
identified by the absence of a bullet and the
rose crimp which closes the mouth of the case;
dummy cartridges are identified by the usual
holes in the case.

RANGE TABLE

BLANK, CAL. .30, M1909—This round is a Angle of Time of Angle of

standard item of issue for use in all caliber Range Elevation Flight Fall
.30 rifles during maneuvers, for signaling, and (Yards) (Mils) (Seconds) (Mils)
for firing salutes. By means of a blank-firing 100 1.5 0.17 1.7
adapter it may be used for training purposes in 200 3.5 0.38 4.8
machine guns and automatic rifles. The round 300 6.2 0.64 9.4
may be identified by the absence of a bullet 400 9.7 0.94 15.6
and a cannelure in the neck of the case against 500 14.0 1.28 23.5
which the cardboard wad is seated and scaled
with a drop of shellac. Blank rounds may be
distinguished from rifle grenade cartridges by
a roll crimp at the neck of the case. The
rifle grenade cartridge case is closed with a
rose crimp.
The complete assembly of the blank round
weighs approximately 207 grains. Second-grade
cases may be used in the assembly of blank
ammunition. GRENADE, AUXILIARY, M7—This special-
purpose round was developed as a booster to
DUMMY, CAL. .30, M2—This dummy cartridge obtain increased ranges and higher velocities
was standardized by Ordnance Committee action with rifle grenades and ground signals fired
23 March 1944 (OCM 23258). It replaces the from grenade launchers mounted on U. S. rifles
Cartridge, Dummy, Cal. .30, M1906, for use in and carbines. The name “vitamin pill” was
training personnel in loading weapons and in given the cartridge during its development and
simulated fire. The longitudinal corrugations has clung to it since it has been made an item
which identified the Ml906 cartridge prevented of standard issue.
proper fit in belts and magazines and caused Actually, the cartridge is a tube of
failures to feed. Manufacture of eases with drawn brass 0.45 inch in diameter and
longitudinal corrugations was discontinued and resembling in every way a caliber .45 blank
the new dummy round, Cal. .30, M2, is cartridge, rimmed. There is a no primer but a
identified by two holes drilled through the hole is drilled through the center of the base.
case, which may be of either steel or brass. Both that hole and the mouth of the case are
Cartridge, Dummy, Cal. .30, M1906, was sealed by paper wads against the escape of the
reclassified as Limited Standard. 20 grains of powder with which the cartridge is
loaded.
The cartridge is inserted in the muzzle
of the grenade launcher and retained there by
the rimmed base. The flame of the regular
grenade cartridge fired in the chamber of the
rifle burns through the paper wad scaling the
41
mouth of the case and ignites the auxiliary CARTRIDGE, BLANK, CAL. .45, M9-A rimless
charge. The effect is that of a booster and the caliber .45 blank cartridge which may be used
grenade is launched at greater speed and in either pistols or submachine guns was
attains a range of from 100 to 150 yards above standardized 11 November 1943. It is designated
that to be expected when the grenade cartridge Cartridge, Blank, Cal. .45, M9 (Rimless).
is used alone. The fired auxiliary cartridge is
expelled from the launcher with the grenade. DUMMY, CAL. .45, M1921-The round is made
as a Dummy, M1921, for training personnel in
CALIBER .45 CARTRIDGES loading pistols and submachine guns. The dummy
cartridge uses a steel case and may be
BALL, CAL. .45, Ml911—This cartridge is distinguished by the absence of a primer and by
standard for the Pistol, M119llAl, the Colt and three 1/8-inch holes drilled equidistantly
Smith & Wesson Revolvers, Ml917 (Limited about the case.
Standard), and the Submachine Gun, Cal. .45, M3
(Substitute and Limited Standard) submachine
guns are also chambered for this cartridge. RANGE TABLE
When fired in the Ml917 revolvers the
cartridges must first be loaded in lunate clips Range Time of Flight Drop
holding three rounds. (Yard) (Seconds) (Inches)
10 0.037 0.3
CARTRIDGE, BLANK, CAL. .45, Ml- 20 0.015 1.1
Cartridge, Blank, Cal. .45, Ml, is issued only 30 0.113 2.4
for use in training cavalry horses and for 40 0.151 4.4
saluting purposes in the M1917 revolvers. It is 60 0.229 9.9
made with a rimmed case to permit its use 80 0.308 18.0
without clips in the revolvers. There is no 100 0.388 28.0
bullet and the mouth of the case is taper-
crimped for 5/16 inch. The rim prevents the use
of the caliber .45 blank cartridge in either
pistols or submachine guns.

CHARACTERISTICS

Weight, Weight, Weight, Length, Length, Muzzle Muzzle Pressure Maximum

Round Bullet Powder Round Bullet Velocity Energy (Lb.) Range
(Grs.) (Grs.) (Grs.) (Ins.) (Ins.) (Ft./sec.) (Ft. lb.) (Copper) (Yds.)
.30 Ball, M2.....396 152 50 3.34 1.125 2,805 2,429 50,000 3,500
.30 AP, M2.......414 162 51 3.34 1.39 2,775 2,780 50,000 3,500
.30 Tracer, M1...396 152.5 50 3.34 1.45 2,650 2,775 50,000 3,450
.30 Incend., M1..386 140 54 3.32 1.41 3,050 2,700 52,000 5,500
.30 Carbine, M1..193 110 14 1.68 0.69 1,975 775 41,000 2,000
.45 Ball, M1911..327 234 6 1.28 0.68 825 383 14,000 1,700

42
RIFLE GRENADES
GRENADE, ANTITANK, M9A1
GRENADE, ANTITANK, PRACTICE, M11A2
GRENADE, RIFLE, FRAGMENTATION, IMPACT, M17
ADAPTER, GRENADE-PROJECTION, M1
Rifle grenades are designed to be fired grenade, M9Al. This practice grenade superseded
from the U. S. rifle and carbine by a launcher the Ml1 and M11Al practice grenades. The M11A2
which the soldier attaches to the muzzle. A differs from the M9Al in that the fin is
special blank cartridge, issued with the replaceable. Extra fins are shipped with each
grenade, must be used. grenade in the event the original one is bent
Rifle grenades are divided into two or wears out.
general classes : (1) high-explosive grenades,
containing an explosive charge, and (2)
practice grenades, designed for training or
practice.

GRENADE, RIFLE, FRAGMENTATION, IMPACT,

GRENADE, ANTITANK, M9Al—STANDARD—The Ml7—This grenade consists of a fin stabilizer
antitank grenade, M9111, has a sheet steel body assembly with impact type fuze similar to that
and tail assembly and weighs 1.23 pounds. The used for Grenade, AT, M9Al. The head consists
body is filled with 4 ounces of Pentolite using of a Mk. IIA1 hand grenade fuze body which is
the “hollow charge” principle. The tail screwed in the fuze adapter on the stabilizer
contains the impact fuze and the stabilizing assembly. The Ml7 grenade is used in a manner
fin is spot welded on a stabilizer tube screwed identical with that of the Adapter, Grenade-
to the head. The impact fuze consists of a Projection, Ml, however, it offers a unit ready
firing pin held by a spring in flight. When for firing without assembly in the field as is
shipped, the firing pin is retained by a safety required for the Ml adapter.
pin. When the grenade strikes a target the pin
moves forward to activate the detonator and ADAPTER, GRENADE-PROJECTION, M1-
explode the charge. The hollow shaped charge of STANDARD—The grenade-projection adapter, M1,
this grenade has remarkable armor-penetrating was designed to permit the projection of the
qualities, The bI9Al anti-tank rifle grenade Mk. IIAl fragmentation grenade from the rifle.
supersedes the grenade, A.T., M9. It has a fin assembly similar to that of the
M9Al grenade. The head of the fin assembly has
four claws which clip around and hold the body
of the Mk. IIAl fragmentation grenade with the
S-second time fuze. One of the claws has an
arming clip which holds the safety lever of the
Mk. IIAl grenade. Upon setback the arming clip
releases the safety lever of the Mk. IIAl
fragmentation grenade and the fuze explodes the
grenade after 5 seconds. The adapter with Mk.
IIAl fragmentation grenade is fired from the
same launcher used to launch the M9Al and other
rifle grenades.
GRENADE, ANTITANK, PRACTICE, M11A2—
STANDARD—This is an inert loaded dummy grenade
similar in shape and weight to the antitank

43
2.36 INCH ROCKETS
ROCKET, H.E.A.T., 2.36 INCH, M6Al
ROCKET, H.E.A.T., 2.36 INCH, M6A2
ROCKET, H.E.A.T., 2.36 INCH, M6A3
ROCKET, WP SMOKE, 2.36 INCH, M1O

ROCKET, H.E.A.T., 2.36 INCH, M6Al— Motor assembly:

STANDARD—The 2.36 inch H.E.A.T. Rocket, M6Al, Diameter, outside....................1.25 in.
with shaped-charge loading is fired from a Length...............................8.32 in.
bazooka-type launcher at ground targets. The Weight(less propellant)..............1.82 lb.
rocket is effective against the armor plate of Material.........WD 1025 or WD Xl025 CD Steel
tanks and armored vehicles. After penetration Propellant.........0.136 lb. solvent extruded
it has the effect of throwing white hot metal double base powder, 0.375
spray. in. O.D. by 0.08 in. I.D.
This round is a modification of the by 4.15 in. long
original M6 rocket, now obsolete. Changes were Type of loading....Five sticks held by pulpit
made as follows : improved ignition, involving trap and cardboard spacer
removal of the contact ring from the ogive, Shell Assembly
reduced powder charge, and inserted obturator Caliber..............................2.36 in.
disc. Length................................8.8 in.
The practice round, inert loaded to Filler..............................Pentolite
conform to the live round, is the 2.36 inch Weight, filler........................0.5 lb.
Practice Rocket, M7Al. Weight, total........................1.57 lb.
Type of ignition.....Electric squib in aluminum
CHARACTERISTICS case, centered in motor
Launchers........................M1Al, M9, M9Al
Range...................................600 yd. Packaging..........Packed fuzed, one per fiber
Dispersion.............................8.5 mil. container, 20 containers per
Velocity...........................265 ft./sec. wooden box
Service temperature limits........Oº to 120º F.

Burning time:
At 0º F.............................0.08 sec.
At 120º F...........................0.03 sec.
Type of stabilization................Fixed fins
Length, overall........................21.6 in.
Weight of round, loaded.................3.4 lb.
Fuze......................BD—simple impact type
44
 ROCKET, H.E.A.T., 2.36 INCH, M6A2— Motor assembly:
STANDARD—This round is a modification of the Diameter, outside....................1.25 in.
original M6 rocket, now obsolete. Except that Length...............................8.32 in.
the contact ring was not removed from the Weight (less propellant)..............1.82lb.
ogive, the changes are the same as for the Material........WDIOPS or WD X1025 C.D. steel
M6Al. This modification was performed in a Propellant.........0.136 lb. solvent extruded
Theater of Operations, and the designation M6A2 double base powder, 0.345
was applied to distinguish it from the M6Al in. O.D. by 0.08 in. I.D.
modification performed at arsenals in the Zone by 4.15 in. long
of the Interior. Type of loading....Five sticks held by pulpit
The practice round, inert loaded to trap and cardboard spacer
conform to the live round, is the 2.36 inch Shell assembly:
Practice Rocket, M7A2. Caliber..............................2.36 in.
Length................................8.8 in.
CHARACTERISTICS Filler..............................Pentolite
Weight, filler........................0.5 lb.
Range...................................600 yd. Weight, total........................1.57 lb.
Dispersion.............................8.5 mils Type of ignition.....Electric squib in aluminum
Velocity...........................265 ft./sec. case, centered in motor
Service temperature limits.........Oºto 120º F. Launchers....................Ml, MlAl, M9, M9Al
Burning time: Packaging...........Packed fuzed, one per fiber
At 0º F.............................0.08 sec. container, 20 containers
At 1200ºF...........................0.03 sec. per wooden box
Type of stabilization................Fixed fins
Length, overall........................21.6 in.
Weight of round, loaded.................3.4 lb.
Fuze......................BD—simple impact type

45
 ROCKET, H.E.A.T., 2.36 INCH, M6A3— Motor assembly:
STANDARD—This round is the same as the M6Al Diameter, outside...................1.25 in.
rocket except for a hemispherical ogive and Length..............................8.32 in.
cylindrical fins. The practice round, inert Weight (less propellant).............1.82lb.
loaded to conform to the live round, is the Material....WD 4130 or WD X8630 steel tubing
2.36 inch Practice Rocket, M7A3. Propellant........0.136 lb. solvent extruded
double base powder,0.345
CHARACTERISTICS in. O.D. by 0.08 in. I.D.
by 4.15 in. long
Range...................................600 yd. Type of loading...Five sticks held by pulpit
Dispersion...............................6 mils trap and cardboard spacer
Velocity...........................265 ft./sec.
Service temperature limits.........Oºto 120º F. Shell assembly:
Caliber.............................2.36 in.
Burning time: Length...............................8.8 in.
At 0º F.............................0.08 sec. Filler.............................Pentolite
At 1200ºF...........................0.03 sec. Weight, filler.......................0.5 lb.
Type of stabilization................Fixed fins Weight, total.......................1.64 lb.
Length, overall........................19.4 in. Type of ignition....Electric squib in aluminum
Weight of round, loaded.................3.4 lb. case, centered in motor
Fuze......................BD—simple impact type Launchers.......................MlAl, M9, M9Al
Packaging..........Packed fuzed, one per fiber
container, 20 containers
per wooden box or one fiber
container, 10 containers
per wooden box

46
 ROCKET, WP SMOKE, 2.36 INCH, M1O— Motor assembly:
STANDARD—The 2.36-Inch WP Smoke Rocket Ml0 Diameter, outside...................1.25 in.
(formerly the T26E2) is a WP filled shell with Length..............................8.32 in.
the M6A3 rocket motor. It embodies a special Weight (less propellant).............1.74lb.
burster assembly not present in the T26 and Material...WD X4130 or WD X8630 steel tubing
T26E1 rockets and supersedes and cancels these Propellant........0.136 lb. solvent extruded
two former developmental rockets. The rocket is double base powder, 0.345
used for laying down smoke screens and as an in. O.D. by 0.08 in. I.D.
effective casualty producing weapon against by 4.15 in. long
enemy personnel in foxholes, trenches, Type of loading...Five sticks held by pulpit
pillboxes, etc. trap and cardboard spacer

CHARACTERISTICS Shell assembly:

Caliber.............................2.36 in.
Range...................................600 yd. Length...............................5.9 in.
Dispersion...............................6 mils Filler.............................Pentolite
Velocity...........................265 ft./sec. Weight, filler.......................0.9 lb.
Service temperature limits.........Oºto 120º F. Weight, total.......................1.64 lb.
Type of ignition....Electric squib in aluminum
Burning time: case, centered in motor
At 0º F.............................0.08 sec. Launchers.......................MlAl, M9, M9Al
At 1200ºF...........................0.03 sec. Packaging..........Packed fuzed, one per fiber
Type of stabilization................Fixed fins container, 12 containers
Length, overall........................17.1 in. per wooden box
Weight of round, loaded.................3.4 lb.
Fuze......................BD—simple impact type

47
HAND GRENADES
GRENADE, HAND, FRAGMENTATION, MK. IIA1
GRENADE, HAND, OFFENSIVE, MK. IIIA1
GRENADE, HAND, PRACTICE, MK. II
GRENADE, HAND, TRAINING, MK. IAI
TYPES manually starting the fuze action before the
grenade is thrown toward the target.
1. FRAGMENTATION HAND GRENADES—containing a
high-explosive charge in a metallic body FUZE CLASSIFICATION—Hand grenade fuzes
which is shattered by the explosion of the are either detonating or igniting types.
charge. A detonating fuze is used when shock is
2. OFFENSIVE HAND GRENADES—containing a high- necessary to initiate the action of the
explosive charge in a paper body, designed explosive filler.
for demolition or lethal shock effect. Igniting fuzes are used when the filler
3. CHEMICAL HAND GRENADES—containing a is one which requires heat initiation. This
chemical agent which produces a toxic or type of fuze will ignite the filler as though
irritant effect, a screening smoke, it had been lighted by a match.
incendiary action or any combination of All detonating and igniting hand grenade
these actions. fuzes have the same general form and
4. PRACTICE HAND GRENADES—containing a reduced appearance. The fuze assembly consists
charge; simulate fragmentation grenades. primarily of a fuze body, having a threaded
5. TRAINING HAND GRENADES—used in training portion to permit insertion into the grenade
troops; do not contain explosives or body, a safety lever which restrains a striker,
chemicals. a safety pin to hold the lever in place, and a
deep cup which is crimped to the lower portion
The filler in a grenade may be a powerful of the fuze body and extends inside the grenade
explosive, a gas, a smoke-producing or an body when the fuze is assembled. The compound
incendiary agent. The filler in fragmentation in the cup determines whether the final action
grenades is either TNT (trinitrotoluene) or EC of the fuze will be one of detonation or
Blank Fire Smoke-less Powder. The latter is ignition.
used in loading blank ammunition for small arms
weapons. OPERATION—The safety device is a cotter
pin with ring attached which enables it to be
FILLERS—EC powder is less powerful than withdrawn easily. One end of the safety lever
TNT and usually is exploded by a11 igniting covers the top of the fuze body, sealing it
rather than a detonating agent. Grenades loaded against foreign bodies, and hooks over a lip in
with EC powder are issued fuzed and ready for the fuze body. The other end of the safety
use. They are not susceptible to mass lever extends downward and follows the contour
detonation. of the grenade.
The standard filler for offensive A grenade should be held with the safety
grenades is pressed TNT. lever pressed close to the grenade body by the
Fillers in chemical grenades consist of palm of the hand. The thrower must take every
various chemical mixtures and solutions. The precaution after withdrawing the safety pin,
manufacturing, storage and issue of Chemical not to release his grip on the safety lever.
Grenades is a function of the Chemical Warfare When the grenade is thrown, the safety
Service. lever is detached by the release of the striker
Practice Grenades contain a small amount spring and the impact of the striker. When no
of black powder and are designed to give an longer restrained by the lever, the striker
indicating puff of smoke when the igniting type rotates about a hinge pin and strikes a primer
fuze functions. in the upper part of the fuze body.
The primer is a center-fire type similar
TIME AND AUTOMATIC FUZES-The fuze is the to a shotgun shell primer. The flame from the
device which causes the grenade to function. primer charge ignites a delay charge which in
All standard hand grenade fuzes (including most the lM6A3 and MlOA3 fuzes consists of a powder
of the chemical hand grenade fuzes) are Time column compressed in a lead tube. The burning
and Automatic types. A “time” fuze fires the time varies from 4.0 to 5.0 seconds.
grenade after a lapse of time and not upon The delay charge ignites a black powder
percussion or impact. Grenades which contain an igniting charge in the MlOA3 fuze and a tetryl
“automatic” fuze function automatically as soon detonator in the M6A3 fuze. The igniter or
as the grenade leaves the hand, provided the detonator initiates the fi11er charge. The
safety pin has been removed and the safety total burning time of the assembly is the same
lever held close to the body of the grenade as the fuze, namely from 4.0 to 5.0 sec.
prior to throwing. This lever provides a safety
feature by eliminating the necessity of

48
 loaded and fuzed Mk. IIIAI grenade weighs 14
ounces, 6.83 ounces of which is the TNT charge.

GRENADE, HAND, FRAGMENTATION, MK. IIA1—

STANDARD—The body of this grenade is made of
cast-iron and is about the size of a large GRENADE, HAND, PRACTICE, MK. II—
lemon, The outside surface is deeply serrated STANDARD—This is a standard practice grenade
horizontally and vertically to assist in and is equipped with the igniting fuze, M10A3.
producing uniform fragments when the grenade The grenade is loaded with a small charge of
explodes. The bursting charge is 0.74 ounce of black powder in a cloth bag. The grenade when
EC Black Fire Powder initiated by the MlOA3 fuzed weighs 20.5 ounces.
igniting fuze. The grenade loaded and fuzed
weights 21 ounces. The bursting radius is 30
yards.

GRENADE, HAND, TRAINING, MK. IAl—

GRENADE, HAND, OFFENSIVE, MK. IIIAl— STANDARD—This grenade is the current standard
LIMITED STANDARD—This grenade consists of a for practice and training. It consists of a one
sheet-metal top, threaded to receive the piece cast-iron body in the shape of a Mk. II
detonating fuze, M6A3, and a body of laminated fuzed fragmentation grenade and a removable
cartridge paper which contains the high- safety pin and ring. It is inert. The grenade
explosive TNT charge. This grenade is for weighs 22 ounces, 1 ounce more than the Mk. II.
demolition. It may be used in the open more
safely than the fragmentation grenade because
there is no marked fragmentation. The grenade
bodies and fuzes are shipped separately. The

49
DEMOLITION EXPLOSIVES
Standard Engineer Corps demolition other the special tetryl detonating cap which
material for issue includes the following may be of non-electric or electric type.
items: Blocks, Explosive, TNT; Commercial size Ammonium nitrate is especially suited
containers of Explosive, Ammonium Nitrate; for blowing road craters by the multiple charge
Blocks, Demolition Chain, Ml; Block, method.
Demolition, M2; Cap, Blasting, Electric; Cap,
Blasting, Non-Electric; and Fuze, Time or
Safety.
The Engineer Corps has set the following
requisites for military demolition explosives:
1. Not too sensitive to shock or friction
2. High velocity of detonation
3. High power per unit of weight BLOCKS, DEMOLITION, CHAIN, M1—STANDARD—
4. High density (high weight per unit of The assembly consists of eight 2 x 2 x 11 inch
volume) blocks of cast tetrytol assembled on a
5. Stable detonating cord (primacord) which passes
6. Not too difficult to detonate through the longitudinal axis of the blocks.
7. Unaffected by changes of temperature or by Each block, which is enclosed in a paper-
moisture backed, asphalt-impregnated crinklecraft paper
8. Convenient form for packing and loading wrapping, consists of 2½ pounds of Tetrytol, a
9. Obtainable in large quantities commercially mixture of 75% tetryl and 25% TNT, with a
Triton or TNT (trinitrotoluene) possesses more cylindrical pellet of tetryl at each end. The
of these characteristics than any other blocks are placed with 8 inches of detonating
explosive. cord between units and two feet of free
detonating cord at each end of the chain.
The Blocks, Demolition, Chain, M1, may
be used in various ways. They may be laid in a
line, wrapped about an object, or detonated as
packed in a lightweight haversack. It is
necessary to set off the detonating cord by
means of a blasting cap in order to fire the
chain of blocks. These blocks are not affected
by moisture and can stand submergence in water
for 24 hours without appreciably altering their
characteristics.

HALF-POUND BLOCK, TNT—STANDARD—As

issued, the TNT block has a density of 1.46, is
rectangular in shape and 1.75 inches by 3.25
inches high. Each block is packed in a BLOCK, DEMOLITION, M1—STANDARD—The
cardboard container closed at each end by Block, Demolition, M2, is a tetrytol charge
lacquered tin. At one end is a cylindrical hole weighing approximately 2½ pounds and measuring
2.125 inches deep in which the cap may be 2 x 2 x 11 inches. At each end of the block is
placed. The explosive is detonated by special a cap-well containing a threaded bushing that
issue tetryl caps and detonating cords. will receive either an electric or non-electric
In the event of a shortage of TNT, blasting cap. The wells are lined with a thin
ammonium nitrate, sensitized by the addition of waterproof paper tube, surrounded by 2 tetryl
TNT, has been designated as substitute pellets. The block is wrapped in a paper-
standard. It has similar properties to TNT backed, asphalt impregnated, olive-drab
except that it is highly hydroscopic and must crinklecraft paper. The wrapping is waterproof,
be sealed in an airtight container. mildew proof, and highly durable. At each end
Ammonium nitrate is packed in a of the cartridge, a circular section of the
cylindrical metal container 8.25 inches in wrapper is weakened to permit easy priming of
diameter and 18.0 inches long. The weight is 40 the block. Eight blocks are packed in an
pounds. Two tubes are attached to the inexpensive haversack.
container, parallel to the longitudinal axis,
one to receive the detonating cord and the

50
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51