Original Item. Only One Available. This is a Cold War-era Czechoslovak 73mm PG-9-pattern inert training projectile, accompanied by a short PG-15P-marked cartridge. The configuration is associated with the ammunition used by the Soviet-designed 2A28 Grom smoothbore gun, the main armament of the BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle, known in Czechoslovak service as the BVP-1. [34.6" long × 3.2" maximum diameter]

The projectile has an elongated black body with a pointed silver-colored nose, a narrow gold-colored band, and silver-colored metal fittings. Its forward section retains white stenciling reading PG-9, followed by the additional markings ena and INERT. The long black rear section is separately marked MAKETA 7112, with maketa meaning "mock-up" or "model" in Czech and Slovak. Further alphanumeric markings are present on the projectile body.

The accompanying metallic cartridge bears the designation PG-15P, together with additional production markings, including 13-84 ena. Its circular base is stamped 1984, along with several inspection and identification marks, and retains a red-colored central insert. The 1984 date applies specifically to the cartridge; the projectile's exact production date has not been established.

The assembly remains in very good overall external condition, showing moderate wear from handling and storage. The black finish retains good coverage, with scattered scuffs, light scratches, and localized abrasions, particularly along the rear cylindrical section. The cartridge has developed some surface discoloration, spotting, and small areas of finish wear, while its principal markings remain legible. The nose and metal fittings are well preserved, and the assembly retains its overall shape without apparent major deformation.

Unloaded or dummy grenades, artillery shell casings, and similar devices, which are cut or drilled in an BATF-approved manner so that they cannot be used as ammunition components for destructive devices, are not considered NFA weapons. This example is in total compliance and is NOT AVAILABLE FOR EXPORT.

Historical Context

The PG-9 family originated in the Soviet Union during the early 1960s as ammunition for the SPG-9 Kopye (Spear), a 73mm recoilless anti-tank gun developed to provide infantry units with portable firepower against armored vehicles and fortified positions. The system employed fin-stabilized, rocket-assisted projectiles, with the principal anti-tank ammunition carrying a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) shaped-charge warhead.

This ammunition technology was subsequently adapted for the 2A28 Grom, a 73mm low-pressure smoothbore gun developed for the BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle. The BMP-1 entered Soviet service during the 1960s and combined the transportation of mechanized infantry with an integrated armament system. Its single-man turret mounted the 2A28 gun alongside a coaxial 7.62mm PKT machine gun, while a launcher positioned above the gun permitted the employment of 9M14 Malyutka anti-tank guided missiles.

The 2A28 Grom used the PG-15V family of ammunition, incorporating a PG-9-derived projectile and a short metallic PG-15P propelling cartridge. The cartridge provided the initial propulsion necessary to discharge the projectile from the gun. In the service HEAT ammunition, the projectile's rocket motor then accelerated it after leaving the barrel, while folding tail fins provided stabilization during flight. The shaped-charge warhead was intended to penetrate armor through the concentrated effect of its explosive charge.

The PG-9 designation remained in use on projectiles incorporated into the PG-15 ammunition family. Consequently, PG-9 markings can be encountered on ammunition intended for the 2A28 Grom, with the short PG-15P cartridge helping identify the complete round's intended weapon system.

Czechoslovakia adopted the Soviet BMP-1 design for licensed production under the designation BVP-1, from Bojové vozidlo pěchoty, meaning Infantry Fighting Vehicle. Production began during the early 1970s and continued through much of the 1980s, with Czechoslovak manufacturing facilities supplying vehicles for domestic military service and export to other Warsaw Pact countries.

The BVP-1 became an important part of the Czechoslovak People's Army's mechanized infantry equipment. It was a fully tracked, amphibious armored vehicle designed to transport infantry while providing direct fire support. Its 73mm gun was supplied from an onboard ammunition arrangement holding 40 rounds, while the accompanying guided missile system provided an additional means of engaging armored targets at greater distances.

The introduction of these vehicles required crews to become familiar with their specialized ammunition and loading arrangements. Training projectiles and mock-up cartridges were useful for instruction in ammunition identification, handling, stowage, and loading procedures. Such equipment allowed personnel to practice the physical movements involved in servicing the weapon while avoiding the need to handle complete live rounds during routine instruction.

Czechoslovak military terminology used the word maketa for a mock-up or representation of military equipment, making it an appropriate marking for instructional ammunition. The accompanying INERT designation further identifies the projectile as intended for non-live use.

The 1984-dated cartridge belongs to a period when the BVP-1 remained firmly established in Czechoslovak and Warsaw Pact mechanized service. The projectile and cartridge assembly represents the specialized ammunition and instructional equipment associated with the 73mm armament systems employed by Eastern Bloc forces during the later Cold War.

Totally inert, cannot be converted to an explosive device, not available for export. This item is completely legal within the USA. International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America.

All deactivated ordnance sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).