{"product_id":"original-spanish-deactivated-88-9mm-instalaza-m65-bazooka-anti-tank-launcher-with-optical-sight-canvas-face-shield-bipod-monopod-and-sling-serial-no-2685","title":"Original Spanish Deactivated 88.9mm Instalaza M65 “Bazooka” Anti-Tank Launcher with Optical Sight, Canvas Face Shield, Bipod, Monopod, and Sling - Serial No. 2685","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an impressive and substantially complete Spanish Instalaza M65 88.9mm anti-tank rocket launcher, commonly known as the Spanish “Bazooka.” Developed during the Cold War for the Spanish Armed Forces, the M65 was based on the American M20 Super Bazooka but incorporated several Spanish improvements, including a revised ignition system and ammunition developed specifically for the launcher.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis inert launcher has been permanently deactivated in accordance with BATF specifications. A bore-width opening has been cut into the side of the tube, and a steel obstruction has been welded across the bore to prevent the loading of ammunition. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOT AVAILABLE FOR EXPORT.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example retains its optical sight, canvas face shield, integral bipod, rear monopod, shoulder and trigger assembly, and carrying sling, giving it exceptional visual presence when fully assembled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original American M20 Super Bazooka was developed near the end of the 1940s as a more powerful successor to the smaller 2.36-inch bazookas of WWII. Its 3.5-inch, or 88.9mm, rocket gave infantrymen a considerably greater anti-armor capability and saw extensive use during the Korean War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpain subsequently developed its own version through Instalaza, the Zaragoza-based defense manufacturer responsible for a variety of infantry anti-tank and support weapons. The resulting M65 retained the general configuration and collapsible construction of the American M20 while adapting the system to Spanish service requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe M65 was designed to fire several types of Spanish ammunition, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCHM65 High-Explosive Anti-Tank Rocket\u003cbr\u003eMB66 Dual-Purpose Rocket\u003cbr\u003eFIM66 Smoke Rocket\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe launcher could be broken into two primary sections for transport and reassembled in the field. Its bipod and rear monopod allowed the weapon to be supported in a stable firing position, while the face shield helped protect the operator from debris, propellant residue, and blast effects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example still separates at the central joint as intended. The connection can become somewhat tight if the sections are rotated too firmly during assembly, so care should be taken when setting it up or taking it apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original joint-locking screw is missing. However, the sections remain together during ordinary display and handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe integral folding bipod is present and remains adjustable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rear monopod is also intact and functional, allowing the launcher to be positioned in its complete supported firing configuration. The presence of both supports is particularly desirable, as these components are frequently missing from surviving examples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe optical sight was manufactured by:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eENOSA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMADRID\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sight remains complete with a visible reticle. The image is somewhat hazy or out of focus when viewed through the optic, indicating that the internal lenses may require professional cleaning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe elevation adjustment beneath the sight remains operational.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe range scale is correctly graduated in decameters, each unit representing ten meters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original rubber eyecup is no longer present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most visually distinctive features is the surviving face shield. The rigid shield remains intact, and the canvas protective skirt is still attached beneath it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese fabric components are often missing or heavily deteriorated, making the survival of the complete shield assembly a significant advantage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe launcher was repainted in olive drab after demilitarization. The current finish is not believed to be the original Spanish military paint, but it gives the launcher a uniform and attractive display appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSerial number \u003cstrong\u003e2685\u003c\/strong\u003e remains visible on the upper portion of the launch tube near the takedown joint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe same number is also marked on the underside of the trigger and shoulder-rest assembly: \u003cstrong\u003e2685\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe matching serial numbers indicate that the major launcher sections remain together as a correct set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn older leather carrying sling is fitted to the launcher. It provides excellent visual appeal but is heavily aged and cracked through near the front attachment point. It currently remains positioned around the mounting stud but is weak and should not be relied upon to support the weight of the launcher.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sling should be considered suitable for static display only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe launcher presents extremely well when assembled, with the combination of the long 88.9mm tube, optical sight, face shield, bipod, monopod, shoulder rest, and sling creating the unmistakable profile of a Cold War infantry anti-tank weapon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurviving examples of the American M20 Super Bazooka have become increasingly difficult and expensive to acquire. The Spanish M65 offers the same dramatic general form while representing an interesting chapter in the international development of postwar anti-armor weapons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is especially appealing because it retains so many of the components commonly missing from display launchers. Its matching serial number, complete support system, sight, face shield, canvas skirt, and original takedown capability make it far more complete than the typical demilitarized example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA striking centerpiece for a collection of Cold War weaponry, Spanish military equipment, anti-tank systems, or large-format inert ordnance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003eManufacturer: Instalaza\u003cbr\u003eCountry of Origin: Spain\u003cbr\u003eModel: M65\u003cbr\u003eSerial Number: 2685\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: 88.9mm\u003cbr\u003eType: Recoilless Anti-Tank Rocket Launcher\u003cbr\u003eStatus: \u003cstrong\u003ePermanently Deactivated and Inert\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSight: ENOSA Optical Sight\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Rocket\u003cbr\u003eIncluded Accessories: Optical Sight, Face Shield, Canvas Skirt, Bipod, Monopod, and Sling\u003cbr\u003eExport Status: Not Available for Export\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45344187056197,"sku":"ONSV24ADI036","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/D2201EE2-EE50-4AC1-A997-84D34A6747CB.jpg?v=1783975651","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-spanish-deactivated-88-9mm-instalaza-m65-bazooka-anti-tank-launcher-with-optical-sight-canvas-face-shield-bipod-monopod-and-sling-serial-no-2685","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}