Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good inert display example of a U.S. M720 60mm High Explosive mortar projectile, measuring approximately 14 3/4” overall and fitted with an inert, hollow practice-style fuze. The projectile body is clearly marked 60MM HE M720, identifying it as part of the M720 family intended for use with the U.S. M224 60mm mortar system. The round has been completely deactivated and is being sold strictly as a historical display piece.

Not Available For Export

The M224 60mm Lightweight mortar is a smooth bore, muzzle loading, high-angle-of-fire weapon. The cannon assembly is composed of the barrel, combination base cap, and firing mechanism. The mount consists of a bipod and a base plate which is provided with screw type elevating and traversing mechanisms to elevate/traverse the mortar. The M64 sight unit is attached to the bipod mount via a standard dovetail.

An additional short range sight is attached to the base of the cannon tube for firing the M224 60mm mortar on the move and during assaults. It has a spring-type shock absorber to absorb the shock of recoil in firing.

The M224 60mm mortar replaced the older (WWII era) M2 and M19, 60mm Mortars. These weapons only possessed 2,200 yards of effective range. The M224 60mm mortar was designed to fire all types of the older ammunition, but its primary rounds are of the newer, longer-range type.

American Ordnance LLC, operator of the Iowa and Milan Army Ammunition Plants, produces the M720, M720A1, M768 and M888 High Explosive 60mm Mortar Cartridges for the U.S. Military and other State Department approved customers.

The M720, M720A1, M768 and M888 High Explosive Cartridges are designed for use with the M224 60mm Mortar System. These cartridges are designed to be effective against personnel, bunker and light materiel targets.

High fragmentation steel projectiles are loaded with either conventional or IM compliant explosive. The M720 and M888 feature conventional explosive and are similar with exception of fuzing. The M720 features the M734 Multi-Option Fuze, which can be set to function in Proximity, Near Surface Burst, Impact, or Delay mode.

This is the American 60mm M720, percussion primed, fin stabilized, high-explosive (HE), fragmentation mortars.

The M720 mortar uses the M734 multi-option (MO) fuze, though the M775 practice fuze is present.

The complete round consists of a teardrop-shaped main body, a fin assembly, and fuze. Measures approximately 14 3/4 inches in length. The fuze is unmarked but is hollow as shown.

The body is stamped MIS83D001-009 60MM HE M720.

With its clearly marked M720 HE projectile body, approximately 14 3/4” overall length, complete fin assembly, and inert practice-style fuze, this is a strong representative display example of the 60mm mortar ammunition used with one of the U.S. Army and Marine Corps’ principal light infantry support weapons.