Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent original U.S. M72E5 Light Anti-Tank Weapon (LAW) 66mm Rocket Launcher, presented in very good condition and retaining its original flip-up front and rear sights, carrying sling, rubber-padded end caps, and operating instructions. This example is an inert, non-firing, expended launcher, reported to comply with BATF regulations governing deactivated ordnance. The exterior retains its original identification markings, including the designation ROCKET HE 66MM M72E5 and the manufacturer's part number TDS PART NO. 51110-3. The M72 family has remained in military service through numerous conflicts, including the Global War on Terror, making this a particularly interesting example of one of America's longest-serving portable anti-armor weapons. Used launchers such as this are "expended ordnance" which "are not classified as a "firearm" or "destructive device"" by the BATF once used, and "therefore, they are not subject to GCA or NFA provisions."

This example is totally inert, non-firing, and incapable of chambering or firing a projectile. The M72 was manufactured as a single use, non-reloadable weapon, and this expended launcher is not classified as a firearm or destructive device by the BATF once properly used and rendered inert. It is therefore not subject to GCA or NFA provisions. NOT AVAILABLE FOR EXPORT. NOT AVAILABLE TO CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS.

These are timeless in design, which the U.S. Military has tried to replace in the past, but was unable to find anything better than these disposable launchers.

This example is in very good shape, looking to have seen little use. Both the flip up front & rear sights are still present, and present without issue. It still has the original sling, as well as the rubber padded end caps with retaining pin, which still fit on correctly. 

The launcher still retains the original instruction label, and is stamped on the right side with the model designation:

ROCKET HE 66MM M72E5
TDS PART NO. 51110-3
DATE OF MFG.
LOT NO.
OPERATING AND STORAGE TEMP.
+40F TO +140F

The mechanism still works, and it even dry fires. The launcher should nevertheless be handled as a historical ordnance collectible rather than subjected to repeated mechanical operation.

The M72 Light Anti-Tank Weapon, commonly abbreviated LAW, was developed during the late 1950s and early 1960s to provide American infantrymen with a lightweight, portable weapon capable of engaging armored vehicles and fortified positions. Before its introduction, infantry anti-tank weapons were often relatively cumbersome and required specialized crews or substantial additional equipment. The development of the LAW represented an important change in infantry weaponry, allowing an individual soldier to carry a compact anti-armor launcher that could be employed when necessary.

Adopted by the United States military in the early 1960s, the M72 LAW became one of the most recognizable infantry weapons of the Vietnam War. Its relatively simple construction incorporated a telescoping launcher tube containing a factory-loaded 66mm rocket. Unlike reusable anti-tank launchers, the M72 was designed as a single-use weapon, with the launcher discarded after firing. This eliminated the need for personnel to carry additional rockets or reload the weapon under combat conditions.

The original M72 employed a compact telescoping launch tube that could be extended when the weapon was prepared for use. This arrangement allowed the launcher to remain comparatively short during transportation while providing the necessary length and configuration for launching its rocket. The weapon incorporated folding sights, a firing mechanism, protective end covers, and a carrying sling, allowing infantrymen to transport it as part of their individual combat equipment.

Throughout the Vietnam War, the LAW was employed against a variety of targets, including light armored vehicles, fortified positions, and field defenses. Although originally developed primarily as an anti-armor weapon, its portability and explosive projectile also made it useful against certain structures and battlefield obstacles. The M72 became a familiar part of American infantry equipment and subsequently influenced the development of other portable anti-tank systems.

Despite numerous efforts to replace it with more modern anti-armor weapons, the M72 family continued to demonstrate practical value. Its lightweight construction, compact dimensions, and disposable configuration remained advantageous in circumstances where soldiers required an easily carried weapon without the additional weight of a reusable launcher. Later variants incorporated improvements in performance and other design features intended to address changing battlefield requirements.

The M72E5 represents a later development within the M72 family, associated with improvements to the original weapon system. Although the fundamental concept remained unchanged, subsequent versions incorporated refinements intended to improve effectiveness and reliability. The continued development of the LAW reflects the usefulness of its original design and the adaptability of the system to changing military requirements.

This inert U.S. M72E5 LAW rocket launcher represents the longevity of one of the most recognizable American infantry anti-armor weapons. Its ROCKET HE 66MM M72E5 designation, TDS PART NO. 51110-3 marking, retained operating instructions, and surviving mechanical components preserve important details of its original military configuration. The launcher remains in very good condition, with both folding sights, original sling, rubber-padded end caps, and retaining pin still present. As an expended and deactivated example of the M72 family, it is particularly relevant to collections focused on Cold War military equipment, American infantry weapons, and the evolution of portable anti-armor systems through the Global War on Terror.

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).