Original Items: Only One Set Available. This is an impressive inert and permanently deactivated M20A1B1-pattern 3.5-inch “Super Bazooka” rocket launcher manufactured in 1963 by Rifle Factory Ishapore in India under the U.S. military pattern. 

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.

Complete with an inert practice rocket, original optical sight, wooden pistol grip, and two-piece takedown construction, this is an imposing Cold War anti-tank weapon with the same basic configuration as the American M20A1B1.

Once relatively plentiful on the collector market, original M20-series launchers have become increasingly difficult to locate, particularly examples retaining their optical sight and an accompanying inert rocket.

The rear section retains substantially legible original markings:

R.F.I. 1963

SIA

LAUNCHER ROCKET 3.5 IN C
A0505

The R.F.I. marking identifies Rifle Factory Ishapore, the historic Indian government arms factory that manufactured military weapons for the Indian Armed Forces. The 1963 date places this launcher firmly within the Cold War period.

Although manufactured in India, the launcher follows the American M20A1B1 Super Bazooka pattern and is mechanically and visually comparable to the U.S.-issue version.

The original American M20 was developed as a substantially more powerful successor to the 2.36-inch bazookas used during WWII. The larger weapon fired a 3.5-inch, or 88.9mm, rocket and was designed to defeat the increasingly heavy armor encountered during the final years of WWII and the early Cold War.

The M20 entered active service in time for the Korean War, where it quickly became one of the most important infantry anti-tank weapons of the conflict. Early American and South Korean forces entered combat with the older 2.36-inch M9A1 bazooka, which proved unreliable against the frontal armor of North Korean T-34-85 tanks.

Small numbers of the more powerful M20 were quickly airlifted to Korea. The weapon demonstrated its effectiveness during the fighting at Taejon in July 1950 and was subsequently rushed into wider service. Its shaped-charge rocket could penetrate approximately 11 inches of armor, giving infantrymen a weapon capable of defeating the Soviet-designed tanks encountered on the Korean battlefield.

The improved M20A1 entered production during the early 1950s with a revised connector latch assembly. The lightweight M20B1 used cast aluminum tubes, while the M20A1B1 combined the lighter construction with the improved M20A1 features. The assembled M20A1B1 measured approximately 60 inches and weighed roughly 13 pounds unloaded.

The launcher was designed for a two-man team consisting of a gunner and loader. Depending on the ammunition, it could engage armored vehicles, fortified positions, machine-gun nests, and personnel concealed behind cover.

The M20 family could fire several types of 3.5-inch ammunition, including the M28A2 high-explosive anti-tank rocket, M29-series practice rockets, and M30 white-phosphorus smoke ammunition. The U.S. Army field manual listed an effective range of approximately 300 yards against stationary targets and 200 yards against moving targets.

This launcher uses the lightweight two-piece aluminum construction associated with the M20A1B1 pattern. It separates into front and rear sections for transport and assembles to an overall length of approximately 60 inches.

The takedown feature remains functional, although the connector locking mechanism at the joint is incomplete. The joint-locking component and the separate lock used to secure the two sections are missing.

The launcher should therefore be supported carefully when assembled and should not be carried by one section alone.

The wooden pistol grip remains in very good condition and retains its movable trigger.

The loading and contact lever at the rear of the launcher also remains movable.

An original optical sight is fitted to the launcher and remains in very good overall condition. The sight gives the piece the correct profile of a fully equipped M20-series anti-tank launcher.

As commonly encountered on surviving examples, the rubber eyecup is missing. The flip-up sight cover and range-adjustment plate are also absent.

The launcher was repainted after its period of service. The current finish presents well but should not be considered the original factory-applied paint.

Included with the launcher is an inert 3.5-inch practice rocket. The upper portion was overpainted in olive drab many years ago, concealing the original blue practice-ammunition color.

The repaint does not appear recent, and traces of original markings remain visible on the upper portion of the rocket motor. Unfortunately, damage and wear have obscured the original date.

The practice rocket retains its original safety component but is missing the protective cover.

The included rocket is inert and intended for display only.

The 3.5-inch Super Bazooka was one of the defining infantry anti-tank weapons of the Korean War and remained in service with the United States and numerous allied nations throughout the early Cold War. Its simple construction, powerful shaped-charge ammunition, and ability to be broken down for transport made it suitable for widespread international production and use.

This 1963 Ishapore example illustrates the global legacy of the American design. Manufactured more than a decade after the Korean War, it represents the continued importance of the Super Bazooka to allied and non-aligned armed forces confronting the expanding use of armored vehicles during the Cold War.

With its original optical sight, movable controls, two-piece aluminum construction, clearly dated Ishapore markings, and accompanying inert practice rocket, this is a highly impressive and unusually complete display set.

A commanding centerpiece for a collection devoted to the Korean War, Cold War infantry weapons, international military arms, or inert anti-tank ordnance.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Rifle Factory Ishapore
Country of Manufacture: India
Pattern: U.S. M20A1B1 Super Bazooka
Date: 1963
Serial Number: A0505
Caliber: 3.5" / 88.9mm
Construction: Two-Piece Cast Aluminum Takedown Tubes
Assembled Length: Approximately 60"
Action: Electrically Ignited, Single-Rocket Launcher
Sight: Optical
Included Ammunition: One Inert Practice Rocket
Status: Permanently Deactivated and Inert
Export Status: Not Available for Export

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).