{"product_id":"original-u-s-pattern-m20a1b1-3-5-inch-super-bazooka-deactivated-rocket-launcher-with-practice-rocket-rifle-factory-ishapore-1963-serial-no-a0505","title":"Original U.S. Pattern M20A1B1 3.5 Inch “Super Bazooka” Deactivated Rocket Launcher with Practice Rocket - Rifle Factory Ishapore 1963 - Serial No. A0505","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnloaded 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.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComplete 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rear section retains substantially legible original markings:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eR.F.I. 1963\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSIA\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLAUNCHER ROCKET 3.5 IN C\u003cbr\u003eA0505\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough manufactured in India, the launcher follows the American M20A1B1 Super Bazooka pattern and is mechanically and visually comparable to the U.S.-issue version.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe launcher should therefore be supported carefully when assembled and should not be carried by one section alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wooden pistol grip remains in very good condition and retains its movable trigger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe loading and contact lever at the rear of the launcher also remains movable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs commonly encountered on surviving examples, the rubber eyecup is missing. The flip-up sight cover and range-adjustment plate are also absent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe launcher was repainted after its period of service. The current finish presents well but should not be considered the original factory-applied paint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncluded 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe practice rocket retains its original safety component but is missing the protective cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe included rocket is inert and intended for display only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA commanding centerpiece for a collection devoted to the Korean War, Cold War infantry weapons, international military arms, or inert anti-tank ordnance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003eManufacturer: Rifle Factory Ishapore\u003cbr\u003eCountry of Manufacture: India\u003cbr\u003ePattern: U.S. M20A1B1 Super Bazooka\u003cbr\u003eDate: 1963\u003cbr\u003eSerial Number: A0505\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: 3.5\" \/ 88.9mm\u003cbr\u003eConstruction: Two-Piece Cast Aluminum Takedown Tubes\u003cbr\u003eAssembled Length: Approximately 60\"\u003cbr\u003eAction: Electrically Ignited, Single-Rocket Launcher\u003cbr\u003eSight: Optical\u003cbr\u003eIncluded Ammunition: One Inert Practice Rocket\u003cbr\u003eStatus: \u003cstrong\u003ePermanently Deactivated and Inert\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExport Status: Not Available for Export\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45344829538373,"sku":"ONAC261117","price":1495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/C2CD2440-3D2A-4C92-BAAD-D50C0AFE84D8.jpg?v=1783975639","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-pattern-m20a1b1-3-5-inch-super-bazooka-deactivated-rocket-launcher-with-practice-rocket-rifle-factory-ishapore-1963-serial-no-a0505","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}