Original Item: Only One Available. This is an incredible find, the only example that we have ever had! A totally authentic Vietnam War Era M40A2 Recoilless Rifle with the correct M8C .50cal Spotting Rifle, both of which have been rendered totally inert (de-militarized) in compliance with BATF specifications.

The M40A2 recoilless rifle has had two bore width holes cut through the side of the barrel, and steel cross pin welded across the bore to prevent loading. The rear breech is incomplete, and all firing mechanisms removed and/or deactivated. The levers to open and close the breech are missing, as are the trigger mechanisms. The M8C .50cal Spotting Rifle has had the receiver section angle cut completely through with a flame torch, removing at least 1/4" of material with each cut, and was left in place on the top of the recoilless rifle. Not Available for Export.

This example is offered in very good condition with the original finish well preserved, and comes on the original tripod mount, which is partly functional. The elevation control definitely still works, however the traverse adjustment is currently non functional, but may be able to be repaired. There is no sight mounted to the rifle, which could use any number of different optical or "starlight" sights. There is some damage wear from service, but they are minor, and the piece really looks fantastic. It weighs about 500-600lbs, and measures about 11 feet long, so this definitely requires quite a bit of space to display.

The top of the breech housing on the M40A barrel still bears the original markings indicating the make and model:

RIFLE, 106 MM. M40 A1 No. 13493

Of note is that the M40 series actually did have a bore of 105mm, however to avoid confusion with the ammunition from the failed 105mm M27 Recoilless rifle, they were marked 106mm. The spotting rifle also still has a partial [CA]L. 50, M8C / U.S. PROPERTY marking, with part removed by one of the flame cuts. The tripod itself still bears an original aluminum data plate, which reads as gives the model, serial number, and inspection date:-

RIFLE, RECOILLESS, 106MM: M40A2
PART NO. 19206 ASSY 8447027
MFG WAW FSN 1015001338484
CONTRACT NO.                             
DATE 05 19 62 INSPECTED KOK
SERIAL NO. 13570 WT 465 LBS

Really a fantastic and rare piece that would look great as part of any collection, if you have the room!

Truck freight with curbside delivery within 48 states is included in the price. Approximate weight 600 Lbs.

The M40 recoilless rifle is a lightweight, portable, crew-served 105 mm recoilless rifle made in the United States. Intended primarily as an anti-tank weapon, it could also be employed in an antipersonnel role with the use of an antipersonnel-tracer flechette round. The bore was commonly described as being 106 mm caliber but is in fact 105 mm; the 106 mm designation was intended to prevent confusion with incompatible 105 mm ammunition from the failed M27. The air-cooled, breech-loaded, single-shot rifle fired fixed ammunition and was used primarily from a wheeled ground mount. It was designed for direct firing only, and sighting equipment for this purpose was furnished with each weapon, including an affixed spotting rifle.

Replacing the M27 recoilless rifle, the M40 primarily saw action during the Vietnam War and was widely used during various conflicts thereafter in Africa or in the Middle East. It was replaced by the BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missile system in the US armed forces.

The M40 is shaped like a long tube with an M8C .50 cal spotting rifle above. The spotting rifle fires a round whose trajectory closely matches that of the 105 mm round and gives off a puff of smoke on impact with the target. On the left side, there is an elevating wheel, in the center of which is the trigger wheel used to fine adjust the elevation and at the same time firing the spotting rifle when pulled, and the gun when pushed. The mounting is a tripod, but the front leg has a castering wheel. On top of the mount is a traverse wheel. On the center of the traverse wheel is a locking wheel, when the wheel is down, the rifle is locked in traverse, and can only be moved right and left with the traverse wheel. When the wheel is raised, the rifle can be traversed by hand. Austria produced a two-wheeled mount for the M40.

The whole mounting can be placed on an M151 Jeep for mobile use. It has also been mounted on M113s, UMM 4x4s, Mahindra jeeps, Fath Safirs, Land Rover Defenders,[ Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, Hotchkiss M201 jeeps, Toyota Land Cruisers,, Jeep CJs, Willys M38s, HMMWVs, M274 Mechanical Mules, Tiuna 106mm weapons platforms, KADDB Al Jawad vehicles, RBY MK 1s, AIL Abirs and AIL Storms. They were also used on US Navy minesweepers (MSO) during Operation Market Time in Vietnam.

Imitation New Made Inert Gun Laws:-
CALIFORNIA and KANSAS:
Imitation Firearms, regardless of date, may only be shipped:
1. In conjunction with a frame or presentation box; or
2. Solely for export in interstate or foreign commerce; or
3. Solely for use in theatrical or re-enactment productions; or
4. For use in certified sporting events or competitions; or
5. For use in military or civil defense or ceremonial activities; or
6. For public display authorized by public or private schools:
CONNECTICUT, MASSACHUSETTS, WISCONSIN and MINNESOTA:
All replicas of antique firearms (pre-1898) are allowed. We will not ship replicas of modern firearms (post-1898) to these states.
NEW YORK STATE AND PUERTO RICO:
Replicas of antique firearms (pre-1898) are allowed. We will only ship replicas of modern firearms (post-1898) to theatrical, re-enactment, military, police or other government accounts.