Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. military M72A2 66mm Light Anti-Tank Weapon, commonly known as the LAW, retaining its original olive drab painted launcher tube, carrying sling, rear end cap, retaining hardware, and extensive yellow operating and safety markings. The surviving limited light sight warning and radioactive material markings are especially interesting features that give the tube an unmistakable period military appearance.

This is an inert, non-firing, BATF compliant launcher tube. Once fired, these disposable launchers cannot be reloaded for normal service. Unloaded or dummy grenades, artillery shell casings, and similar devices that are cut or drilled in a BATF approved manner so 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.

The side of the launcher retains the following yellow painted markings:

ROCKET HE 66MM ANTI TANK M72A2 W/COUPLER
LOT
OPERATING AND STORAGE TEMP
-40° TO +140°
LIMITED LIGHT SIGHT
CAUTION RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
FRONT SIGHT .3MCi PM 147
DISPOSE PER AR 385-11

These markings identify the original contents as an M72A2 high explosive 66mm anti-tank rocket and note the presence of a limited light front sight containing PM 147 luminous material. The radioactive material warning and disposal instruction are original military markings associated with the sighting system and add considerably to the launcher’s technical and historical interest.

The rear end cap is additionally marked: ED-51-259

The exact significance of this additional painted number has not been confirmed. It may represent an inspection, inventory, maintenance, or organizational control marking.

The launcher retains its original olive drab fabric carrying sling, securing cord, rear cover, retaining pin, and associated fittings. The rear cover remains secured by the original metal pin and cord arrangement. The tube exhibits scattered scratches and minor handling wear, but the original olive drab finish and important yellow stencil markings remain strong and clearly legible.

The M72 LAW, or Light Anti-Tank Weapon, was developed as a compact, disposable infantry weapon capable of being carried and operated by one soldier. Its telescoping launcher contained a factory loaded 66mm rocket and served as both the firing tube and the protective storage container. The weapon was designed to provide individual soldiers with a lightweight means of engaging armored vehicles, bunkers, field fortifications, and other hardened targets.

Development began during the late 1950s. The rocket propulsion system was developed at the Rohm and Haas research laboratory at Redstone Arsenal, while the complete weapon was designed by personnel at the Hesse-Eastern Division of Norris Thermadore. American production began in 1963, and the M72 was adopted by the U.S. Army and United States Marine Corps as a replacement for the M31 HEAT rifle grenade and the larger M20A1 Super Bazooka.

The M72 combined features of two important WWII anti-armor concepts. Like the American Bazooka, it launched a rocket propelled shaped charge warhead. Like the German Panzerfaust, it was light, compact, disposable, and intended for operation by a single soldier. The result was a simple weapon that could be issued widely without burdening an infantry unit with a separate two man launcher team.

The launcher consists of two telescoping tubes. In the closed position, the outer assembly protects the rocket and firing mechanism from weather and handling. To prepare the weapon for use, the inner tube is extended rearward. This movement exposes the sights, locks the launcher in the firing position, and cocks the firing mechanism. After firing, the empty launcher tube was discarded rather than reloaded.

The M72A2 incorporated an improved warhead intended to increase armor penetration over the original M72. The weapon remained light enough to be carried in addition to a soldier’s standard equipment and was extensively used during the Vietnam War. Later variants continued in U.S. and allied service during the Cold War and beyond.

The limited light sight identified on this launcher was intended to improve target acquisition under reduced visibility. Its front sight used PM 147 luminous material, as indicated by the surviving warning stencil. The prominent original wording is an important technical detail and distinguishes this tube from examples whose painted cautions and operating instructions have been worn away or repainted.

During the early 1980s, the M72 was expected to be replaced by the FGR-17 Viper. That program was canceled, and the U.S. military instead adopted the M136 AT4. The compact M72 concept nevertheless remained useful, and later versions continued to be produced and employed for specialized anti-armor and anti-structure roles.

This is a particularly appealing inert M72A2 display launcher because it retains its original sling, rear cover, retaining hardware, olive drab finish, and unusually complete yellow technical markings. The clear M72A2 W/COUPLER designation, limited light sight warning, PM 147 marking, and additional numbered end cap make it an excellent addition to a Vietnam War, Cold War, U.S. infantry weapons, inert ordnance, or military technology collection.

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).