Original Item. Only One Available. This is an excellent original U.S. Vietnam War M72A1 66mm Light Anti-Armor Weapon launcher tube dated October 1969. This example is completely inert and non-firing, with both front and rear sights, front cover, sling assembly, safety and cocking components, and much of its original paint and instructional labeling still present. The telescoping launcher remains functional mechanically and can still be extended and collapsed.

This example is totally inert, non-firing, and incapable of chambering or firing a projectile. The M136 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 very nice example has both the front and rear sight intact, with the glass still present in the front sight! The front cover and sling assembly are also present. This example is still “primed” with the cap still on the front with the pin intact.

This example still has the original paint stamping but it was covered with a US Army nomenclature sticker. The early black sticker is partially worn away but reveals the yellow markings:

U.S. ARMY
ROCKET HE 66 MM ANTITANK M72A1
LOT LS-52-7A-R 10-69
OPERATING AND STORAGE TEMP
-40F TO +140F

This denotes a date of October 1969. There is a marking W/Coupler next to the date that was crossed out, so this example had a coupler at one point but it is now gone. It is in great condition, still extends and even dry fires. Paint is still very good, and the instruction label is intact as well. Safety handle/cocking lever is still present and functional, and the cap has the retaining pin. The buttons have glue residue around them as shown.

The M72 LAW was developed as a compact individual anti-armor weapon during the late 1950s and early 1960s. The system was qualified in 1962 and entered American service during the early Vietnam era. The complete weapon consisted of a 66mm rocket enclosed inside a telescoping launcher made from concentric tubes. In its collapsed configuration, the launcher provided a compact protective enclosure for the rocket and firing mechanism. To prepare the weapon for firing, the rear portion of the launcher was extended. This action exposed the sights and placed the firing mechanism into its operating configuration.

The M72’s small size and one-man operation represented a major change from earlier American anti-tank weapons such as the M20 series bazooka, which was substantially larger and normally operated by a crew. The M72 family became closely associated with American combat operations in Vietnam, where its compact size made it practical for infantrymen operating in difficult terrain. Although originally developed principally as an anti-armor weapon, later versions of the M72 family continued in service for decades and were adapted for a variety of anti-armor and anti-structure roles.

Attempts were made during the late Cold War to replace the M72 with newer shoulder-launched weapons. The FGR-17 Viper program was ultimately canceled, while the M136 AT4 entered American service for heavier anti-armor requirements. The compact M72 concept nevertheless continued to be developed in improved versions.

The surviving ROCKET HE 66 MM ANTITANK M72A1 nomenclature, October 1969 lot marking, complete sight assemblies, front cover, sling, instructional label, functioning telescoping mechanism, and retained external controls make this an especially complete Vietnam War era LAW launcher tube. The partially worn nomenclature label, crossed-out W/COUPLER notation, and glue residue are important condition details, but the launcher retains the principal external features associated with an M72A1 in service configuration.