{"product_id":"original-u-s-vietnam-war-inert-m374a1-practice-he-81mm-mortar-round-dated-1975","title":"Original U.S. Vietnam War Inert M374A1 Practice HE 81mm Mortar Round - Dated 1973","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is a very good original U.S. Vietnam War era inert M374A1 81mm high explosive mortar round dated 1973. The round retains its projectile body, unmarked fuze, M24 tail fin assembly, blue identification band, and clearly legible arsenal markings. It measures approximately 20¾” long and shows service handling wear, surface oxidation, and scattered pitting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\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\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe M29 is an American-produced 81 millimeter mortar. It began replacing the M1 mortar in U.S. service in 1952 being lighter and with greater range. It was subsequently replaced by the M252 mortar in 1987. Variants included the M29E1 and M29A1, adopted in 1964. These were produced with a hard chrome-plated bore to prolong barrel life and ease of cleaning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe maximum rate of fire is 30 rounds for the first minute followed by 4 to 12 rounds per additional minute. The range is 5,140 yards. The weapon was usually serviced by a crew of five. The normal crew consisted of a squad leader, a gunner, an assistant gunner and two ammunition handlers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe round itself is in good condition and retains the blue band around the body with handling wear present as well as some surface rust and pitting. The round still retains clear arsenal stamps which read \u003cb\u003eFA-6-5 1973 81MM M374A1\u003c\/b\u003e. This identifies this round as a 81mm HE M374A1 round and is dated as 1973. Measures approximately 20 3\/4 inches long. The fuse is unmarked. The tail section is stamped \u003cb\u003eWMZ84C003-009 M24\u003c\/b\u003e. The M24 designation identifies the tail fin assembly used with members of the American 81mm mortar ammunition family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe M374 series was developed for use with American 81mm mortar systems, including the M29 and later M29A1. The M29 began replacing the earlier M1 mortar during the 1950s and remained in U.S. service through the Vietnam War and subsequent decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe M29A1 incorporated improvements intended to extend service life and simplify maintenance. It was eventually superseded in American service by the M252 81mm mortar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn 81mm mortar crew normally included a squad leader, gunner, assistant gunner, and ammunition bearers. The fin stabilized cartridge was dropped into the muzzle, where the ignition cartridge in the base of the tail assembly initiated the propelling charges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe M374A1 was a high explosive cartridge intended for use against personnel and battlefield targets. This example has been permanently rendered inert and is preserved strictly as a historical display object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe clear dated body markings, unmarked fuze, M24 tail marking, and retained blue band, preserve the principal identifying features of this Vietnam War era mortar round. Its surface rust, pitting, and handling wear are important condition factors, but the dated body and complete external configuration make it a representative example of U.S. 81mm mortar ammunition from the period.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45487258271813,"sku":"ONSV26CNB185","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/A546665D-7F2D-4233-A10E-5EB035AB6C0D.jpg?v=1785964122","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-vietnam-war-inert-m374a1-practice-he-81mm-mortar-round-dated-1975","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}