Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely example of a totally inert M880 Short Range Training Round for the M252 mortar system, which measures about 15 inches in length. This round cannot be converted to be used as an explosive device and is Not Available For Export.

The M252 is an adaptation of the British 81mm L16A2 mortar developed in the 1950s. It entered service with the U.S. Army and replaced the previous 81 mm M29 mortar in 1987. It was adopted due to the extended range (from 4,500 meters to 5,650 meters) and enhanced lethality. In the U.S. it is produced by Watervliet Arsenal.The M252 81 mm medium weight mortar is a British-designed smooth bore, muzzle-loading, high-angle-of-fire weapon used for long-range indirect fire support to light infantry, air assault, and airborne units across the entire front of a battalion zone of influence. In the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps, it is normally deployed in the mortar platoon of an infantry battalion.

The M880 is a Short Range Practice Cartridge for use with the M252, M29 and the M303 81mm Mortar Insert for the 120mm Mortar. This cartridge provides realistic training to mortar crews. The M880 is a 1/10 range round and is similar to the 81mm High Explosive cartridge in exterior configuration and operation. With the use of a refurbishment kit the M880 can be fired up to ten times. The M880 is equipped with the M775 Practice Fuze which is a facsimile M734 Multi-Option Fuze and produces flash, bang and smoke.

This cartridge consists of a PD (practice) fuze, hollow projectile body with vent holes, fin assembly, three plastic plugs (simulations of propellant charge increments, not included), obturating ring and ignition cartridge with percussion primer. When the cartridge is loaded, it slides down the mortar tube until the primer in the ignition cartridge strikes the firing pin in the base cap of the mortar. The primer ignites the ignition charge and the gasses generated by the ignition cartridge propel the cartridge out of the barrel.

The distance of the cartridge traveling downrange depends on the number of plastic plugs removed (before firing) and the amount of gas allowed to escape from the barrel through the projectile body. The fuze functions on impact with the ground or target. A pyrotechnic smoke cartridge in the fuze produces a flash, an audible sound, and a cloud of smoke.

This example comes with the original blue paint and white markings retained very well. This was a round used for training and the condition reflects that. There is no extensive damage present and the tail fin assembly is undamaged with all fins present.

Comes more than ready for further research and display!