Original Item: Only One Available. This M1A1 Bazooka has been demilitarized according to specifications by the BATF rendering it completely non-functional. This incredibly rare example, the only original example we have ever owned in more than three decade, was manufactured between July and October 1943. It measures 54.5" in length and and weighs 13.5 lbs. It is offered in excellent condition with all original parts including the rare mesh wire face guard and an original web sling.

The M1A1 2.36-inch AT Rocket Launcher (aka ‘Bazooka’) is a smooth-bore, breech-loading, electrically operated shoulder weapon of the ‘open’ steel tube type. It is fired from the shoulder in either standing, kneeling, sitting, or prone position. The Rocket Launcher is used to launch high-explosive (HE) rockets against tanks (AT), armored vehicles, pillboxes, and other emplacements. The ammunition consists of rockets capable of penetrating heavy armor at angles of impact up to 30 degrees. The weapon itself can be aimed up to distances of 300 yards. The Rocket Launcher has a maximum range of 700 yards.

The M1A1 ‘Bazooka’ is equipped with sights, hand grip, wooden stock, web sling, firing mechanism, face guard, breech guard, tail latch, and flash deflector. Front and rear sights are mounted on the left side of the barrel. While the front sight consists of 3 studs representing ranges of 100, 200, and 300 yards, the rear one is only a peep type sight. Since both sights are fixed, the gunner must estimate intermediary ranges, ranges in excess of 300 yards, as well as windage and lead.

The hand grip consists of left and right trigger grips which are attached to the trigger support, the latter accommodates trigger guard, trigger, and lower and upper trigger switch contacts. The wooden stock is shaped to fit against the shoulder, it contains two vertical cylindrical compartments housing 4 batteries (2 for current supply to ignite rockets, and 2 for spares).

A small lamp in a recess on the left side is used as a circuit tester (with another spare lamp under the circuit indicator cover). The stock bottom is fitted with a hasp assembly keeping the batteries in position. It is kept closed by a spring actuated hasp catch which engages the stock pin. Battery spring contacts are connected by wire to the stock support to complete the electric circuit. The web sling is fastened to the hand grip and to a bracket located between stock and breech.

When the trigger is squeezed, it forces the bar contact against the lower trigger switch contact to complete the circuit. The passage of the electric current thru the rocket body sets off an electric igniter in the rocket itself which in turn ignites the propelling charge. Rearward escaping powder gases force the rocket out of the barrel with a muzzle velocity of approximately 265 feet per second. Since propulsion of the rocket is achieved by jet action of the propellent powder, there is no recoil.

The face guard is located on the barrel above the stock, it serves to protect the firer’s face from the heat in the tube . The breech guard is a flaring metal ring mounted on the rear end of the barrel, it facilitates loading, prevents denting of the tube, and dirt or mud from entering when resting the weapon on the ground.

The tail latch is spring-actuated and located on top of the tube and projects over the breech. When a rocket is inserted, the latch engages in one or two of the notches of the tail fins and keeps the projectile from sliding either further into or out of the barrel while aiming the weapon. That part of the latch engaging the notches, and the notches themselves, are unpainted, in order to ground the electric circuit thru the launcher tube.

The contact edge of the tail latch and the notches are cammed in order to permit automatic release of the rocket when fired. The flash deflector prevents particles of unburned powder from blowing back onto the gunner’s face and hands, it is made of fine wire mesh with a rigid wire frame of conical shape fastened to the tube by a mounting clamp with screw and nut, and mounted flush with the muzzle end (protective face masks were later introduced for the gunner).

The M1A1 2.36-inch Antitank Rocket Launcher is both an offensive and defensive weapon. In both types of action it is used primarily against hostile armored vehicles which come within effective range. It can also be employed against emplaced automatic weapons, buildings, embrasures, and fortified positions. The weapon is essentially one of opportunity. In the hands of trained personnel, it is a powerful infantry supporting weapon at short ranges, capable of delivering harassing fire, and it is extremely valuable in attacks on vehicular bivouacs, disabled armored vehicles, and for use in ambushes.

This antitank weapon is very useful for close-in defense of crew-served weapons, for close protection of motorized columns, and the general defense of rear area installations. No additional personnel, except gunner and loader, are allotted for operating Rocket Launchers and Rockets. The weapon will be operated and properly cared for by designated personnel in addition to their regularly assigned duties, and primarily when necessary to repel a mechanized attack.

In emergencies a ‘Bazooka’ may be operated by one man. For mutual support, it is however highly desirable that teams of rocketeers work in pairs, or threes, and be so located to obtain flanking fire against the lighter armor on sides and rear of hostile mechanized and/or armored vehicles. It is recommended that as many individuals as possible be trained in the use of the Rocket Launcher and Rockets, as training time and ammunition will permit.