Description
U.S. M114/M114A1 155mm Howitzer Lock-Release Lever / Firing-Mechanism Safety Latch, P/N 7228700
Item Overview
This U.S. Army Lock-Release Lever, part number 7228700, is the firing-mechanism safety latch used in the breech mechanism of the M114 and M114A1 155mm towed howitzer. Army technical manuals identify the part as a latch within the breechblock driver and carrier assembly. Its current identification is NSN 5340-00-722-8700, while earlier Army records listed it as stock number 1025-722-8700. This compact component served an important safety role by controlling when the breech could be opened and when the firing mechanism could be seated.
Identification and Features
TM 9-1025-200-20P lists this component as “Latch 1025-722-8700” on page 31, Figure 10, item 14. The same exploded drawing places it beside the latch plunger, spring, stop, and firing-mechanism housing in the breechblock carrier assembly. The current NSN retains the part-number digits as 5340-00-722-8700. The supplied dimensions are 2.550 inches by 1.147 inches by 3.010 inches. The component also has a 0.375-inch-diameter hole measuring 1.500 inches deep.
- Supply name: Lock-Release Lever
- Manual name: Firing-mechanism safety latch
- Part number: 7228700
- Current NSN: 5340-00-722-8700
- Former stock number: 1025-722-8700
- Application: M114/M114A1 155mm howitzer
- Manual location: Figure 10, item 14
- Overall size: 2.550" × 1.147" × 3.010"
- Hole: 0.375" diameter × 1.500" deep
How It Worked
The latch formed a mechanical safety interlock between the breech and Firing Mechanism M1. When correctly installed with its spring-loaded plunger, it prevented the breech from being opened before the firing mechanism had been unseated. It also prevented the firing mechanism from being seated until the breechblock was fully closed and locked. This arrangement helped keep the firing mechanism and interrupted-screw breech in the proper sequence during loading, closing, firing, and opening. The latch operated as part of the complete breech assembly rather than as a separate control used directly by the gun crew.
End-Item Application
The M114 and M114A1 were 155mm towed field howitzers built around a heavy cannon, interrupted-screw breech, recoil system, and split-trail carriage. The firing mechanism was installed in a housing at the rear of the breechblock carrier. Part number 7228700 was mounted inside this area with its related plunger, spring, and stop. Although small compared with the complete weapon, the latch helped coordinate the firing mechanism with the position of the breechblock. The former 1025 stock classification and the Army parts-manual illustration provide a direct connection between this component and the M114-family howitzer.
Historical Background
The weapon that became the M114 was developed before World War II and standardized as the 155mm Howitzer M1 in 1941. An improved M1A1 version followed during the war. In 1962, the Army’s revised designation system renamed these weapons the M114 and M114A1. The howitzer gave field artillery units a mobile heavy-fire capability that could be towed by a prime mover and placed into firing position by its crew. The M114 family remained an important U.S. artillery system for decades, with maintenance manuals and replacement-part catalogs supporting the weapon long after its World War II introduction. Replacement by the newer M198 155mm howitzer began near the end of the 1970s.
History of Use
The M1 and M1A1 served with U.S. forces during World War II, while the later M114 and M114A1 designations appeared during the Cold War. The howitzer was used in Korea and saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, where batteries operated from field positions and established fire-support bases. Crews used the weapon for long-range indirect fire in support of infantry and other ground forces. The M114 also remained in training and reserve service as newer artillery entered the inventory. Every firing cycle depended on the breech and firing mechanism working in the correct order, making safety components such as this latch a necessary part of the gun’s working design.
Condition
This individual lock-release lever is identified by its dimensional profile, part number, stock-number cross-reference, and documented M114/M114A1 manual application. Its finish, markings, surface wear, and storage condition are represented by photographs.
Ideal For
This documented component offers a useful replacement, reference, or display part for M114 and M114A1 howitzer projects. Its confirmed manual location makes it suitable for identifying incomplete breech assemblies and explaining the mechanical safety features used in U.S. field artillery. It also provides a manageable display piece connected to a major American 155mm weapon system.
- M114 or M114A1 restoration projects
- Artillery breech displays
- Military museum collections
- Technical training exhibits
- Parts and manual research
- U.S. field-artillery collections
Approx length 2.550", Approx width 1.147", Approx height 3.010", Approx weight 0.7lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
Please visit our page about order lead times here: Order Lead Times.