Enhance your collection or restoration project with this 20mm M2 / M3 Sear Spring Buffer Sear Spring Buffer, a crucial part of the M3 20mm cannon and its variants.
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Key Features:
Precision Engineered for Firing Mechanism Stability: The sear spring buffer is integral to the proper functioning of the firing mechanism, ensuring smooth operation and mitigating wear during high rates of fire. Its durable construction supports the demands of aerial and naval combat scenarios.
Historical Significance:
Hispano-Suiza Heritage:
The M3 20mm cannon traces its lineage to the Hispano-Suiza HS.404, a high-performance autocannon adopted by the British during World War II. Known for its significant firepower, a single HS.404 was considered equivalent to three .50 caliber machine guns.
The U.S. adapted the design, producing the M1 and later the M2, which faced reliability issues, particularly with light firing pin strikes and chamber modifications.
American Evolution:
The U.S. continued to develop the design, introducing the M3 cannon to address the shortcomings of the earlier versions. Used in aircraft like the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, the M3 incorporated a built-in cocking mechanism to mitigate misfire issues, enhancing its operational reliability.
Post-World War II, the M24 cannon further refined the design with electrical cocking, a significant innovation for high-performance fighter aircraft.
Operational Challenges:
Despite advancements, the American versions, including the M3 and M24, struggled with reliability compared to their British counterparts. This led to the continued reliance on the AN/M2 .50 caliber Browning for many U.S. aircraft throughout the war.
The 20mm M3 found a niche role in specific applications, particularly in nose-mounted configurations, where its misfire issues could be addressed mid-flight.
Product Details:
Condition: New Old Stock, unused and well-preserved
Compatibility: Designed for the M3 and Mk16 20mm cannons
Collector’s Appeal: Ideal for military historians, aviation enthusiasts, and collectors of vintage armament components
FSN: 5340-502-5601
Part Number: A-25601 / 5025601
Why This Matters:
This 20mm M2 / M3 Sear Spring Buffer embodies the intricate balance between firepower innovation and the challenges of wartime production. Its role in the evolution of military autocannons highlights the engineering efforts that shaped mid-20th-century aerial and naval combat.
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.
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