Description
INERT 25mm Oerlikon Fired Cartridge Case with Press-In Primer, 25x137mm
Item Overview
This original 25mm Oerlikon fired cartridge case is chambered in 25x137mm and retains its press-in primer. The casing has been fired and is completely inert. It contains no projectile, propellant, or active primer.
The press-in primer is seated directly in the base rather than secured with threads. This configuration differs from the large screw-in primer found on some European-made Oerlikon cases.
This listing is for one fired casing with its spent press-in primer. A projectile, ammunition link, cannon, and other components are not included.
Identification and Features
- Caliber: 25x137mm
- Manufacturer/brand: Oerlikon
- Item type: Fired cartridge case
- Primer configuration: Press-in primer
- Primer condition: Fired and spent
- Status: INERT
- Projectile: Not included
- Weapon family: Oerlikon KBA and M242 Bushmaster 25mm automatic cannons
Headstamps and other markings may identify the manufacturer, production date, or ammunition lot. These markings may vary between individual casings.
Condition
These are original fired military-surplus casings. Each example may show a visible primer strike, extractor or ejector marks, finish wear, scratches, discoloration, light oxidation, small dents, or residue from firing and storage.
The case mouth may also show minor marks or deformation from firing and ejection. Please review the product pictures for the represented condition.
Historical Background
The 25x137mm cartridge family was developed during the Cold War for automatic cannons mounted on armored vehicles, reconnaissance vehicles, and naval gun systems.
Oerlikon developed the KBA 25mm cannon during the late 1960s and early 1970s after obtaining European rights to the American TRW 6425 design. The KBA used a gas-operated action and dual-feed system that allowed crews to select between different ammunition types.
The United States selected the externally powered M242 Bushmaster in 1977. It entered service on the M2 and M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles during the early 1980s. The cannon was later used on the LAV-25, Mk 38 naval gun system, and other military platforms.
The 25x137mm ammunition family included armor-piercing, high-explosive, multipurpose, and target-practice rounds. Although the basic cartridge dimensions remained the same, cases could have different finishes, markings, and primer designs based on their manufacturer and country of origin.
Press-in primers became common on U.S.-made 25x137mm ammunition. This Oerlikon casing shows the same basic primer configuration and provides an interesting comparison with earlier or alternate screw-in-primer cases.
Ideal For
- 25mm ammunition collections
- Oerlikon KBA cannon displays
- M242 Bushmaster exhibits
- M2 and M3 Bradley collections
- LAV-25 and Mk 38 displays
- Cold War military collections
- Cartridge-case and primer studies
- Military museums and educational exhibits
Approx length 5.5", Approx width 1.5", Approx weight .5 lbs.
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