Description
Inert M20 Super Bazooka Reflecting Sight Lens/Reticle Cell Assembly, P/N 7688579
Item Overview
This inert, unrestored lens-and-reticle cell was made for the reflecting sight used on U.S. M20-series 3.5-inch “Super Bazooka” rocket launchers. The cylindrical optical cell held the sight lens and aiming reticle together as one sealed assembly. It was installed within Reflecting Sight Assembly 7162947 on M20A1 and M20A1B1 launchers. This is a launcher sight component and was not part of the M28 high-explosive antitank rocket, M29 practice rocket, or any other rocket ammunition.
Identification and Features
The complete component is cataloged as a Lens Assembly or Cell Assembly, Optical Instrument. Part number 7688579 identifies the complete sealed assembly, while part number D7688577 identifies the reticle lens contained inside it. These are related numbers for different levels of the assembly and should not be treated as two designations for the same complete component.
- Official nomenclature: Lens Assembly / Cell Assembly, Optical Instrument
- Complete assembly part number: 7688579
- Reticle lens part number: D7688577
- National Stock Number: 1240-00-344-2614
- Parent sight: Reflecting Sight Assembly 7162947
- Launcher applications: M20A1 and M20A1B1
- Associated caliber: 3.5 inch, or 88.9mm
- Original construction: Nitrogen-sealed optical cell containing a lens and aiming reticle
- Offered condition: Inert and unrestored
- Included item: One lens-and-reticle cell assembly only
Original Service Function
The reflecting sight allowed the bazooka gunner to see an aiming pattern placed over the view of the target. Its reticle provided reference marks for aiming and estimating the proper point of aim, while the lens formed the optical image seen by the gunner. Housing the lens and reticle inside one cell helped maintain their alignment. Army manuals describe the cell as nitrogen-sealed, which helped protect the internal optical surfaces from moisture and fogging. The cell worked as one part of the complete reflecting sight and could not function as a complete aiming system by itself.
Reflecting Sight Application
This cell assembly belonged to Reflecting Sight Assembly 7162947, which mounted on the left side of the rear barrel section of the M20A1 and M20A1B1 launchers. The folding sight could be placed against the launcher for carrying and moved into its operating position when the weapon was prepared for firing. The gunner looked through the sight while holding the launcher on the shoulder. The complete sight also used a housing, mounting bracket, indicator arm, adjustment mechanism, lens cover, eyepiece parts, and related hardware. Those components and the launcher are not included with this listing.
M20 Super Bazooka History
The 3.5-inch M20 Super Bazooka was developed near the end of World War II as a more powerful successor to the earlier 2.36-inch bazooka. Its larger rocket carried a stronger shaped-charge warhead for use against heavier armored vehicles. The M20 family used an open, smoothbore launcher tube, an electrical firing system, and a two-person crew consisting of a gunner and loader. The improved M20A1 entered production during the early 1950s, while the lighter M20A1B1 used cast-aluminum barrel sections. Both launchers could be separated into two sections for easier storage and transport.
History of Use
The M20 became an important American infantry antitank weapon during the Korean War. It was rushed into combat after earlier 2.36-inch bazookas proved inadequate against North Korean T-34 tanks. The larger weapon was used against tanks, armored vehicles, bunkers, field positions, and other hard targets. Improved M20A1 and M20A1B1 launchers remained in American and allied service through the 1950s and into the early Vietnam War period. They were gradually replaced in U.S. service by weapons such as the M67 recoilless rifle and M72 LAW, but M20-series launchers continued to serve with foreign armed forces for many years.
Manual and Catalog Documentation
Army technical manuals TM 9-2002 from 1953 and TM 9-1055-201-35 from 1968 illustrate the same cylindrical sight component and describe its sealed lens-and-reticle construction. The complete assembly part number and modern optical-instrument nomenclature are also associated with NSN 1240-00-344-2614. This documentation identifies the component as part of the launcher’s fire-control equipment rather than part of its ammunition.
Part-Number Notes
Part number 7688579 is the verified catalog number for the complete lens-and-reticle cell assembly. The number D7688577 applies specifically to the reticle lens contained inside the assembly and may appear on the component or in related parts records. These identification details connect the cell to Reflecting Sight Assembly 7162947 and distinguish it from the sight housing, launcher barrel, firing mechanism, and rocket ammunition.
Inert and Unrestored Condition
This is an inert, unrestored military-surplus optical component with no energetic or explosive material. No restoration, refinishing, optical servicing, resealing, or functional testing is represented unless specifically stated. Optical clarity, reticle visibility, internal condition, and the condition of the original nitrogen seal should not be assumed unless noted. The complete reflecting sight, launcher, rockets, mounting hardware, lens cover, and other accessories are not included. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This uncommon optical component is well suited for a collection or exhibit covering American infantry weapons, military optics, the Korean War, and the development of shoulder-fired antitank systems.
- M20 Super Bazooka collections
- M20A1 and M20A1B1 restoration displays
- Korean War exhibits
- Military optical-instrument collections
- U.S. infantry weapon displays
- Military museums and educational exhibits
- Inert ordnance and launcher-accessory collections
Approx length 1", Approx width 1", Approx height 1", Approx weight 0.1 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.
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