30mm Armor Piecing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot Tracer Penetrator
$165.00
In stock
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30mm APFSDS-T Penetrator
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Bring a centerpiece of modern armor-piercing technology into your collection with this inert, newly manufactured 30mm Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot – Tracer (APFSDS-T) penetrator, CNC-machined from stainless steel and fitted with a removable fin assembly.
This long-rod dart captures the sleek look of service 30×173mm APFSDS-T penetrators used in Mk44 Bushmaster II cannons and other 30mm weapon systems—without depleted uranium, tungsten, propellant, or any live components. The last photo in the listing shows this 30mm stainless-steel penetrator next to a 25mm M919 penetrator, highlighting the size and presence of modern 30mm KE penetrators.
30mm APFSDS-T – Modern Kinetic Energy Firepower
Contemporary 30×173mm APFSDS-T ammunition is designed to defeat infantry fighting vehicles, armored helicopters, and heavily protected surface targets using a slender, high-density long-rod dart fired at extreme velocity.
- The projectile uses a sub-caliber penetrator (usually tungsten heavy alloy) carried in a lightweight sabot that fills the 30mm bore.
- After leaving the muzzle, the sabot discards, leaving only the long-rod dart in flight.
- Fins at the rear stabilize the penetrator, keeping it point-on for deep armor penetration at ranges beyond 4,000 m.
One of the best-known service loads in this family is the 30mm x 173 Mk 258 Mod 1 APFSDS-T “Swimmer”, developed for the Mk44 Bushmaster II. It uses a tungsten penetrator and a specially shaped “supercavitating” nose to travel through or across water while retaining high impact energy against small boats, mines, and other surface threats.
These same 30mm guns are fielded on naval mounts and modern IFV turrets worldwide, dramatically increasing lethality over earlier 25mm systems.
30mm vs. 25mm – Side-by-Side with the M919
The comparison photo of this 30mm penetrator next to a 25mm M919 APFSDS-T dart underscores the step up from the 25×137mm M242 Bushmaster to the 30×173mm Mk44 Bushmaster II family.
- The 25mm M919 is the famous “super sabot” round for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle—an APFSDS-T cartridge with a depleted-uranium long-rod penetrator designed to defeat BMP-class light armor at extended ranges.
- Modern 30mm APFSDS-T rounds build on the same kinetic-energy concept with larger, heavier, and faster darts, extending effective range and armor-penetration capability even further.
Your inert 30mm stainless dart visually communicates that progression in armor-defeating technology—especially when displayed alongside a 25mm M919 penetrator.
Your Piece – Stainless, Inert, and Removable Fin
This item is a new-manufacture, display-only penetrator inspired by the geometry of service 30×173mm APFSDS-T long-rod darts (such as Mk 258-type projectiles), with features tailored for collectors and educators:
- Material
- stainless steel
- Configuration
- Long-rod dart body with realistic ogive and shank proportions
- Removable fin section that attaches to the rear of the penetrator
- Allows assembled display or disassembled layout to show how a fin-stabilized KE penetrator is constructed
- Completely Inert & Non-Functional
- No tracer, no propellant, no cartridge case, no sabot
- No primer or energetic components of any kind
- Cannot be loaded, chambered, or fired – strictly a display and educational piece
Historical / Reference Data (Live Service Rounds)
For collectors who track catalog data, here are reference identifiers for related live service cartridges (not for this inert penetrator itself):
30mm Mk 258 Mod 1 APFSDS-T “Swimmer” (30×173mm) – fired from the Mk44 Bushmaster II
- NSN: 1305-01-574-9807 – CARTRIDGE, 30MM APFSDS-T, MK258 MOD 1
- NIIN: 015749807
- DODIC: AB51 (DOD Ammunition Code 1305-AB51)
These identifiers apply to complete, live cartridges, not to this inert stainless penetrator. They are provided for historical and identification reference only
Ideal For
- Mk44 Bushmaster II / 30×173mm gun system displays
- IFV and naval weapons exhibits illustrating the jump from 25mm to 30mm KE technology
- Museum collections and classroom displays explaining APFSDS, sabot separation, and modern long-rod penetrators
- Armor and ordnance enthusiasts who want the look of a true 30mm dart
This inert stainless 30mm APFSDS-T penetrator with removable fin delivers the presence, proportions, and technical interest of a modern long-rod armor-piercing dart
Approx length 7.5", Approx width 1", Approx height 1", Approx weight .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.
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