Description
U.S. 37mm M74 Armor-Piercing Tracer Shot Projectile for 37×223SR and 37×223R Cartridges
Item Overview
This original U.S. 37mm M74 armor-piercing tracer shot is a loose World War II-era cannon projectile. The same M74 projectile was loaded in the 37×223SR cartridge for the M1A2 automatic gun and the rimmed 37×223R cartridge used by the M3, M3A1, M5, M5A1, and M6 tank or antitank guns. This listing is for the projectile only, not a complete cartridge.
Identification and Construction
The M74 is an uncapped, one-piece armor-piercing shot made from solid steel, except for a small tracer cavity in its base. Its relatively blunt nose was designed to penetrate homogeneous armor through impact force rather than an explosive charge. The original projectile measured approximately 4.84" long, had a square base, and used a 0.74"-wide rotating band to engage the cannon’s rifling.
Two Cartridge Configurations
Army Technical Manual TM 9-1901 identifies two fixed M74 AP-T rounds. The M1A2 automatic-gun version used the M17 cartridge case, which had an extractor groove and is commonly identified as 37×223SR. Tank and antitank rounds used the M16 cartridge case, which had a projecting extractor rim and is commonly identified as 37×223R. Both cases measured 8.75" long and held the same M74 projectile, but their ammunition and weapon applications were different.
Function and Performance
The hardened steel body damaged a target through direct impact and penetration. Its rotating band sealed the bore, engaged the rifling, and gave the projectile stabilizing spin. The original base tracer allowed the gunner to observe the projectile’s path for approximately 2,000 yards. TM 9-1901 lists a muzzle velocity of about 2,050 feet per second from the M1A2 automatic gun, 2,900 feet per second from the M3, M3A1, and M6 guns, and 2,855 feet per second from the M5 and M5A1 guns.
Weapons-System History
The M1A2 was a 37mm automatic antiaircraft gun developed to defend military positions and mobile forces from low-flying aircraft. The M3 and M3A1 were towed antitank guns used by U.S. forces during the early years of World War II. Related M5, M5A1, and M6 guns armed American tanks and armored vehicles, including members of the M3 and M5 Stuart light-tank family, the M3 medium tank family, and the M8 armored car.
History of Use
The M74 was developed for use against light armor and other resistant material targets. Its simple monobloc construction made it effective against homogeneous steel plate, but it was less effective against newer face-hardened armor than the capped M51 projectile. By 1944, Army ammunition guidance noted that the M74 remained in service only in certain theaters of operation. These projectiles were also useful against lightly protected vehicles, equipment, and fortified positions where solid-shot penetration was needed.
Condition and Included Item
This original military-surplus projectile may show oxidation, discoloration, scratches, finish loss, rotating-band marks, faded markings, and other evidence of age or handling. No cartridge case, primer, propellant, cannon, or other components are included. The M74 has no explosive bursting charge, but its original design included pyrotechnic tracer material in the base. The tracer-cavity condition of this specimen has not been confirmed, so it should not be drilled, heated, ground, or disassembled.
Approx length 5", Approx width 1.5", Approx height 1.5", Approx weight 1.9lbs.
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.