Description
Add an unusual piece of less-lethal ordnance development history to your collection with this 40mm Low Velocity MB Associates casing. This casing includes the pusher and was used for non-lethal / less-lethal projectile applications, making it a strong display item for collectors of experimental ammunition, riot-control equipment, 40mm launcher history, and MB Associates ordnance.
MB Associates, often written as MBA, was the company behind the famous Gyrojet line and a wide range of experimental ordnance projects. Collector research identifies MBA as Mainhardt Biehl Associates, based in San Ramon, California, and notes that the company moved into less-lethal weapon development in the late 1960s.
Historical Significance
This casing is tied to the era when military and law-enforcement agencies were experimenting with alternatives to conventional lethal force. MB Associates became especially known for its Stun-Bag concept, a flexible impact projectile designed for crowd-control and riot-control use.
Government research from the period identifies the Stun-Bag as an MB Associates proprietary bean-bag-type projectile that used kinetic energy to produce its intended less-lethal effect.
The 40mm format is part of what makes this piece especially interesting. Historical collector research notes that MBA made Stun-Bag-type munitions in 40mm size for use with M79 grenade launchers, along with other sizes for police gas guns, shotguns, and handguns.
The MB Associates Less-Lethal Connection
This casing represents the experimental side of 1970s ordnance design. It was not part of a standard high-explosive or fragmentation round. It belonged to the less-lethal projectile category, where the goal was impact, control, and incapacitation rather than blast or fragmentation.
One government study described MBA Stun-Bag ammunition as available in factory-loaded form using a 40mm cartridge case with a Stun-Bag projectile and other internal components. That makes a 40mm MBA casing with its pusher an especially interesting artifact from this unusual development path.
Modern collectors often use the term less-lethal rather than “non-lethal.” MB Associates itself used “less-lethal” terminology, and collector research correctly notes that these systems were intended to reduce lethality, not eliminate risk completely.
What This Casing Includes
This listing is for a 40mm Low Velocity MB Associates casing with the pusher included.
Key details include:
- 40mm low velocity casing
- MB Associates / MBA-related ordnance item
- Includes the pusher
- Used for non-lethal / less-lethal projectile applications
- Strong connection to 1970s experimental impact-projectile development
- Excellent display item for 40mm, riot-control, and less-lethal ammunition collections
- Interesting companion piece for MBA, Gyrojet, Stun-Bag, M79, and experimental ordnance displays
The included pusher makes this more interesting than a stripped empty case. It gives the piece stronger display and reference value for collectors who want more than a plain shell casing.
Key Features
- Original-style MB Associates 40mm casing
- Low velocity 40mm format
- Includes pusher
- Associated with non-lethal / less-lethal projectile use
- Strong collector appeal for experimental ordnance displays
- Tied to the MB Associates Stun-Bag and less-lethal development era
- Great fit for 40mm cartridge collectors and riot-control equipment displays
- Compact but highly distinctive piece of specialized ammunition history
About This Casing
This listing is for one 40mm Low Velocity MB Associates casing with pusher.
This listing is for the casing and pusher only unless otherwise stated. No projectile, live primer, propellant, explosive charge, chemical payload, launcher, tool, packaging, or additional accessory is included unless specifically shown or noted.
This item is intended for collection, display, historical reference, or training-aid use only. It is not intended for loading, firing, modification, or operational use.
Ideal For
This casing is a strong fit for:
- 40mm ammunition collectors
- MB Associates / MBA ordnance collectors
- Gyrojet and experimental weapons displays
- less-lethal ammunition collections
- riot-control equipment displays
- M79 and 40mm launcher reference collections
- museum and classroom ordnance exhibits
- collectors looking for an unusual non-standard 40mm casing
Approx length 4.5", Approx width 1.5", Approx weight .1lbs.
Pictures are stock images 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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