Description
Empty 40mm M66 Fiber Ammunition Tube for Bofors L/60, 40×311R
Item Overview
This original 40mm M66 fiber tube was an individual shipping and storage container for one complete 40×311R Bofors L/60 cartridge. Its heavy fiber construction protected the long fixed round from dirt, abrasion, and routine handling damage while in military storage or transportation. This example is empty and contains no ammunition or energetic material.
Identification and Top Marking
The top is inscribed “40MM, M1 & Q.F. GUN (BOFORS)”. The M1 reference identifies the U.S. Army 40mm Automatic Gun M1, while Q.F. means “Quick Firing,” a British and Commonwealth term used for the Bofors gun. This marking shows that the container belonged to the shared 40mm Bofors ammunition system used under American and British-style nomenclature.
Construction and Features
The M66 uses a two-piece cylindrical design consisting of a main fiber body and fitted cover. Reinforced ends and internal supports helped hold the cartridge in position and protect its projectile, case, and primer. The lightweight construction reduced shipping weight while keeping each cartridge separated from nearby rounds.
Original Packing Method
Army TM 9-1904 documents Bofors ammunition packed one complete round per individual fiber container, with 24 containers placed in a wooden ammunition box. This method was used with several high-explosive, target-practice, and armor-piercing cartridges. Other 40mm ammunition was packed in four-round charger clips inside metal boxes when faster delivery to the gun crew was required.
Bofors L/60 History
The Bofors L/60 was developed in Sweden during the 1930s and became one of the most widely used medium antiaircraft guns of World War II. Britain adopted the design before the United States standardized its Army version as the 40mm Automatic Gun M1 in 1941. Related guns served with American and Allied forces on towed mounts, self-propelled vehicles, and warships.
History of Use
The 40mm Bofors was highly effective against dive bombers and other low-flying aircraft, while armor-piercing ammunition allowed it to engage lightly armored ground targets. The Army M1 could fire single shots or automatic fire at a rated 120 rounds per minute and was loaded with four-round charger clips. M66 tubes supported the ammunition supply chain by protecting individual cartridges until they were unpacked for issue or loading.
Condition
This is an original empty military-surplus fiber container. It may show fading, stains, dents, softened areas, loose fibers, edge wear, surface oxidation on reinforced parts, or other signs of age and storage. The cartridge, charger clip, ammunition box, projectile, case, primer, propellant, fuze, and gun are not included unless specifically pictured or stated.
Approx length 18", Approx width 2", Approx height 2", Approx weight 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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