60mm M32 Percussion Primer for M2 and M5 Fin Assy
$45.00
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60mm M32 Percussion Primer for M2 and M5 Fin Assy
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Complete your 60mm mortar restoration the right way with this inert restored M32 percussion primer, the threaded screw-in primer used in the M2 and M5 fin assemblies on classic U.S. 60mm mortar ammunition. Originally, this small component was the heart of the ignition train—taking the firing pin’s strike and lighting the ignition cartridge that drove the round out of the tube. Your example has been inert and restored as a safe, authentic display part for serious collectors and restorers.
The M32 Percussion Primer in 60mm Mortar Service
U.S. artillery and mortar manuals describe the M32 percussion primer as a threaded, screw-in type primer used to ignite the M5A1 / M5A2 ignition cartridge in all 60mm mortar ammunition. Functionally, the primer sits in the base of the fin assembly; when the round drops down the tube, the firing pin strikes the primer, which flashes into the ignition cartridge, which in turn ignites the propelling increments around the tail.
Mortar manuals list the M32 primer as a standard component of the 60mm M2 fin assembly, alongside the fin, ignition cartridge, and propellant increments. Later specifications for 60mm ammunition and for foreign-licensed production also reference the M32 as the dedicated primer for 60mm M49A2 high-explosive and related rounds, showing how ubiquitous this primer became across the 60mm family.
WWII-era and postwar data sheets group the M32 with other small-caliber percussion primers and note that it follows the same overall construction and functioning principles as the better-known M33, differing mainly in its narrower body diameter for mortar use.
Historical Applications – M2 & M5 Fin Assemblies
In U.S. service, the M32 primer was used in M2 and M5-series fin assemblies on a wide range of 60mm cartridges, including:
- HE cartridges M49 series – the classic WWII/Vietnam-era 60mm high-explosive rounds
- Smoke cartridges M302 series – white-phosphorus smoke for screening and marking
- Various illumination and training cartridges that used the same fin/ignition/primer arrangement
Because the fin assembly, ignition cartridge, and primer are common across multiple projectile bodies, the M32 primer is the correct tail-end detail for virtually any period-correct M2 or M19 60mm mortar display round.
About This Inert Restored M32 Primer
- Original U.S. Military Component (Not a Reproduction)
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- Manufactured as a live M32 percussion primer (Inert)
- Retains the correct threaded body and profile to screw into M2 / M5-type fin assemblies.
- Thoroughly Inert and Safe for Display
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- The primer cavity has been rendered inert (typically fired, drilled, or otherwise demilled).
- No live priming mix, no energetic materials, and no functioning ignition elements remain.
- Safe for display in home, office, shop, or museum environments.
- Restored for Visual Accuracy
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- Cleaned and conserved while preserving original machining marks and features.
- Ideal for completing cutaway fin assemblies, full 60mm display rounds, or educational mockups showing the mortar ignition train.
NSN / NIIN / DODIC Reference (Live-Service M32 Primers)
Modern hazard-classification and ammunition identification tables list the M32 percussion primer under the following entries:
- DODIC / DODAC N527 – PRIMER, PERCUSSION, M32
- NSN 1390-00-028-4925 – PRIMER, PERCUSSION, M32
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- NIIN 000284925
- NSN 1390-00-096-3077 – PRIMER, PERCUSSION, M32
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- NIIN 000963077
These identifiers apply to live primers as procured for ammunition production and are provided here strictly for historical and cataloging reference. The restored primer you receive is inert and no longer a regulated explosive item.
Ideal For
- Completing 60mm HE M49-series, smoke M302-series, or training round restorations
- Building accurate cutaway fin assemblies to demonstrate the mortar firing train
- Museum and classroom displays explaining how U.S. 60mm mortars function from primer to propellant increments
- Advanced ordnance collections focused on WWII through Vietnam-era U.S. mortar ammunition.
Approx length .75", Approx width .75", Approx height .50", Approx weight .1lbs.
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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