Description
81mm M1 Sabot Mortar Training Round for 22mm M744, M745, M746, and M747 Cartridges
Item Overview
The M1 sabot is an 81mm training carrier designed for separate 22mm M744, M745, M746, and M747 practice cartridges. The system allowed mortar crews to conduct reduced-scale exercises with their standard weapons and sighting equipment. This inert example is suited to collecting, research, and educational display.
- Designation: M1 sabot
- Item type: Mortar training carrier
- External caliber: 81mm
- Subcaliber cartridge size: 22mm
- Intended cartridge family: M744, M745, M746, and M747
- Army drawing number: 9287906
- Original training scale: 1:10
- Status: Inert
Function
In its original training role, the M1 acted as a reusable carrier. The small practice projectile continued toward a scaled target while the outer sabot landed near the mortar for recovery. The practice projectile marked its impact with smoke and a report, allowing observers to follow the exercise. This arrangement supported repeated training while reducing the space needed for a full-size mortar range.
Documented End-Item Application
Army ammunition data sheets list the M1, M29, and M29A1 81mm mortars as applications for this training system. Field Manual 23-90 also documents M1 sabot training with the M252 mortar. The M1 designation identifies the sabot itself; it is separate from the M1 designation used for an earlier 81mm mortar.
Product History
The Army’s September 1990 technical manual for the M1 sabot and its 22mm practice cartridges superseded an edition dated April 30, 1975. Field Manual 23-90 continued to describe the system in 2000. These publications document the training equipment across the later Cold War and into the following period.
Parent-Equipment History
The M1 sabot training system was documented with several generations of U.S. 81mm mortars. The M29 family preceded the M252, which emerged from a joint American and British development program completed in July 1984. The M252 was intended to replace the M29 system as part of the Army’s infantry mortar modernization.
Weapon-System Background
U.S. 81mm infantry mortars are smoothbore, muzzle-loaded weapons that deliver high-angle indirect fire. Their main assemblies include the cannon tube, supporting mount, and baseplate. Their wider fire-support team includes observers, fire-direction personnel, and the mortar crew, making coordinated training an important part of the equipment’s service role.
History of Use
Army training guidance described reduced-scale sabot exercises as a way for leaders to observe the complete mortar team. Training covered communication, observation, sight use, and correction of practice fire. Instructors could assess how the different parts of the team worked together and identify areas that needed more practice.
Condition
This is an inert M1 sabot mortar training round. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This item fits collections and educational exhibits covering mortar equipment and subcaliber training systems.
- 81mm mortar ammunition collections
- M29 and M29A1 mortar displays
- M252 training-equipment exhibits
- Subcaliber ammunition research
- Military museum displays
Approx length 12", Approx width 3", Approx height 3", Approx weight 6lbs.
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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