Description
WWII U.S. Army M11 Practice Antitank Rifle Grenade
Item Overview
The M11 was an inert U.S. Army practice antitank rifle grenade used during World War II. It duplicated the general shape and weight of the live M9 high-explosive antitank rifle grenade. Soldiers used the M11 to learn how to handle, load, aim, and fire the early American rifle-grenade system without using an explosive warhead.
Identification and Features
The June 1942 edition of FM 23-30 identifies the M11 as the practice counterpart to the M9 antitank grenade. The manual separates it from the M11A1, which simulated the improved M9A1 service grenade.
- Official designation: Grenade, AT, Practice, M11
- Country of origin: United States
- Period: World War II
- Type: Inert antitank rifle-grenade trainer
- Live grenade simulated: M9 antitank rifle grenade
- Construction: Separate head and fin assembly
- Original identification finish: Black with white markings
- Service feature: Replaceable fin assembly
- Purpose: Mechanical training, marksmanship, and technique of fire
Function and Training Role
The hollow tail of the M11 fitted over a grenade launcher attached to the rifle muzzle. A special caliber .30 M3 grenade cartridge generated the gas pressure needed to launch the grenade. The fin assembly stabilized the M11 in flight. Because the M11 contained no explosive charge, instructors could recover it after firing and replace a damaged fin assembly before returning the grenade to training use.
Documented Rifle and Launcher Applications
FM 23-30 documents the M11 primarily with the U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, M1903 and Launcher, Grenade, M1. The M1903A1 could also be used with the proper grenade-launcher sight. The M1917 rifle was another authorized substitute when fitted with the specially designed M2 launcher and M2 grenade-launcher sight. These were the early-war rifle systems directly associated with the original M11.
M11 Development History
The M11 was developed to support training with the original M9 antitank rifle grenade. By June 1942, Army instructions listed the M11 and M11A1 as separate practice grenades for the M9 and M9A1. The original M11 matched the earlier M9, while the M11A1 matched the revised M9A1. Later M11-series models continued the reusable practice concept as U.S. rifle-grenade equipment changed during and after the war.
M9 Parent-Grenade History
The M9 was an early U.S. Army high-explosive antitank rifle grenade with a sheet-metal body and an impact-operated nose. It gave infantry rifle squads a portable weapon for use against light and medium armored vehicles at short range. The M9A1 followed with a more sensitive impact system. Practice versions were important because soldiers needed experience estimating range and striking a target at a suitable angle.
Rifle-Grenade Weapon-System Background
Early World War II rifle-grenade equipment extended the range and striking power of the infantry rifle. A launcher clamped over the rifle muzzle, and the grenade’s tail tube slid over the launcher. A rubber recoil pad helped protect the rifle stock and reduced the shock felt by the soldier. Wartime doctrine assigned an M1903 rifle for antitank rifle-grenade use within the rifle squad, giving infantrymen a weapon that could be carried and operated without a separate crew-served launcher.
History of Use
The M11 was used for mechanical instruction, marksmanship practice, range estimation, and training against stationary and moving targets. The 1942 course included firing from standing, kneeling, prone, foxhole, and individual-shelter positions. Soldiers practiced at ranges of 25, 37.5, 50, and 75 yards while learning the same loading, aiming, and firing sequence required for the live M9 grenade. The M11 served on training ranges rather than as a combat grenade.
Condition
This is an original U.S. Army practice grenade manufactured as an inert dummy item. The M11 contains no explosive filler and is sold by Ordnance.com as an inert collectible. Its separate head and replaceable fin assembly are part of the reusable construction designed for military training.
Ideal For
The M11 is a strong addition to displays focused on early U.S. rifle grenades, infantry antitank training, and World War II small-arms accessories.
- World War II U.S. Army collections
- M1903 Springfield rifle displays
- M9 antitank rifle-grenade displays
- U.S. rifle-grenade collections
- Infantry training exhibits
- Military museums and educational displays
Approx length 9.5", Approx width 2", Approx height 2", Approx weight 1.5lbs.
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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