Description
U.S. Army Technical Manual TM 9-1240-359-34P for M30 Telescope Mount, July 1972
Item Overview
This original U.S. Army technical manual covers repair parts and special tools for the M30 Telescope Mount. Issued as TM 9-1240-359-34P in July 1972, it identifies the mount under Federal Stock Number 1240-758-2078. This listing is for the manual only; it does not include the M30 mount, panoramic telescope, artillery weapon, tools, or other equipment.
Manual Identification and Features
The “34P” suffix identifies this publication as a direct-support and general-support repair-parts and special-tools manual. It was prepared to help trained maintenance personnel identify, order, and account for authorized components used to service the M30 mount.
- Manual number: TM 9-1240-359-34P
- Publication date: July 1972
- Subject: M30 Telescope Mount
- Federal Stock Number: 1240-758-2078
- Later NSN format: 1240-00-758-2078
- Manual type: Repair Parts and Special Tools List
- Maintenance levels: Direct support and general support
- Issuing authority: Headquarters, Department of the Army
- Country of origin: United States
- Item included: Technical manual only
Manual Coverage
This manual was designed as a parts-identification and supply reference rather than a basic operating guide. Publications in this series normally include illustrated parts breakdowns, reference numbers, official part names, stock numbers, quantity information, maintenance codes, and listings for authorized special tools. These details helped Army repair shops obtain the correct parts and return damaged mounts to service.
About the M30 Telescope Mount
The M30 was an adjustable artillery telescope mount used to hold and level a panoramic telescope. Its longitudinal- and cross-level controls helped the crew align the sight with the weapon. The mount was also designed to reduce azimuth error when the weapon trunnions were not level, an important feature when heavy artillery was placed on rough ground.
Weapon-System Applications
The M30 mount was originally associated with the 240mm Howitzer M1 on the M1 carriage and the 8-inch Gun M1 on the M2 carriage. Both were powerful U.S. heavy-artillery systems developed for long-range fire during World War II. The mount was later used with the M12A7C panoramic telescope on the M65 280mm motorized heavy gun, better known as “Atomic Annie.” Telescope and installation details could vary, so this manual should be used with the correct equipment publication.
Historical Background
The M30 telescope mount dates to World War II, when the Army needed accurate sights for its heaviest mobile artillery. The 240mm Howitzer M1 fired large shells against fortifications and other hardened targets, while the long-range 8-inch Gun M1 supported counterbattery missions in Europe. The mount remained in military supply records after the war and was adapted for later heavy weapons, showing the value of its stable and adjustable design.
History of Use
M30 mounts supported indirect-fire aiming, where gun crews often engaged targets they could not see from the weapon position. Crews used a panoramic telescope, aiming posts, and firing data to set the correct direction before each mission. The later M65 gun carried the M30 mount during Cold War training and deterrent deployments. M65 batteries served in Europe and Asia, although the weapon was never fired in combat. The July 1972 date makes this manual a record of continued parts control for a mount with roots in World War II and later Cold War service.
Condition
This is a vintage military technical manual and may show cover wear, edge wear, folds, yellowing, stains, writing, stamps, loose pages, or other signs of age and storage. Printing details and condition may vary between available copies. No M30 mount, telescope, artillery piece, or repair tools are included unless specifically stated.
Ideal For
This manual is a useful reference for collectors, museums, restorers, and researchers studying U.S. heavy artillery, military optics, and Army maintenance systems.
- U.S. Army technical-manual collections
- M30 telescope-mount research
- 240mm Howitzer M1 displays
- 8-inch Gun M1 restoration projects
- M65 Atomic Annie exhibits
- World War II and Cold War artillery research
- Military optics and fire-control collections
Approx length 8", Approx width 11", Approx height .15", Approx weight .2lbs.
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