S-Model – SP072021 – 106MM M40 Recoilless Rifle

Description:

The 106mm M40 recoilless rifle is a U.S.-developed, crew-served anti-tank weapon designed in the early 1950s and widely used throughout the Cold War. Despite the “106mm” designation, the weapon actually fires 105mm ammunition—the change in name was made to avoid confusion with the earlier 105mm M27 recoilless rifle, whose ammunition was incompatible. The M40 was designed to defeat enemy armor with high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, and its recoilless nature allowed it to be fired from a relatively lightweight mount without the massive recoil typical of conventional artillery.

The M40 was typically operated by a crew of three and mounted on a tripod, a wheeled carriage, or more commonly on light vehicles such as the M151 MUTT jeep or the M274 “mechanical mule.” In some cases, it was also mounted on armored vehicles like the M113 or on specialized platforms like the Ontos, which carried six M40 rifles. A notable feature of the M40 was its spotting rifle, usually a .50 caliber M8C semi-automatic rifle mounted above the main tube. This spotting rifle fired a special tracer round that mimicked the trajectory of the main round, allowing the gunner to confirm aim before firing the more expensive and destructive 106mm round.

Though primarily an anti-tank weapon, the M40 was also used effectively against bunkers, light vehicles, and infantry in cover, thanks to its range of ammunition types. Its use extended well into the 1980s in many armed forces, and it saw service in conflicts ranging from Korea and Vietnam to various Middle Eastern and Latin American theaters. While largely obsolete today in professional militaries, it remains in limited use by some countries and irregular forces due to its simplicity, durability, and potent firepower.

As the real weapon, S-Model has been issuing the M40 Recoilless Rifle in a variety of kits, and now releases it as stand alone kit in a package including 3 models. Includes 3D printed parts.