Firing a 60mm Mortar

Published on May 10, 2024
Duration: 3:06

This guide details the operation of a 60mm mortar, as demonstrated by Mel Bernstein (Dragonman), an expert in vintage military hardware. It covers loading a 12-gauge black powder shell as propellant, preparing the breech block, firing the mortar, and post-fire maintenance. The demonstration emphasizes safety protocols and the historical context of the approximately 75-year-old weapon.

Quick Summary

Learn to fire a 60mm mortar with expert guidance from Mel Bernstein (Dragonman). The process involves using a 12-gauge black powder shell as propellant, loading it into the breech block, and then firing the mortar round. Safety protocols and post-fire maintenance are crucial, especially with vintage military ordnance.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the 60mm Mortar
  2. 00:45Propellant and Breech Block Loading
  3. 01:29Loading the Mortar Round
  4. 02:01Firing Demonstration
  5. 02:34Post-Fire Maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a 12-gauge shotgun shell used to fire a 60mm mortar?

A 12-gauge shotgun shell filled with black powder serves as the primary propellant. It is loaded into the mortar's removable breech block, which is then re-installed into the mortar tube before firing.

What is the effective range of a 60mm mortar?

According to the expert demonstration, live rounds fired from this specific 60mm mortar have an effective range of approximately 1.5 miles. Practice rounds are used for demonstration purposes.

What are the key steps in firing a 60mm mortar?

Key steps include preparing the black powder propellant in a 12-gauge shell, loading it into the breech block, re-installing the block, loading the mortar round, clearing the area, and firing via lanyard or pin. Post-fire maintenance involves removing the breech block.

Who is demonstrating the 60mm mortar firing?

The demonstration is conducted by Mel Bernstein, also known as Dragonman, recognized as an expert in vintage military weaponry and NFA items, operating from his range in Colorado Springs.

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