M20A1B1 Super Bazooka - It's a Super Bazooka. Need I Say More?

Published on October 28, 2017
Duration: 15:40

This guide details the deactivation and handling of the M20A1B1 Super Bazooka, a significant anti-tank weapon from the Korean War era. It covers the legal deactivation requirements, its take-down design for portability, operational characteristics like backblast, and its firing mechanism. The information is presented with high authority, drawing from expert analysis of the weapon's mechanics and historical context.

Quick Summary

The M20A1B1 Super Bazooka, a key Korean War anti-tank weapon, fires a 3.5-inch rocket with up to 11 inches of armor penetration. For legal civilian ownership in the US, it must be permanently deactivated by welding a bar across the bore and cutting a hole in the tube. It features a magneto trigger and has a significant backblast danger zone.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the M20A1B1 Super Bazooka
  2. 01:00History of US Anti-Tank Weapons
  3. 02:45Evolution of the Shaped Charge
  4. 03:29M20 Development and Korean War Use
  5. 04:16Limitations and Sloped Armor
  6. 05:08Operational Characteristics
  7. 06:44Model Variations: M20 vs M20A1B1
  8. 07:35Disassembly and Portability
  9. 08:30Optical Sight and Range
  10. 09:42Firing Mechanism
  11. 10:16Loading and Electrical Connections
  12. 11:40Deactivation for Civilian Ownership
  13. 14:06Service History and Replacement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the M20A1B1 Super Bazooka?

The M20A1B1 Super Bazooka was the standard US infantry anti-tank weapon during the Korean War, adopted in 1945. It fired a 3.5-inch rocket capable of penetrating up to 11 inches of flat armor, a significant improvement over earlier models.

How is the M20A1B1 Super Bazooka legally deactivated for civilian ownership?

For legal ownership in the US without NFA registration, the M20A1B1 must be permanently modified. This typically involves welding a steel bar across the bore and cutting a hole the size of the muzzle diameter into the tube to render it inoperable.

What are the key operational characteristics of the M20A1B1 Super Bazooka?

The M20A1B1 has no recoil or muzzle flash but features a dangerous backblast area. It has an effective range of 200-300 yards against vehicles and utilizes a magneto trigger for firing.

What were the limitations of the M20A1B1 Super Bazooka?

A primary limitation was its effectiveness against sloped armor. Due to impact fuzes requiring a square hit, rounds often skipped off angled surfaces without detonating, reducing penetration.

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