Cache.Deals

Shooting a WWII German 50mm Light Mortar (L.Gr.W.36)

Forgotten Weapons
Published on November 9, 2024
Category: Training & Techniques
Duration: 16:03

This guide details the firing technique for the German WWII L.Gr.W. 36 light mortar, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It covers setup, aiming, loading, firing, and adjustment procedures, emphasizing the importance of leveling and accounting for propellant inconsistencies. McCollum, a recognized expert, provides high-authority instruction on this rare historical weapon.

Tags

L.Gr.W. 36
50mm Mortar
WWII German
Artillery
Mortar Firing
Historical Firearms
Range Operations
Aiming Techniques
Propellant Charges
HE Ammunition

Quick Summary

The WWII German 50mm L.Gr.W. 36 light mortar is fired using a stable setup with a base plate and leveling dials. Aiming is achieved via a range indicator (0-500m) and bubble level, with adjustments made using fine-tuning knobs. HE rounds are used with separate propellant charges, and re-leveling after each shot is critical for accuracy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Setup
  2. 01:04Assembly and Aiming Controls
  3. 02:10Ammunition and Targets
  4. 03:45Aiming and First Shot
  5. 06:10Adjustments and Subsequent Shots
  6. 07:51Propellant Rarity and Consistency
  7. 10:12Final Shots and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the WWII German 50mm L.Gr.W. 36 light mortar set up for firing?

The L.Gr.W. 36 is set up using its original transit case and base plate, employing a three-point support system and leveling dials to stabilize the weapon on uneven ground for accurate aiming.

What are the key aiming controls for the L.Gr.W. 36 mortar?

Key aiming controls include a range indicator scale calibrated in meters up to 500 meters and an integrated bubble level for precise leveling. Fine-adjustment knobs are used for windage and elevation.

What type of ammunition and propellant is used with the L.Gr.W. 36?

The mortar uses High Explosive (HE) rounds with separate propellant charges, often resembling shotgun shells, marked with production details like '5 cm RWS 1939'.

Why is re-leveling important after firing the L.Gr.W. 36?

Re-leveling is crucial because the base plate can settle into the ground after each shot, potentially altering the mortar's aim and requiring readjustment for subsequent firing.

Related Articles

All Articles →
The Rifle America Keeps Banning: 50 Years of AK-47 Import Restrictions
Explainer20 min read

The Rifle America Keeps Banning: 50 Years of AK-47 Import Restrictions

Canik MC9 Prime: Complete Guide
Gear Deep Dive18 min read

Canik MC9 Prime: Complete Guide

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

Shooting a WWII German 50mm Light Mortar (L.Gr.W.36)
Shooting a WWII German 50mm Light Mortar (L.Gr.W.36)

This guide details the operation of the German L.Gr.W.36 50mm light mortar, as demonstrated by expert Ian McCollum. It covers assembly, leveling procedures, ammunition handling, and live fire execution, emphasizing the difficulty in visually tracking the projectile. The instruction highlights the importance of proper setup for accuracy.

L.Gr.W.36
Leichter Granatwerfer 36
Channel:Forgotten Weapons
Category:Training & Techniques
Date: Nov 9, 2024
Duration: 0:58

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →
The French Finger Trap: MAS-36 Bayonet Shenanigans
The French Finger Trap: MAS-36 Bayonet Shenanigans

This guide details the specific technique for separating two MAS-36 rifles that have been inadvertently locked together by their bayonets. It outlines the historical context of this issue, the modification made to the bayonet to resolve it, and the step-by-step procedure for disengagement. The technique requires precise alignment and the use of a pointed tool to access the internal release mechanism, as demonstrated by firearms expert Ian McCollum.

MAS-36
Bayonet
Channel:Forgotten Weapons
Category:Training & Techniques
Date: Apr 10, 2025
Duration: 0:59
M134 Minigun: The Modern Gatling Gun
M134 Minigun: The Modern Gatling Gun

This guide details the loading and firing procedure for the M134 Minigun, as explained by Ian McCollum. It covers manual indexing of the barrel cluster, feeding the ammunition belt, engaging controls, and firing. The guide also touches upon the weapon's spin-down inertia and the function of modern clutch systems. Expert instruction from a recognized firearms historian highlights the technical aspects of operating this powerful weapon system.

M134 Minigun
GE
Channel:Forgotten Weapons
Category:Tactical & Gear
Date: Dec 22, 2016
Duration: 22:01
Kraut Space Magic: the H&K G11
Kraut Space Magic: the H&K G11

This guide details the operational features of the H&K G11 K2, a prototype assault rifle known for its caseless ammunition and unique rotating drum bolt. It covers the selector settings, magazine capacity, integrated optics, and the internal action designed for recoil management during high-rate-of-fire bursts. Expert insights from Ian McCollum highlight the historical context and technical innovations of this advanced firearm.

H&K G11
G11 K2
Channel:Forgotten Weapons
Category:Tactical & Gear
Date: Dec 25, 2018
Duration: 31:58
Shooting a WWII German 50mm Light Mortar (L.Gr.W.36)
Shooting a WWII German 50mm Light Mortar (L.Gr.W.36)

This guide details the operation of the German L.Gr.W.36 50mm light mortar, as demonstrated by expert Ian McCollum. It covers assembly, leveling procedures, ammunition handling, and live fire execution, emphasizing the difficulty in visually tracking the projectile. The instruction highlights the importance of proper setup for accuracy.

L.Gr.W.36
Leichter Granatwerfer 36
Channel:Forgotten Weapons
Category:Training & Techniques
Date: Nov 9, 2024
Duration: 0:58
Find an FFL
Licensed dealers in your area