Artifact Snap: The M2 60mm Mortar

The M2 60mm mortar was a widely used infantry support weapon in World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. This lightweight and portable mortar provided close-range indirect fire support to U.S. ground forces, offering a balance between mobility and firepower. Weighing around 42 pounds in total (with baseplate and bipod), it was manned by a crew of three: a gunner, assistant gunner, and ammunition bearer. The M2 had a maximum range of approximately 1.8 miles (3,290 yards) and could fire various types of ammunition, including high-explosive, smoke, and illumination rounds.

The M2 mortar’s simple design allowed for rapid deployment and ease of use. Its high-angle fire made it effective for hitting enemy positions behind cover, such as in trenches or on the reverse slopes of hills. The adjustable range and firing angle gave infantry units crucial flexibility during combat, allowing them to respond quickly to threats on the battlefield. Despite being replaced in later decades by more modern systems, the M2 60mm mortar remains an iconic and effective support weapon in U.S. military history.

This mortar has been demilled to BATF specifications and is perfectly legal to own.