ACCESSORIES FOR THE M3 INFRARED SNIPERSCOPE The case

CARBINE P.O. BOX 251
NEWSLETTER #97
CANAL FULTON,.OHIO UU6lU
December 1, 1981+
('
c) copyright I9 8 U CARBINE CLUB
ACCESSORIES FOR THE M3 INFRARED SNIPERSCOPE
The case for the M3 infrared sniperscope makes provision for spare parts
and accessories. Most, it not a ll, of these cases were issued with a tag
stating what was to be procured to f i l l it , rather than a fu ll complement of
the listed items. Very few are to be found today with the fu ll complement of
spares and tools, perhaps because many never’ got them in the f i r s t place. The
f i r s t of the accompanying figures shows the fu ll set of spares for the case.
Clockwise from upper le ft are three #545 lamps, a funnel for adding acid/water
to the b a t t e r y , a replacement re c t ifie r tube, a replacement vibrator, fuses,
a spare BNC cap for the power pack connectors, two dessicators with the
protective metal caps, a tuft of the shredded paper material used to pack
fuses and re tic le lamps rattle -fre e , and a re tic le lamp. Few of these parts
can be replaced today. The 545 lamps are superseded by the 1503, which is
s t i l l hard to find, the fuses are readily available, and the #328 lamp for
the re tic le is s t i l l in production. The tube is also superseded, and an original
type for completing a vintage set would be d if f ic u lt to find. The rest are
nigh impossible. There exists a laboratory funnel which is close to the
original (the longer stem needs to be cut off, wrong color).
The next figure snows the tool pouch which was to be stored in the
compartment with the handgrip assembly, and the tools removed from the pouch.
The leftmost tool should be comprehensible to a ll the members (?). The next
two comprise a d r ill and counterbore for cutting the stock holes which mount
the handgrip: the counterbore can also be used in modifying an issue nandguard
to clear the barrel clamping band of the mount. The bar has a rectangular
central hole to f i t the fla t s on the d r i l l , becoming a handle therefor. The
four-way wrench f i t s BNC cable connector fla ts , windage cone nuts, BNC connector
bodies, and windage locknuts. The la st wrench f i t s the dessicator and the
mounting nut for the trigger switch. You:may observe that the four-way wrench
is too large to f i t the tool pouch as shown. Reference to the third figure will
explain.
The third figure shows variations encountered of the tools. The pouch
was apparently designed for the three-way wrench at rig h t, never modified for
the larger four-way wrench. The screwdriver at le ft has a black plastic handle:
the clear-looking one at rig h t is amber. The four-way wrench at le ft is matt
fin ish , cadmium or rough chrome plate, the one at center is high-polish chrome.
The dessicator wrench at le ft has a low-reflectance black paint fin ish , the
center one is matt plated as above, while the right one is bright chrome.
A narrow compartment le ft of the spares compartment has a wooden cover
which must be unscrewed to access a spare infrared f ilt e r , complete with
rubber gasket. Replacement f ilt e r s are issued wrapped in tissue; presumably
the tissue was le ft on when packed in th is compartment. The outer padded
envelope which encloses spare f ilt e r s w ill not f i t the compartment.
V
The leftmost compartment of the case is stated on the content chart (on
the underside of the case lid ) to contain a mount for a ffix in g the M3 sniperscope
to the M20 rocket launcher (bazooka). We have never seen th is mount, and the
manuals for the M20 and M20A1 make no mention of it. Two notches in the case
dividers ju st inside the front, and a locking strap, are intended to secure the
mounting bar for the Ml carbine (see our a rtic le on th is item, Newsletter #9 6 ).
Strangely, no provision is made for storing the M3 flashhider which is
intended for use with this 'scope. Without the flashhider, the muzzle flash
causes the 'scope-image to brite-up and loose a ll contrast, recovering slowly.
Since it was part of the carbine/sniperscope combination from the beginning of
development, it s omission is a puzzle.
If you have no interest in collecting one or more sniperscopes for the
carbine, these items may have l i t t l e interest to you. Being able to recognize
them when they turn up at a gun show, flea market or whatever, could enable you
to acquire some good trading material for dickering with another club member
who does collect the sniperscopes.
Two other wrenches are to be found, which are reputed to be sniperscope
items, but without any supporting documentation. Both are drawn below,
actual size. The smaller is marked " <>MARC0-USA^ 2932131
The larger
wrench w ill f i t tne mounting nuts for the adjustment potentiometers of the
M3 sniperscope. The large end of the smaller wrench f it s the locking nuts of
5
the sniperscope mounting bar; the use of the small end is a mystery. Any
memoer providing documentation fo r either of these wrenches or data wnich
would support a useful addendum to th is a r t ic le w ill receive FREE one of the
smaller wrenches, postpaid.
In newsletter #92, I made note that Sherwood in Northridge, CA, lists zippered carbine
covers in their ads at $12.95 or 2 for $2l*.00. I questioned if they were original issue
or new manufacture. Bruce Dow provided the answer for us. They are new manufacture, not
GI. Original carrying cases have U.S., not US, and have the maker's name and date inside
as required by contract. Our thanks to Bruce for this information.
Fred Bruhn
STANDARD PRODUCTS PRESENTATION CARBINE
An advertisement in a late 1 9 8 3 issue of Shotgun News created quite a stir for club
members. It listed for sale by highest bid a "Standard Products Presentation Grade
Carbine." The ad stated that this was one of only two "presentation guns" manufac­
tured by Standard Products. The ad was placed by a gun shop which was handling the
transaction.
Your editor and at least two other active members planned to look at the carbine,
but inclement weather and scheduling conflicts precluded an actual inspection be­
fore the closing date. W e have been able to obtain some information about the car­
bine for our records and a lengthy telephone call to the shop provided much.
The following facts pertain to this particular weapon. The serial number is 20281*76
with an 8-1*3 Underwood barrel. From outward appearances it has all early features.
The carbine was in a wooden box containing a pair of early field service manuals.
In addition, there was a release form from Standard Products assigning the weapon
to Captain Dana E. Hill. Our records indicate that a Captain Hill was the resident
Army Ordnance Inspector at Standard Products. He was assigned to that facility in
June, 19^3, but we do not know how long Captain Hill remained assigned to Standard
Products. We have no information to substantiate the actual number of so-called
"presentation carbines" that were manufactured by Standard Products.
Fred Bruhn
1*
THE
CARBINE
-
PART
II
Newsletter # 89 carried excerpts from SLA Marshall's Weapons Evaluation of the Korean
War. The comments regarding the carbine gave the impression the weapon was only mar­
ginally adequate. Before you chuck your collection, let's look at another viewpoint
from a Government Ordnance Evaluation dated I9 UU and submitted by Marty Black.
"VII. PERFORMANCE
"Since its first issue the carbine has been one of the principal topics of Army con­
versation in the field. Most soldiers loved it on sight. Reports from Africa, the
South Pacific and Europe indicate a general satisfaction with the new weapon. Typical
reports are quoted:
"From South Pacific Area.— A d e q u a t e for jungle warfare in penetrating power and
accuracy. Many officers believe it should be basic infantry weapon.'
"From Report by LTC V.H. Krulak, USMC, South Pacific Theater: 'The Carbine — My or­
ganization, being parachutists, were equipped with the carbine with folding stock,
and we found it to be a most effective weapon. It is of sufficiently high velocity
to drive its way through the heavy Jungle foliage. It is accurate, and most of all
it is light and comfortable; 75 rounds of it on your person leaves you entirely free
to carry anything y o u wish. You don't even know you have it. The men have confidence
in it and it works w e l l .'
"Not all comments received on the carbine have been favorable. Before the improved
design could be supplied, the original rear sight was widely criticized. Numerous
complaints were received based on insufficient range and accuracy. Most of these
critical reports indicated the use of the carbine as an offensive weapon at ranges
of from 250 to 500 y a r d s , whereas it was intended as a light weight secondary arm
for convenient defensive use. Its very convenience has led to its use in roles for
which it is not well fitted, nor designed. The addition of bayonet and grenade launch­
er do broaden considerably the applications of the weapon. However it is still not
an Ml Rifle nor a submachine gun." (if you're interested in reading more about weapons'
performance in combat, pick up a copy of Shots Fired in Anger by John George, avail­
able through the NRA.)
Dear Yank:
CARBINE CARVING
I'm sure that at one time or another every GI who has an old style carbine has had
trouble in pushing the clip release button instead of the safety button. The two
buttons are located very close together to be operated with the forefinger of the
right hand.
With a knife we cut out a path to the safety button about one-eighth inch in depth,
then smooth it out with a piece of sharp glass towards the pistol grip of the carbine.
This method has been found by myself and other fellows of my outfit to be a very suc­
cessful and quicker and better w ay for the forefinger to get to the safety button
instead of straying to the clip release button, which if pushed will cause the ammun­
ition clip to drop from the weapon to the ground.
We hope this simple operation will prove to be a help to the GI who has a carbine
for his protection.
Philippines
Reprinted from the 3 Aug I9 U5 issue of
Cpl. John R. Sadlowski
Yank.
5
Submitted by R.K. Bohl.
SPARE
PARTS
ROLL.
M13
The following tool roll was bought b y J.B. Powers at a gun show some years ago. When
bought it contained M 2 sears, ”9 ” springs, sear springs, pins, selector switches, discon­
nector blocks and springs, extractors, ejectors, etc; about 2 to k of each. A description
follows:
Shaded area denotes edge binding about 3/8" wide. It has 9 numbered pockets for small
parts. The X denotes the open end of each pocket. The markings are:
SPARE PARTS ROLL, M13
D-73l*8 ??????? 9 0 <£— (can't read all of this)
MISCELLANEOUS ACCESSORY
ANCHOR CANVAS PROD. CORP
19UU
????? <£—
(can't read, may be FSN)
The strap is 5/8" wide heavy webbing. Strap and edge binding are light OD, canvas body
is dark gree OD.
UNUSUAL WINCHESTER
I recently had the opportunity to inspect an interesting and virtually unfired
Winchester Ml carbine, serial number 72786— . The barrel is unusual, having a bur­
nished "stainless" appearance, though it will draw a magnet. The only mark on the
barrel is a V' high W on the flat surface underneath, near the receiver. The barrel
is of normal length and construction.
The owner has an invoice from Winchester-Western Company, dated 7-7-75» that lists
this carbine and five others, shipped to Robert J. Perry & Associates of Park Ridge,
IL. All six carbines were Mis in the seven million range, with this gun having the
highest serial number. I made a telephone call to that company, and was told that
they did receive several carbines from the Winchester museum during that time.
Miscellaneous data includes: bolt has a 5 on the bottom surface of right lug; stock
has a W inside, as well as in the sling slot; front band retaining spring has a
round tip (unusual for Winchester); and firing pin is parkerized. Blued parts include
the op spring guide rod, sear, mag catch, and front sight pin. Dark, almost black
parts include the trigger, slide, and #3 band.
Marty Black
6
EDITOR'S NOTES
(
Effective with this issue, George "Marty" Black will become the newsletter editor.
Data sheets, articles and data for articles should be forwarded to Marty at 6 9 1 9
Meadow Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60011*. I will continue as the administrative director of
the club. Bob Eakins will continue as our Secretary-Treasurer. Bob Laden's term as
a Director has expired and David McClain will Join Tom Spring as Directors for the
1 9 8 5 - 8 6 period. Mike Stratton, publisher, and J.B. Powers, Historian, will fill out
the staff positions.
Our 1981* year has been more successful than
a bi-monthly format for the newsletter this
the proposal that we took a deep breath and
monthly newsletter format will continue for
expected. We had anticipated going to
year but enough members commented on
stuck with the monthly newsletter. The
1985!
Dues will remain at $7.00 ($10.00 foreign) for 1 9 8 5 . We are working out the details
to begin loading our data into a computer which will incur some cost, but a member
has graciously volunteered his time and hardware to help us keep the cost down. If
this program works out, we expect to see the project completed by the end of 1985.
The project to retype and condense the back issues of the newsletter is on hold un­
til the need arises. We should be able to handle both projects in 1 9 8 5 with our dues
income. A complete 1931* financial report will be published in an upcoming newsletter.
Best wishes for the holiday season.
Fred Bruhn
CARBINE OILERS
Ed LaPlante has sent us information that dates the change from leather washers,
51961*56, to synthetic rubber compound washers, EG28-51961*56. The complete TB 0RD
1*15 is copied below for your information.
c
RESTRICTED
5100456. Place eraaher against wsslier ring, fill tho oiler vwith pi
live lubricating oil (special), a n d screw on the cap.
1. Scrap the discarded washer as unserviceable material.
C a u tio n : D o not completely fill the h a n d oiler. It is essential to
allow s small void for the expansion a n d contraction of the oil which
occurs with varying temperatures.
TB ORD 415
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMT TECHNICAL BULLETIN
2. S C O P E , a. Organizational personnel an d ordnance maintenance
personnel will apply this procedure (par 2) as follows:
(1) W h e n the w e a p o n containing the h a n d oiler is rebuilt or
processed o n maintenance in storage.
(2) W h e n b a n d oiler is received f r o m storage to be used for
rebuild or maintenance in storage.
(3) W h e n the h a n d oiler in the field is found to be defective due
to oil leakage.
b. H a n d oilers in depot stock or in weapons are not to be processed
before issue for the sole purpose of replacing the washer.
|O J L ^ S i r a W W C n i N E C r a M J ^ A ^
S U R V IV A L R I F L E M 4 ^ /C A L . .2 2 /4 1 *
GAGE S U R V IV A L R I F L E SH O TG U N M « y
C A L . . 3 * C A R B IN E (A L L M O D E L S *! IN S T R U C T IO N S F O R E L IM IN A T IN G O IL
L E A K A G E IN HAND O IL E R —53C13C1
■«f« TM
9 M9 , T M 9- 1979 , T M 9-1917
> Bf H r b r Iol tfceAray, W«*4l«|l#a SS,W.C~, 17
4. A U T H O R I T Y F O R R E Q U I S I T I O N I N G , a. A s n o previous
provisions have been m a d e to replace the wsslier, this technical bulletin
is authority for requisitioning synthetic rubber c o m p o u n d washer—
5166456, stock n u m b e r DOSS-5190456, until the item is included in
O R D 7 a n d O R D 8 of S X L B-28, S N L B-43, en d 8 N L B-45, a nd
1911
This bulletin ia correct to £6 September 1061
SNLA-68.
L G E N E R A L , e. Thia bulletin provides inetnsctiane (for organizetiooel, field, or depot use) lor eliminating oil leakage in h a n d oiler,
6564664.
b. T h e waslier is available to organizational personnel a n d ordnance
maintenance personnel.
fA O 4T4J (• Oct 81)1
b. T b s b a n d oiler consists of a cylindrical metal tube, open at one
en d with a washer ring fastened inside the tube near the open end.
A metal applicator rod ia
to tha inner side of a ca p which
-‘screws into the open end of the tuba. W asher, 6106456 ia inserted into
tbs open en d of the tube a n d placed against the washer ring. This
washer forms a seat for tha cap a n d seals tha h a n d oiler.
9. D u e to difficulty with leaking h a n d oilers, it is necessary to replace
washers, 6106456 as they bec o m e defective. T h e material of this
washer has been changed from leather to synthetic rubber 00m pound.
T h i s technical bulletin is intended to call attention to this change a n d
to implement replacement of defective washers.
d. Cal. .22 Survival Rifle M 4 and O a L .22/410 Q a g e Survival Rifle
Sh o t g u n H 6 will be packed with the n e w type washer In the oiler at
time of manufacture. Oilers presently packed with these survival
w e a p o n s contain the n e w type washer.
Br
mamx ur t u t A
ouxx or the S r am
O m cu i:
WM. E. BEKG1N
rmy
:
J. L A W T O N C O L L I N S
C kU f 9 f S t a f } United State* A rm f
M ajor Oanaral, USA
T ka Adjutant Ganaral
D isthbutiow:
T e c h S v c (1); A r m A five B<1 (2); A F F (2 ); A A C o m d (2);
O S H a j C o m d (10); Baee C o m d (2) ; M D W ( I ) ; L o g C o m d
(0); A (90); C H Q (2) i D ( S ) ; B (1); B (1) r a p t « (2 ) ;
B n (1) r a p t 0 (2); C (1) r a p t • (2); F C (9); S ch (I)
r a p t • (40); G e n D o p (2); D t p 9 (10); P E ( O r d O ) (4),
O S D (2); P G » (10); A n 9 (10) ( Duo. » (10). S P E C I A L
DISTRIBUTION.
S. P R O C E D U R E . #. K a m o v s the cap. R e m o v e the laatkar waaher,
6106456, a n d replace it with a synthetic rubber c o m p o u n d washer,
F o r trpLnition of distribution formula, M
SISTIICTCI
RESTRICTED
i
I
tm ilO E D
7
S R 41040-1.
***““