M29 mortar

The M29 is an American-produced 81 millimeter mortar. It began replacing the M1 mortar in U.S. service in 1952 being lighter and with greater range. It was subsequently replaced by the M252 mortar in 1987. Variants included the M29E1 and M29A1, adopted in 1964. These were produced with a hard chrome-plated bore to prolong barrel life and ease of cleaning. The maximum rate of fire of the M29 is 27 rounds per minute, while the sustained rate of fire is 4 rounds per minute; For the M29A1 model, the maximum rate of fire is 30 rounds per minute with a sustained rate of fire of 5 rounds per minute. The range varies depending on the type of ammunition used: HE M374A2 (High Explosive): Minimum range 79 yards (72 m), maximum range 5,025 yards (4,595 m). HE M362A1 (High Explosive): Minimum range 50 yards (46 m), maximum range 4,360 yards (3,987 m).