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M2A1 Ammo Can Overview
来源: | From: Armster | Date: 2024-01-10 | 17 View | 分享到:
The steel M2A1 Ammunition Can / Box (also called Chest Ammunition: M2A1 or Box, Metal, M2A1) was introduced during the 1950s for .50 caliber machine gun ammunition, replacing the M2 .50 cal. ammunition can / box. The M2A1 ammo can was designed to hold link belts of 100 cartridges of .50 cal. ammunition for the M2 Browning machine gun, but was in fact utilized to transport and store many other ammo calibers and packaging.

The steel M2A1 Ammunition Can/ Box (also called Chest Ammunition: M2A1 or Box, Metal, M2A1) was introduced during the 1950s by the U.S. Armed Forces for .50 caliber machine gun ammunition, replacing the M2 .50 cal. ammunition can/ box. The names listed are the 14 known companies to have produced the M2 ammo can beginning September 21st of 1942.  In addition to these 14 there are also variations of this can that have been found without a makers mark and are referred to as Un-Marked.  

M2A1 ammo box manufacturers


The M2A1 ammo can was designed to hold link belts of 100 cartridges of .50 cal. ammunition for the M2 Browning machine gun, but was in fact utilized to transport and store many other ammo calibers and packaging. The M2A1 is commonly used by the military and civilians alike for storing a wide range of small arms ammunition including 5.56×45, 9mm, shotshells and so on. See below list for reference.


  • Cartridge 5.56 mm bandoleers and linked

  • Cartridge 7.62 mm bandoleers and linked

  • Cartridge .30 calibre carbine

  • Cartridge .50 calibre linked

  • Cartridge .38 special

  • Cartridge 9mm (20 cartons of 50)

  • Cartridge .45 ACP

  • Cartridge 12 gauge shotgun shell

  • Cartridge .22LR

 

The M2A1 is an excellent ammunition storage and transportation solution. It is a large receptacle capable of storing 100 linked 50 BMG rounds, 1,200 loose 5.56 rounds, 2,200 loose 9mm rounds, or 140 loose 12 Gauge rounds. The M2A1’s seam-welded steel construction soaks up considerable abuse without risking harm to its contents. The can’s hinged, collapsible handle is easy to carry, and its latch closes tightly to prevent moisture and debris from contaminating its contents.


Construction details of the M2A1 .50 cal. ammunition can/ box:

 

Steel material, seam welded latch, hinge, handle spot welded to body end-opening lid with quick release hinge, quick release latch, rubber gasket under lid makes near waterproof seal when latched closed. Flat sides and lid, metal bar handle attached to the lid by rectangular wire loops so it can fold flat for stacking or lift up for easy carry, lid skirts protect contents when lid is partially opened.

 

The lid skirts originally angled down from the hinge end, then ran parallel to the top as the skirt approached the latch end. Later model M2A1 boxes have a lid skirt that is shorter and parallel to the lid for the full length. The M2A1 ammo can is painted olive drab. Stamped markings may include the manufacturer’s name, the model M2A1, and year made. A cartridge shape may be embossed in the lid to indicate direction of loading. Paint (usually yellow) will be used for stenciled markings identifying the contents.

 

The M2A1 ammunition box has been used by the U.S. military for small and medium caliber cartridges, for artillery fuses and more.

 

The M2A1 ammunition can measurement dimensions:

  • External: 305x155x190mm

  • Internal: 278x140x175mm

  • Weight: ~2.5Kg

 

M2A1 ammo box drawing


It is defined by MIL-DTL-3060F (drawing number 7553296, Box, Ammunition, M2A1 Assembly) or earlier specs in the MIL–B-3060 series.

 

Two M2A1 boxes are packed into a wire bound, wood shipping crate (drawing number 7553347 – Box, Wire bound: Boxes, Ammunition, M2A1). The M2A1 ammunition box is covered by NSN 8140-00-960-1699 and the shipping crate NSN 8140-00-078-8969.


M2A1 ammo cans factory