Posted 2 years ago
dav2no1
(839 items)
Military Training Grenades (INERT)
I recently picked up this pair of training grenades at an estate sale. Several people had walked right by them probably thinking they were reproductions.
The one on the left is an M21 (1954-69) The fuse is marked 4- 65. This is referred to as a pineapple grenade.
The one on the right is an M30 (practice version of the M26 grenade). Referred to as a lemon grenade. This replaced the "pineapple" grenade. Fuse is marked 3- 63. "The M26A1 "Lemon" Fragmentation Hand Grenade became common in Vietnam after 1965."
The last picture shows the two training grenades with fuses removed, next to a reproduction M67 "baseball" grenade. This has an M213 fuse, but the body is fake and not very realistic.
THE REAL DEAL
There are several things to look for that indicate a "real" training grenade vs a reproduction item. One is the markings and color...mine have several numbers and letters such as RFX 54 & ID. The bottom plugs on real ones have a beveled edge vs a flat surface on fakes. The fuse threading is also an indicator.. "Original training grenades had a 9/16 thread ( about .550"), the common fake bodies all accept the 5/8 thread ( .620")." The reproduction pineapple grenades normally don't have the upper areas cast correctly, probably cheaper to produce that way(the lines don't go up to the fuse area). You can also see on the training grenades, they have the proper rubber washer on the fuses.
**I'll add some great links in the comments.**
RFX?
"RFX stands for Richmond Foundry & Mgf. Co. Inc., sole caster of the grenade's body." "The company is known for making practice grenades from the 1950s-1970s."
**Here's some good grenade information...
This one, you can scroll all the way to the bottom and see similar markings that are on my pieces...
https://tgrm.foxed.ca/Americangrenades/Mk%20II/The%20Mk%202%20grenade.html
https://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/311426-are-these-legit-or-repro-training-grenades/
http://www.vietnamgear.com/kit.aspx?kit=385
Really cool & interesting info about grenades Dave. Have always been a fan of war movies & it's esp thrilling when one of our guys lobs one over & takes out a pillbox :)
Back In 66 in AIT (advanced infantry training) we went to the live grenade range. We were behind a concrete wall with a funnel type hole in the floor in case a boot dropped it!!
Drill Sargent gave me a grenade and instructed me to pull the pin and threw it at a target. I did and immediately ducked down! He pulled me back up by the back of my neck and said wait to see where it goes!! Sarge had Nerves of steel!!
Stuff
Jenni - Thank you for your comments. I didn't figure you for a war movie buff. Lol
Stuff - Thank you for your service and the great story!
Here's a few FUBARs for your enjoyment..
https://www.military.com/video/ammunition-and-explosives/grenades/hand-grenade-training-goes-wrong/1337926110001
https://www.military.com/video/ammunition-and-explosives/grenades/female-soldier-grenade-toss-fail/2371792239001
Great FUBARs Dav.
Another story from AIT
We were training to throw a practice grenade laying down into a pillbox slot in front of each numbered lane. The grenades made a small popping sound when thrown!! One boot hit the numbered lane stake!! It rolls back and hit his helmet while he was facedown "POP" Sarge says you just killed yourself and everyone near you!!! Wish I had a video of that!!!
Stuff
Stuff - Another great story. It seems like such a simple concept, but I imagine under the stress of the real thing, that all sorts of stuff can happen..exacty why training is important.
So..66? What type were you using? Pineapple or lemons?
Pineapple. Your right
Training. Had 2 wks to go in Nam.
Was in the guard tower when a Newbie was in the next tower requested the OK to send up a
flare. They were in an aluminum tube that took off the end and put it on other end aimed and hit with your hand.
Also in the Tower was an M-79 grenade launcher. This idiot thought it was a flare gun!!!! He fired it range about 250 ft. It hit the ground and blew up. Idiot thought it was a dud and loads another one and shoots it off!!
Ammo dump 1/2 mile away thinks they were being attacked started shooting back. Being a Short timer I layed down behind the sandbags
Til smarter mind's called a ceasefire!!! I have plenty of funny but serious stories of my year there.
Stuff
Meant 250 yard's on the M79. They had different arming lengths on them. One story was a VC had been hit in the stomach at close range with one. Surgeon had to operate with a live grenade in him!!
Heroes All!!!
Stuff
During my basic training at Fort Ord. CA , (1961) we threw live pineapple for practice. I think the drill instructors were very nervous with us young recruits holding a grenade.
Stuff - Would love to sit down, have a few beers with you and listen to all your stories! You need to write your memoirs ..would be some interesting reading.
Ttom- Thank you for your service! I imagine there was some horror stories back then.. probably a reason why they switched to flash bang trainer grenades!
Two brothers and one TV :)
Very Nice Write Up, with Great Links !
LZ
A few beers and stories sounds great!! I posted a Great story about Typhoon and the new beer tabs invented about 1965 and solder's down to drinking pink champagne til the next ship's arrived with beer!! And us bulldozing out the jungle and laying out wire and sandbags to guard the beer!! Never got so drunk and trying to get in the duice and a half after guarding the stuff!! Note there's 65 cases to a pallet!!
Stuff - I bet you guys were pretty popular with the troops, having access to all that beer in the middle of the jungle! I got a good image in my head of some drunk soldiers trying to climb in the deuce and a half..lol
lzenglish - Thank you for the comments. I did a lot of research and reading to make sure my pieces were the real thing.
Ya!! That Beer was warm!! But it tasted better than the Vietnamese 33 beer that had a Panther on the label we called Panther Piss!!
Stuff
Stuff - Warm beer is better than no beer. Especially if you're stuck in the jungle getting shot at! Glad you are still here to tell us all these interesting stories!