We’ve developed a tool that
makes taking these measurements
quick and easy. Make the tool
from 1/8-in steel plate.
A
is the minimum length the recu-
perator guide pins must protrude.
B
is the maximum length the guide
pins can protrude.
C
is the maximum distance from
the face of the cannon tube to
the face of the breech.
We added a 1/4-in diameter hole to one corner of the tool so a lanyard can
be attached to hang it up.
SSG Les Kolden
2/147th FA
Watertown, SD
PS 586
SEP 01
20
M109-Series SP Howitzers…
Dear Editor,
Some of the pre-fire checks
for your M109-series howitzer
require taking measurements.
For instance, the distance from
the rear face of the cannon tube
to the rear of the breech ring
cannot be more than 5 inches. If
it is, the gun tube and breech ring
are out of alignment and you
could be seriously injured or even
killed when the howitzer is fired.
You also must measure
the length of the recupera-
tor’s indicator pins inside
and outside the vehicle. If
the pins extend less than
1/8 inch, or more than 3/4
inch, your howitzer is NMC
until the hydraulic fluid level
in
the
recuperator
is
adjusted. That’s to prevent
damage to the recuperator
when the gun is fired.
Hey! what’re
you gonna do
with
that?
oh, I just
want to
see if you
measure
up!
Well,
what’s the
verdict?
everything
checks out!
let’s hit
the road!
That’s a lot easier than
using a ruler or tape
measure. Good job!
Distance from
cannon tube to
breech face
cannot be more
than 5 inches
Recuperator pins must
be measured inside…
…and outside vehicle
586. 20-21 (C)
8/6/01
2:36 PM
Page 1