M-4 Commando Mortar
# M-4 Commando Mortar

The M-4 Commando Mortar also known as a "patrol mortar" is a lightweight 60 mm commando mortar manufactured by Denel Land Systems.

## Description

As with other mortars of this type it is intended for rapid use over short ranges as a fire support weapon. It has a lanyard operated trigger mechanism in the breech which allows it to be carried loaded with a bomb, unlike other mortars that have fixed firing pins. The lack of a bipod means it is not as accurate as a conventional mortar and is unsuitable for sustained fire use. The sighting system incorporated in the handle consists of a pair of curved spirit levels one to indicate that it upright in the lateral plane and the other indicates the range with a charge table. Beta lights illuminate the sight for night use.

## Ammunition

It uses the M-61 series of bombs in high explosive, smoke, illumination and practice versions.

## Variants

* M4: pulled a lanyard released the firing mechanism
* M4 Mk 1: equipped with a fixed firing pin
* M4L3: version with simplified baseplate and sight, range is shorter (1,200m).

## Users

* Colombia - Colombian Army
* Mexico: M4L3
* South Africa - South African Army

## Specifications

* Type: Muzzle loading mortar
* Calibre: 60 mm
* Mass: Total 7.2 kg - Barrel 3.2 kg - Breech 0.9 kg - Baseplate 1.9 kg - Sight/handle - 1.1 kg
* Barrel length: 650 mm
* Traverse: 300 mil
* Elevation: 710 to 1510 mil
* Muzzle velocity: 171 m/s
* Range: 100 m minimum - 2100 m maximum
