Sherman mantlet.

[javalls]

Hi,

Does anybody knows the reason Sherman mantlets, either narrow or large ones, had two side (right and left) "protections" around the base of the gun tube ?

Thanks in advance for any help.

JAValls

[Maple_Leaf_Eh]

Bullet splash protection for the exposed recoiling gun tube - my guess.

[SHAWN]

you are referring to the M34 and M34A1 mantlets. not all M34's had the protection you speak of...
but as maple leaf stated, it was to prevent bullet splash and to protect the rotor surface. the "protections" are to the left and right of the tube on the rotor shield.

[JeffStringer]

If you're talking about the protrusions along side the gun tube? Those are counter weights.

[MarkHolloway]

Another consideration-If this area became damaged then when the gun recoiled it would rip the gun hydraulic seals to shreads and put the gun out of service. (On the M551 the seals leaked without any damage )

So those pieces protect the gun tube from damage.

[javalls]

Thanks a lot you Guys.

JAValls