120mm M865 APDS Abrams Tank Training Round

Description

6/17/25 - This is an original 120mm M865 APDS (Armor-Piercing Discarding Sabot) tank training projectile, primarily used with the M1 Abrams and compatible NATO tanks (e.g., Leopard 2) featuring the Rheinmetall smoothbore 120mm gun. The M865 replicates the ballistic characteristics of the live-service M829 armor-piercing rounds, utilizing a steel penetrator dart encased in three aluminum sabot petals (marked “99597 A/B/C”, indicating the three are a serialized and matching set). Additional markings include a stamped “43 C” on the penetrator, a white hand-painted inventory code "125 C," and chalk numbering “913844” plus a small double-circle inspection mark on the rubberized sabot base. Condition is mostly excellent, with original drill-blue finish, displaying minor dings and handling marks typical of surplus training munitions. The penetrator dart is straight and undamaged, with a smooth steel surface, though there is some light rub wear from handling is present. Completely safe for display, this projectile represents an iconic modern armor collectible illustrating advanced kinetic-energy ammunition technology from late-Cold War to modern US armored warfare training.