seeking info- M57 Clacker

[Wh33lman]

Ok, so im doing so research for a project that i might undertake, and it involves this detonater. I can't seem to find too much much information about it, so i thought i'd ask around here. You can buy some of these "Veitnam era" claymore detonaters online, but i want to know if they are used exclusively for claymores and if they are still in use today.

[[R-DEV]Ninja2dan]

The M57 firing device is used exclusively for the M18 Claymore Mine to my knowledge. The device has a special plug that is mated to the line attached to the electric blasting cap that is inserted into the mine. There is also a circuit testing device that fits in between the "clacker" and the blasting cap line, which has a small bulb that illuminates when the clacker is working properly.

The M57 is still used today, and I don't see any changes being planned for the future. Common practice is to mash the clacker 3 times rapidly during firing, to ensure a signal is sent. In training you'll often hear the soldier yelling "Claymore, claymore, claymore!" while activating the clacker on each yell of the word.



I have seen a few "modified uses" of both the claymores and the firing device. I've personally trained on how to employ the mines without the clacker using improvised detonation devices, some suitable for sniper operations. I've also heard of people using the claymore clacker and cap to detonate other explosives, although that seems like a waste in my opinion and would probably only be done in an emergency.

It's possible to get your hands on an inert training claymore set, which includes the clacker, tester, line roll with dummy cap, an inert (blue) claymore mine, and the bandolier. These are generally used in training soldiers during BCT and CTT drills.

[[R-CON]nedlands1]

There's some information on the M18A1 Claymore and associated paraphernalia (including the M57) here: FM 23-23 Table of Contents

[Wh33lman]

Ok, thank you both for the info.

[dtacs]

While we're on the topic of claymores, do motion-sensor ones really exist?

[anglomanii]

in a word, yes.....

personel that have done the EOAP training course will have done the portion that consists of asymetric and unorthodox deployment of devices, there are several COTS and MOTS systems that can be used to initiate a m18a1 via a command or victim initiated trigger system, the replacement to the current australian varients of claymore will be the new LUEB device, which is designed to fulfill a much larger spectrum of applications then the m18