M40 NBC (Gas) Mask Information [Reference]

by **Ninja2dan** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 3:42 am

In response to a few different topics asking general questions regarding the M40 chemical protective mask issued by the US military, I have decided to post a new topic that will include images and information on the mask.

Some photos will be directly posted here, while others deemed less important will be linked. I also will be providing a link to the complete image folder hosted online, which will include additional photos that may prove useful for reference but might not all be mentioned in this summary.

The M40 NBC mask is a replacement for the older M17 series masks, and features several improvements. The M40 equipped with the proper filter canister can protect against chemical-biological agents as well as radiological fallout, but is not effective against ammonia or carbon monoxide. The mask does not supply oxygen (like an SCBA or SCUBA system), so it should not be used in an oxygen deficient environment.

The M40 Field Protective mask features two voicemitters, one on either the right or left side, and one in front. A voicecom adapter may be placed over the front voicemitter to amplify the user's voice. The mask can be adjusted in the field to accept the filtering canister on either side, so that a weapon may be shouldered. Right-handed shooters will normally locate the canister on the left side of the mask and vice-versa.

The C2 canister on the M40 mask can protect the user from up to 15 nerve, choking, and blister agent attacks, and two blood agent attacks. However, the original C2 canister contains a radioactive source (Chromium 63) that has prompted the U.S. Army to replace it with a newer, non-radioactive alternative. Original C2 canisters are colored black; the newer, non-radioactive canisters are colored dark green.

The M40 comes with a drinking system that allows the user to drink water when donning the mask for long periods of time in a chemically contaminated environment.

The mask comes in a carrier designed to be worn either on the hip or torso (via shoulder straps), and the mask can be quickly removed and donned by trained soldiers in only a few seconds. Airsoft players are not generally concerned with having to don the mask quickly and will probably be wearing the mask at the start of the action if they intend to wear the mask for eye/face protection instead of military appearance and roleplaying. Learning to wear the mask properly though will greatly improve comfort and ensure the mask remains in good condition.

The mask comes with an outer protective hood that can be removed if not needed, and this is most likely the method of wear that airsoft players will choose. The mask also requires the use of outsert lens covers, which are issued in both clear and tinted depending on external lighting conditions. You must use the outserts at all times, as they also help protect the lenses from being scratched, and in airsoft they will provide an additional level of impact protection.

The filters used should be new or in good condition, as a used and dirty canister can lead to harder breathing or even the chance of breathing in chemicals or particles that might cause irritation. Filters are not expensive if you look hard enough, often around $10-$15 each from a surplus vendor. In the above caption you can see that the older canisters (such as the one I still have and is shown in my photos) are not recommended anymore due to the radioactive source.

If you plan to use the drinking filter, you will need either canteen lids designed to accept the attachment or you will need one of the newer adapters for camelback and similar drinking bladders, again which are available from surplus vendors. The link below is the preferred choice.

http://www.gunaccessories.com/Blackhawk/Hydrastorm/GasMaskAdapter.asp

Many have asked if the lenses of an M40 mask would withstand the impacts of airsoft 6mm BB's at average velocity. Although I have not tested it on my mask to be certain, I have personally had impacts against my lenses while performing military duties and have had no breaks or projectile penetration of the lenses versus fragments/spall at higher energy/velocity ratings than airsoft limits. I feel that the M40 mask will more than stop any BB's even from close range and repeated strikes, as long as the outserts are properly worn over the lenses. If anyone else is wanting to risk their mask to give it a try, please feel free.

Corrective lens inserts are also available, although the lenses themselves will need to be custom cut by your eyeglass provider. The frames might take a little more effort to find available, but if you need to wear glasses they are a must. Contact lenses are not recommended while wearing any form or protective mask. The corrective inserts will also help provide an additional layer of impact protection, and you can always get "blank" lenses made if you desire.

The mask is not difficult to maintain or clean, and as long as you use the hardshell storage insert you should have no problems keeping the mask in shape for many years. The mask in the photos is about 10 years old, I purchased it new from supply back in the spring of '99 to use as a replacement for my issued mask. I forgot to use the hardshell storage insert for almost a year while I was overseas on vacation, but only minor wear resulted. My mask will be cleaned this week, as you can see I forgot to clean it the last time it was used. The last time this mask was used for extended periods was during an Army National Guard drill weekend at Camp Rilea, OR while spending some time with my old unit. There are still some grains of sand around the mask that were hidden underneath the latex shell, but once the shell was removed this will be easy to clean. Just follow the PMCS instructions in the manual and you'll have a very good investment.

The mask does include a clear waterproof bag inside the carrier pouch, I would suggest holding onto it until needed such as emergency protection against heavy rain or bad weather. Another item included is a small rectangular container on the carrier that holds decontamination wipes, which are not needed for airsoft. You can use the container to hold other items such as oxy pads for mask cleaning, a pack of smokes, or other items.

Photos:

Carrier, front

Carrier, rear

Mask, rear, open, straps to front

Mask, front, hood on mask

Mask, front, hood on, closeup view

Mask, front, hood off

by **Pulsipher** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 4:54 am

yes, but are the lenses ANZI rated?

by **TechnoMagical** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 8:31 am

No. You would need special outserts to make it airsoft-able.

by **xmartinox** » Fri Nov 25, 2011 11:59 pm

In which colors the lens are available?(Post pics ,please)
Are there lens for to protect from 'flash bang'?
Is there one video who watch how to change the lens?
Where is possible to buy these lens(on ebay o similar,post link please)
Thanks.

YouTube · by **MJKramer** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 12:09 am

the outer lens change is stupid but simple.
you fold the rubber part that holds it in place forward, then hold the lense over the place that you are putting it. then you fold the rubber back down over the lense until its in place. I've had to deal with this irritating mask plenty. even had two classes on it since being in my unit (one was a special voluntary NBC range).

YouTube · by **MJKramer** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 2:19 am

JESUS F****** CHRIST

its relevant to the topic. let it go.

YouTube · by **Runestone** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 12:16 pm

Oh cmon guys, you should have necro'd something WAY older, that way it would at least be impressive instead of just sad like this one is.

by **Heretic** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 11:02 am

Regardless, this topic has FANTASTIC info.

Look's like a good necro to me.

by **mossy** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 3:19 pm

Every time you necro, God creates a communist. :P

by **congofal** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 9:06 pm

To help contribute to the necro , here's a pic of the Chemical Decon Wipes

YouTube · by **MJKramer** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 7:19 am

I think he was asking for pics of outer lens options. But that helps too kinda if you're gonna carry a mask with a bag on your leg and try to be all super detailed and "proper."
better than me, i have a mask. no bag or kit, and I'm pretty sure I dont have extra lenses. Half tempted to get the lenses mesh replaced. but mines not an M40.

they do have lenses of different tints, and stuff to protect against flash exists. I dont know the hand reciept name or the NSN or I'd find some pics for ya.

by **congofal** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 9:01 am

When i have my mask with me i always carry everything , that is the way i was taught .
I will take some pics and post them up of the lenses options as well as the M42 mask ( for Armor Crewmen )

by **congofal** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 9:50 am

Outer Lens Clear

Outer Lens Neutral Gray

Both of these outer lens sets will protect the primary lenses from damage , either from shrapnel or airsoft BBs.

There i believe that is what he was asking for and a better necro answer?

M40 NBC (Gas) Mask Information [Reference]

M40 NBC (Gas) Mask Information [Reference]

type of lens

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