M-197 Rotary Cannon

Published on
Review Author(s)
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$11.00
Product / Stock #
AM-48-056
Base Kit
any 1/48 AH-1E, 1F, 1J, 1T, 1W
Company: Master Model - Website: Visit Site
Provided by: Master Model - Website: Visit Site

The AH-1 Cobra had various versions that used the M-197 20mm cannon: the Army AH-1E, AH-1F, and the Marine Corp AH-1J, AH-1T, and AH-1W. Until now, the kit offerings of this prominent armament feature have been poorly molded in plastic. Well, fret (no pun intended) no more – Master Model has your cannon.

You get three turned metal barrels and one end barrel nut. There is a fret that has the mid-barrel clamp and the rear barrel clamp. The barrels are perfectly formed and are literally miniature gun barrels. Heck, I wouldn’t be surprised if there are grooves in the barrels. This set is absolutely gorgeous. The hardest part of this set will be not to lose the end barrel nut. Everything about this set is perfect.

As someone who has pre-flighted, shot, and lived around these guns, I will say that they are perfect. If you want your Cobra to look as mean as it can, then you will need this set. The Monogram, Revell, Revell/Germany, and Fujimi AH-1Fs will definitely benefit from this set, as will the Fujimi and Italeri AH-1J, AH-1T and AH-1Ws.

Master has also released this cannon in 1/35th and 1/72nd scale and they are just as nice.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Master Model and IPMS/USA for the review copy and review space.

Parts Packaging

Reviewer Bio

Floyd S. Werner Jr.

Building models since the age of 7, I’ve become known for my Bf-109s and helicopters. I currently run Werner’s Wings. I was previously the ‘star’ of the Master Class Model Building Video series. I’ve been published numerous times on various website, including Hyperscale and ARC. My work has been in FSM and Great Scale Modeling 2001, as well as, numerous other model magazines. I’m a published author with my Squadron/Signal Walkaround book on the Kiowa Warrior. My models have continuously won many regional and national awards. My unique model photography gives my models instant recognition for their historical perspective.

I’m a retired from the Army after 21 years of flying Cobras and Kiowa Warriors, including tours in Iraq, Bosnia, Korea, and Germany. I’m also a retired Flight Officer for the Baltimore City Police and flew their helicopters chasing bad guys. I’m currently flying Cobras and Hueys with the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation.

I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart, Yvonne, for 42 years. Our daughters have blessed us with six grandchildren. My passions continue to be his family, friends, helicopters, models and airplanes, especially the Bf-109 and my beloved AH-1 Cobra. My motto has always been - MODELING IS FUN!