The bipod of the M-1939 mortar can be carried in either a folded or extended position depending on the circumstances.  The top right photo shows the bipod open, while the bottom right photo shows the bipod folded closed for transport.

The photo below shows the large spike at the base of each leg that is used to secure the weapon firmly to the ground.

To elevate the mortar the gunner turns the knob at the bottom of the elevation bar.  The weapon can be elevated between 45 and 75 degrees.  The top right picture shows the mortar at maximum elevation.

The center right picture shows a close up detail of the threading on the elevation bar.

Before the mortar can be elevated it must be level.  This is what the adjustment lever between the elevation bar and the right bipod leg does.  By locking the bar on the bipod leg it can be turned to bring the mortar to proper vertical alignment.

The locking nut on the bipod leg can be seen in the bottom right picture.  The markings tell the operator which way to turn the nut.  This is loosened when the bipod is to be opened or closed, and tightened when the weapon is to be adjusted for firing.

This section focuses on the gas adjustment system at the base of the barrel.  This system changes the range of the weapon by opening or restricting the flow of exhaust gasses that leave the mortar.  The upper right photo shows the whole assembly with the regulator in the closed position.  The bottom photograph shows the adjustment markings on the barrel and the adjustment sleeve when in the open position.  The center right picture shows the adjustment sleeve in the fully open position.

The next three pictures in this section show the gas port of the weapon and the markings around that area.  The center left picture is a close up of the exhaust port of the mortar.

On either side of the exhaust port are several markings.  These include the year of manufacture and several other numbers (52-M-1939).  They can be seen in the two photographs below.

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