57 A disrupter (1, 2) for the disruption of explosive devices comprises an elongate tube (3) with a bore (4) of substantially constant cross-section closed at one end by a breech assembly (6). A nozzle (10) having a tapering bore (9) is detachably mounted on the other end of the tube (3). The arrangement provides for improved performance over prior art devices with bores of constant cross-section whilst avoiding the expense of machining a continuously tapering bore.

The breech assembly (6) comprises a pin (24) slidably housed in a plastic insert (23). The pin is biassed by means of a spring (28) and screw plug (54) to contact a centre terminal of an electrically activated cartridge (not shown). Voltage is supplied to the cartridge via plugs inserted in apertures in the breech assembly body (22) and the plug (54).

The disrupter (1, 2) is slidably mounted in a holder (13, 14) and positioned by means of springs (15) which absorb recoil when the device is activated.

Also disclosed in a mounting assembly (40, 41, 42, 13, 14) for mounting a plurality of disrupters in variety of different relative orientations.