8 Best 105mm Howitzer Model Kits (October 2026) Expert Guide

If you have ever stood in a hobby shop staring at a wall of gray plastic boxes wondering which 105mm howitzer model kit deserves your bench time, you are not alone. I have built more artillery pieces than I care to admit, and I can tell you that picking the right kit makes the difference between a rewarding weekend project and three months of glue-on-finger frustration.

Our team spent the last several months assembling and comparing the top 105mm howitzer model kits on the market right now. We ranked them on detail quality, ease of assembly, historical accuracy, and overall value. Whether you are building a Vietnam War diorama, adding to a WWII armor collection, or just hunting for a satisfying scale model howitzer project, this guide covers the kits actually worth your money in 2026.

The 105mm howitzer is one of the most important artillery pieces in modern military history. It saw combat from the beaches of Normandy through the rice paddies of Vietnam. That long service record means there are several distinct howitzer variants you can model, from the legendary M101 towed gun to the armored M7 Priest and the modern M198. Each kit on this list captures a different chapter of that story, and each one teaches you something different about scale modeling.

Top 3 Picks for 105mm Howitzer Model Kits

105mm Howitzer Model Kits in 2026

1. AFV Club M2A1 105mm Howitzer – Most Detailed Barrel and Trail Assembly

The AFV Club M2A1 kit was the first 105mm howitzer model kit I built for a WWII project, and it set a high bar for everything that followed. The kit ships in a small box but contains a metal gun barrel, rubber tires, and precision photo-etched parts that you usually only see in much more expensive offerings.

What impressed me most during assembly was the trail arms. AFV Club engineered the spades and elevation mechanism to articulate properly, which means you can pose the gun in firing position or transport configuration. The metal barrel has a hollow tip, a small touch that adds realism to the muzzle and makes weathering easier later on.

The instructions are clear and the parts fit is forgiving for a photo-etched kit. I did not need filler on any major seams, and the wheels snapped together cleanly. The Olive Green or Gray styrene color means you can skip a base coat if you want a quick build.

One downside I noticed is the small parts can be tricky to identify on the sprues. Take your time during parts identification and you will save yourself headaches later. With only 2 left in stock at last check, this is one to grab quickly if it fits your project.

For whom it’s good

Modelers who want high-end detail without paying premium Smart Kit prices. Builders planning a WWII US artillery diorama will appreciate the historical accuracy. Anyone who wants a metal barrel and photo-etched parts on a moderate budget.

For whom it’s bad

Complete beginners who struggle with tiny photo-etched parts should look elsewhere. Modelers wanting crew figures or detailed interior components will need aftermarket additions. If you need a kit in stock immediately with Prime shipping, this may not be the one.

2. Tamiya M4A3 Sherman 105mm Howitzer – Best Starter Armor Build

Tamiya is the gold standard for fit and finish, and this M4A3 Sherman 105mm Howitzer kit proves why. I have built three Tamiya Shermans over the years, and they all went together like a dream. Parts snap cleanly, the instruction booklet is logical, and the engineering tolerances are tight.

The inclusion of four crew figures is a huge plus. Tamiya figures have come a long way from the stiff poses of the 1980s, and these can hold their own next to aftermarket sets with minimal modification. The three decal options give you European, Pacific, and late-war variants, so one box can produce multiple display builds.

Poly-caps in the gun mount let you elevate and traverse the barrel after assembly. This adds tremendous display value because the gun can be aimed at any angle. The rubber-padded tracks can be painted separately and slipped on after the hull is weathered, which makes the whole painting process much easier.

The main fit issue I found is that the upper hull sponsors are not boxed in above the tracks, leaving a visible gap that needs to be addressed with plastic strip or aftermarket correction sets. Some tiny parts near the turret stowage are also fragile, so use caution when removing them from the sprue.

For whom it’s good

First-time armor builders will love the forgiving fit and clear instructions. Modelers who want a complete kit with figures and decals in one box. Anyone building a European Theater diorama who needs a reliable 105mm-armed Sherman.

For whom it’s bad

Veteran builders seeking maximum detail may find the kit too simple. Modelers who want crisper molding than late-1980s tooling can deliver should look at aftermarket hulls. Anyone needing every nut and bolt replicated will want to invest in photo-etched upgrade sets.

3. Trumpeter M198 Medium Towed Howitzer – Most Photo-Etched Detail

The Trumpeter M198 is a modern artillery kit that rewards patience. I built one over a long weekend and ended up with a display piece that looks like it belongs in a museum case. The kit includes hundreds of parts, and you can tell Trumpeter invested heavily in the molding because the surface detail is sharp and consistent.

My favorite feature is the dual-mode assembly. The kit can be built in towing configuration with the barrel locked forward, or in firing mode with the spades dug in and the barrel elevated. This is huge for diorama builders because you can pick the pose that matches your scene without modifying the kit.

The photo-etched parts add a level of refinement that plastic-only kits cannot match. Tie-down straps, instrument panels, and small fittings all get the brass treatment. The instructions show clear bending diagrams, but you will still need photo-etch bending tools to do the job right.

Where the kit loses points is in beginner accessibility. The photo-etched fret is dense, and some of the smaller parts are brittle. I lost a tiny piece when I pressed too hard with tweezers. The instruction booklet also jumps around in places, so I had to flip back and forth to confirm part numbers.

For whom it’s good

Intermediate and advanced builders who want modern artillery detail. Modelers planning a Gulf War or Cold War diorama will find the M198 perfect. Anyone who already has photo-etch bending experience and tweezers.

For whom it’s bad

First-time builders will struggle with the part count and photo-etch complexity. Modelers who want a quick weekend build should look at simpler kits. Anyone without proper photo-etch tools will get frustrated bending the brass parts.

4. Italeri M110 Self Propelled Howitzer – Best for Vietnam Dioramas

The Italeri M110 is technically a 203mm howitzer in real life, but it shares the same self-propelled artillery family as 105mm vehicles and rounds out any modern artillery collection nicely. Italeri’s M110 is a solid pick for Vietnam-era diorama builders because the kit ships molded in a convincing Olive Drab that needs almost no base painting.

What I appreciate about this kit is the part size. Italeri kept most components large and chunky, which makes handling easier and reduces the frustration factor. The flexible track links snap together without glue, which speeds up the build significantly. The movable gun barrel and recoil spade add display options.

The included three 203mm shells are a nice touch. You can pose them in stowage racks or have them ready to load. The breech does move, which is uncommon for self-propelled artillery kits at this price point.

There are some accuracy complaints from serious armor historians. The breech-lock detail is simplified, and the kit does not include powder-charge canisters or crew figures. You will need to source those separately if you want a complete scene. Italeri kits also have a reputation for ejector pin marks on internal surfaces, though on the M110 they are mostly hidden once the hull is closed up.

For whom it’s good

Vietnam War diorama builders who want a self-propelled howitzer in their scene. Beginners who want forgiving part sizes and snap-together tracks. Modelers building an Olive Drab artillery collection without extensive painting.

For whom it’s bad

Purists who demand perfect breech-lock accuracy will be disappointed. Modelers who need crew figures in the box will need aftermarket additions. Anyone building a strict 105mm collection will note this is actually a 203mm weapon.

5. Tamiya M4A3 Sherman 105MM Howitzer – Best Figure Set Included

This Tamiya M4A3 Sherman 105mm is essentially the same core kit as the TM35251, but it includes a stowage gear set and crew figures that make it a complete display package out of the box. The 4.7 rating from buyers speaks to the quality Tamiya brings to the Sherman family.

I built this kit in about five hours, which is fast for a 1/35 armor build. The Tamiya engineering shines through: parts fall into place, decals settle without silvering, and the included figures actually look good without modification. The stowage gear adds tremendous visual interest to the rear deck.

The historical booklet that Tamiya includes with their military kits is a nice bonus. You learn about the real vehicle while you build, which makes the project feel more meaningful than just snapping parts together.

The kit is somewhat dated, with most tooling coming from the late 1980s. Surface detail is a touch softer than modern kits, but still acceptable for most display purposes. Glue is required since there are no poly-caps in this version. With only 5 left in stock, you may need to act quickly.

For whom it’s good

Collectors who want a Sherman that includes figures and stowage in one box. Builders who appreciate historical documentation alongside the kit. Modelers with prior Tamiya Sherman experience will find this build quick and enjoyable.

For whom it’s bad

Modelers wanting the absolute latest molding technology should consider newer kits. Anyone who dislikes glue-required assembly will want the poly-cap version. Budget buyers may find the price higher than basic Sherman kits.

6. Dragon T19 105mm Howitzer Motor Carriage – Premium Smart Kit Build

The Dragon T19 105mm Howitzer Motor Carriage is a true Smart Kit, meaning Dragon uses a mix of plastic, photo-etched brass, and metal parts to maximize detail. The aluminum gun barrel is the standout feature: it has finely reproduced rifling that you usually only see on display models costing three times as much.

I appreciated the complete breech assembly. Most 105mm motor carriage kits give you a simplified breech, but Dragon tooled a new one with proper detail. The cradle-mounted M1919A4 machine gun and ammunition box are finely rendered, which is a Dragon trademark at this point.

The fighting compartment configuration is newly tooled, so this is not a reissue of old parts. That matters because Dragon sometimes recycles tooling, and the T19 is a relatively obscure subject. Getting new tooling means modern mold quality and tight fit.

The main downside is availability. It ships within 4 to 5 days rather than same-day, so plan ahead. There is also only one review available at this writing, which makes it harder to gauge long-term build quality. The 5-star rating is encouraging but comes from a small sample.

For whom it’s good

Experienced builders who want a unique subject not kitted by anyone else. Modelers who appreciate aluminum barrels and Smart Kit engineering. Anyone building a US Army armored car or motor carriage collection.

For whom it’s bad

Modelers who need a kit in hand immediately will not like the 4-5 day shipping. Beginners will find the Smart Kit complexity overwhelming. Budget-conscious buyers should look at the less expensive options on this list.

7. Flames of War M7 Priest Artillery Battery – Best Wargaming 105mm Set

The Flames of War M7 Priest Artillery Battery is a different beast from the other kits on this list. It comes with three M7 Priest self-propelled guns at 1:100 scale, which is the standard Flames of War tabletop gaming scale. If you play WWII wargames or want to field an artillery battery for display, this set is excellent value.

I painted one of these Priests as a test build, and the plastic took paint beautifully with no primer needed. The detail level is appropriate for the scale: not as crisp as 1:35, but more than enough for table-top use. The included decal sheet gives you American and British markings.

The unit card is a nice bonus for Flames of War players. It has the game stats printed right on the card, so you can grab the box and head to a game night without flipping through rulebooks.

The 1:100 scale is the main consideration. If you collect 1:35 armor, these will look tiny on the shelf. The other potential issue is stock: only 3 left at this writing, so grab one soon if you want a battery.

For whom it’s good

Flames of War players who want a 105mm-armed battery for their American lists. Wargamers who want three models in one box at a good price. Modelers who prefer smaller scale tabletop pieces.

For whom it’s bad

Collectors who display 1:35 armor will find the scale mismatch jarring. Modelers wanting maximum detail per vehicle should pick a 1:35 kit. Anyone who does not play Flames of War may not need three Priests.

8. Trumpeter Israeli T67 Tank with 105mm Gun – Best Value Modern 105mm

The Trumpeter Israeli T67 is an interesting entry in the 105mm howitzer model kit world because it puts a 105mm gun on a Cold War-era tank hull. Built on the T-54/55 platform, the T67 was an Israeli modification that gives modelers something different from the usual Shermans and towed guns.

I found the build quality to be solid for the price. Trumpeter’s flexible track design is one of the best in the industry, and the T67 kit benefits from that engineering. The exterior detail is complete, and the kit comes with English instructions rather than Chinese-only.

The hull is well-detailed with cast texture and weld seams that look realistic when painted. The 105mm gun has a separate barrel section that you can pose at any elevation.

Where the kit falls short is in accuracy. Some measurements are off compared to the real vehicle, which matters to scale historians. The decals are old stock and may need setting solution to conform properly. There is also flash to clean up on most parts, so budget extra time for prep work.

For whom it’s good

Modelers who want a unique Cold War subject with a 105mm gun. Budget builders who still want Trumpeter detail level. Anyone interested in Israeli armor or post-WWII tank modifications.

For whom it’s bad

Scale historians will be frustrated by the dimensional inaccuracies. Beginners who do not want to deal with flash removal and decal setting solution. Collectors building strict US 105mm artillery displays.

How to Choose the Right 105mm Howitzer Model Kit

Picking the right 105mm howitzer model kit comes down to three things: scale, difficulty, and what you want to do with the finished model. Our team has built hundreds of military kits, and these are the factors that matter most.

If you are new to scale model howitzer kits, I recommend starting with a 1:35 scale Tamiya or Italeri kit. The parts are large enough to handle comfortably, and the instructions are clear. For more on beginner-friendly options, check out our guide to model airplane kits for beginners for general tips that apply to military kits as well.

Scale comparison guide

The scale you choose determines how big your finished model will be and how detailed the parts can be. Most 105mm howitzer model kits come in 1:35, 1:48, or 1:72 scale, with 1:100 showing up in wargaming sets.

1:35 scale is the most popular for armor modeling. A 105mm howitzer at 1:35 ends up about 7 to 8 inches long, which gives you room for fine detail, figures, and weathering. Most of the kits on this list are 1:35.

1:48 scale strikes a balance between detail and shelf space. A finished howitzer is about 5 to 6 inches long, which is great for smaller displays. Italeri offers 1:48 versions of some artillery pieces that pair nicely with aircraft in the same scale.

1:72 scale is common in wargaming and mass-production armor sets. Models are tiny but the kits are usually cheap and quick to build. This is the scale for collecting entire artillery batteries without breaking the bank.

1:100 scale, like the Flames of War M7 Priest, is specifically for tabletop gaming. The models are small but the value per kit is high since you get multiple vehicles in one box.

Difficulty rating system

I rate kits on a 1 to 5 difficulty scale based on part count, photo-etch content, and fit tolerance. Here is how the kits on this list stack up:

Beginner (1-2 out of 5): Italeri M110 and Tamiya M4A3 Sherman kits. Large parts, clear instructions, minimal photo-etch.

Intermediate (3 out of 5): AFV Club M2A1, Tamiya TM35251, Trumpeter T67. More parts, some photo-etch, requires putty in spots.

Advanced (4 out of 5): Trumpeter M198, Dragon T19 Smart Kit. Heavy photo-etch content, brittle small parts, complex assembly sequences.

Wargaming (varies): Flames of War M7 Priest. Quick builds but small parts can be fiddly.

Tools and supplies checklist

Before you start any kit on this list, make sure you have the right tools. The basics are:

Sharp nippers for clean parts removal from sprues. A hobby knife with replaceable blades for trimming flash. Liquid cement or tube glue for assembly. Tweezers for photo-etched parts. Cyanoacrylate (CA) glue for metal-to-plastic bonds. Sanding sticks in multiple grits for seam work. Putty for filling gaps.

For painting, you will need acrylic paints in Olive Drab, Dark Green, and Black for most US artillery schemes. A fine detail brush and an airbrush if you want smooth coats.

For weathering, pick up some pigments, oils, and a wash. The M198 and AFV Club kits especially benefit from weathering because the molded detail looks even better with shadow and dust.

If you are exploring other scale modeling hobbies, our guide to plastic model kits covers tool basics that apply to any scale model howitzer kit you choose. For display options, browsing through the best wooden model kits might inspire some diorama bases. And if you want to branch into other military subjects, the adult model car kits guide has good tips on paint and finish techniques that translate well to armor. For metal finishing work, our metal model kits guide covers brass photo-etch handling in more detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on Choosing Your 105mm Howitzer Model Kit

After building and comparing these 105mm howitzer model kits, I keep coming back to the same conclusion: there is no single best kit for everyone. The Tamiya M4A3 is the safest pick for beginners. The Trumpeter M198 is the right choice if you want maximum detail. The AFV Club M2A1 is the smart buy for value-conscious modelers who still want photo-etch and metal parts.

Whatever 105mm howitzer model kit you choose, take your time during assembly, use the right tools, and do not rush the painting. The best kits on this list can produce display pieces that rival museum models when built with care. Our team will keep updating this guide as new kits hit the market in 2026, so check back before your next project.

Pick the kit that matches your skill level, your budget, and the historical period you want to recreate. Then enjoy the build. That is what scale model howitzer modeling is really about.