The textbook is intended for students of educational institutions of higher education studying in military training centers for military training programs for reserve officers and sergeants in military specialties of missile forces and artillery. It can also be useful to students and cadets of higher military educational organizations. The textbook is intended for an in-depth study of the objects that make up the concept of "artillery weapons". The textbook was developed in relation to the training program for students of the Military Training Center at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation and is devoted to one of the important sections of their preparation - the study of the basics of the design of towed guns 2A65 and 2A18, the rules for their safe handling and maintenance. Based on the experience of conducting combat operations in local conflicts, expert analysis of educational, technical and service literature, taking into account the practical needs of the troops, the textbook discloses, expands and clarifies such important issues as the design features and maintenance of 2A65 and 2A18 howitzers, the procedure for checking and reconciling the main mechanisms and sighting devices. The textbook reflects the procedure for allowing personnel to work with models of equipment and weapons, the rules for maintaining forms for guns and artillery devices, and safety measures when handling guns and ammunition. The textbook also presents in a systematic way educational material on the design and operation of the studied elements of units and assemblies of towed guns, which can be used to restore and consolidate knowledge on the material part of artillery.