The TBM was originally designed as a fighter / bomber. That is why it carried the forward firing weaponry. That concept proved lethal during WW2 for its pilots though, especially as a torpedo bomber. SO mostly it was relegated to carrying bombs, depth charges, and rockets. Stilla nice aircraft, and HUGE, largest single engine aircraft of WW2. I have worked on quite a few and they are a pleasure from both the mechanics and pilots stand point.