Boyi M4 M16 Grenade Electric Airsoft Rifle Lpeg Grenade Launcher Test

Grenade launcher

Launcher, Grenade, 40mm, M203
M203A2
Blazon	Grenade launcher
Place of origin	United States
Service history
In service	1969–nowadays^[i]
Used by	See Users
Wars	Vietnam war Laotian Civil War Cambodian Civil State of war Civil disharmonize in the Philippines Sino-Vietnamese War Cambodian–Vietnamese War Sino-Vietnamese conflicts, 1979–1991 Tertiary Indochina State of war Soviet–Afghan State of war State of war in Afghanistan Iraq War War in Republic of iraq (2013–2017) Syrian Civil War
Production history
Designer	AAI
Designed	1967–68
Manufacturer	Colt Defense Diemaco Airtronic USA RM Equipment U.Southward. Ordnance Knight's Armament Company Lewis Auto & Tool Company
Unit toll	US$1,082^[2]
Produced	1969–present
Variants	See Variants
Specifications
Mass	three lb (1.36 kg) (unloaded)
Length	M203/M203A2: 15 in (380mm); M203A1: 12 in (305mm);
Barrel length	M203/M203A2: 12 in (305mm); M203A1: ix in (230mm);

Cartridge	forty×46mm SR
Action	Single shot
Charge per unit of fire	5 to 7 circular/min aimed shots fifteen to 17 round/min area suppression
Cage velocity	250 ft/southward (76 m/southward)
Effective firing range	382 yds (350 m) Fire-team sized expanse target; 164 yds (150 m) Vehicle or weapon point target
Maximum firing range	437 yds (400 m)
Sights	Quadrant sight or ladder sight on rifle

The M203 is a unmarried-shot 40mm under-barrel grenade launcher designed to attach to a rifle. It uses the same rounds as the older stand-solitary M79 intermission-action grenade launcher, which utilizes the High-Low Propulsion System to keep recoil forces low. Quite versatile and compatible with many burglarize models, the M203 was originally designed for the U.S. M16 and its carbine variant, the M4. The launcher can also be mounted onto a C7, a Canadian version of the M16 rifle; however, this requires the prior removal of the bottom handguard.

Stand-alone variants of the M203 exist,^[iii] as do versions designed specifically for many other rifles. The device attaches under the barrel, the launcher trigger being in the rear of the launcher, just forrad of the rifle magazine. The burglarize magazine functions every bit a paw grip when firing the M203. A split sighting system is added to rifles fitted with the M203, every bit the rifle's standard sights are non matched to the launcher. The version fitted to the Canadian C7 has a sight fastened to the side of the launcher, either on the left or right depending on the user'southward needs.

History [edit]

The M203 was the only part of the ground forces's Special Purpose Individual Weapon (SPIW) project to go into production. The M203 has been in service since 1969^[1] and was introduced to U.Southward. armed services forces during the early on 1970s, replacing the M79 grenade launcher and the conceptually similar Colt XM148 design. However, while the M79 was a stand up-alone weapon (and usually the primary weapon of troops who carried it), the M203 was designed every bit an under-barrel device fastened to an existing rifle. Because the size and weight of forty mm ammunition limits the quantities that tin be carried on patrol, and because a grenade is often not an appropriate weapon for a given engagement (i.e. when the target is at shut range or near friendly troops), an under-barrel arrangement has the advantage of assuasive its user to also bear a rifle, and to easily switch between the two.

A new grenade launcher, the M320, will eventually supplant the M203 in the Usa Army. The United States Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Baby-sit, and Navy continued to use the older M203,^[4] although the Marines began issuing the M320 in June 2017.^[5] The M320 features an advanced twenty-four hours/nighttime sight, a double-activity firing mechanism (as opposed to the M203'due south single-action) as well as other benefits, such as an unobstructed side-loading breech.^[6]

Uses [edit]

The M203 grenade launcher is intended to be used every bit close fire support against point and surface area targets. The circular is designed to be effective at breaking through windows and exploding inside, bravado up doors, producing multiple casualties, destroying bunkers or emplacements, and damaging or disabling soft-skinned vehicles. In the Vietnam state of war, U.S. Navy and Coast Guard personnel on boats would lob 40mm grenades into the h2o (using the M79 grenade launcher), to preemptively assail Viet Cong swimmers ("sappers") attempting to plant explosives on anchored or moored U.Southward. h2o arts and crafts.

Its primary purpose is to engage enemies in dead space that cannot be reached by direct fire. A well-trained M203 gunner can utilise his weapon to suppress the enemy, based on movement and sight. In addition, the M203 tin can exist used equally a crowd control weapon when equipped with the M651 Tactical CS (tear gas) grenade. Classified as an anti-personnel weapon, the M203 is not intended to be used against armored or heavy vehicles.

Rounds [edit]

The M203 is able to fire a diversity of different rounds for many purposes. According to the U.S. Army FIELD Transmission FM three-22.31 40-MM GRENADE LAUNCHER, M203,^[7] at that place are viii unlike rounds for the M203:

40mm ammunition line drawings

An M16A2 burglarize equipped with an M203 grenade launcher lies in the grass near some of the types of 40mm armament available for use with the M203. The cartridges are, from left to right, multiple projectile, practise, green star flare, white star flare, red star flare and high explosive dual purpose.

(M433) Loftier-Explosive Dual Purpose Round. The HEDP round has an olive drab aluminum skirt with a steel loving cup fastened, white markings, and a golden ogive (head of the round). It penetrates at least 5 cm (two inches) when fired straight at steel armor at 150 meters or less, or, at a point target, it artillery betwixt 14 and 27 meters, causes casualties within a 130-meter radius, and has a kill radius of five meters.^[8]
(M406) High-Explosive Round. The HE round has an olive drab aluminum brim with a steel projectile attached, gold markings, and a xanthous ogive. Information technology artillery between xiv and 27 meters, produces a basis burst that causes casualties within a 130-meter radius, and has a kill radius of 5 meters.^[nine]
(M583A1) Star Parachute Circular. This round is white touch on or bar alloy aluminum, with blackness markings. It is used for illumination and signals and is lighter and more authentic than comparable handheld indicate rounds. The parachute attached to the round deploys upon ejection to lower the candle at 7 feet per second. The candle burns for about 40 seconds. A raised letter on the top of the round denotes the color of the parachute.^[9]
(M585) White Star Cluster Round. This round is white impact or bar aluminum alloy, with black markings. The attached plastic ogive has five raised dots for night identification. The round is used for illumination or signals. It is lighter and more accurate than comparable handheld signal rounds. The private stars burn for about 7 seconds during gratis fall.^[10]
(M713) Ground Marker Circular. This round is light green touch on aluminum with black markings. Information technology is used for aeriform identification and for mark the location of soldiers on the ground. It arms between 15 and 45 meters. If a fuse fails to part on bear upon, the output mixture provided in the forepart end of the delay casing backs up the impact feature. The color of the ogive indicates the color of the smoke.^[ten]
(M781) Practice Round. Used for practice, this circular is blueish zinc or aluminum, with white markings. It produces a yellowish or orange signature on impact, arms between 14 and 27 meters, and has a danger radius of xx meters.^[eleven]
(M651) CS Round. This round is grayness aluminum with a green casing and black markings. Though information technology is a multipurpose round, information technology is well-nigh effective for riot control and in Urban Operations. Information technology arms betwixt 10 and 30 meters and produces a white cloud of CS gas on impact.^[12]
(M576)^[13] Buckshot Round. This round is olive drab with black markings. Though it is a multipurpose round, it is most effective in thick vegetated areas or for room immigration. Inside, it has twenty metal pellets, each weighing 24 grains, with a cage velocity of 269 meters per second. The round has no mechanical-blazon fuse.^[14]

Components [edit]

The M203 Grenade launcher system comes with a variety of components, usually including the launcher, adaptors for zipper to assault rifles, and leaf sights (which can be used with the rifle's front sight post). M203s can also come with quadrant sights, mounting to a MIL-STD 1913 Runway, or to the carrying handle of an M16 rifle.

Variants [edit]

There are numerous variants of the M203 manufactured in the U.S., and throughout the world, for various applications. These vary chiefly in the length of the barrel, zipper type, and quick detach (QD) capability.

The standard M203 is intended for permanent attachment to the M16A1, M16A2 and M16A3 rifles, and utilizes a 12-inch rifled barrel. The M203 unmodified to an A1/A2 series will not fit on the M4 Carbine series.

The U.Southward. M203A1 has a barrel of 12 inches, while the SOPMOD M203A1 has a ix-inch barrel. The M203A1 is intended for utilize with the M4 and M4A1 Carbine, and uses a special subclass mount consisting of iii screws and lacing wire. Simply M203A2'south consist of a Quick Release Bracket.

The Canadian M203A1 by Diemaco (now Filly Canada) is a similar design with a unlike mounting system that does not crave mounting points of the same profile every bit the M16A1 rifle'south.^[15] The weapon's 9-inch barrel slides further forward than the standard American models, which allows longer rounds to be loaded.^[xv] This model is identifiable by the increased distance betwixt the grenade launcher'southward butt centrality and the rifle's.^[15] This weapon may no longer be in production, but is still in use.

The M203A2 is intended for utilize with the M4 Serial/M16A4 and now also authorized on the M16A2 Rifle as the MWS (Modular Weapon Organization). Using standard 12-inch barrels, the grenade launcher is intended for utilise in concert with the Knight's Armament Company M5 RAS. The M5 MWS Rail System became authorized in December 2008 for the M16A2 Burglarize. An advantage of this system is the employ of range-finding optics to make precise targeting easier.

The M203PI system is used for attachment of the M203 to other rifles, including, simply not express to, the Steyr AUG, Heckler & Koch G3 and other rifles, and even the MP5 sub-automobile gun. Most of these other companies accept since devised 40mm grenade launchers custom integrated with the weapon.

The M203 DAX has a double-activity trigger and longer breech opening to adjust less-lethal rounds.

The M203 and M203A1 are currently manufactured by AIRTRONIC USA, Inc. of Elk Grove Village, Illinois for the U.Southward. Department of Defence under contract numbers W52H09-06-D-0200 and W52H09-06-D-0225. Each contract is for up to 12,000 units. Each unit is shipped with hand guard, foliage sight and quadrant range sight. The contracts unit prices vary from $840 to $1,050 each. The production rate is 1,500 units per month. The M203PI is manufactured for both the U.South. Section of Defense and for commercial sales to constabulary enforcement agencies both in the United States and abroad, and for foreign military sales by RM-Equipment Inc. of Miami, Florida.

The Turkish MKEK made T-40 grenade launcher is based on the M203.^[xvi]

The M203 37mm version became available on the U.S. market in 2017. It is available in a 9-inch and a 12-inch butt version. They are gyre marked: "Launcher, Grenade M203 40mm", even though they are actually 37mm devices. These 37mm versions are considered a Title ane Firearm, and are non classified equally "Destructive Devices" under the NFA. These launchers can be sold the same as regular firearms on an ATF Form 4473.^[17]

Users [edit]

Irish soldier with a Steyr AUG with a brusk barreled M203 grenade launcher

Israeli soldier with an IWI Tavor-21 rifle fastened with M203 grenade launcher

Civilian ownership in the United States [edit]

In the U.s.a., M203 grenade launcher attachments fitted with the standard rifled 40mm barrel are classified as "Destructive Devices" under the National Firearms Act office 26 United statesC. 5845, 27 CFR 479.11,^[39] because they are a "non-sporting" firearm with a bore greater than one-half inch in bore. M203s are on the noncombatant NFA market but are limited equally nigh manufacturers have quit selling to the civilian markets. New M203 launchers sell for approximately $two,000 plus a $200 transfer tax, and new manufacture 40mm training ammunition is available for $v to $10 per cartridge, every bit of March 2011. High explosive 40mm grenades are available for $400 to $500 per cartridge; however, they are exceedingly rare on the civilian market place, as each grenade constitutes a Destructive Device on its own, and must be registered with the Federal regime, requiring payment of a $200 tax and compliance with storage regulations for high explosives. There are as well sub-caliber adapters available for the 40mm M203 (and M79) grenade launchers, which will allow the use of standard 12 gauge shotgun shells^[40] and .22 rimfire ammo.^[41]

In 2017, a 37mm civilian version became available on the marketplace that is non considered an NFA weapon. Every bit the 37mm version is not classified every bit a "Destructive Device", information technology can be sold to the general public on the same ATF Form 4473 as most other firearms. The 37mm launcher can apply 37mm flare rounds already available on the market. This civilian version sells for around $2,000 and accessories such as quick detach mounts and a quadrant sight are also available.^[17]

Data [edit]

Range qualification with an M203.

The following technical information for the M203/M203A1 grenade launcher comes directly from the U.Due south. ARMY FIELD Manual FM iii-22.31 40-MM GRENADE LAUNCHER, M203. ^[42]

a. Weapon.
- Length:
  - Burglarize and grenade launcher (overall)........................99.0 cm (39 inches)
  - Barrel only................................................................30.five cm (12 inches)
- Rifling............................................................................25.4 cm (10 inches)
- Weight:
  - Launcher, unloaded.................................................1.4 kg (3.0 pounds)
  - Launcher, loaded.....................................................1.6 kg (3.5 pounds)
  - Rifle and grenade launcher, both fully loaded......five.0 kg (11.0 pounds)
- Number of lands............................................................6 right hand twist
b. Ammunition.
- Caliber............................................................................forty mm
- Weight.............................................................................About 227 grams (8 ounces)
c. Operational Characteristics.
- Action.............................................................................Unmarried shot
- Sights:
  - Front end..........................................................................Leafage sight assembly
  - Rear...........................................................................Quadrant sight
- Chamber force per unit area.........................................................206,325 kilopascals (35,000 psi)
- Muzzle velocity..............................................................76 thou/s (250 fps)
- Maximum range.............................................................Nearly 400 meters (1,312 anxiety)
  - Maximum effective range:
    - Burn down-squad sized area target................................350 meters (i,148 anxiety)
    - Vehicle or weapon point target.........................150 meters (492 feet)
- Minimum safe firing range (HE):
  - Training.....................................................................130 meters (426 feet)
  - Combat......................................................................31 meters (102 feet)
- Minimum arming range.................................................About xiv to 38 meters (46 to 125 anxiety)
- Rate of fire......................................................................5 to 7 rounds per minute
- Minimum combat load...................................................36 HE rounds

Note: some data differs for versions that adhere to the M4 Carbine.

The xl mm grenades used in the M203 (twoscore × 46 mm) are not the aforementioned as those used past the Mk 19 grenade launcher (40 × 53 mm), which are fired at a higher velocity)

Gallery [edit]

Diagram of a High-Explosive Dual Purpose grenade (HEDP).
40mm practice grenades
Inside view of a spent casing for a 40mm grenade, showing the internal pressure bedroom for the high-depression pressure system.
Navy crewman loading M203 with a high explosive circular
Loading an M203 fastened to an M16A1 with a practice circular.
A U.S. Marine takes aim with an M16A2 fitted with the M203 twoscore mm grenade launcher.
M4 carbine with M203A1 (9" barrel), US Navy Seabees in Afghanistan 2010.

Encounter too [edit]

Grenadier
Rifle grenade
List of individual weapons of the U.S. Military
United States xl mm grenades

Other under-butt grenade launchers

AG36 – widely used grenade launcher from Heckler & Koch
M320 – U.s.a. Ground forces M203 successor and AG36 derived
FN40GL – FN Herstal Mk xiii Mod 0 developed for FN SCAR and Usa SOCOM
MEI HELLHOUND – 40mm ammunition development
GP-25 – 40mm under-barrel grenade launcher for Kalashnikov series rifles
Type 91 grenade launcher – 35mm under-barrel grenade launcher for the Chinese QBZ-95 rifle

Related

KAC Masterkey – under-barrel shotgun
M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun Organisation (MASS) – nether-barrel shotgun

References [edit]

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External links [edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to M203.

U.S. Army Field Transmission 3-22.31
M433 40mm Cartridge High-explosive dual purpose (HEDP) round specs
Martin Electronics, Inc. Dwelling Page – 40 mm Armament
The Infantry's Explosive Punch (Asian Military Review article)