M203 Underbarrel Grenade Launcher

M203 Underbarrel Grenade Launcher

M203 is a single shot 40 mm grenade launcher, uses the same rounds as the older stand-alone M79 break-action grenade launcher, which utilizes the High-Low Propulsion System to keep recoil forces low. Though versatile, and compatible with many rifle models, the M203 was originally designed for the U.S. M16 and its variant, the M4 Carbine. 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.

40mm Practice grenades

Loading an M203 attached to an M16A1

The M203 loading is achieved by sliding the aluminum barrel forward, then inserting the round of ammunition into the breech and sliding the loaded barrel back into the battery.The barrel is held in-battery by the manually controlled lock, which is disengaged by depressing the barrel catch lever at the left side of the launcher, above the middle of the barrel. The loaded cartridge is held at the breech face by the extractor claws, and remains stationary when barrel is opened forward.

M4 carbine with M203

The M203 grenade launcher is intended to be used as close fire support against point and area targets. The round is designed to be effective at penetrating windows, blowing up doors, producing casualties in groups of enemies, destroying bunkers, and damaging or disabling soft-skinned vehicles. Its primary purpose is to engage enemies in dead space that cannot be reached by direct fire. A well-trained M203 gunner can also use his weapon to suppress the enemy, both from movement and sight.

U.S. Marine with an M16A2 fitted with M203 40 mm grenade launcher

The standard M203 easily installs on the M16A1 orM16A2 type rifle, and installation requires about 5 minutes of work and a standard screwdriver for clamping screws. If necessary, M203 can be mounted on a separate shoulder-stock / pistol grip assemblies (available from several companies, such as Colt or Knight's Armament) to be used as a stand-alone weapon. Standard sights for M203 are of ladder type, and graduated from 50 to 250 meters in 50m increments. The optional quadrant sight can be installed on the left side of the M16A1/A2 carrying handle,and it allows aiming at the ranges of up to 400 meters.

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Overview:

• Type: Grenade launcher
• Place of origin: United States

Specifications:

• Weight: 3 lb (1.36 kg) (unloaded)
• Length: 15 in (380mm)
• Barrel length: 12 in (305mm)
• Cartridge: 40x46mm SR
• Action: Single shot
• Rate of fire: 5 to 7 round/min
• Muzzle velocity: 250 ft/s (76 m/s)
• Effective range: 160 yd (150 m)
• Maximum range: 1,312 ft (400 m)
• Sights: Quadrant sight or ladder sight on rifle