About Us Grenade Launchers M79 M203 And M320 Weapon

When it comes to explosive firepower on the battlefield, grenade launchers are essential weapons that provide military forces with the ability to engage the enemy from a safe distance. Among the various types of grenade launchers available, the M79, M203, and M320 are three popular models that have long served armed forces all over the world.

The M79 Grenade Launcher - Legendary Lethality

Introduced into service during the Vietnam War, the M79 grenade launcher quickly gained a reputation for its formidable lethality. Featuring a single-shot, break-action design, its 40mm grenades were devastating against both infantry and light armored vehicles.

The M79's simplicity and ease of use set it apart from more complex grenade launchers, making it a favorite among soldiers. Known as the "Blooper" due to the sound produced when firing, it became an iconic weapon of the era.

US Grenade Launchers: M79, M203, and M320 (Weapon)

by Gordon L. Rottman(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	26197 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	128 pages

FREE

The M79's versatility extended beyond its primary role as a grenade launcher. It could be used with different ammunition types, including high-explosive rounds, smoke grenades, and flares, making it a valuable asset in different combat situations.

The M203 Grenade Launcher - Enhancing Versatility

Developed in the 1960s, the M203 grenade launcher was designed to attach under the barrel of various rifles, primarily the M16 and M4 carbine. This integration enhanced the versatility of the infantry's primary weapon by providing them with the ability to launch grenades without losing their firearm's effectiveness.

With a 40mm caliber and a magazine capacity of one round, the M203 allowed soldiers to engage enemies behind cover or inside buildings, where direct fire might not be effective. Its quick attach and detach mechanism made it a practical choice, allowing soldiers to transition between direct fire and grenade launch modes swiftly.

The M203's effectiveness in urban warfare and close-quarters combat made it a valuable asset for military forces worldwide. Its ability to launch a wide range of 40mm grenades, including high-explosive, smoke, and illumination rounds, made it adaptable to different mission requirements.

The M320 Grenade Launcher - Evolving Capability

Built upon the battle-tested design of the M203, the M320 grenade launcher is the latest addition to the U.S. military's arsenal. It introduced several enhancements, including a rail system that allows the attachment of accessories such as optics and vertical grips, improving the weapon's ergonomics.

The M320's ability to be operated as a standalone weapon or mounted under the barrel of rifles like the M16 and M4 offers increased flexibility on the battlefield. Its advanced sighting system provides better precision and accuracy, ensuring a higher hit probability, while its quick-release mount enables quick transition between modes.

Furthermore, the M320's superior range, coupled with its compatibility with new ammunition types, including airburst grenades, further enhances its combat effectiveness. These airburst rounds allow soldiers to engage targets hiding behind obstacles by setting precise detonation distances.

The Power and Precision of Grenade Launchers

As essential tools for modern armies, grenade launchers like the M79, M203, and M320 provide military forces with valuable capabilities on the battlefield. From the legendary lethality of the M79, the enhanced versatility of the M203, to the evolving capability of the M320, these weapons fill critical roles in the armory of nations worldwide.

Powerful, precise, and adaptable, grenade launchers are vital assets that keep soldiers safe while achieving their mission objectives. Whether defending a position, clearing buildings, or engaging targets at a distance, these weapons play a pivotal role in modern warfare.

By constantly evolving and adapting to meet the changing demands of the battlefield, the M79, M203, and M320 grenade launchers continue to serve as reliable partners to soldiers around the world.

US Grenade Launchers: M79, M203, and M320 (Weapon)

by Gordon L. Rottman(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	26197 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	128 pages

FREE

In an effort to provide the US infantryman with more firepower to cover the range gap between the hand grenade and the light mortar, the 40mm M79 grenade launcher – a shoulder-fired, single-shot weapon – entered service with US forces in 1961.
Reliable, easy to use, and lethally effective, the M79 soon became an iconic symbol of the Vietnam War and had a profound influence on small-unit tactics. As the Vietnam conflict continued, it was joined on the front line by experimental models such as the magazine-fed T148E1, as well as two launchers intended to be fitted under the barrel of the new M16 assault rifle: Colt's XM148 and AAI Corporation's M203. The M203 remains in US Army service today, while the US Marine Corps now also fields the M32 multiple grenade launcher – like the M79, a standalone weapon. Featuring full-colour artwork, this is the story of the rugged and formidable grenade launchers that equipped the United States and its allies in Vietnam and beyond from the 1960s to the present day.