What grenade launcher do the Marines use?
M320 Grenade Launcher
350 mm (3.7 in.) 280 mm (1 in.) M320 Grenade Launcher Module (GLM) is the U.S. military’s designation for a new single-shot 40 mm grenade launcher system to replace the M203 for the U.S. Army, while other services initially kept using the older M203. The M320 uses the same High-Low Propulsion System as the M203.
How effective are rifle grenades?
The effective range is approximately 100 yards. In 1940, Britain put the first anti-tank grenade into the field during World War II the No 68 AT Grenade, which was one of the first “of any” type anti-tank weapons with a shape charge or HEAT type warhead.
What weapons do marine infantry use?
The basic infantry weapon of the United States Marine Corps is the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle. Suppressive fire is provided by the M240B machine gun, at the squad and company levels respectively. Marines at the rank of E4 and above rates receive the M17 semi-automatic pistol.
How are grenade launchers used in combat?
A grenade launcher is a weapon that fires a specially-designed large-caliber projectile, often with an explosive, smoke or gas warhead. Some armored fighting vehicles also mount fixed arrays of short range, single-shot grenade launchers as a means of defense.
Can a grenade launcher be mounted under a rifle barrel?
Since grenade launchers require relatively low internal pressure and only a short barrel, a lightweight launcher can be mounted under the barrel of a traditional rifle; this type of device is referred to as an under-barrel grenade launcher (UBGL).
What is an example of a breech loaded grenade launcher?
One of the first examples of a dedicated breech-loading launcher for unitary explosive grenade rounds was the M79 grenade launcher, a result of the American Special Purpose Individual Weapon program (specifically the 40×46mm grenade round developed during Project NIBLICK, applying the German-developed high–low system to produce manageable recoil).
How did the M203 grenade launcher work?
The grenade launcher was loaded by pushing the barrel forward and inserting a 40-millimeter grenade into the breech. Pulling the handguard back cocked the weapon, and it was now ready to fire. The M203 had a separate trigger that launched the grenade, and a AAI-designed sight that worked with the M16 front sight post to aim the weapon.
What was the M79 grenade launcher in WW1?
One of the new weapons designed to boost infantry firepower was the M79 grenade launcher. A single shot weapon that resembled an oversized break-open shotgun, the M79 could lob a 40-millimeter high explosive grenade up to 350 meters, or about where U.S. weapons such as the new M-14 started to lose effectiveness.