American 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher
The Colt Launcher System is an accessory set designed to allow an M203 grenade launcher to be used independently of the M16 rifl e. While a pistol grip assembly has long been available for the M203, permitting its use when not fi tted to a rifl e, it was designed as a secondary method of use for emergency situations where the M16 was not available for mounting. The Colt Launcher System is a more sophisticated design, intended to turn the M203 into a fully independent weapon in its own right.
The Launcher System is a relatively simple collection of parts. It consists of an M16A2 shoulder stock, pistol grip, and forward grenade-launcher grip mounted on a simple chassis that is designed to accept the M203. For aiming, the standard M203 fl ip-up sights mount on the front of the handguard, just as they do on the full- sized rifl e. The shoulder stock is detachable, allowing the launcher to be fi red with just the pistol grip if desired. This reduces the over- all length considerably, at the cost of accuracy. A collapsible M4 carbine stock can also be fi tted instead of the standard rifl e stock.
The Colt Launcher System works exactly like an M203 mounted on an M16. It is a single-shot weapon with a break-open action and sights designed for high-angle lobbing fi re. Sling swivels are provided to facilitate carrying.
Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Medium Range Increment: 70 ft. Weight: 7 lb. Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 14 Magazine: 1 int Restriction: Mil (+3)
Colt M79
American 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher
Affectionately dubbed the “Blooper” by U.S. troops due to its distinctive fi ring sound, the M79 was one of the fi rst dedicated grenade launchers to enter widespread military service. Essentially a large single-shot, break-open shotgun designed to fi re low-veloc- ity 40mm grenade rounds, the M79 consists of little more than a
barrel, a trigger mechanism, and a distinctively shaped wooden gripstock. Its simple design and operation make it well suited to the rigors of fi eld use.
For loading, the M79 breaks open much like a shotgun, and a sin- gle 40mm shell is inserted into the open breech. It is then snapped closed and is ready to fi re. This break-open mechanism allows the M79 to be safely carried with the action open.
Because of the M79’s relatively low muzzle velocity, it must be fi red in a relatively high, plunging arc for long-range shots. In this manner, it can be used much like a mortar, to lob shells over intervening cover or terrain. The fl ip-up volley sights are unusually tall because of this.
The M79 simplicity and practicality make it a highly successful design. Its indirect fi re capability lets it double as a light mortar as well.
Who Uses It: In 1961, U.S. forces adopted the M79. It saw consid- erable action in Vietnam. In the 1970s, it was replaced by the M203 (see below). The M79 was exported to dozens of other nations as well and remains in service in many of them to this day. In addition to military service, it has also seen widespread police use as a tear gas grenade launcher.
Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Large Range Increment: 70 ft. Weight: 7 lb. Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 14 Magazine: 1 int Restriction: Mil (+3)
Colt M203
American 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher
The M203 was designed to replace the M79 in U.S. military service. Though effective, the M79 was large and heavy enough that it was impractical for a single soldier to carry both it and a regular rifl e. This left M79 grenadiers vulnerable in combat, because they had to rely on rifl e fi re from their fellow troops for protection. The M203 was developed to provide a combination rifl e/grenade launcher system, allowing the grenadier to fi ght as an ordinary rifl eman when not actually fi ring grenades.
The solution was to take a simple 40mm grenade launcher action and attach it under the barrel of a standard M16 rifl e, allowing either weapon to be used as needed. The action of the M203 slides open, rather than breaking open like a shotgun. The barrel slides forward to open the fi ring chamber, allowing a 40mm round to be inserted. The barrel then slides back, locking the action shut for fi ring. A trigger is positioned at the rear. When mounted on the rifl e, this is adjacent to the rifl e’s magazine, allowing that to serve as a grip.
Mounting the M203 to the M16 is straightforward and can be done in minutes with a common screwdriver. The M203 incorpo- rates a new forward grip pierced with ventilation holes, which replaces the standard plastic foregrip. On newer models, this spe- cial foregrip is omitted and replaced with mounting lugs allowing it to be attached to a standard accessory rail, as is incorporated on the KAC (Knights Armament Company) rail interface system of the M16A4 (see the M16 entry in Chapter Two).
Like the M79, the M203 is designed to fi re in a high arc, allowing it to shoot over intervening obstacles. Special sights are fi tted for this high-elevation aiming. Construction is from an aluminum alloy to keep weight down. When not attached to the rifl e, the M203 can
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be fi tted with a pistol grip and folding stock, allowing it to be used as a stand-alone grenade launcher.
The M203 was an innovative and practical solution to a serious problem. The over-under rifl e/grenade launcher concept has since been widely copied by other manufacturers. In addition, though the M203 was originally developed for the M16, adapters have been pro- duced permitting its use on virtually any assault rifl e in use today. This includes the Steyr AUG, the FN FAL, the H&K G3, the AK series, and dozens of others.
Who Uses It: Over two hundred thousand M203s have been built, and more than half of them are in U.S. military service. The M203 is issued at the squad level in both Army and Marine infantry units. It is also popular with special operations units worldwide, even in nations where it is not issued to rank-and-fi le troops. M203s are produced under license in South Korea,and in Egypt (where it is known as the Maadi; see below).
Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Medium Range Increment: 70 ft. Weight: 4 lb. Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 14 Magazine: 1 int Restriction: Mil (+3)
GM-94
Russian 43mm Pump-Action Grenade Launcher
The GM-94 is similar in design and operation to the RM-93 tactical shotgun (see Chapter Six). The GM-94’s tubular magazine holds up to 4 rounds. Unlike most shotguns, the magazine tube runs over the barrel. The pump action is cycled forward to eject the spent round and then backward again to load a new one off the magazine and seal the chamber for fi ring. For loading, ammunition is fed into an opening in the top of the weapon.
Construction is metal overall, with plastic grips. A folding stock improves stability. The large bore over-under tubes of the barrel and magazine give the GM-94 a distinctive appearance.
The GM-94 is chambered in an unusual 43mm caliber, rather than using standard Russian 40mm shells.
Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Large Range Increment: 70 ft. Weight: 11 lb. Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 15 Magazine: 4 int Restriction: Mil (+3)
GP-25 Kastyor
Russian 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher
The GP-25 was the Soviet answer to the American M203 underbar- rel grenade launcher, designed to attach to an AK-74 assault rifl e in much the same way that the M203 fi ts onto an M16.
The GP-25 is a compact and lightweight design with a very short barrel. The trigger and a rudimentary grip are positioned directly
behind the breech. All that is necessary to fi re the weapon is insert- ing a shell and pulling the trigger.
The GP-25 replaces the forward grip of the Kalashnikov rifl e. The GP-25 can be mounted onto virtually any Kalashnikov series weapon, including the compact AKS-74U (through the addition of a barrel extension).
Who Uses It: The GP-25 has been issued in large quantities and is in widespread use throughout the former Soviet Union and its client states. It is also made under license in Bulgaria.
Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Medium Range Increment: 60 ft. Weight: 4 lb. Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 14 Magazine: 1 int Restriction: Mil (+3)
GP-30
Russian 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher
The GP-30 is a follow-on derivative of the popular GP-25 grenade launcher, designed to be smaller, lighter, and easier to manufacture. The barrel is shortened, and the rear frame behind the fi ring grip is omitted. The attachment mount has been redesigned as well, allow- ing it to use a variety of weapons instead of just AK-pattern assault rifl es. It was originally developed for the AK “Hundred Series.”
In most other respects, the GP-30 is identical to the GP-25. It fi res the same 40mm ammunition and has comparable ballistic performance.
Who Uses It: The GP-30 is slowly replacing the earlier Kastyor in many states, including Russia.
Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Medium Range Increment: 60 ft. Weight: 3 lb. Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 14 Magazine: 1 int Restriction: Mil (+3)
GP-95/GP-97
Russian 40mm Single-Shot Grenade Launchers
The GP-95 and GP-97 are ultracompact grenade launchers designed for use with the A-91 and A-91M assault rifl es, respectively. The GP- 95 attaches under the A-91’s barrel, while the GP-97 fi ts on top of the A-91M, above the forward fi ring grip.
Apart from the differences in mounting hardware and trigger placement, the GP-95 and GP-97 are essentially identical. Similar in operation to the GP-25, they are considerably smaller, with very short barrels.
Neither the GP-95 nor the GP-97 has gone into widespread use. Their fates no doubt will be linked to their associated rifl es—if either the A-91 or A-91M fi nds success, then the resulting demand for a compatible grenade launcher will follow.
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Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Medium Range Increment: 60 ft. Weight: 3 lb. Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 14 Magazine: 1 int Restriction: Mil (+3)
H&K AG36
German 40mmm Single-Shot Grenade Launcher
The Heckler & Koch AG36 is a new underbarrel grenade launcher de- signed for use with the G36 assault rifl e. The combined rifl e/grenade launcher, known as the tactical group system (TGS), fi res all NATO- standard 40mm grenade rounds.
The earlier HK79, designed for use on the G3 rifl e family, was criticized for being too heavy. H&K responded with the lightweight AG36 design, whose construction includes composite materials and a barrel made of aluminum alloy.
The form of the AG36 is designed to mate seamlessly with the G36 rifl e, creating a neatly balanced combined system. Its barrel swings to the side to open the breech for loading. A fl ip-up sight fi ts over the top of the barrel. A plastic pistol grip is fi tted for inde- pendent use when the AG36 is not fi tted to the rifl e. This serves as a vertical foregrip for the rifl e when attached.
In addition to its G36 mounting system, H&K has developed attachment lugs for use with M16-pattern rifl es in an attempt to export the AG36 to the large community of M16 users.
Who Uses It: The AG36 is in service with the German armed forces.
Damage: See Table 8–1 Size: Medium Range Increment: 70 ft. Weight: 3 lb. Rate of Fire: Single Purchase DC: 15 Magazine: 1 int Restriction: Mil (+3)