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M203
Model: M203The M203 is a single-shot grenade launcher used mainly as an underbarrel weapon for the M16 and M4 rifle series, though it is compatible with many rifles. It is very popular worldwide and is used both as an underbarrel weapon, easing use and portability for a grenadier required to carry multiple weapons, and as a stand-alone weapon.
The M203 has been in use since 1969, replacing the M79 and XM148 (field tested only) grenade launchers seen in Vietnam. Despite its long service life, it is slowly being replaced with the M320. The M203 fires the same 40mm grenade as the M79, allowing for ammo to be shared between the two.
Where to find:
The M203 is in use with almost 40 countries and can be found in large numbers in the United States military. While the grenade launcher is legal to own in the United States, it is not easy or cheap to get; new launchers cost up to $2000 plus a $200 tax stamp as a destructive device, and each individual high-explosive grenade (quite rare on the civilian market) much be registered with a $200 tax stamp.
Complexity:
The M203 is little more than a tube and a trigger. It is extraordinarily simple, though it requires a proprietary sighting system to be attached to the rifle.
Size and weight:
Weight 1.36 kg (3 lbs) unloaded. Barrel length 305 mm (12 in.). Total length 380 mm (15 in.).
Action:
Single shot, breech-loading
Caliber(s):
40mm grenade. Ten variations
* M406 High-Explosive round
* M433 High-Explosive Dual Purpose round
* M585 White Star Cluster (flare)
* M651 Tactical CS Grenade
* M781 Practice round
* Star Parachute (White (M583A1), Green (M661), and Red (M662))
* Ground Marker (Red (M713), Green (M715), and Yellow (M716))
* M576 Buckshot ("Beehive")
* M1006 Sponge Grenade (non-lethal past 10 meters)
* M1029 Crowd Dispersal round (shotgun shell full of rubber balls, non-lethal past 10 meters)
Magazine:
N/A
Trigger:
Single-action
Controls:
The safety is inside the front of the trigger guard; push forward for FIRE and pull back for SAFE. The rear of the trigger guard can be pushed forward and rotated down to allow firing with mittens or gloves. The barrel latch is above the barrel on the left side of the launcher.
Loading: How to load the firearm and make ready to fire.
1) Press the barrel latch and slide the barrel forward.
2) Push the safety back toward the trigger to put it on SAFE.
3) Insert a grenade nose-first into the rear of the barrel.
4) Slide the barrel back until it clicks into place.
Unloading:
1) Press the barrel latch and slide the barrel forward.
2) If the grenade does not eject, use a cleaning rod down the barrel to push it out the back.
3) Close the barrel and activate the safety.
Field Stripping:
1) Clear the weapon as described in the unloading procedures.
2) Loosen the mounting screw for the quadrant sight assembly on the carrying handle of the rifle and remove the sight.
3) Press the barrel latch and slide the barrel forward.
4) Insert a cleaning rod into the fourth hole from the muzzle on the handguard to press the barrel stop and remove the barrel.
5) Pull back on the rifle's slip ring and pull the handguard up and back to remove it.
Design Quirks:
Unique aspects of this gun.
John_234 |
Latest page update: made by John_234
, Oct 15 2011, 11:18 PM EDT
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