Sign in or 
Share this
M79
Model: M79The M79, nicknamed the "Blooper" or "Thumper", is a single-shot, break-open grenade launcher in use with almost 40 countries worldwide. It was produced in 1960 by the Springfield Armory as the very first low-pressure grenade launcher for infantry use. With the convenience of an infantry weapon, and the versatility of a squad level mortar, Vietnam proved the M79 a huge success.
However, a grenadier packing an M79 could at most, carry a pistol as a backup. He had no rifle to fight with at close range, and before the end of the war, the launcher that would become the M203 was developed. Mounted to a rifle, it allowed the grenadier to retain the same mid and close range combat capability as a rifleman, and the M79 was phased out of official service.
It is still in use with dozens of countries, and the Navy SEALS and Army Special Forces continue to use it due to its greater range than the M203 underbarrel grenade launcher that replaced it. For this same reason, it has recently seen a revival in the Middle East, for demolishing IEDs at a safe range.
Where to find: While it was once in common use with the U.S. Army, it's now a rare weapon outside of the militaries of South America, Africa, and the Caribbean. However, it is still in use with some police forces as a riot control weapon, firing less-lethal rounds. Being a grenade launcher, it is classified as a destructive device and regulated accordingly. Any that can be purchased generally cost many thousands of dollars, not including ammo costs - every single grenade needs to be individually registered.
Complexity:
The break-open design is very simple to use, and there are few controls to learn. The most complicated part is the adjustable sight,
Size and weight:
Weight 95 ounces (2.6 kg) unloaded. Length 731mm. Barrel 355mm.
Action:
Single-shot, break-open grenade launcher.
Caliber(s):
40x46mm low pressure grenade and less-lethal rounds.
Magazine:
N/A
Trigger:
Single action.
Controls:
The M79 has oft been compared to a break-open shotgun not only because of it's aesthetic similarity, but also if it's similar operation.
The barrel locking latch is just behind the barrel, pushed to the right to release the barrel. Opening the breach both cocks the hammer and applies the safety, which sits directly behind the lever. Push forward to fire, push back for safe. An F or S is visible to indicate the current position. Closing the breech automatically snaps the latch into the closed position.
The M79 has an extractor that pushes out empty casings, but unlike a shotgun, it only partially exposes them so the shooter can reload, rather than completely ejecting them free of the breech.
There is a detent assembly in the trigger guard, which can be depressed to move the trigger guard left and right and fire while wearing gloves.
Loading:
Condition One, or "Locked and Cocked." Chamber loaded, magazine full, hammer cocked and safety applied.
1) Point the gun in a safe direction. Needless to say, you do not want an "accidental discharge" with a grenade launcher.
2) Press the barrel locking lever all the way to the right and rotate the barrel down. This cocks the hammer and engages the safety.
3) Insert a grenade into the breech.
4) Rotate the barrel upward until it locks into the frame. The barrel latch should automatically snap to the closed position.
5) Ensure that the gun is on safe.
Condition Two. Chamber loaded, magazine full, hammer down, safety off.
The hammer is always cocked if the weapon is loaded, making this impossible. However, in Vietnam, it was a common practice to carry the weapon with the barrel open, to be quickly loaded, as the mechanical safety was not trusted.
Condition Three. Chamber empty, magazine full, hammer down, safety off.
Lacking a magazine, this is impossible for the M79.
Unloading:
1) Point the gun in a safe direction. Needless to say, you do not want an "accidental discharge" with a grenade launcher.
2) Press the barrel locking lever all the way to the right and rotate the barrel down. The safety will automatically engage.
3) Pull the extractor tang back if necessary and pull out the spent round.
4) Close the breech and pull the trigger. The hammer should snap on an empty chamber.
Field Stripping:1) Ensure that the weapon is unloaded and safety applied.
2) Remove the retaining band screw, which passes through the rear of the front sling swivel mount, and pull the fore-end assembly away from the barrel.
3) Press the barrel locking lever to the right and rotate the barrel down until it stops. Slide the barrel off the fulcrum pin and remove it from the receiver.
4) Remove the stock screw and washers and pull the stock rearward from the receiver.
Assembly
1) Place the lock washer on the stock screw and install the stock on the receiver.
2) Place the barrel on the fulcrum pin. Hold the cocking lever up, lower the barrel, and ensure that the cocking arm slides under the cocking lever. Close the barrel.
3) Place the fore-end assembly on the barrel and secure it by replacing the retaining band screw.
Design Quirks:
Compared to a break-open shotgun on a regular basis, the M79 does have a similar design, as well as the same rugged effectiveness in combat. Despite having a short service life, like many other products of the Vietnam era, the M79 is far from uncommon on battlegrounds around the world.
John_234 |
Latest page update: made by John_234
, Oct 15 2011, 11:16 PM EDT
(about this update
About This Update
Edited by John_234
931 words added 4 images added view changes - complete history) |
|
Keyword tags:
None
More Info: links to this page
|
There are no threads for this page.
Be the first to start a new thread.
