This is FRONTLINE's old website. The content here may be outdated or no longer functioning.

Browse over 300 documentaries
on our current website.

Watch Now
weapons
navigation
M203 40mm grenade launcher
M203 40mm grenade launcher

Developed as a "tactical" accessory, it is attached to a shoulder fired rifle (usually a M16, shown here attached to a M4 5.56mm Carbine). It is a single shot attachment that fires a variety of 40mm low velocity high explosive and special purpose grenades that does not interrupt normal execution of the weapon it is attached to.

Specifications

Caliber 40mm
Operation: single shot
Feed: breech loading, sliding barrel
Weight: unloaded M16A1 and M203, 5.484 kg; loaded M4 and M203, 4.624 kg
Weight of launcher unit: empty, 1.36 kg; loaded, 1.63 kg
Length: 380 mm
Barrel: 305 mm
Muzzle velocity: with M406 grenade, 74.7 m/s
Max range: 400 m
Max effective range: area target, 350 m; point target, 150 m


Manufacturers

Colt's Manufacturing Company Inc.


Source(s): Jane's Infantry Weapons, 24th Edition, 1998-99.


home . firefight . us rangers . weapons . interviews . discussion
readings . chronology . press reaction . tapes & transcripts . frontline online . pbs online

web site copyright 1995-2014 WGBH educational foundation
SUPPORT PROVIDED BY

FRONTLINE on

ShopPBS