Colt is offering a limited run of civilian M203 grenade launchers.
The M203 is a grenade launcher that can be attached to a rifle.It uses the same rounds as the older stand-alone M79.The M203 is compatible with many rifle models and was originally designed for the U.S. M16 and M4.The C7 is a Canadian version of the M16 rifle and can be mounted onto the launcher.
There are stand-alone versions of the M203 that are specifically designed for other rifles.The device under the barrel is where the rifle magazine is located.When firing the M203, the rifle magazine can be used as a hand grip.The rifle's standard sights are not compatible with the launcher, so a separate sight system is added.The Canadian C7 version has a sight on either the left or right side, depending on the user's needs.
The only part of the army'sSPIW project that went into production was the M203.The M203 has been in service since 1969 and was introduced to U.S. military forces during the early 1970s.The M203 was an under-barrel device attached to an existing rifle and was designed to be a stand-alone weapon.Because the size and weight of 40mm bullets limits the quantities that can be carried on patrol, and because a grenade is often not an appropriate weapon for a given engagement.An under-barrel system can be used when the target is close to friendly troops and the user can also carry a rifle.
The M320 will replace the M203 in the United States Army.Although the Marines began issuing the M320 in June, the United States Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Navy continued to use the older M203.The M320 has an advanced day/night sight, a double-action firing mechanism, as well as other benefits.[6]
The M203 is intended to be used for close fire support against targets.The round is designed to be effective at breaking through windows and exploding inside, blowing up doors, producing multiple casualties, destroying emplacements, and damaging or disabling soft-skinned vehicles.In the Vietnam war, the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard used 40mm grenades into the water to attack the swimmers.
It's purpose is to engage enemies in dead space that can't be reached by fire.The M203 can be used to suppress the enemy based on movement and sight.The M203 can be used as a crowd control weapon.The M203 is not intended to be used against armored or heavy vehicles.
A variety of different rounds can be fired by the M203.There are 8 different rounds for the M203 according to the U.S. army field manual.
The M203 grenade system comes with a variety of components, some of which can be used with the rifle's front sight post.The carrying handle of an M16 rifle has quadrant sights, which can be mounted to a MIL-STD 1913 Rail.
There are many different versions of the M203 manufactured in the U.S. and throughout the world.The length of the barrel, attachment type, and QD capability are all variables.
The standard M203 has a 12-inch rifled barrel and is intended for permanent attachment.The M203 is not compatible with the M4 Carbine series.
The U.S. M203A1 has a barrel of 12 inches, while the SOPMOD M 203 A1 is 9 inches.A special mount consisting of three screws and lacing wire is what the M203A1 uses.Only M203A2's have a Quick Release Bracket.
The Canadian M203A1 by Diemaco (now Colt Canada) is a similar design with a different mounting system.Longer rounds can be loaded with the weapon's 9-inch barrel, which is further forward than the standard American models.The model is identifiable by the increased distance between the grenade launcher's barrel axis and the rifle.This weapon is still being used despite no longer being in production.
The M203A2 is authorized for use with the M4 Series/M16A4.The grenade launcher is intended for use with the Knight's Armament Company M5 RAS.The M5 MWS Rail System was authorized in December of 2008.The use of range-finding optics makes targeting easier.
The M203PI system is used for attachment to other rifles, including, but not limited to, the Heckler & Koch G3 and the MP5 sub-machine gun.Most of the other companies have come up with their own 40mm grenade launchers.
The M203 DAX has a longer breech opening to accommodate less lethal rounds.
The M203 and M 203 are manufactured by AIRTRONIC USA, Inc.Each contract can hold up to 12,000 units.The units are shipped with hand guard, leaf sight and quadrant range sight.The contract's unit prices range from $840 to $1,050.1,500 units per month is the production rate.The M203PI is manufactured for both the U.S. Department of Defense and for commercial sales to law enforcement agencies both in the United States and abroad.
The M203 37mm version became available in the U.S.There are two versions, a 9-inch and a 12-inch barrel.They are scroll marked "Launcher, Grenade M203 40mm", even though they are actually 37mm devices.Title 1 firearms are not classified as "Destructive Devices" under the National Firearms Act.The same as regular firearms can be purchased with these launchers.[17]
M203 grenade launcher attachment fitted with the standard rifled 40mm barrel are classified as "Destructive Devices" under the National Firearms Act part 26 U.S.C.They are a "non-sporting" firearm with a bore greater than one-half inch in diameter.Most manufacturers have stopped selling to the civilian markets so M203s are limited.New M203 launchers sell for $2,000 plus a $200 transfer tax, and new manufacture 40mm training ammunition is available for $5 to $10 per cartridge, as of March 2011.Each grenade must be registered with the Federal government and pay a $200 tax before it can be sold on the civilian market.The 40mm M203 and M79) grenade launchers can be used with standard 12 gauge shotgun shells and.22 rimfire bullets.[41]
There is a 37mm civilian version on the market.The 37mm version can be sold to the general public on the same form as most other firearms.37mm flare rounds are available on the market.The civilian version sells for $2,000 and accessories such as quick detach mounts and a quadrant sight are also available.[17]
The 40-MM grenade launcher, M203, has the following technical data from the U.S. army field manual.[42]
The 40mm grenades used in the M203 are not the same as the grenade that is fired at a higher rate.
The internal pressure chamber for the high-low pressure system is shown in the inside view.