M203 Grenade Launcher

Miniature M203 Grenade Launcher

Model Description

The GoatGuns M203 Grenade Launcher is an under-barrel attachment that fits the M4/AR15 long barrel models and M16A1 models with the Grenadier Hand Guard. The model is 100% die cast metal painted and comes with a single dummy grenade round that can be loaded and unloaded. This model M203 is not compatible with the AR Drum Magazine variant.

History of the M203 Grenade Launcher

The M203 was type classified in 1968 and has been in service since 1969. It was introduced to the US Military in the early 1970's replacing the stand alone M79 Grenade Launcher and the similar Colt XM148. The M203 is intended as close fire support as an intermediate between hand thrown grenades and 60mm mortars. The purpose was to take out targets that could not be reached in direct line of site fire, the rounds could be used to hit targets behind cover, in buildings, bunkers or encampments. It could destroy doors and cripple or destroy soft shelled vehicles.

The attachment, even though it has been in use for decades, is not without its flaws, despite its simplistic design it adds a decent amount of weight to the front of the gun. Also, the slide action limits the length of the ammunition that can fit into it. Earlier models also had reliability issues in cold-weather conditions, and it could even detach from the gun after being fired.

The M203 is not simply an explosive launching device, the 40mm rounds it can fire have multiple purposes including the Star Parachute Round for illumination and signals, the Ground Marker Round is used for aerial identification and marking the location of soldiers, the CS Round is used for crowd control, and the buckshot round is great in heavy vegetation and room clearing situations, there are other variations as well. These days the M203 is iconic, but in 2019 the US armed forces had begun replacing the M203 with the new M320 which is lighter weight has improved safety features and a side breach loading mechanism.

Included

• Miniature M203 Grenade Launcher Model
• Dummy 40mm Grenade
• Screwdriver
• Screw

References

GoatGuns M203 Page
M203 Wikipedia Page
The Army Life M203 Gren Launcher
War History Online M203 Grenade Launcher

Compatible Models

• M4A1/AR15
• M16A1

Available in

• Black
• Coyote

Dimensions

Length: 5" (12.7 cm)
Height: 1.5" (3.8 cm)

Item type

Weapon, Explosive