Colt / AAI M203 40mm Single-Shot Breech-Loading Underslung Grenade Launcher (1969)
The M203 grenade launcher can be fitted to a variety of non-M16/M4 rifles, increasing its global use.
The M203 was initially developed for use with the M16 series of rifles and the M4 series of carbines. The system was attached to the forward part of the gun, just under the barrel. The trigger was part of the launcher though no pistol grip was fitted. Instead, the magazine of the weapon doubled as the grip. Sights were provided by the manufacturer and were operated separately from the standard rifle sights.
The M203 is a multi-faceted weapon as showcased by its many operators across the globe. The weapon can fire eight distinct 40mm grenade rounds including the M406 HE (High-Explosive) round, the M433 HE DP (High-Explosive, Dual-Purpose) armor penetrator round, the M585 White Star Cluster illuminator round, the M651 Tactical CS crowd control CS gas round , the M781 Practice round for training, the Star Parachute illuminator/signaler in white, green and red colors, Ground Marker in red, green and yellow for marking targets or positions and the Buckshot round for close-quarters room clearing.
The M203 weighs in at just 3 pounds and raises the overall weight of a standard M16A2 series rifle (8.79lbs) to an acceptable operating weight of just under 12lbs. An effective precision range of 492 feet is reported while an area out to 1,148 can be targeted. The maximum range of the M203 is listed at 1,312 feet. The M203 also sports a minimum effective range of just over 100 feet. M203 units are shipped with the leaf sight, quadrant range sight and a hand guard.
Variants of the M203 include the base M203 for use with the M16A1, M16A3 and M16A3 series of rifles as well as the M4 and M4A1 series of carbine systems. This model features a 12-inch barrel. The M203A1 is offered for use on the M4 and M4A1 and features a shorter 9-inch barrel length. The M203A2 was developed for use with the M16A4 MWS (Modular Weapon System) and sports a 12-inch length. The M203 PI was developed to fit the M203 grenade launcher to other non-M16/M4 systems. The M203 had proven so popular for its time that foreign weapon companies were forced to design indigenous M203 attachment options for specific rifles and submachine guns.
Though the Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher also fires the 40mm round, it is of a slightly different caliber (40 x 53mm) and fires at a higher velocity than the 40mm (40 x 46mm) round used in the M203.
The new M320 single-shot, double-action, side-loading grenade launcher is set to replace the M203 in service with US military forces. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
Colt / AAI M203 40mm
Single-Shot Breech-Loading Underslung Grenade Launcher
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: Colt Defense, Airtronic USA, RM Equipment - USA
Initial Year of Service: 1969
Overall Length: 380mm (14.96in)
Barrel Length: 305.00mm (12.01in)
Weight (Empty): 3.00lbs (1.36kg)
Cartridge: 40 mm
Action: Single-Shot
Feed: SIngle Shot
Muzzle Velocity: 250ft/sec (76m/sec)
Rate-of-Fire: 6 rounds per minute
Range: 480ft (146m; 160yds)
Sights: Quadrant Sight; Ladder Sight when fitted to rifle
Variants:
M203 - Base Model; compatible with M16A1, M16A2 and M16A3 rifles as well as M4 and M4A1 carbines; 12-inch rifled barrel.
M203A1 - Compatible with M4 and M4A1 carbines; 9-inch barrel; also manufactured by Diemaco (Colt Canada) with different mounting system for the M16A1 rifle.
M203A2 - Compatible with M16A4 MWS (Modular Weapon System); 12-inch barrel.
M203 PI - Custom attachment for non-M16 rifles and M4 carbines.
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