DM51 (Handgranate Spreng)

Dual-Purpose Anti-Infantry Hand Grenade [ 1978 ]

The German Army DM51 series hand grenade is unique in that it can be used as a concussion or fragmentation grenade with the provided jacket removed or in place.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 05/12/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

VIEW SPECIFICATIONS [+]

In 1978, the West German Army adopted the DM51 assault/fragmentation hand grenade. Design work on the type spanned the middle-to-late 1970s with production continuing through Diehl today. The DM51 was specifically designed, developed and adopted to replace the collection of grenades then in service with the West German Army during the Cold War. As an assault/fragmentation grenade, the DM51 could be utilized in both an offensive and defensive manner. For the former, the DM51 was fitted with a fragmentating sleeve which slipped over the basic design. Left uncovered, the grenade was a slim shock-value weapon. The base model sported a threaded base, safety ring with fuze at top and accompanying activation handle.

The DM51 operates in the same manner as other conventional hand grenades, requiring the operator to first pull the safety ring and then throw the grenade. During its initial flight, the arming handle is dropped and the grenade then lands to detonate. When fitted with the fragmentating sleeve, the grenade is given a well-ribbed surface for improved grip and handling. Left off, the base grenade features a smooth body finish. The filling consists of 60 grams of Nitropenta.

The DM51 is also known as the Handgranate Spreng. The DM51 family also includes the DM58 practice grenade for training.

The modern (unified) German Army still makes widespread use of the DM51 series and none have been exported.©MilitaryFactory.com

Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.MilitaryFactory.com. It is the product of many hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, veterans, insiders, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at MilitaryFactory AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.

Specifications

Diehl - West Germany / Germany
Manufacturer(s)

West Germany; Germany
Operators

1978
Service Year

Germany
National Origin

FIRE SUPPORT
Capable of suppressing enemy elements at range through direct or in-direct fire.

0.97 lb
(0.44 kg)
Empty Weight

Manually-Actuated Pin-and-Safety, Thrown
Action

Not Applicable.
Caliber(s)
May not represent an exhuastive list; Calibers may be model-specific dependent; Always consult official manufacturer sources.

Single Use
Rounds

Not Applicable.
Sights

Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information.

115 feet
(35 meters | 38 yards)
Max Effective Range

1
Rounds-per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire

DM51 - Base Series Designation.

DM58 - Practice Version.

Military lapel ribbon for the American Civil War

Military lapel ribbon for pioneering aircraft

Military lapel ribbon for the Korean War

Military lapel ribbon representing modern aircraft

Military lapel ribbon representing special forces

Military lapel ribbon for the Ukranian-Russian War

Military lapel ribbon for the Vietnam War

Military lapel ribbon for the World War 1

Military lapel ribbon for the World War 2

Images

1 / 1

Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies

2024 Military Pay Chart Military Ranks DoD Dictionary Conversion Calculators Military Alphabet Code Military Map Symbols

The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content; site is 100% curated by humans.

Part of a network of sites that includes GlobalFirepower, a data-driven property used in ranking the top military powers of the world, WDMMA.org (World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft), WDMMW.org (World Directory of Modern Military Warships), SR71blackbird.org, detailing the history of the world's most iconic spyplane, and MilitaryRibbons.info, cataloguing military medals and ribbons. Special Interest: RailRoad Junction, the locomotive encyclopedia.

©2023 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2003-2023 (20yrs)