Description: The M203 40mm Grenade Launcher is used while attached to an M16A2 5.56mm rifle. It is a lightweight, compact, breech loading, pump action, single shot launcher. The launcher consists of a hand guard and sight assembly with an adjustable metallic folding, short-range blade sight assembly, and an aluminum receiver assembly which houses the barrel latch, barrel stop and firing mechanism. The launcher is capable of firing a variety of low velocity 40mm ammunition.



The launcher also has a quadrant sight which may be attached to the M16A2 carrying handle and is used when precision is required out to the maximum effective range of the weapon.





History: The M203 was designed and procured as the replacement for the M79 grenade launcher of the Vietnam era.





General Characteristics, M203 40mm Grenade Launcher





Weight:

Launcher: 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms)



Rifle (M16A2): 8.79 pounds (3.99 kilograms)



Total (including 30 rounds): 11.79 pounds (5.35 kilograms)





Bore Diameter:

40mm





Maximum Effective Range:

Area target: 1148.35 feet (350 meters)



Point target: 492.15 feet (150 meters)