The 40mm Grenade Launcher , M-203A1, is used by the Canadian Forces to provide a direct fire anti-personnel suppression capability in the 30 to 350 metre range. This close combat range is outside the range of hand thrown grenades but for safety reasons, too close for artillery and mortar fire.
The M-203A1 is a pump action, hand loaded, single shot grenade launcher that attaches to and fires from the C7/C7A1 rifle. It fires various types of 40 x 46 mm Low Velocity Grenades. The barrel is manually cycled to load, cock and lock the action, and extract and eject the cartridge. The rifle magazine is used as a pistol grip when firing. The grenade launcher has an integral sight that can be mounted on the left or right side of the launcher.
IDENTIFICATION
Manufacturer | Diemaco |
Model | M-203A1 |
Manufacturer’s Identification Number | 10849C-1 |
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Physical Data | |
Length | 318 mm (12.51 inches) |
Weight Unloaded | 1.85 Kg (4.07 pounds) |
(Weight of Grenade Launcher only – unloaded) | |
Weight Loaded | 6.81 Kg (15.0 pounds) |
(Weight of loaded Grenade Launcher, mounted to C7A1 rifle with full magazine, sling, and optical sight) | |
Operation data | |
System of Operation | Pump action, hand loaded, single shot |
Safety features | Applied Trigger Blocking Safety Safety Sear |
Firing mechanism | Single Action |
Trigger Pull Minimum | 2.72 Kg (6 pounds) |
Barrel data | |
Length | 228.6 mm (9 inches) |
Caliber | 40 mm |
Bore | Rifled, 6 lands, Right Hand Twist, 1 turn in 1219 mm (48 inches) |
Sighting Data | |
Front Sight | Post front sight – adjustable in elevation – 1 click = 1 mil |
Rear Sight | Flip-up leaf type – range scale 100 to 350 at 50 m increments Adjustable in azimuth – 1 click = 1 mil |
Sight Radius | 81 mm (3.2 inches) |
Ammunition Data | |
Type of Ammunition | 40 mm x 46 mm Low Velocity grenades as per Draft STANAG No. 4402 |
