M203
| ||
| Caliber: | 40 mm grenade | |
| Firearm action: | Single-shot | |
| Barrel length: | 12 in (305 mm) | |
| Overall length w/M16: | 39 in (990 mm) | |
| Effective range: | 492 ft (150 m) | |
| Maximum range: | 1,312 ft (400 m) | |
| Rate of fire: | 5 to 7 round/min | |
| Muzzle velocity: | 250 ft/s (76 m/s) | |
| Weight, launcher (loaded): | 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) | |
| Weight w/M16 (loaded): | 11 lb (5.0 kg) | |
M203 generally refers to the U.S. Military's designation for a single shot 40 mm grenade launcher that attaches to the M16 assault rifle or the M4 Carbine. Stand-alone variants exist as do versions capable of being used on many other rifles. The device attaches under the barrel and forward of the magazine, the trigger for it being just forward of the magazine. The magazine functions as a handle of sorts when firing for the M203. A separate sighting system is added to rifles with the M203 as the rifle's regular sights are not matched to the launcher. The M203 can fire high-explosive, smoke or illuminating grenades.
Missing image
M203_aim.jpg
M203_aim.jpg
M203 target practice
See also
- List of modern weapons
- Grenade
- List of individual weapons of the U.S. Armed Forces
- List of crew served weapons of the US Armed Forces
- Rifle grenade
- KAC Masterkey
- XM-26 LSS
- FN M303