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Weapons used by the U.S. Armed Forces
M203 Grenade Launcher
Mission of the M203 Grenade Launcher
Deter and, if necessary, repel adversaries by enabling individuals and small units to engage targets with
accurate, lethal, grenade fire.
Entered Army Service
Early 1970s
M203 Description and Specifications
The M203 grenade launcher is a single-shot weapon designed for use with the M16 series rifle and fires a 40mm
grenade. The M203A1 grenade launcher is a single-shot weapon designed for use with the M4 series carbine
and also fires a 40mm grenade. Both have a leaf sight and quadrant site. The M203 is also being used as the
delivery system for a growing array of less-than-lethal munitions.
Weight: 3 lbs (empty); 3.6 lbs (loaded)
Overall Length: 15″
Barrel Length: 12″
Ammunition Type: CN/CS/OC tear gas rounds, smoke, non-lethal projectiles, signal and practice rounds
as well as standard 40mm rounds
Effective Range: Approximately 350 yards
Manufacturer
Colt Manufacturing