In 1951, American weapons designers began to work on the creation of a 40-millimeter single-shot grenade launcher. Design work lasted for ten years. The United States Army received a new weapon in 1961. Today it is known as the M79 grenade launcher. Information about its device and technical characteristics is presented in this article.
Origin
The M79 grenade launcher was designed in 1961 by the gunsmiths of the Picatinny and Springfield arsenals. This model is also known under the unofficial names Blooper and Thumper. In the technical documentation, the grenade launcher is listed as M79. Since 1961, namely with the advent of this weapon, American infantrymen have the opportunity to destroy enemy manpower from 400 m, as well as disable vehicles and lightly armored military equipment.
About the history of weapons
In 1951, the United States Army needed new infantry weapons. Soonthe workers of the arsenals were tasked by the military command to develop more effective devices for throwing fragmentation projectiles. By definition, the new sample is a "hand mortar", since it is mainly used for mounted shooting. According to experts, the M79 is much better than standard hand mortars, since American infantrymen can now fire at the enemy from hills. In addition to shooting from top to bottom, direct fire is also available. The latter is applicable for targets located nearby. It is impossible to say that the M79 grenade launcher is a unique weapon of its kind.
In 1943, the American designer Stuart Long created a similar grenade launcher, which, due to unfinished ammunition, never entered service with the US Army. The fact is that this model fired 58 mm grenades, which were similar to the fragmentation Mk II. Ammunition was modified for use with rifled barrels by expelling charges. In the Picatinny arsenal, they went further and started designing new 40 mm fragmentation ammunition. According to experts, both grenade launchers are presented with almost identical state-owned charges, rifled barrels breaking in half for this purpose, wooden butts, sights and "Arctic" triggers. The latter were so called for the reason that the infantryman could easily fire even in winter fur gloves.
About projectiles
In 1952, they created the first sample of fragmentation ammunition. Its combat unit wasa 40-mm sphere, the hollow walls of which contained an explosive, as well as ready-made striking elements - steel balls. However, according to experts, the mass production of such shells for the state could be too expensive. As a result, in the manufacture of combat units, it was decided to use soldered steel wire with a square section. It wound on a special mandrel, and in order to break faster and form striking fragments, it was equipped with transverse notches. As a result of the rupture of such ammunition, all living things within a radius of five meters were affected.
About the production of grenade launchers
After successful tests at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in 1961, serial production of these grenade launchers was launched. The American defense industry produced 350 thousand units. The assembly was carried out at the armory in Springfield. Everything needed was supplied there from the Picatinny Arsenal and from the factories of Ordance Division Crosley and Corp, located in the city of Connersville, Indiana. Deliveries of aluminum shells, fragmentation jackets and fuses were arranged.
About device
The M79 grenade launcher is a single-shot weapon containing a rifled barrel. This is a model with open sights, which are represented by the front sight and the whole. The latter can be folded if necessary. The rear sight is marked for a certain distance, which varies between 75-375 m. The step length is 25 m. The grenade launcher is made with a wooden butt and forearm. strivingto minimize recoil during firing, American designers equipped the butt of the grenade launcher with a rubber butt pad-shock absorber. The stock is equipped with swivels to which the gun sling is attached. To reload the weapon, it is enough to tilt its barrel down and remove the already used cartridge case. Next, a new grenade is inserted instead of the shot one. After that, the barrel is locked.
About the technical characteristics of the M79 grenade launcher
The model described technically has some interesting nuances.
- The weight of a loaded weapon is 2.93 kg, with empty ammunition - 2.7 kg.
- Total length 731mm, barrel length 357mm.
- Fires 40x46mm grenades.
- Up to 6 shots can be fired within one minute.
- The indicator of the maximum range of destruction does not exceed 400 m.
- M79 was designed with single-shot ammunition and equipped with a pop-up sight.
About airsoft model
Airsoft is very popular among gun lovers. The M79 grenade launcher for tactical war games is produced by various manufacturers.
EvoSS became one of them. The weapon model is 72.5 cm long and weighs 2050 g. Shooting is carried out with 40 mm airsoft grenades. For the manufacture of the body of the grenade launcher, aluminum alloys are used. Steel elements are also provided for strength. The butt is made of expensive wood species, varnished. In the production of recoil pads for stocks, the manufacturer uses environmentally friendly rubber. You can buy a model at an airsoft flea market. The M79 grenade launcher costs between 15-16 thousand rubles.
