granade launcher

[goo]

i was wondering if anybody ever ordered any of that grenade launcher stuff from numrich and if they shot it and with what results.(not that i would ever consider such a thing myself, of course.)
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http://www.ww2gyrene.org/assets/m7_launcher.jpg
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Google Image Result for http://www.ww2gyrene.org/assets/m7_launcher.jpg
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M1 Garand Grenade Launcher Accessories*|*e-GunParts.com


also, what kind of ammo does such a thing use?

also, i don't understand this part. was the gas plug removed to accomodate the launcher?

"The main drawback of the M7 was that it caused a large amount of gas to be tapped off from the operating system of the M1 and into the barrel. While the launcher was attached to the muzzle, the rifle would only function in manual mode. To allow the rifle to fire in semi-automatic mode, the grenade launcher had to be removed from the rifle."


.. hey, the only dumb question is the one you don't ask.

...no wise cracks, please..
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goo

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[dryheat]

I picked up all of my components locally. Now I need some real advice on how to safely make it all work. I have the pineapple dummy grenade and adapter but I think I'd like to see the anti-tank type work also.

[paul1440]

You need the M3 grenade cartridges. Bill Ricca used to have them but he is sold out.

No the gas cylinder lock screw was not removed but you need one that is valved, poppet or otherwise.

Also IIRC the short fork follower rod was replaced with the long fork because sometimes the short would disengage during grenade launching.

[zaugau]

I bought that set, haven't launched it or found any cartridges for it. You kinda get what you pay for; the dummy grenade was dented and the fins were folded flat and became detached because it was shipped in a too small box. The adapter was in decent condition though, and made by IBM which is what I was hoping for. They do state the issues in their listing, and price was low, so can't complain.

[Major Tom]

Use only the M3 grenade launcher cartridges. The examples I had were packed 3 to a brown wrapper and clearly marked. I was able to launch an inert pineapple grenade about 100 yards. I held the rifle low being afraid I might overshoot the 300 yard range.

[goo]

found this:
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U.S. Rifle Grenade Launchers, WWII - Inert-Ord.net
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[limazulu]

It requires special ammo. Rifle Grenade Cartridge, caliber 30, M3. This cartridge is used in US rifles M1, M1903, M1903A1, M1903A3 and M1917.
I have some: .30 Ballist Lot MA 2b - 58 The case says F N 58. It looks a little like a blank with the end crimped but completely sealed.

A valve screw is substituted for the gas cylinder lock screw. The M7 launcher has a stud that protrudes into the valve screw releasing enough gas to avoid damage to recoiling parts.

As far as I know if you launch the pineapple grenade a part breaks off of it so you only get to do it once. The Grenade, A. T. Practice M11A3 you can use over and over but it does take a beating and it can bury itself in the ground and you can spend more time looking for it then shooting it.

I installed the M15 Grenade Launcher Sight and at a angle of 45 degrees and position 1 on the launcher it says the range is 230 yards. I got closer to 190 yards but there was a slight in the face breeze.

It's hard on the rifle and the ammo seems corrosive. I only used it with my Blue Sky Imported Garand not the one I got many years ago from the CMP when you were only allowed one a lifetime.

You might do a search for FM 23-30 War Department Basic Field Manual Hand and Rifle Grenades Rocket, At, HE, 2.36-INCH

[RCS]

WW2 grenade cartridges

[gijunkman]

Goo, you might find these links to be usefull information. Also FM23-30 GRENADES AND PYROTECHNICS, Oct. 1959 is about the best reference on the subject Bill Ricca's Recoiling Launchers History Bill Ricca's Last Generation of Grenade Launchers Popernack Books and Militaria - Library

[goo]

thank you so much for all the info.

well, i stuck a launcher on a rifle and it doesn't compress the poppet on the gas cylinder lock unless i push it down, this leads me to believe that recoil will do the same thing when firing a grenade. this function is what would allow the rifle to be fired semiautomatically with launcher attached.... is that right?
goo