MECAR M1 Garand T119 US & Italian grenade launchers & No.94 Practice Rifle Grenades

[TAC-0311]

You don't happen to have a digital copy of that USMC instruction manual do you? I would love to see it!

Information

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[FlightRN]

Good Day All ,

I was able to acquire two more variants of the MECAR T-119 style M1 grenade launcher. One came from a pawn shop not that far from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and is marked T-119 LAUNCHER for M1 RIFLE. Compared to my other example of this type used by the US, this example has the MECAR company symbol preceding the nomenclature. The font is subtly different (note the "f" and "a"). Additionally, there is a small flaming bomb on the inside of the heavy rolled base.

Another variant found was a West German version that is marked GEW. KAR. 30 M1 GAR., followed by the MECAR company logo. In May 1955, the West German government became a member of NATO and in November the Bundeswehr was formed. They predominantly utilized US equipment (including M1 Garands) until starting in 1959 thru 1961, they were able to replace American weapons in their possession with G3's. It's likely during the late 50's, the Federal Ministry of Defense issued a quantity of MECAR T-119 style grenade launchers. I cannot find the figures of how many were purchased. I would appreciate anyone who can provide more insight into their use.

Like other US & Italian MECAR launchers I've observed, the range leaf of these latest variants is also marked in yards.

I look forward to any additional questions and comments.

Thank you,
Michael

[FlightRN]

Good Day All and Happy New Years Eve,
I was able to finally acquire the inert Italian Super ENERGA practice Anti-Tank rifle grenade round. It is marked:
BOMBA DE FUCILE C.C
INERTE
DA ESERCITAZIONE
There are also marking on the reverse that indicate manufacture in 1964. It's likely these were primarily used with BM59's but Italian M1 TIPO2 rifles probably saw use as well. Below the A/T rounds is the body of a Italian rifle launched Illumination round.

Additionally, I was able to secure a West German example of the Super ENERGA A/T inert rifle grenade and fuse guard. It was probably used for educational purposes and not for live fire demonstrations although it could have supported this. Despite later (and predominant) use of the German G1 & G3 rifles, the W. German Bundeswehr (Heer) utilized the M1 and a copy of the MECAR version Garand grenade launcher and its likely training with the Super ENERGA (dated 1/60) likely did occur with an M1. Any additional information would be welcome.

Best Regards,
Michael

[FlightRN]

Good Day All,
It took some effort, but I was able to acquire a Italian inert practice rifle grenade reminiscent of the British Grenade, Practice Marker L1A1 . This example has an orange chalk head to clearly mark the impact location and is dated 1978 and stenciled;
"BOMBA C.C. DA FUCILE DA ESERCITAZIONE SUPER ENERGA"
I found out later on the nose cone should have been a solid green with blue tip, but still with a chalk interior. A picture of this "correct" version is also provided. Additionally pictured is the cork plug for the booster cartridge that is installed in the spigot. For this photo display, I utilized the correct post war Italian direct fire rifle grenade sight marked;
TROMBONCINO "ENERGA" PER FUCILE
s.a. GARAND cal. 7,62 NATO-TIPO 2-
In order to estimate the range to the target with this sight, the rifle was adjusted and aligned with the sight arc corresponding to the estimated range (on the ladder). This coincided with the ogive of the grenade when aligned on the target. I've 'ranged' the practice grenade for 100 meters based on the sight ladder.
I installed both onto my Italian Breda 7,62 (TIPO2) M1 conversion. I won't be launching off of this setup but have no doubt it would work.
Best Regards,
Mike