US Grenade launchers

[Tom in N.J.]

As stated above, my M2 (M1917) launcher has been modified and re-marked for the M1903 rifle. The M1 (1903A1) launcher was then authorized for use on both M1903 series and M1917 rifles. Unmodified M2 launchers are super scarce. Here is a picture of my favorite rifle grenade, the 60mm mortar round used with a four prong projection adapter.

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[rayg]

I wasn't aware they could fire the mortar rd with the launcher. That's interesting, two types of ordinance to use.
I was curious of just what was involved in converting the 17 launcher to be able to be used in the 03. So I tried to put my 17 launcher on an 03 and it wouldn't go over the muzzle far enough down to enable the gate to fit past the back of sight base. Apparently the alteration just involved deepening/extending the depth of the inside shoulder a bit to allow the muzzle to go in farther for the gate to close.
Is there a chance you can take a readable photo of the mortar page? Ray

[rayg]

Ray, Do you have any Viven-Bessieres WW1 grenade launchers for any US or French Lebel rifles ?

I don't have one but I do have a M91 MN made by Westinghouse that has an extra reinforcement bolt installed in the stock to strengthen the stock for firing grenades when using that launcher. Ray

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[emmagee1917]

There is a pic. of a GI with a 60MM mortar round on his rifle . I just thought it was a couple of guys screwing around . Wow . The recoil must be something with that much weight . Any chance of scanning and posting the manual underneath ? My shoulder surgeon would love you ( you just KNOW I've gotta try it once ) .
Chris

[browningautorifle]

The recoil must be something with that much weight

That was my thought.

[Tom in N.J.]

The TB states not to be fired from the shoulder, no overhead fire of friendly troops, not to be fired from the carbine, sandbag or clothing roll to be placed under the rifle butt. To be used only in cases of emergency. About 70% of shells fired can be expected to explode. About 100 yard range can be reached with standard rifle grenade cartridges, 150 yards with the use of the auxiliary cartridge M7 (T18).

[Peter Laidler]

The UK had a P'14 (and therefore, preumably for an M'17 too) launcher for the No36 grenade. Got one of those? I only ever saw a couple and they were at Warminster attached to rifles damaged when the grenades exploded in the cups!

[rayg]

The UK had a P'14 (and therefore, preumably for an M'17 too) launcher for the No36 grenade. Got one of those? I only ever saw a couple and they were at Warminster attached to rifles damaged when the grenades exploded in the cups!

That doesn't sound like a happy ending to the shooter.

I just looked up the P14 launcher on Google and it shows your article with those two damaged launchers, Ray

[Peter Laidler]

We also had a grenade launcher for the M1 carbine too. I had proposed putting on a display of grenade launching but space was at a bit of a premium. Will you index the article on google Ray. I have tried and keep coming up with suggestions for young Thai brides!

[rayg]

I'll try Peter. It came up and when I closed it and tried to get it back, it disappeared. I will keep trying, Ray

---------- Post added at 02:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:54 PM ----------

Found it, Lets see if this works..... Milsurps Knowledge Library - Exploding P14 Grenade Discharger Cups (by Peter Laidler))