What did Grenadiers carry in Vietnam?

In the Vietnam War US squads usually had at least one soldier whose role was that of a grenadier. He was usually armed with an M79 grenade launcher, although towards the end of the war it was replaced with an XM148 grenade launcher underslinging an M16 rifle in very small numbers.

Is the M79 legal?

The M-79 40mm Grenade Launcher is classed by the BATFE as a “Destructive Device”. As such, they MAY be legally owned under Federal law if it is registered with the ATF and the transfer tax paid. BTW, each round of ammo is also a destructive device, and requires registration (at $200 a pop).

How much ammo does a grenadier carry?

He carries his 40mm ammunition in 1 bandoleer and 3 universal ammo pouches, which means he is carrying only 15 rounds. Notice he has a quick access round in his helmet band.

How many 40mm rounds does a grenadier carry?

Many grenadiers had a vest that held about 24 rounds of 40mm ammo.

How many rounds did Vietnam soldiers carry?

20 rounds
During the Vietnam War, Soldiers were issued a semiautomatic rifle with automatic capability and up to 20 magazines of 20 rounds each along with fragmentation and colored smoke grenades. Body armor was a newer feature, adding weight as well as protection.

Can you own an M79 grenade launcher?

M79 grenade launchers are destructive devices, meaning you will need a $200 tax stamp and a months long approval and background check process to obtain one. However, as long as it is legal in your state, you can get them.

Is the M79 grenade launcher still used?

The M79 grenade launcher, also known as ‘the Thumper’, is a single-shot 40mm grenade launcher which dates back to the Vietnam war era. Despite the design’s age, the M79 is still occasionally used in the field, especially by U.S. special operations forces (SOF).

What is a 320 weapon?

The M320 is a 40mm grenade launcher in use with U.S. regular and special operations forces. Designed to be used as an attachment to a rifle or carbine or as a stand alone weapon system, the M320 can fire a range of 40mm projectiles, including High Explosive, High Explosive Dual Purpose, smoke and illumination rounds.

Can you buy 40mm grenade?

Standard-issue 40mm launchers are classified as “non-sporting” firearms and “destructive devices” by the National Firearms Act, sold solely to military and law enforcement agencies around the world. The new launchers will be able to fire a variety of non-lethal 37mm flare and smoke rounds.

What kind of grenade launcher does the M79 use?

Jump to navigation Jump to search. The M79 grenade launcher is a single-shot, shoulder-fired, break-action grenade launcher that fires a 40×46mm grenade, which uses what the US Army calls the High-Low Propulsion System to keep recoil forces low, and first appeared during the Vietnam War.

What was the grenade launcher used in Vietnam?

Underbarrel grenade launchers, such as the XM148 and the M203, where the grenade launcher attaches to the rifle, were developed during the Vietnam War, allowing the grenadier to function also as a rifleman. The XM148 was plagued with problems and the project was dropped.

When was the M16 grenade launcher made?

Designed by Colt’s Manufacturing Company in 1964 as a replacement for the M79, this 40mm launcher, mounted to the M16 Rifle, would provide the rifle squad increased firepower with the added punch of the lethal grenade as direct fire support.

Did the M79 see combat in the Vietnam War?

The M79 saw combat in the Vietnam War beginning in the early days, when M79 Grenadiers assigned to major Army divisions first arrived to see combat in Vietnam in 1965, including the 1st Cavalry Division, the 1st Infantry Division, the 101st Airborne Division, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade.