United States Marine Corps Weapons & Equipment
M203 40mm Grenade Launcher
Weight:
Launcher: 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms)
Rifle (M16A2): 8.79 pounds (3.99 kg)
Total (including 30 rounds): 11.79 pounds (5.35 kg)
Bore diameter: 40mm
Maximum effective range:
Area target: 1148.35 feet (350 meters)
Point target: 492.15 feet (150 meters)
Maximum range: 1312.4 feet (400 meters)
Minimum safe range:
Training: 426.53 feet (130 meters)
Combat: 101.71 feet (31 meters)
Unit Replacement Cost: $601
Features: The M203 40mm Grenade Launcher is used while attached to an M16A2 5.56mm rifle. It is a lightweight,
compact, breech loading, pump action, single shot launcher. The launcher consists of a hand guard and sight assembly
with an adjustable metallic folding, short-range blade sight assembly, and an aluminum receiver assembly which
houses the barrel latch, barrel stop and firing mechanism. The launcher is capable of firing a variety of low velocity
40mm ammunition.
The launcher also has a quadrant sight which may be attached to the M16A2 carrying handle and is used when precision
is required out to the maximum effective range of the weapon.
Background: The M203 was designed and procured as the replacement for the M79 grenade launcher of the Vietnam era.
Inventory: 10,500
Information and Photos Courtesy of United States Marine Corps
