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  • booger
    Welcome to the forum. In the "Ask the Expert" forum the replies get locked after 10 replies so don't take it personally. While others will no doubt have better specifics on this answer, it's an AR-15/M-4 with the grenade launcher attached. The grenade launcher is designated as an M-23, I think. Stinking cock-a-roach.

    Them ducks is wary.
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  • mark christian
    I saw that movie once and don't think I ever heard the F-word so many times in one 2 hour period (perhaps if I'd been a boot at Parris Island?). I assume that the "little friend" you want to know about is the M203 Grenade Launcher. This weapon went into service with the US Military in 1970 and replaced the M79 grenade launcher which was a stand alone weapon. Thr M203 mounts under most variations of the M16 service rifle and weighs three pounds. It is single shot, breech loaded weapon-- sort of like a big pump shotgun. The 40mm grenade weighs about 6 ounces and has a low muzzel velocity of around 250 fps. The maximum range is around 400 meters and it is considered an effective aimed weapon out to about 200 meters. Although the M203 was developed by the AAI (Aircraft Armaments Inc.) Corp. Colt was the prime contractor during its testing and early production stages and has produced over 250,000 M203's. The unit cost to the US Militaty was around $235 in the late 1970's but a rare example in private hands would sell for around $4000 when they can be found. There is plenty more information available if you are interested. I went to the link and saw the picture. You are actually looking at TWO weapons: the rifle and the M203 which mounts directly below the front handgaurd.

    Mark T. Christian
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  • airborne
    To add some additional information to the extremely accurate post made by 'mark christian'.

    The 40mm projectile fired from the M203 has a bursting radius of 10 meters, and a kill radius of 5 meters. The projectile has to make 2 1/2 rotations, aproximately 27 feet after leaving the muzzle before it is armed. On the early ammunition fired from a M79 this was not true, consequently several individuals were wounded, even killed, from immature detonations; ie. hitting a branch or heavy folige, etc.

    Very effective weapon to fill the void between hand grenades and mortar fire.

    BE QUICK - BE DEADLY!!!
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  • allechalley
    Apparently this time Hollywood got something accurate. Thanks for a lot of info I always wondered about. The above fellas really know the stuff I wouldn't have a clue on.

    What I wanted to caution, tho, is that the movie set doesn't always go for accuracy. I remember a couple films that were so poorly done
    as far as firearms that the villain walked in with a over/under shotgun and off camera the sound was of a pump action (my feeling was an 870 Rem) before he shot.

    Just my two cents.
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  • mark christian
    THANK YOU Airborne. That information goes into the files. It is one thing to have historic and technical knowledge, it is some thing else entirely to have first hand experience with these weapons when used out in the field. I learn along with everyone else on GB by reading the postings of the REAL experts...those who have used these weapons to protect our country as well as their own lives!

    Mark T. Christian
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  • He Dog
    quote:The 40mm projectile fired from the M203 has a bursting radius of 10mm, and a kill radius of 5mm.

    Airborne is that meters, rather than mm?

    My heros have always killed cowboys.
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  • Laredo Lefty
    You guys are right on. I used the M-79 in Vietnam and it was a great weapon. We had several rounds available, ie, smoke, gas, buckshot, and the ever popular HE.
    I would have made a good weapon for a point man when loaded with buckshot, but it was way too slow for follow up shots. A popular gun was the 12Ga shotgun for close up work.
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  • airborne
    He Dog,

    Thanks for the astute observation, yes it should be meters. Will edit and correct.

    BE QUICK - BE DEADLY!!!
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