82nd Receives 1st Batch of M320s

[kinney_bmx]

bout two months old but hadn't seen it here yet.


82nd receives 1st batch of M320s



Staff report
Posted : Saturday Jul 4, 2009 10:43:34 EDT
Soldiers with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C., on June 16 were the first to receive the Army’s new 40mm M320 grenade launcher. More than 320 soldiers will begin training with the weapon, which will be used for combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to Program Executive Office Soldier.
The Army’s plan is to purchase about 71,600 M320s over the next several years at a cost of about $3,500 each. The weapon replaces the Vietnam-era M203 40mm grenade launcher, with several notable improvements.
• While the M203 was designed for day firing, the M320 can function both day and night. In the dark, the sight has a push-button infrared laser pointer that grenadiers will see through night-vision gear.
• The sight features also bring a higher level of sophistication. Using the laser range finder, a soldier lases to the target to get the exact range and then dials in the meters to the target, which are displayed in a tiny window on the day-night sight.
• The M320 can be attached to M4 and M16 rifles or fired as a standalone weapon. Unlike the M203, the M320’s breech swings open to the left side of the weapon so it can fire grenades up to about 9 inches in length.
• The M320 features a double-action trigger, an improvement on the single-action trigger of the M203. When the M203 is loaded, it is ready to fire. With the M320, the firing pin remains in the uncocked position. Pulling the trigger cocks the firing pin to the rear and fires it, reducing the possibility of a round going off if the weapon is dropped or bumped.
• The M320 features its own pistol grip instead of relying on the 30-round magazine of the M16.

http://www.armytimes.com/xml/news/2009/07/army_m320_070309w/070309at_m320_800.JPG

[Alpha-17]

Damn. Why couldn't we have gotten those? We just finished up our PLT ExEvals. Could have been a great place to familiarize with 'em.

[kinney_bmx]

What I dont get is why they need those damn folding vert grips on them. Makes them seem even bulkier then they already are

[StickyPop]

Any particular reason they chose the built in pistol grip rather than an extension around the magazine to place a trigger behind the magazine?

I can see how it might get in the way of reloading, but I always thought it was a cool idea, maybe with a magwell built in.

[Yarrick2]

The vert grips may be for the standalone kit that exists for them.

[kinney_bmx]

Any particular reason they chose the built in pistol grip rather than an extension around the magazine to place a trigger behind the magazine?

I can see how it might get in the way of reloading, but I always thought it was a cool idea, maybe with a magwell built in.
You mean like the SCAR UGL?

[StickyPop]

You mean like the SCAR UGL?

Yeah, it seems like a good idea in theory, but then again so does communism.

[Anthony91]

The vert grips may be for the standalone kit that exists for them.

Wouldn't be surprised if the grips are removable, like most non-launcher parts of the system.

[Virus]

Ugh, it's a little heavier than the m203...I was hoping for some space age materials for ultralight nade launching :(

[Mofreaka]

Meh, well, we all know the Army knows best :D /sarcasm

[crazyman]

As i understand it, the M320 can be fired standalone as soon as you remove it from the M4...no kit needed. Notice the HK MP7-esque folding vertical foregrip.

[Rakki]

Saw a friend with the SCAR+ ELGM combo the other day (airsoft).... the thing was HUGE all up. Size of a colonial marine pulse rifle, really. Practically a roadblock all by itself.

[Lerch]

I spy rails under the folding grip, so it looks like it can be removed if unwanted.

And for Stickypop, the M320 is just the latest model of the AG36/AGC design, it wasn't originally designed with the Armalite in mind, but it works well. The Dutch have been using it for years now on their Diemaco's.

[-[Crosshair]-]

Don't get me started on how much I HATE M203A1s, Jesus Christ. It's all good when you just use it but it's an entire different story when you have to fix these bastards.

[SGMGSG9]

Saw a friend with the SCAR+ ELGM combo the other day (airsoft).... the thing was HUGE all up. Size of a colonial marine pulse rifle, really. Practically a roadblock all by itself.


And the M320 isn't a HUGE road blocking MONSTROSITY?!?!? I still think the Russian's got it right the first time with the 40mm GP-30 "OBUVKA" VOG launcher. Small, Compact, muzzle loaded, no hinges or extra bulk or parts just tiny rugged & built for business..................... AND I'M NOT TALKING AIRSOFT BUSINESS ETHER!

GP-30 "OBUVKA" VOG launcher
http://www.kbptula.ru/eng/str/grenades/images/gp30.jpg

Having grown up during the Cold War era,(buying into the propaganda) believing Russian stuff was crap............. I now see the wisdom in its simplicity, & rugged reliability.

[nullterm]

http://world.guns.ru/grenade/m79-1.jpg

Perfection.

[Elbs]

http://world.guns.ru/grenade/m79-1.jpg

Perfection.

http://www.submiturpics.com/images/jtzuaxzhx49qd3r9gymp.jpg

Ah-greed

[Ratamacue]

http://world.guns.ru/grenade/m79-1.jpg

Perfection.Hope you enjoy lugging that bitch around in addition to your rifle.

[-[Crosshair]-]

Cut the stock and tape it to the side of your rifle. p-)

[nullterm]

Hope you enjoy lugging that bitch around in addition to your rifle.

Well, you could probably make it lighter these days. Like replacing the wood stock with some space age light plastic.

... I just threw up a lil in my mouth.

[Ratamacue]

Well, you could probably make it lighter these days. Like replacing the wood stock with some space age light plastic.

... I just threw up a lil in my mouth.You nevertheless need to find a way to carry it in such a way that it won't be bouncing around like crazy or otherwise interfere with your movement, won't interfere with your personal weapon, and is able to be quickly accessed when the bullets start flying. This is why weapons like the XM25, though having the potential to be incredibly deadly, are doomed to fail.

[Riflewizard]

They got rid of stand-alone launchers for a reason...

although getting some of those Navy-Seal super duper pump action 40mm's would be sweet as a standalone launcher



Laser rangefinder on Grenade Launcher= Win

[seraosha]

Nice and all...but the MK19 still holds my heart in thrall.
Goddamn I loved that crew-served weapon. Wonder what the kiddies are playing with now days?

[Soldat_Américain]

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=1325&pictureid=16293

[AroundTheCorner]

they got rid of stand-alone launchers for a reason...

Although getting some of those navy-seal super duper pump action 40mm's would be sweet as a standalone launcher



laser rangefinder on grenade launcher= win

??????

12345

[Bro Jangles]

??????

12345
http://www.defensereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/airtronic_china_lake_4x40_pump_action_grenade_launcher_11.jpg

[Supplanter]

??????

12345

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Lake_NATIC

[AroundTheCorner]

http://www.defensereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/airtronic_china_lake_4x40_pump_action_grenade_launcher_11.jpg


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Lake_NATIC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Lake_NATIC)

Thank's for the info.

[DaReFaItH]

These new M320's look a lot like the UGL (underslung grenade launcher) the british army use, which i believe are made by HK.
the side opening makes it a lot easier to load and fire some of the longer 40mm rounds which you struggled to fit in the M203, (CS scat, Illum etc). being able to quick remove from the rifle and fire independent would be great for crowd control etc

[James]

Any particular reason they chose the built in pistol grip rather than an extension around the magazine to place a trigger behind the magazine?

I can see how it might get in the way of reloading, but I always thought it was a cool idea, maybe with a magwell built in.

It can be a stand alone weapon.

[James]

They got rid of stand-alone launchers for a reason...

although getting some of those Navy-Seal super duper pump action 40mm's would be sweet as a standalone launcher

Stand alone grenade launchers are in wide use today.

That super duper pump action 40mm was found to be unsatisfactory by SEALs in Vietnam about 40 years ago.

[Zarak]

These new M320's look a lot like the UGL (underslung grenade launcher) the british army use, which i believe are made by HK.
the side opening makes it a lot easier to load and fire some of the longer 40mm rounds which you struggled to fit in the M203, (CS scat, Illum etc). being able to quick remove from the rifle and fire independent would be great for crowd control etc


The M320 is designed by HK, based on the AG36, which also happens to be the UGL. So that might explain the similarity. :)

[DaReFaItH]

The M320 is designed by HK, based on the AG36, which also happens to be the UGL. So that might explain the similarity. :)

--Penny drops-- That explains it then :) thanks for the info fill.
In Australia, with the M203PI, we have used a Docter reflex sight instead of a leaf sight on our sexton, this sounds like another step forward from that.

[Goldfishsoldier]

What's wrong with the M203? Their replacing a good system with something that's heavier and more expensive. What excactly does the 320 greatly improve on over the 203? A bloody waste of money I think's!

[James]

What's wrong with the M203? Their replacing a good system with something that's heavier and more expensive. What excactly does the 320 greatly improve on over the 203? A bloody waste of money I think's!

You should probably read the article again.

Larger variety of usable ammunition, day/night capability, greatly increased chances of first round hit...

[MSR]

What's wrong with the M203? Their replacing a good system with something that's heavier and more expensive. What excactly does the 320 greatly improve on over the 203? A bloody waste of money I think's!
?? You cannot be serious. Anything that gives the firer an advantage is worth whatever cost.
I hope the ADF will get on board with this and mod it for the F88.

[Goldfishsoldier]

Nothing they could of improved on with the M203. Meh, the US Army has money coming out the ears at the worst of time's, so if they what fancy new granade launchers so be it.


?? You cannot be serious. Anything that gives the firer an advantage is worth whatever cost.
I hope the ADF will get on board with this and mod it for the F88.

No. I carry enough crap as it is as a rifleman. The M203 does just as good a job and I don't want to lug around extra weight for a few measly niches that I will probably never use. Night firing a Granade luancher, my balls that will ever happen.

[James]

No. I carry enough crap as it is as a rifleman. The M203 does just as good a job and I don't want to lug around extra weight for a few measly niches that I will probably never use. Night firing a Granade luancher, my balls that will ever happen.

I guess you've got experience with both. The new one is what, 5 ounces heavier? Ouch. :roll:

Regardless, since when have infantrymen not had to carry too much weight? That's been going on since the first time a caveman picked up a sharp stick.

[James]

Saw a friend with the SCAR+ ELGM combo the other day (airsoft).... the thing was HUGE all up. Size of a colonial marine pulse rifle, really. Practically a roadblock all by itself.

No offense, but what you saw in an airsoft game has very little application to this thread.

[DaReFaItH]

?? You cannot be serious. Anything that gives the firer an advantage is worth whatever cost.
I hope the ADF will get on board with this and mod it for the F88.

The AFP on Talisman Sabre 09 were using them on their supergucci G36 so somewhere at least an Australian group is running them (the launcher at least).

[ShotOver]

40mm comes in handy overseas(yeah no ****, bear with me), it's all about HE to get the initiative back after you've been hit by Terry and his mates. So anything that gives us a 1st round hit with 40mm HE is a good thing. The ASLAVs sometimes take awhile to find a target/engage a firing point in the green zone.

[Lerch]

--Penny drops-- That explains it then :) thanks for the info fill.
In Australia, with the M203PI, we have used a Docter reflex sight instead of a leaf sight on our sexton, this sounds like another step forward from that.
Aren't the Brits starting to use EoTech's on their UGL's aswell?

[PhillyMobster]

Nothing they could of improved on with the M203. Meh, the US Army has money coming out the ears at the worst of time's, so if they what fancy new granade launchers so be it.



No. I carry enough crap as it is as a rifleman. The M203 does just as good a job and I don't want to lug around extra weight for a few measly niches that I will probably never use. Night firing a Granade luancher, my balls that will ever happen.

I've night fired the M203 with considerable success using the PES-Q18. But if thats what you're referring to as an improvement on the 203, I would beg to differ. The 18 completely off-balances the weapon and is too awkward for use on a foot patrol. Its not that its too heavy, its just not practical. Unfortunately, as much as I love the 203, it just doesn't have any room for additions or modifications. I think a lot of people like to stick with what they're familiar with for that reason alone. I'm not saying you're wrong for feeling that way; I understand it, but I realize that the 203 is old and it needs some fundamental improvements that cannot be made by simply modding the old system.

The biggest single thing I like about this new model is the double action. When I was a boot, my team leader NDed with his 203, and sent a smoking 40MM HEDP spinning across the ground right at my feet. Of course it couldn't arm in the short distance it flew, but it was still scary. That experience stuck in my mind and when I got my 203, I preferred to carry it in condition 4 with a round in an easily accessible place. Obviously, that is not an ideal set-up if you need to quickly use the 203, but I wasn't about to get burned by my command for tripping over a rock on a patrol and accidentally loosing a round off into some Iraqis house.

[Eagle The Lightning]

New M320 Grenade Launcher

http://www.youtube.com/v/e88Vr9Dnicc


M320 Grenade Launcher Module (GLM) is the U.S. Military's designation for a new single-shot 40 mm grenade launcher system to replace the M203. The M320 was expected to enter full production in November 2008. The unit was officially fielded in July 2009 at Fort Bragg by the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne.

[goose36]

I'm happy with our in service 203 but having a day/night sight that can be used with NVG's down would be great. i too have seen many people UD/ND on patrol and would love to see a double action 203. if you haven't had to fire it at night then stay off and comment after you have.

[MSR]

I have never had a drama with the 203's on the Steyr. The quadrantr eflex sight is good, but the sight on the M320 sounds sweet. I hope it is heavy duty though.

[goose36]

i'm still trying to buy a 203 grip but cant find any still.

[MSR]

Have you tried http://www.m203grip.com/M203grip-specs.htm

Bit of work to get it in country, but will do the job.

[goose36]

yeh they wont post out of the US

[MSR]

If you can sort a work letterhead they will post it to your Q store. Saying that though, depends how high viz you want to be about it. Maybe get a second party to recieve it.

[goose36]

work isnt too keen on weapon mods but i'm sure i can work it. might try and get one OS

[ShotOver]

Depends where you go, I couldn't find one at either PX at Buring or K-Flats then tried again in KAF and there was no joy there. Hit up a couple of US Army and Marine types but they all had issued ones. I have searched google and it might set you back close to 500$ inc shipping...

[goose36]

yeh there not cheap, anyone want to sell a secondhand 203 grip?

[James]

I'm happy with our in service 203 but having a day/night sight that can be used with NVG's down would be great. i too have seen many people UD/ND on patrol and would love to see a double action 203. if you haven't had to fire it at night then stay off and comment after you have.

Haha, in my day there was maybe 1 set of NODS per squad. When I first got to the FMF we were still rocking starlight scopes the size of a man's thigh and the old PVS-5. If you needed to shoot at night, the first shot was illum from a 203.

[Ratamacue]

Haha, in my day there was maybe 1 set of NODS per squad. When I first got to the FMF we were still rocking starlight scopes the size of a man's thigh and the old PVS-5. If you needed to shoot at night, the first shot was illum from a 203.We still train with illum, but at the same time, pretty much everyone in the battalion has a set of PVS-14s (even at SOI every one of us was issued a set of 14s). The armory had also previously mounted PSQ-18s to most of our 203s, but I haven't seen them recently. Most guys just took them off anyway.

[shuredgefan]

Laser-rangefinder?

Don't most grunts shoot the 203 without the using the sights anyway?

I hope this new GL is an improvement, but it's butt-UGLy.:)

[gafkiwi]

I've used the M320s on different weapon systems during some testing, theyre not bad, better than the very basic sights our 203s have and as everyone realised the trigger set up is alot better. I was a bit iffy on the sights themselves, were made of plastic (unsure if the 320s are the same) and stuck out a fair way.

My main moan is the pistol grip and how far down it sticks. If it could be produced in a similar layout to the 203 it would be the s***e

[Opening Batsman]

I have never had a drama with the 203's on the Steyr. The quadrantr eflex sight is good, but the sight on the M320 sounds sweet. I hope it is heavy duty though.

I'm not a fan of the quadrant reflex sight. Maybe I'm just a spastic (distinct possibility) but here I am bobbing my head around trying to find the ****ing red dot (if it is even there at all, half the time it isn't), so I find it, then move my gat so it is pointing towards the target, and the bloody dot ****s off again. By this stage the hordes coming over the hill would already be half way at me and I'd have to reset the range. Probably doesn't help that we get to actually use the things once in a blue moon.

[MSR]

Practice practice practice. You don't need live ammo to get used to the sights. How many people actually aim the GLA during contact drills? Not many. Users fault not the sight.

[ShotOver]

We didn't use the sight overseas, just fired rounds off at the ****s. Then again we spent a lot of time at the range and the lads were very sure of their weapons and how to use them.

[ronrod71]

I liked the M203, The M203 seems more compact and sleeker. As a former unit armorer it made it putting them up in the rack no big deal. These will stick out like sore thumbs if they stay on the M4 on the racks and a pain if they have to be stored seperately and them re-issued and mounted before heading out.

Nothing wrong with new technology, I'm sure it is a top notch performing grenade launcher, but sometimes simpler is easier.

[MSR]

So the 203 is better because you can store it easy? Interesting take on the situation. I am sure the lads in the field would appreciate having an inferior 40mm system because when they get back they won't bump into it on a rack...

Built a suitable rack and feng shui your work place to suit the new system.

[ShotOver]

An F89 Minimi with a soft link magazine on does not fit well in the space between seats inside a Bushmaster, so most of the time I rolled with it between my legs. The "It might not fit in the space" argument is retarded, if someone offered me a new fancy sight or a foregrip on my weapon and it didn't fit between the seats I'd put it between my legs and make do, it's about having a better weapon than the bloke shooting back at you.

[goose36]

the new f88's came with a new rack for the armory, but they cant hold any other sight besides the standard 1.5, so every time you zero a elcan, aimpoint or whatever you have to take it off when you hand it in!! absolute stupidity! now DMO will issue a tender to build a modular 1 rack fits all system worth $600mill.

[ShotOver]

Ah organised chaos, I love it. Never does dissapoint. At least your Q-staff are switched on enough to issue you out the same weapon time again, ours don't even know what day it is half the time. Zero it and then crack out an LF6 and never see the weapon again.

[ronrod71]

So the 203 is better because you can store it easy? Interesting take on the situation. I am sure the lads in the field would appreciate having an inferior 40mm system because when they get back they won't bump into it on a rack...

Built a suitable rack and feng shui your work place to suit the new system.

it is an issue if you have to store it in an armory and quickly have to issue it out (ie. South Korea, Guantanamo Bay, and various Persian Gulf bases)

[ShotOver]

Uh huh, you're basing your argument on a weapon because you might not draw it from an armoury quick enough to defend South Korea and Guantanamo Bay... Holy ****, take a look at yourself.

Look, I'm not even going to get drawn in to this stupid, stupid argument... I am actually dumber by posting this in reply to you.

[MSR]

I'm drawn in.
That is the most poguish answer I have ever heard. Deny the fighting man so your job is easier. Pathetic.
If this is an issue, design a new rack and put it up the chain so your units can have the best of both worlds.
You will get some kudos and your job will be easier so you can smash more brew and doughnuts.

[IGotSilk]

I have to say that I like the 203 more. This 320 Throws off the balance on the M-4 too much. I can aquire targets easier with my SAW then with a 320 doing ready-up drills. . . . but thats just my personal opinion. We havent had the opportunity to use it outside of training yet, I'm sure it works just as well.

[warrior1974]

Wikipedia ¿? says that there are some differences betweenn M320 and AG36 ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M320_grenade_launcher )¿Does anybody know those differences?

[flanker7]

A shorter barrel by the looks of it. Maybe

[crazyman]

I feel for armorers, it's a thankless job...but you have got to be kidding me. First the thing is not that much bigger, I'm sure it will fit in an M4 rack..and if it doesn't? get a new rack. I spent my fair share of time in the arms room, it isn't that tough of a problem fellah, figure it out.