M320 Grenade Launcher Module

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M320 Grenade Launcher Module
M320 with detachable buttstock
Type	Grenade launcher
Place of origin	Germany
Production history
Manufacturer	Heckler & Koch
Specifications
Weight	1.5 kg (3.3 lb)
Length	350 mm (13.7 in.)
Barrel length	280 mm (11 in.)
Crew	1

Cartridge	40x46 mm low velocity grenade
Action	Single shot, double action
Rate of fire	5 to 7 rounds per minute
Muzzle velocity	76 m/s
Effective range	150 m
Maximum range	400 m
Feed system	Single shot

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XM320

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.^[1] Product Manager Individual Weapons (US Army) at Picatinny Arsenal conducted a competitive bidding process for a new 40mm grenade launching system, Heckler & Koch was awarded a contract to provide the XM320 beginning in 2006. The M320 was developed from but is not identical to the H&K AG-C.^[2] The M320 is expected to enter full production in November 2008.

1 Overview
2 References
3 See also
4 External links

[edit] Overview

The M320 has three major parts: a grenade launcher, Day/Night Sight (DNS) produced by Insight Technology,Inc and a hand held Laser Range Finder (LRF). The some of the benefits are:

The M320 is a combination of the M79 and M203. Like the M203 it can be attached to the M16 assault rifle and the M4 Carbine attaching under the barrel forward of the magazine. The M320 can also be dismounted and a stock attached (see photo to right) to be used in a stand alone mode, like the M79.

The DNS allows the grenadier to effectively engage the enemy in the dark.

The sights on the M320 are located to the side of the launcher. This avoids the problems that the M203 had with its sight design: (I) sights mounted on top of the launcher interfered with the rifle's sights, (II) sights were attached separately, resulting in two separate operations when adding the grenade launcher to the weapon, and (III) because the sights were not integral to the M203, they had to be re-zeroed every time the launcher was reattached to the rifle.

The M320 can fire all NATO high-explosive, smoke, and illuminating grenades. Its breech opens to the side, allowing it to fire a variety of newer rounds which are longer, in particular certain non-lethal rounds.

The launcher attached to an M4 Carbine, with the breech open

The M320 operates in double action mode, with an ambidextrous safety. In case of misfire, the M320 operator merely has to pull the trigger again. The M203 used a single action mode which was cocked as the breech was closed. The M203 operator has to cycle the breech to re-cock the firing pin, then pull the trigger again.