New 40 mm launcher: M320 is coming ...

Men like it when it goes BANG loudly… And even more when this noise is caused by a 40mm grenade launcher. Since the US Army is constantly buying new stuff, there is also a new grenade launcher that will replace the old M203, namely the M320 - same digits just in a different order.

Whoever sees it for the first time will probably confuse it with the German AG36. This is because the M320 was also developed by Heckler & Koch. However, it is overall shorter than the AG36.

The advantages of the new M320 over the M203:

• An IR laser targeting device developed by Insight Technologies

• The M203 was developed for daytime use, whereas the M320 for both. At night, the shooter can activate an IR laser and aim through it
• The laser optic also serves as a laser rangefinder, resulting in a better first-hit ratio
• Due to the side opening, now 9-inch (24cm) long grenades can also be used
• The M320 has a self-cocking firing pin, which is a major advantage if the grenade does not ignite on the first attempt
• An integrated pistol grip

The M320 can be attached to an M4 under the barrel, but can also be used as a stand-alone version. The latter is even more popular among US military soldiers because of the heavy weight on the M4 and the better operability without it.

We can look forward to when this 40mm launcher is first spotted with SF soldiers, as it has only been used by the 82nd Airborne Division since June 16, 2009.