U.S. soldiers began training with new M320A1 40mm grenade launcher attached to M4 rifle 11401172

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Military Defense Industry Technology - M320 Grenade Launcher
 
U.S. soldiers began training with new M320A1 40mm grenade launcher attached to M4 rifle.
U.S. soldiers on Fort Jackson began training with the new weapons system M320A1 that can launch grenades while attached to an M4 carbine rifle, or be fired independently.A training team was on hand at Fort Jackson Tuesday and Wednesday to familiarize drill sergeants with the newest grenade launcher in the Army arsenal -- the M320A1 grenade launcher, which is replacing the venerable M203.
     
U.S. soldiers on Fort Jackson began training with the new weapons system M320A1 that can launch grenades while attached to an M4 carbine rifle, or be fired independently.A training team was on hand at Fort Jackson Tuesday and Wednesday to familiarize drill sergeants with the newest grenade launcher in the Army arsenal -- the M320A1 grenade launcher, which is replacing the venerable M203. Sgt. Keala Burks, a drill sergeant with Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, fires one of the nearly 30 rounds she shot during training on the M320 grenade launcher. (Photo U.S. Army)
     
The M320 Grenade Launcher Module (GLM) is the replacement to all M203 series of grenade launchers on M16 Rifles and M4 Carbines. A modular system, it attaches under the barrel of the rifle or carbine, and can also convert to a stand-alone weapon. The M320 GLM has an integrated leaf sight and improved safety features. It also has a side-loading unrestricted breech to allow the system to fire longer 40 mm low-velocity projectiles (NATO standard and nonstandard).

The M320 model weighs five pounds, two more than the model it is replacing. The additional weight comes from the M320's much more durable barrel, which is meant to give the weapon a longer lifespan. Rounds fired through a lighter barrel can deteriorate accuracy much quickly they would deteriorate the accuracy of a heavier one.

U.S. Soldiers also preferred how the weapon is loaded. While the M203 was loaded by pushing the barrel forward, the M320's breach swings open with the press of a button to allow loading from the side.

Another difference between the two models: a Soldier fires the M320 while grasping a pistol grip, whereas a Soldier fires the M203 while grasping the magazine.
     
U.S. soldiers on Fort Jackson began training with the new weapons system M320A1 that can launch grenades while attached to an M4 carbine rifle, or be fired independently.A training team was on hand at Fort Jackson Tuesday and Wednesday to familiarize drill sergeants with the newest grenade launcher in the Army arsenal -- the M320A1 grenade launcher, which is replacing the venerable M203. A U.S. Army paratrooper fires a training round from the new M320 grenade launcher while learning to use the weapon on a Fort Bragg, N.C., range, July 1, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Michael J. MacLeod