Wednesday, October 14, 2009

DEFCOM XL 79 Composite Grenade Launcher

© 2009 Albert A Rasch and
The Range Reviews: Tactical
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5. trochronicles.blogspot.com

DEFCOM XL 79 COMPOSITE

Thanks to Steve at The Firearm Blog I have learned of a new 40mm grenade launcher, the DEFCOM XL 79 COMPOSITE.

"The DEFCOM XL 79 COMPOSITE is essentially a M79 that has been brought into the 21st century. It weighs 1.41 kg, about half of the original metal-and-wood M79.

defcom 40mm launcher xl 79 m79 tfb Defcom new lighweight polymer grenade launchers photo
DEFCOM XL 79 COMPOSITE

The Defcom M79 type product improved grenade launcher receiver, barrel shroud, stock, and front hand guard are manufactured from composite materials. Double action trigger with shotgun-type safety. Matte finish colors: black, desert sand, or woodland green. Top of barrel fitted with MIL_STD 1913 Picatinny rail system. Rear sight is a detachable flip-up scale graduated to 425 meters. Front sight is fixed. Fixed stock launcher has two (2) sling swivels, folding stock has a third swivel mounted on stock hinge. Ambidextrous safety and barrel latch. M16 style pistol grip."

Having had the opportunity to use the "Blooper" in the early Eighties, I appreciate the convenience of having a stand alone launcher, as opposed to the underbarrel M203. And at about 3 pounds, it would be a welcome addition to a soldier's payload.

Having said that, I would have to give thought to the appropriate tactical considerations of its use. Just because I loved the M79 back in the day, and I didn't mind the additional weight, does not mean that a single shot, break action grenade launcher is a good fit for today's combat environment. Though I am willing to bet the fellows at COP Keating would have loved to have their hands on a few of these bad boys a couple of Mondays ago...



Again a thanks to Steve at The Firearms Blog

The Range Reviews: Tactical