The M79 grenade launcher is a single-shot, shoulder-fired, break open grenade launcher which fires a 40 x 46 mm grenade and first appeared during the Vietnam War. Because of its distinctive firing sound, it earned the nicknames of “Thumper”, “Thump-Gun” or “Blooper” among American soldiers; Australian units referred to it as the “Wombat Gun”. The M79 can fire a wide variety of 40 mm rounds, including explosive, anti-personnel, smoke, buckshot, flechette, and illumination. While largely replaced by the M203, the M79 has remained in service in many units worldwide in niche roles.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      English
      74 months ago

      I do immediately wonder how much kickback one of these would have.

      Also, look at that eyelet for the strap. Seems like really bad placement.

        • @LowtierComputer
          link
          English
          44 months ago

          They’re basically the same, but I’ve never shot one with buckshot. I imagine that and the flechettes would have more kick.

    • SSTFM
      link
      English
      64 months ago

      Not nearly as bad as you would think. The velocity of the rounds is slow. I’ve fired a full stocked M79 in a one handed dueling pose with no problems, and from that experience wouldn’t hesitate to fire a sawed off one.

        • @Agent641
          link
          English
          84 months ago

          Grenade launchers at dawn.

      • @[email protected]
        link
        fedilink
        English
        44 months ago

        Impressive.

        That thing triggered all of my “nope” sensors immediately! Good to know it’s only injuring things downrange.

      • @LowtierComputer
        link
        English
        44 months ago

        Have you ever fired a buckshot or flechette round though? I imagine they’re completely different from the explosive rounds.

        • SSTFM
          link
          English
          34 months ago

          Just HEDP, smoke, and chalk.

          • @LowtierComputer
            link
            English
            24 months ago

            Same I think. We called some of them HDHE, but I imagine that’s the same as dual purpose. I found them all to be a lot of fun. HE rounds are impressive.

            • SSTFM
              link
              English
              34 months ago

              What nation? To me “HD” means mustard gas, and that doesn’t sound right.

                • SSTFM
                  link
                  English
                  2
                  edit-2
                  4 months ago

                  Any idea what the round designation is? I have never come across an HDHE designated 40mm in person, and can’t find any examples online.