M79 40 mm short Grenade Launcher sawed-off King Arms

The M79 sawed-off grenade launcher: an adaptation of the original M79

The origins of the real M79

The M79, also known as the "Thumper", is a 40 mm-caliber grenade launcher originally used by the US Army in the 1960s. Its name "Thumper" or "Blooper" is due to the characteristic noise it makes when fired. This grenade launcher was designed to increase infantry firepower by providing this solution, the M79. In fact, it's a good alternative: more precision, greater range than a rifle grenade, yet much more compact than a mortar.

The sawed-off M79: a version created in the field

The sawed-off version of the M79 was not a genuine U.S. Army creation. It was in fact a modification of the M79 that was widespread during the Vietnam War, created directly by soldiers with the tools they had at their disposal (saw,...), for several reasons:

• Very useful for close combat: by sawing off the barrel and part of the stock of the original M79 grenade launcher, soldiers created a smaller, more manageable and practical alternative for drawing it as quickly as possible.
• Firing non-explosive ammunition at close range: soldiers could more easily fire buckshot, beehive, tear-gas and smoke grenades at close range, particularly useful for ambushes, fighting in tight spaces, etc...
• A lighter load for the grenadier: he usually carried the M79 in addition to a pistol or carbine, making the whole thing heavy and cumbersome. The sawed-off version of the M79 was therefore a good solution, as it was easier to carry while lightening the overall load.

The M79 sawed-off grenade launcher, a true field creation, lives on in this highly realistic, authentic King Arms replica.

1 x M79 40 mm short Grenade Launcher sawed-off King Arms

• Tactital accessories
• Model M79 Short Grenade Launcher sawed-off
• Brand King Arms
• Dimensions 345 mm
• Composition Steel / Wood
• Weight 1055 g
• Color Black / Wood