U.S. Marines Are Testing 'Deadly' New Grenade Launcher

The Marine Corps has begun fielding its new grenade launcher.
“The M320A1 is a 40-millimeter grenade launcher intended to replace the M203A2 currently used by the Marine Corps,” said Captain Nick Berger, Marine Corps Systems Command’s project officer for the M320A1. “It is a weapon designed for the infantry fire team grenadier.”
Support us:
KZbin : @USDefenseNews
Facebook : / usdn.official
Instagram : / us_defensenews
If you have any problems viewing this Video, please report it here: [e-mail]

[@robertmerritt2144]

As a 72 y.o. Marine I used a 40mm Blooper in Vietnam. This thing is nothing more than a modern version of a Blooper.

[@joelbilly1355]

I think they were talking about bringing back the blooper only with a plastic stock & lightweight barrel

[@mjones1665]

It doesn't go 'bloop', though ...

[@chrisgross31]

How are they now just getting this... I had one in 2010. That thing is trash it makes your m4 way too front heavy. There's nothing wrong with the 203. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

[@User-dc6sm]

@@chrisgross31 why attach it to an m4? It ruins your aim and is useless in 99% of all situations: Room clearing- to dangerous for yourself, Field- will just bypass the target giving away your position by the giant muzzle flash. Only if your target is next to a wall you can hit it's good.

[@ev11automotive]

Hell yeah dude. It’s crazy to think you Vietnam Vets are still out there. What a life!

[@2QuartersKorean]

I had an M203 mounted on my M4. I found it very accurate while using a quadrant sight. The Army never gave regular infantry enough rounds for practice while at the grenade range for qualification. I never had a problem firing a round through a window at 150 meters, it did have a huge kick.

[@dalewoods7308]

In the army we call it the m320

[@drivebyquipper]

Lol! Did they hand them out at the library for the homeless dudes?

[@nunyabidness3075]

@@drivebyquipper Rude

[@maxwellmortimermontoure7274]

All I got is a potato cannon.

[@jjohnson796]

Is there such a thing as “enough” ammunition?

[@warrendemartini6533]

I miss the blooper M79

[@handsomeman-pm9vy]

the Bloop Tube

[@charlie1571]

Me too. In country 69-70.

[@ohrick8707]

“F… U… GI” Bloop!

[@charlie1571]

@@ohrick8707 What? please explain.

[@690409]

Welcome back soldier.

[@Landoni25]

Using the adjective "Deadly" to describe a grenade launcher is like saying that water is "Wet."

[@PreparedOverlander]

My National Guard unit got these around 2016 I think. I ran a range for it, they are pretty nice. Its amazing Marines are just now getting them.

[@justlookingaround]

Made by H.K. In Germany.

[@usmcvet0313]

Pretty standard...

[@user-ny7vz9fh5y]

@@JF-gp2bl

[@whatswithyous]

weve had them for a while

[@tuneyouup]

Woke 🤡

[@RickMunday]

But it's missing on thing that the M203 had... That distinct "toont" sound when fired. Still one of my favorite sounds.

[@mikeng.4121]

M79,M203 and M72 not strong enough like B40, B41 (RPG).

[@ironknee6879]

@@mikeng.4121 The two are not comparable. B40/41 is 80mm and rocket-propelled. Two completely different tools.

[@MM22966]

It is German. It is supposed to go 'kroont'.

[@charlie1571]

Man that's a far cry from the M79 I used in Vietnam.

[@rkf2746]

Yep, I had the same thought as I watched the video. Welcome home.

[@charlie1571]

@@rkf2746 Same to ya brother. Be safe.

[@dougtso4126]

Wow, seems to have amazing accuracy.

[@DougCaldwell]

Back in the 'old Corps' it was the blooper (M-79). Don't recall there was anything before it. Does the new one 'bloop'?

[@GeorgiaDawgAthens]

IRT DougCaldwell I loved the M79. Yep, it makes the "bloop" sound followed by a "crunch" when the grenade exploded. 🙂

[@HawkDriverJD]

I got two of these for my arms room before my 2013 deployment…they’re fun!

[@VetSGT]

Man had these in like 2007 in the army, didn’t like the electronic sight or mounted on weapon…..but as stand alone this thing rocks

[@casekocsk]

Exactly my thought... do we really need mounted grenade launcher? Or would a separated dedicated grenade launcher be better?

[@CharlieFoxtrot128]

production of the M320 didnt start until 08, wasnt in service until 09

[@rebelbatdave5993]

WHY? The 203 was Great! But then again they finally got the M16 to operate good!! And now going for a new rifle and ammo. Doesn't make any sense to me! But I served in the 80's/90's. Hope it works!

[@Matt-Durham]

Us Brits have had these under our SA80s for decades, the M302 is HK made and always has been, I don't want to share someone else's story as it sounds weird so I'll speak for myself; I used the M203 on M16s M4s, the only thing I didn't like was the shotgun like action an slight inch either way you couldn't get a fired or live 40mm out or in but with the M302 that's not an issue and with the SA80 it being right handed only, the M302 ejects to the left and reload a must better system, more accurate and more range. We also have the stand alone version with red dots and acogs, as well as nightsights, I believe it's lighter too and other types of ammo that can be fired from them some I'm sure I'll get in trouble I'm I name, but some insane projectiles out there and so very unique ones I really can't mention.

[@armynurseboy]

1. Side loading 2. Double action

[@hateferlife]

@@armynurseboy Also capability to take longer rounds, like non-lethal.

[@tiredoldman]

Actually the launcher works great. The Corps switched from the M16 to the M27 several years ago. Far better rifle and more accurate. I’m hoping to see the new rifle from Sig in the Corps soon. As the 5.56 is simply no longer a viable round

[@davidsaldivar6735]

I’ve had one for the last 3 years? I wonder if the marines were just waiting to see how they were

[@johndowning2231]

In basic and AIT (Ft. Jackson, SC 1965) we were trained on the M-79 grenade launcher. Accurate as hell. Not replaced well by the M-203, in my professional opinion.

[@mh3225]

they still had a few around in early OIF for whatever reason. Usually put them on the posts.

[@HDSME]

M 79 was perfect thats why they are replacing it

[@shorttimer874]

Some of the ammo was too long to fit the loading gap between the barrel and the M16, looks like that is solved now but the barrel looks a lot shorter than I remember the M79's being.

[@ExtremelyAverageMan]

Much better than that "friendly and ineffective" new grenade launcher that they were testing!

[@captainscarlett1]

Combination weapons like the M203 sound like a good idea but in practice I found it awkward, not a great rifle, not a great grenade launcher.

[@mcburcke]

Man, I would love to get to fire one of those things! I've always been a grenade guy at heart, and this looks like a winner (for a change)...

[@Matt-Durham]

Us Brits have had these under our SA80s for decades, the M302 is Heckler & Koch made and always has been, I don't want to share someone else's story as it sounds weird so I'll speak for myself; I used the M203 on M16s M4s, the only thing I didn't like was the shotgun like action an slight inch either way you couldn't get a fired or live 40mm out or in but with the M302 that's not an issue and with the SA80 it being right handed only, the M302 ejects to the left and reload a must better system, more accurate and more range. We also have the stand alone version with red dots and acogs, as well as nightsights, I believe it's lighter too and other types of ammo that can be fired from them some I'm sure I'll get in trouble I'm I name, but some insane projectiles out there and so very unique ones I really can't mention. Look at the British Baton gun made by HK very good system, even had a holo sight before they were a thing back in the bad old days. EDIT Just seen the 3D printed part FFS DONT RIP Heckler & Koch off of their weapon, that us Brits own at the time, pay your license and weapon & part fees. I thought the US was better than ripping decent, honest hard working people/companies off. The M302 has been around for decades it was the US military that turned their snotty nose up at it choosing to believe they knew best with their 1970s M203. I fought along side US soldiers in other conflicts I have nothing but respect for them I consider them my brothers in arms so please USA do the right thing and pay HK what you owe them. Yes I'm British I don't need the racist comments from keyboard warriors and trolls, grow up and serve your country and be the best Human being you can be.

[@GeorgiaDawgAthens]

@@Matt-Durham From my research in Wikipedia, I found the following. In 1967, Colt Firearms developed the XM148 grenade launcher which attached under the M16 rifle barrel but, problems existed. - The AAI Corporation developed the M203 which has been in service since 1969 and was introduced to U.S. military forces during the early 1970s, replacing the M79 grenade launcher and the conceptually similar Colt XM148 design. - In 2004, the U.S. Army announced a requirement to replace the M203 Grenade Launcher with a commercial off-the-shelf 40 mm grenade launcher. - A competitive bidding process for a new 40 mm grenade launching system with disired specifications ensued. - Heckler & Koch (H&K): Germany's standard rifle is the H&K Gewehr (German for gun/rifle) 36 commonly referred to as G36 which was a replacement for their standard rifle G3. - The grenade launching system submitted by H&K for the compition was the H&K Anbaugranatwerfer Gewehr 36 or H&K AG36 or, simply, AG36. "Anbaugranatwerfer" means "attached grenade launcher". So, AG36 is the attached grenade launcher for the G36 rifle. - Heckler & Koch was awarded a contract to provide their AG36 (redesignated as XM320 by/for the U.S.) beginning in 2006 for testing. - During the testing phase, some modifications were made and the M320 Grenade Launcher Module was born. - I'm pretty sure that the U.S. has compensated H&K and will continue to do so in the future. - I am certain you were referring to either the M203 or the M320 when you typed "M302". I could not find any reference to a M302-anything much less a grenade launcher. Similar numbers, vexing aren't they? Some Wikipedia titles you and other viewers may wish to explore: M79 grenade launcher XM148 grenade launcher M203 grenade launcher M320 Grenade Launcher Module Heckler & Koch AG36 Heckler & Koch G36 Pike (munition)

[@user-cb3lr7jt5p]

My first question would have been,"When do I get one with a magazine?"

[@keithallen5670]

I'm a Marine and my infantry battalion has had these for 3 years.

[@leodanryan966]

My son was a grenadier in the 82nd airborne 10 years ago and had an M320 mounted under barrel on his M4. It was also able to be removed and used separately. It is not new.

[@CCM1199]

its been around since 2011

[@FTW1374]

The Marine Corps Leadership “Systems Command” moving at a glacial pace….😂😂😂

[@Matt-Durham]

Us Brits have had these under our SA80s for decades, the M302 is HK made and always has been, I don't want to share someone else's story as it sounds weird so I'll speak for myself; I used the M203 on M16s M4s, the only thing I didn't like was the shotgun like action an slight inch either way you couldn't get a fired or live 40mm out or in but with the M302 that's not an issue and with the SA80 it being right handed only, the M302 ejects to the left and reload a must better system, more accurate and more range. We also have the stand alone version with red dots and acogs, as well as nightsights, I believe it's lighter too and other types of ammo that can be fired from them some I'm sure I'll get in trouble I'm I name, but some insane projectiles out there and so very unique ones I really can't mention. Look at the British Baton gun made by HK very good system, even had a holo sight before they were a thing back in the bad old days. EDIT Just seen the 3D printed part FFS DONT RIP Heckler & Koch off of their weapon, that us Brits own at the time, pay your license and weapon & part fees. I thought the US was better than ripping decent, honest hard working people/companies off. The M302 has been around for decades it was the US military that turned their snotty nose up at it choosing to believe they knew best with their 1970s M203. I fought along side US soldiers in other conflicts I have nothing but respect for them I consider them my brothers in arms so please USA do the right thing and pay HK what you owe them. Yes I'm British I don't need the racist comments from keyboard warriors and trolls, grow up and serve your country and be the best Human being you can be.

[@joecola6415]

Cringe

[@ramblin8674]

Wow, 10 years after the army the Navy is finally giving the Marines the funding to get current

[@pointsoflightradio9785]

As usual

[@khanglo6326]

Nothing news, 😂! The Army has it way back when!

[@spencerathearn3586]

​@@khanglo6326 we had these in Afghanistan in 2012

[@LeatherneckJoe133]

Where can I buy one..in the old days we used the shoulder mount M-79..

[@alexlanning712]

looks nice and light

[@teaganwindago3132]

So will the M-203 be for sale. Along with Chalk rounds.

[@user-kv1lp8ih8g]

Nothing was better than the Vietnam era M79 grenade launcher, that thing had pinpoint accuracy and was as durable as hell. Just reissue that. Im sure its cheaper than this current new fangled toy as well.

[@BENKYism]

What are the differences between the 320 and the 320A1?

[@armageddonready4071]

How about some specs on the unit? Weight, range, AoE, or is it exactly the same as the 203?

[@theflyingwelshman5338]

Judging by the smaller size, I’d say the weight is probably reduced. Probably little impact on range, because the cartridge is such a low pressure. AoE is probably unchanged, because a 40mm is a 40mm.

[@ronsflightsimlab9512]

Fired a ton of rounds through this system. It's solid for sure.

[@anthonygisi9824]

crazy marines just got this i had it in 2008 with range finder

[@infantryrecon101st]

We had these back in 2013 in the Army.

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

They thought the wimp launcher needed a recoil pad. lmao.

[@andrewyoonhobai8453]

explosion on impact noob tubes have been the bane and curse of call of duty, unfairly overpowered and that was even with health bars in call of duty, real fragment spray just disable anything that gets hit. underbarrell is op

[@rogiervis2306]

We had this grenade launcer since 2000. It's a variant that is mounted under our Diemaco C7 rifles

[@top-secret996]

It wasn't even designed until 2008 soo.....

[@CCM1199]

@@top-secret996 It was still in the prototype stage in 2011. I tested it as it was called the XM320 back then. So technically its been operation since 2011...

[@RossKyle95]

That is the AG36 ( has unique designations in the Canadian and UK army ) basically same weapon but without the foregrip ; m320 was a modified version to meet the US requirements , that came out way before 2008 obvs originally being designed for the G36 but adopted for diemaco c7/c8s and the SA80

[@rock3times]

From the M79 of Vietnam war era to M320... Brave new world..😊😊😊

[@myfavoritemartian1]

I hope it weighs LESS than the M203 because when coax mounted on a rifle, it makes a heavy package.

[@oldgoat8861]

Sure not like the 201z I used many years back. I do like the 203, but this one looks more light, compact and versatile. I want to fire it and see how she hits a point location.

[@Banished16]

didn't know they had daytime grenade launchers, I am only familiar with nighttime grenade launcher that can only be used between 8:00pm-11:59pm

[@craigfurlong7981]

a sound almost as satisfying as an A10 Warthog....

[@Sinixster11b]

I had these in 2010-2018 in my unit, Even had one mounted on my m4.

[@myopicchiwawa]

Bring Back the M79 Blooper! 😅

[@mexicanmonkeyop540]

We have literally been using that for as long as I can remember

[@secretspy4819]

I helped build those weapons, and I'm proud of my team, and we are proud of it.

[@HerculesTacticalProducts]

Check the G-TEC Holster for the M320 Grenade Launcher

[@KalanYore]

So, the new toy is like the old M-79 grenade launcher... just more modernized is all and the same function just like the M-203 attachment on our M16A1s during my time of service in the US Army. Still need a leaf site but this one also has a holo site as that one would be used for close range engagement... the same 40mm grenade shell of the variant types that is still in service.

[@Johnny_Cash_Flow]

As opposed to a not deadly grenade launcher?

[@worldburnerbreadman7886]

The infantry have had these for a while, they just don’t use or like underbarrel grenade launchers alot because they don’t like the weight

[@gluehoof573]

Marines are testing the deadly new tube-on-a-stick. 🎯

[@jamestorres4705]

Take my money I want one. Were they on sale for Black Friday?

[@colp9492]

Pretty much the same launcher we’ve had on sa80 as underslung since the early 2000s

[@wolfganghuhn7747]

Looks like the grenade pistol hk gave to us in 1988

[@tiredoldman]

This isn’t exactly new. We’ve been fielding this for a while now. We’re just finally getting them out to more units.

[@archielacson1876]

Exactly coz American will not show their latest weapon unless they made it perfect and mostly if they had war in some other nation.

[@CCM1199]

The M320 is not a new grenade launcher. I was one of the people that tested that grenade system at Fort Irwin, CA back in 2011. its very accurate as a standalone grenade launcher and is accurate with its mounted. I'm surprised they waited 12 years to finally replace the M203....

[@MM22966]

Your title confuses me. Have the Marines ever tested a weapon that wasn't supposed to be deadly?

[@Carboxylated]

used these down range in Afghanistan in 2009. these have been around for a LONG TIME. This is a classic case of Marines getting all the rest of the military's hand-me-downs. LMAO!

[@davidtate166]

The army needs this to .

[@ssgus3682]

The Army has it.

[@harrisonpeck130]

Yea the Army definitely should’ve done this back in 2009

[@TheGh0stShip]

Sounds like the Army is getting a new grenade launcher.

[@shorttimer874]

The M203 could not load some of the longer rounds that had been used by the M79, not enough room between the barrel and the M16 magazine. Looks like the whole tube swings out so they could go back to some of those rounds, awfully short barrel though.

[@metafeedburner]

So they took a 203, and moved the 3 to the front added an A and sawed off the barrel, replaced the stock and multipled the price to tax payers.

[@iunnox666]

Yeah, they took their M203s and moved the numbers around in the designation, that's how it's different. Brilliant take.

[@user-uw8bm1jv8k]

The grunts will "streamline" those things in the field, to cut weight, and improve handling....

[@ModernTacticalShooting]

New? 😅 my last tour was 2015 we had those. I've been retired going on 5 years now! 🎉

[@TheBorrito]

So they have gone back to the M79 grenade launcher. Got it.

[@iunnox666]

It's not an M79. What, you think that because it's break action and not mounted to a rifle?

[@eanc4644]

Whoa, Sgt-period, or GySgt, Joseph Jackson?

[@ianthompson5678]

Prefer the 203. Its more cumbersome to carry 2 separate weapons around than a barrel mounted nuke tube

[@Broken_dish]

im pretty sure most people hate having this mounted and prefer to just carry it around stand alone

[@dennisfaulkner5470]

Will it be able to function with mk19 ammo.?

[@roelkomduur8073]

Of course not dumbass, this is a low pressure system.

[@PBurns-ng3gw]

No, these and 203’s use a different kind of 40mm round. The Mk 19 uses a 40x53mm high velocity round that’s far more powerful.

[@BabayagaUA25]

Army had that for 12 years already

[@nketch22]

It has been in the Army since 2010 and full fielding in 2012

[@L11ghtman]

The Army has been using these for like 15 years lol

[@eduardosuarez2414]

Glad to hear it's "deadly." Presumably the marines have been using nerf rounds up to now.

[@InitialFailure]

"New" God, everything the Marines get "new" is old news to the other branches.

[@dustintooker7988]

I had a 320 in 2010.

[@joelbilly1355]

I thought they were looking to bring back the old Vietnam era thumper only with lightweight modern materials for the stock & barrel ?

[@dwaneanderson8039]

Probably should have put the quotes around "new" instead of "deadly." The US Army adopted the M320 in 2006 and has been fielding them since 2009. As usual, the Marines are getting them late.

[@ronaldwhite1730]

Thank you . ( 2023 / Dec / 07 )

[@EricDaMAJ]

*"U.S. Marines Are Testing 'Deadly' New Grenade Launcher"* You mean they've been shooting nerf grenade launchers all this time?

[@archielacson1876]

American made weapon are so good,it's a game changer❤

[@shooter505]

H&K is a German company...but, I don't have a problem with it, they have a stellar reputation in weapon manufacturing.

[@JohnnychimpO907]

40mm launcher that easily fits into a backpack… Sweet lawdy.. I NEED ME ONE!!!! 😂

[@jessicaregina1956]

Batf: hold up

[@user9b2]

They should shrink grenade down to 12 gauge shotgun size so it can be deployed via auto shotguns.

[@user-ib1qt3ed2s]

That's new for the marines hahaha Army issues me one back in 2013

[@R005t3r]

Oh joy! Now anyone can be 'The Roach'.

[@jtman1976]

You messed GySGT Joseph Jackson's rank up mane. You had SGT Joseph on the screen. He's not a SGT, he's a Gunnery Sergeant. Like GySGT Wattle. You had SGT on the screen. He's a Gunnery Sergeant as well, not a SGT.

[@MM22966]

On a serious note, does that mean the Marines are giving up their MGL's?

[@tylerrichter4066]

Let's just hope the grenade launcher is actually "deadly."

[@petebock7021]

Get some!

[@NoGoBu]

Snub-nose Garnade Launchers, sounds like something The Marines would want 🤷🪖🇺🇸🫡

[@chriswendschlag1856]

I feel like its launcher from The Division 2 game.

[@wutdisLcet]

that thing is sweet

[@bretthoffman2128]

M-79 was a break open breach loader to. M-203 was ok, but everyone wants something new

[@nolanglahn8528]

Lmao, notice that nobody is mounting them to their M4 unlike the 203. There's cool features but functionally it's a step backwards since it makes an m4 weigh as much as a 249. More stuff to keep track of, have to put away your rifle to draw this thing.

[@user-du6yr1qx5d]

Чудо германского инжиниринга...😮

[@russnbish]

so it is still a tube 40mm grenade launcher. wow. so amazing. wtf

[@rainolahtinen4968]

🙏UKRAINE🙏

[@pzkpfw6864]

This is the same 320 we had in Afghanistan in 2011, it ain't new.

[@SirensC3]

That thing is way to short. It won’t have enough range.

[@louislamboley9167]

That's the best you can come up with is another grenade launcher ? But wait , it's really accurate. If you can stand in a hail of bullets while firing it.

[@africantwin173]

Nothing new. A 70 year old technology in a new jacket.

[@turdferguson1021]

The Army has had this since at least 2010. 😂😂

[@jamesholland5139]

Looks like they wanted something cheaper to manufactur