Familiarization of the M203 Grenade Launcher

Ref: FM 23-31 (M203)

STP-19-95B24-SM-TG

SSG Christian J. Behr

1st Squad Leader

Det 1, 169th MP Co.

M203

• TASK: Familiarization of the M203

• CONDITION: Given an M203 Grenade Launcher, Classroom instruction and this presentation.

• STANDARD: Be familiar with the M203 operations, functions and capabilities.

M203 Description

• Lightweight• single-shot• breech loaded• pump action• shoulder-fired• attached to the

M16A1/A2

M203 Characteristics

M203 Components

• Handguard• Quadrant sight

assembly• Receiver• Barrel• Leaf Sight

M203 Capabilities

• Surpress or disable armored vehicles - EXCEPT TANKS

• penetrate concrete• timber• sandbagged weapons

positions • some buidlings

• Illuminate and signal

best firing positions: standing supported & prone supported.

Leaf Sight Assembly• Sight Base

• Sight Mount Sight Elevation Adjustment

• Screw and Elevation Scale

• Windage Screw and Windage Scale

DANGER

THE 50-METER MARK ON THE LEAF SIGHT BLADE IS MARKED IN REDTO EMPHASIZE THAT THIS RANGE MUST NOT BE USED FOR ZEROING PROCEDURES. ZEROING IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AT 50 METERSOR LESS DUE TO FRAGMENTATION.

M203

• Trigger Guard

• Safety

M203 Ammunition

• Several Fixed Type, Low-Velocity 40-mm rounds

• high-explosive• illuminating• signaling• CS• Training

WARNING

IF FIRED INTO SNOW, 40-MM ROUNDS MAY NOT HIT HARD ENOUGH TO DETONATE. IF AN UNDETONATED ROUND IS STEPPED ON

OR DRIVEN OVER, IT MAY EXPLODE. DURING TRAINING, AVOID THIS HAZARD

BY FIRING ONLY TP ROUNDS IN THE SNOW.

M203 Ammunition

See TM 43-0001-28 for more details on each type of 40-mm round fired

from the M203

M203 Clearing Procedures

• Clear the M16A1/A2 as usual

• Push the release button and pull the barrel forward

• Watch to see if a round extracts

• Place the safety on SAFE

• Inspect the breech to the rear until it clicks. This cocks the weapon

• Place the safety on FIRE

M203 General Disassembly

Place each part on a mat, table, shelter half, etc. Only disassemble

the parts described here. Reassemble in reverse order.

M203 Disassembly

• Loosen the mounting screw first

• Remove quadrant sight assembly

M203 Disassembly

• Barrel Assembly First

• Handguard Assembly First

M203 Cleaning

• Bore• Breech insert• Other parts• Safety mechanism• only use CLP IAW

environmental guidelines

M203 Inspection

• All parts-wear, damage, etc.

• Handguard

• Leaf-sight assembly

• Barrel

• Cartridge and retainers

• ***see armorer with unserviceable parts

M203 Assembly

• Install the barrel

• Lock the barrel

M203 Assembly-Continued

• Install the handguard

• Install the quadrant sight assembly

WARNING

The launcher could fire without pulling the trigger if the sears do not

function properly.

Conduct a Function Check-M203

• Check the operation of the sears

• check safety in both the SAFE and FIRE positions

• Check the leaf sight windage adjustment screws for proper operation

• Check the barrel latch and the stop function

M203

REFERENCES

Required RelatedNone FM 23-31

TM 9-1010-221-10

FM 7-7

Any Questions????????????????