AR-15 Grenade Launcher Question

[Incitatus]

How does a grenade launcher fit on an AR-15.  The gun in question does not have a forward assist but does have the birdcage flash suppressor (I hope that that narrows down the model).

Thanks.

[teddy12b]

Depends on what exactly we're talking about.

For the exact 40mm M203 the military uses, I have no idea.

For civilian look-a-like copies, most are actually 37mm "Flare" launchers.  If you do a google search for Spikes tactical, you will find that they make one that slides onto a four rail foreend and fits on that way.

There's almost a cult like following for the guys with the 37mm flare launchers with inserts that get put into to the 37mm to neck it down to use cheaper/smaller flares.  I got interested in it once and did some reading, but never bought one.

[gunblade]

The M203 has three basic components...the receiver, barrel and handguard.  The receiver attaches to rifle's barrel via a clamp.   The clamp is not visible when the grenade launcher's handguard is installed.  The barrel of the launcher can be removed for cleaning without removing the receiver from the rifle. 

[Lloyd Smale]

I dont mind a light on an ar as its a practical add on that has some use but i guess i cant see why someone would stick a great big tube that can only launch flares on an ar! About like putting a hood scoop on a jeep to me!

[billy_56081]

I myself can't see why anyone would put a 37mm flare launcer on an ar15, but I'll tell you what. The combination of an M16 and an M203 gives a single soldier alot of firepower.  It is probably the most lethal combination a single infantry soldier can carry.

[myronman3]

i second billy.  it was my favorite weapon system.  i could still kill you if you were on the other side of the hill.  growing up as an archer, shooting the 203 was natural for me.  i could hit with that sucker without even using the sites.   my favorite thing about them was the variety of the ammo you could shoot through it. 
   as far as why someone would want to put them on a civilian rifle to shoot flares?  i can think of only one use for that, and we did the same thing in the military with them.   if a flare went up, you can bet you were done for. 

[teddy12b]

If you really NEEDED an AR15 for bad events, I could see flares being useful.  I never had flares overseas, but some MP's showed up one night and they had them and they came in very handy!  When a flare goes up it reviels a lot and shows movement.

Combine a nice M16A4 style rifle with a scope on it, with the addition of flares and you have something that could get you through some rough nights.  I just have a hard time spending over $300 on a flare tube and then the price of the flares.  I think they look cool and 99% of their life will just be for looks.

[myronman3]

as a civilian deal, i think i would pass on it.  and if i need one as a civilian, then things have gone bad then it shouldnt be very hard to find one.  and in that situation, i dont think anyone would be a civilian any longer.   hopefully that day will never come.

[Terry C.]

If I needed flares, I would much prefer a dedicated launcher. To me, a flare launcher is a tool, not a weapon.

If it's gonna be hanging under my barrel, it better be able to do some damage!

[myronman3]

trust me, it can so some serious damage.   someone hiding in a bush, building, or some other spot will come out in a hurry if a flare hits it.  they are really quite usefull with a little imagination. 

[Dweezil]

Check on 37mm.com  There's a guy there named Grog that has a  lot of info on flare launchers, reviews and has a couple instructional DVD's on building your own projectiles.  I have a stand alone launcher (Cobray clone, made by EtCetera llc.)  that works great, and can launch home-brewed flares/star-clusters/smoke up to about 350M. As a civilian, I wouldn't hang one on an AR-15 since a flare launcher is NOT a gun so I wouldn't want it permanently "married" to a gun. Of course, the usual fireworks laws/fire risks apply.