The M79 grenade launcher is a single-shot, shoulder-fired, break-action grenade launcher that fires a 40×46mm grenade, which uses what the US Army calls the High-Low Propulsion System to keep recoil forces low, and first appeared during the Vietnam War. Its distinctive report has earned it colorful nicknames such as "Thumper," "Thump-Gun," "Bloop Tube," "Big Ed," "Elephant Gun," and "Blooper ...
The M79 grenade launcher was known by many names, including the “Thumper-Gun” and the “Bloop Tube” – Australians even called it the “Wombat Gun.” Resembling a shotgun, it was used by US troops serving in Vietnam during the 1960s. While it had its positives, its drawbacks eventually led to it being replaced by the M203.
The M79 grenade launcher is a single-shot, break-open, breech-loading, shoulder-fired weapon. It consists of a receiver group, fore-end assembly, barrel group, sight assembly, stock assembly, and sling.
The M79 was later largely supplanted by the under-barrel M203 grenade launcher. There is anecdotal evidence that DevGru SEALs used cut-down versions of the M79 at least as recently as Operation Neptune Spear, the mission to kill or capture Osama bin Laden.
M79 Grenade Launcher Replica — 37mm Classic Anyone Can Own The M79 is a single-shot, break-action grenade launcher that made a major impact on modern infantry tactics. Known for its portability, simplicity, and punch, the M79 grenade launcher became an essential weapon in the Vietnam War and remains culturally iconic.
Page details technical specifications, development, and operational history of the M79 Single-Shot 40mm Grenade Launcher including pictures.
M79 garnered popularity among soldiers during the Vietnam era for its user-friendliness, high reliability, and minimal maintenance requirements. The M79 grenade launcher is a single-shot, shoulder-fired, break-action weapon designed to fire a 40×46mm grenade.
The M79 proved to be very accurate and reliable. It’s downside was the need for a grenadier to carry a backup sidearm, as the M79 could not be used at close range. Almost as soon as it was introduced, work began on developing a launcher which could be attached to the M16 service rifle.
The M79 grenade launcher is a single-shot, shoulder-fired, break-action launcher that fires 40×46mm low-velocity grenades using the U.S. High-Low propulsion principle to keep recoil manageable.
When the M79 reached U.S.troops in the early 1960s, it looked like someone had shortened a shotgun and given it an artillery round, a compact, single-shot, break-open launcher that fired a low-velocity 40x46mm grenade.It gave small units a new kind of miniature artillery: explosive power far beyond a thrown hand grenade but without the logistics and crew required for a mortar.