The M79 grenade launcher is a single-shot, shoulder-fired, break open grenade launcher which fires a 40 x 46 mm grenade and first appeared during the Vietnam War. Because of its distinctive firing sound, it earned the nicknames of “Thumper”, “Thump-Gun” or “Blooper” among American soldiers; Australian units referred to it as the “Wombat Gun”. The M79 can fire a wide variety of 40 mm rounds, including explosive, anti-personnel, smoke, buckshot, flechette, and illumination. While largely replaced by the M203, the M79 has remained in service in many units worldwide in niche roles.

  • LowtierComputer@lemmy.world
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    4 months ago

    Have you ever fired a buckshot or flechette round though? I imagine they’re completely different from the explosive rounds.

      • LowtierComputer@lemmy.world
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        4 months ago

        Same I think. We called some of them HDHE, but I imagine that’s the same as dual purpose. I found them all to be a lot of fun. HE rounds are impressive.