An Cosantóir February 2017 www.dfmagazine.ie
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TARGET!
by CQMS MIKE BARRETT, RDF 7 INF BN
P
ermanently attached to a modified Steyr rifle, the M203 grenade launcher's primary role
is in support of the infantry section and can fire a variety of ammunition types, includ-
ing high explosive, smoke and illumination. It is an under-slung, 40mm, low velocity
grenade weapon system with a separate sighting and trigger mechanism. It can be used
to engage troops in the open and soft-skinned vehicles, and its capacity to penetrate up to
90mm of rolled homogenous armour means it can also engage light armour or fortified build-
ings. It is also ideal for engaging enemy forces in dead gound - that is, ground that cannot be
reached by direct small-arms fire - and can provide effective fire out to 350m at a rate of fire of
between five and seven rounds per minute, depending on the proficiency of the firer.
Firing from the lying position
