Colt Is Releasing Civilian-Legal M203 37mm Grenade Launchers

Colt M203 grenade launcher — Colt M203 37mm Grenade Launcher | 9″ Barrel

Colt M203 grenade launcher nine-inch barrel — Colt M203 37mm Grenade Launcher | 9″ Barrel

Colt M203 37mm grenade launcher 12-inch barrel — Colt M203 37mm Grenade Launcher | 12″ Barrel

marines Colt M203 grenade launcher — A U.S. Marine with the Black Sea Rotational Force shoots the M203 during a certification range aboard Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, Romania, March 30, 2017. This range provided the Marines hands on experience with the M203, aiding them in their ability to safely conduct multinational exercises.

Colt M203 LOADING — A Marine loads an M203 grenade launcher during a weapons test as part of the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Isaak Competition at Camp Lejeune, N.C., August 10, 2017. The Isaak Competition, in honor of Cpl. Garreth Isaak, distinguishes the most proficient scout within the Battalion through a series of events including an endurance course, land navigation, and weapons proficiency. The Marines are with 2nd LAR Battalion.

Heads up, Colt collectors: the company has announced it is releasing two civilian-legal versions of its iconic M203 grenade launcher through Arms Unlimited—one of its primary law enforcement distributors—starting today.

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These M203 grenade launchers are built to Mil-Spec except for one difference, and it’s a big one: the barrels are 37mm instead of the standard 40mm. This is due to the fact that traditional 40mm grenade launchers are classified as “Destructive Devices” under the NFA, making them only available to military and law enforcement. These models get around that pesky fact with the 37mm barrels, which makes them Title 1 firearms and thus not subject to NFA registration. Despite the fact that they’re 37mm launchers, they’re marked “LAUNCHER, GRENADE M203 40MM” followed by a unique serial number.

The lightweight, single-shot, breech-loaded Colt M203 grenade launcher is designed specifically to be attached to the M4 carbine, as well as the M16A2 and A4. This creates a versatile weapon system capable of firing 5.56mm rifle ammo in addition to the full range of 37mm ammo, Arms Unlimited says. The M203 also features a self-cocking firing mechanism—including the barrel latch, trigger and positive safety lever—which allows it to be operated as an independent weapon even when attached to the M4 or M16. In addition, these launchers weigh in at 2.5 pounds and have an effective range of 400m.

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Colt and Arms Unlimited are offering 300 of these—150 with a nine-inch barrel and 150 with a 12-inch barrel—for $2,000. Once they’re gone, they’re gone for good, so you want one, you better hurry.

9-inch-barreled M203: armsunlimited.com.