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.

    • technomad@slrpnk.net
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      4 months ago

      I do immediately wonder how much kickback one of these would have.

      Also, look at that eyelet for the strap. Seems like really bad placement.

    • SSTF@lemmy.worldM
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      4 months ago

      Not nearly as bad as you would think. The velocity of the rounds is slow. I’ve fired a full stocked M79 in a one handed dueling pose with no problems, and from that experience wouldn’t hesitate to fire a sawed off one.