Defcom new lighweight polymer grenade launchers
Michigan based Defcom LLC is a new firm that have designed two lightweight grenade launchers which make maximum use of polymers. They are in a sense the Glocks in a world of Beretta M9s.
The DEFCOM XL 79 COMPOSITE is essentially a M79 that has been brought into the 21st century. It weighs 1.41 kg, about half of the original metal-and-wood M79.
The Defcom M79 type product improved grenade launcher receiver, barrel shroud, stock, and front hand guard are manufactured from composite materials. Double action trigger with shotgun-type safety. Matte finish colors: black, desert sand, or woodland green. Top of barrel fitted with MIL_STD 1913 Picatinny rail system. Rear sight is a detachable flip-up scale graduated to 425 meters. Front sight is fixed. Fixed stock launcher has two (2) sling swivels, folding stock has a third swivel mounted on stock hinge. Ambidextrous safety and barrel latch. M16 style pistol grip.
The other Defcom product is the XL 200 under barrel rail mounted launcher. It weights about 40% less than the M203 and M320 launchers.
The XL 200 opens by moving forward, and then tips up at a 40 degree angle, which allows it to be loaded with the new larger low velocity less lethal ammunition.
The Defcom 40 mm grenade launcher is designed to mount to any Mil Spec 1913 Picatinny Rail system. It has a double action trigger with ambidextrous safety and barrel latch. Barrel tilts downward and locks at end of forward travel to permit loading of all low velocity 40 mm ammunition. Titanium breech face. Trigger mechanism is modular and can be easily repaired in field. Barrel meets U.S. military specifications for material and rifling.
I will be watching this new company with interest to see how their products do.
The Defcom website is not yet up, but the sales office can be contacted at 559.585.1712
Whats the legal situation with buying/owning one of these?
I have seen pics of people firing what appear to be smoke rounds at shooting meets. Looks like fun but where can I get such ammo and how much (ballpark) is it?
West, they can be owned but are classed as a destructive device and so you have to jump through BATFE hoops to own one. I am not sure of the cost of smoke rounds.
Thanks for the info Steve, Ill bet they are a lot of fun but its hard to justify dropping the cash and doing the paperwork for something that I will, most likely, never fire a live round through.
Wow, that thing’s butt-ugly. That being said though, it would certainly beat carrying around and extra kilo of metal on your rifle.
Another thing to remember about buying a grenade launcher is that you are basically limited to non-explosive rounds. Just like the grenade launcher itself, an explosive round is classified as a “Destructive Device”, and thus, each round will require its own individual tax stamp.
You can get 37mm flare launchers that look like the standard m203 but aren’t considered a destructive device because all of the 37mm rounds are either flares, smoke, or less lethal (for police departments)
I dont know. The fact its all plasitic Polymer dosnt thrill me. The recoil would be very uncomfortable. And the fact the military is already commited to the M-203 (Marines) and the M-320 (Army) this may have come too late.
If im dealing with explosive ordance I perfer a nice steel barrel to shoot it.
If buying explosive rounds, you need the $200 tax and registration of EACH round!
Chalk practice rounds are more popular for this reason.
Wow that is light, nice.
Lance, “If im dealing with explosive ordance I perfer a nice steel barrel to shoot it.”
I do believe the original M-79 40mm grenade launcher had an aluminum barrel!
Not sure if it even have a aluminum barrel is stronger than plastic.
They should mount the XL 200 onto the top of the XL 79, and then put another picatinny rail on the bottom of the XL 200 so they can use the sight!
I hate grenades, but I love grenade launchers! Isn’t that weird?