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U.S. M7 Grenade Launcher Detail |
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Here is enlarged view of the M1 Garand rifle with the M7 (Bottom) and M7A3 (Top) attached. Visible on the M7 launcher is a cylindrical post pressing in on the gas cylinder lock screw. That screw has a spring-loaded "poppet" valve feature which is opened by that post. When the launcher is removed, the poppet valve closes. The M7A3 has a shorter post, that does not open that valve when mounted, as the M7 does. Instead the entire launcher moves back when a grenade is fired, only then activating the poppet. A spring in the mounting clamp pushes the launcher forward again, once the grenade has departed. Note the "hump" on the gas cylinder lock and the corresponding protrusion on the launcher. These features were necessary to absorb the stress imparted by the recoiling launcher. |
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