Original Items: Only One Lot Available. This is a set rarely seen together, an M7 grenade launcher in its original box, still wrapped by the arsenal that repacked it, with extra packed springs and screws, and the original launcher sight in its canvas carrying case, also still wrapped from the arsenal repack, with the instruction sheet as well.

A rifle grenade is a grenade that uses a rifle-based launcher to permit a longer effective range than would be possible if the grenade were thrown by hand. The practice of projecting grenades with rifle-mounted launchers was first widely used during World War I and World War II and continues to the present, with the term "rifle grenade" now encompassing many different types of payloads including high explosive, fragmentation, anti-tank warheads, concussion, smoke, incendiary, and flare missiles.

This group includes:

-M7 Grenade Launcher still wrapped and sticky with cosmoline.

-Original box that the arsenal repacked the set in marked 1 LAUNCHER GRENADE M7 W/E&SPARES B1-67-29947 (W/SIGHT M15 & CASE) PKGD BY RIOD KB 10/52. The box has broken open as shown but is still a great piece that provides provenance. The box measures 6x6x1.5”.

-M15 Grenade Launcher Sight and Canvas Pouch (New Old Stock, Still Wrapped). This sight was repacked at the same arsenal and is still wrapped up, with the instruction sheet wrapped around it. The inside of the pouch is marked CASE, CARRYING 7160198
-Small sealed pack of 2 springs packed at Rock Island Arsenal 10/52
-Small sealed pack of spare plate with 2 screws, interior can be seen when held to light.

The M7 grenade launcher was a tube-shaped device with an overall length (including the mounting bracket) of 7.5 inches. One end fitted onto the barrel of the M1 Garand rifle enclosing the muzzle, and was held in place with the rifle's bayonet lug. The other end was cylindrical with a small clip that held the grenade in place by friction. To launch a grenade, a special high-powered cartridge made specifically for the purpose (the .30-06 Springfield M3 grenade cartridge) was chambered in the rifle. Using markings engraved onto the device to determine the desired range, the rifle grenade was slipped over the launcher. When fired, the resulting expanding gases propelled the grenade a considerable distance depending on the grenade type, the vertical angle that the rifle was held, and how far the grenade was positioned onto the launcher. Since the device disabled the semi-automatic function of the rifle to prevent damage to the gun from firing grenades, the rifle could not be fired normally when the M7 launcher was in place; the gun could be fired in an emergency by cycling the action by hand. Fragmentation, anti-tank, and smoke grenades and pyrotechnic signals were available along with an adapter to enable the use of hand grenades. One to three M7 grenade launchers were issued to each rifle squad depending on period. It was also issued to support and headquarters elements.

The M15 Grenade Launcher Sight was introduced early in 1944 only. This device consists of a mounting plate, fastened to the left side of the wooden stock (by 2 screws) and featuring a 5-inch sight bar assembly which snapped on the mounting plate . The plate is calibrated in 5° intervals (from 0° to 45°) and is numbered in 10° intervals. There is an open sight and a level vial (bubble) for use in low-angle and high-angle fire. Horizontal and/or vertical adjustments can be made to zero the weapon. The M15 Sight could be used for all Rifles, including M1903, M1 models as well as the M1 Carbine. Issue only took place late war, and consequently very few probably saw field use. The complete Sight comes packed in an olive drab web pocket that closes with 2 press studs, with the standard belt hook attachment, and includes an instruction sheet.

A lovely set that comes more than ready for further research and display.