Tip of the Day

Tip of the Day: Master the arc before the trigger. Grenade launchers are all about trajectory, not speed. Spend time learning the relationship between distance, elevation marks, and your sight ladder or optic. Many shooters rush the shot, but the best operators pause, confirm range, and visualize the arc. Practice estimating distance and adjusting elevation smoothly rather than muscling the launcher onto target. A consistent stance and gentle trigger press keep the tube steady during the shot. Treat each round like a mini mortar mission: range, set, breathe, fire. When you respect the arc, accuracy improves dramatically with practice daily.

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Trivia Question❓

The iconic single-shot grenade launcher widely used by U.S. forces since the Vietnam War was designed to replace the older M79 “Thumper.” This launcher mounts underneath the M16 or M4 rifle and fires the same family of 40×46mm low-velocity grenades. Its name comes from the fact that it was the 203rd item in a long series of experimental U.S. military weapon projects during development. What is the name of this famous under-barrel grenade launcher?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Barrett Expands 30mm Precision Grenadier System into New Product Line

Barrett’s new Precision Grenadier System product line centers on a 30×42 mm semi-automatic, magazine-fed launcher built to defeat personnel in defilade and low-flying drones. The article says the system grew out of Barrett and MARS winning the Army’s xTech Soldier Lethality competition, then expanded into a staged family of variants. Mod 0 is the baseline launcher with advanced fire control and multiple ammunition options. Mod 1 adds counter-UAS enhancements and proximity-fused rounds. Mod 2 is planned as a more mature program-of-record version. The piece frames Barrett’s PGS as a modern squad-level fire-support weapon with real growth potential.

Interesting Facts

  1. The classic M79 grenade launcher earned the nickname “Thumper” in Vietnam because of the distinctive thump sound it makes when firing a 40mm round, which is very different from the sharp crack of a rifle.

  2. Many grenade launcher rounds are designed with a built-in safety arming distance. A typical 40mm grenade will not arm until it has traveled about 14–30 meters, preventing it from detonating if it hits something too close to the shooter.

  3. Not all grenade launcher ammunition explodes. There are dozens of specialized rounds including illumination flares, smoke markers, sponge rounds for riot control, tear gas, door-breaching rounds, and even training rounds filled with chalk powder that leave a colored mark on the target.

Army Expands Precision Grenadier Vision Beyond Defilade to Drones and Squad Support

National Defense Magazine explains that the Army’s Precision Grenadier System effort is meant to close the long-standing gap left by the canceled XM25 while also expanding into counter-drone use. The article outlines how the Army now wants a soldier-portable weapon, fire-control system, and ammunition family that can defeat targets behind cover, support close combat, and counter small UAS. It reviews competing industry approaches from Barrett/MARS, FN America, Northrop Grumman, and American Rheinmetall, showing a spread from 25mm to 40mm concepts. The piece emphasizes that modern combat lessons have broadened PGS from counter-defilade alone into a more versatile squad-level capability.

Quote of the Day

“Precision beats power. A grenade launcher isn’t about how loud the shot is—it’s about placing the right round, in the right arc, at the exact right moment.”

Joke of the Day

I asked my buddy why he loves grenade launchers so much.
He said, “Because when you miss with a rifle, you miss… but when you miss with a grenade launcher, you still kind of hit the whole neighborhood.”

Army Eyes Barrett-Style 30mm Grenadier as a Real-World “Bolter”

Military.com reports that the Army is evaluating a new 30mm Precision Grenadier System designed to hit enemies behind cover and engage drones, drawing comparisons to Warhammer 40,000’s bolter because of its size and futuristic role. The article explains that Barrett’s shoulder-fired, magazine-fed concept is meant to bridge the gap between traditional grenade launchers and more advanced precision munitions. It also notes the Army’s broader push for a portable system combining weapon, ammunition, and fire control into one package. Rather than science fiction, the piece frames the concept as a practical response to modern battlefield problems involving defilade, speed, and flexibility.

Secret Little Hack

Learn to read terrain to your advantage. Instead of trying to land a round directly on a target, experienced shooters often aim to impact just in front of walls, rocks, or hard ground near the target so the fragmentation and blast spread into the area behind cover. Using terrain like a backstop dramatically increases effectiveness and makes hits more forgiving when your range estimate isn’t perfect.

💡Answer to the Trivia Question:

M203 Grenade Launcher

A Newsletter Dedicated to Responsible Gun Ownership, Education, and Tactical Operations.

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Austin Warfield - Owner of C.O.P.S. Gun Shop - as a retired police officer, Austin has been involved in numerous community events over the years.  His firm beliefs in the 2nd Amendment and the fundamentals that all citizens have the right to bear arms to not only hunt to provide for their family, but for defense either against their property and lives, but be able to prevent the overreach of government within our rights.  he wants to share his joy of gun ownership with all safely and responsibly.

Chris Pine - Chris is a dedicated father and husband who also serves in the Oklahoma National Guard.  He understands the sacrifices that 1st responders and the military make to protect our communities and rights for the greater good.  He has a long-time love of firearms and competitive shooting.  He is always looking for ways to share his knowledge with both new and experienced firearm enthusiasts.

Sam Wood: More Than Just a Writer

In the heart of a small, close-knit community where every face was familiar, Sam Wood learned life's most valuable lessons. His upbringing wasn't easy; he faced his share of hardships and adversities that tested his resolve. Yet, it was these very challenges that shaped his tenacity and belief in the power of perseverance. Sam often shares stories of the mentors and community figures who saw potential in him when he couldn't see it in himself, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community that raised him.

Sam's entrepreneurial spirit was kindled in his early twenties, leading him from a daring venture into a thriving business. His success as a business owner is a testament to his grit, but Sam is quick to point out that his journey was peppered with failures as much as triumphs. It's in discussing these moments of vulnerability that Sam truly connects with his readers, reminding them that every setback is just a setup for a comeback.

Though guns and advocacy have been his mainstay, Sam's life is rich with passions that paint the full picture of who he is. An avid outdoorsman, he finds peace and solace in the wilderness, often sharing tales of his expeditions hunting, fishing, and exploring. These adventures are more than hobbies; they're a return to his roots and a way to connect with the earth and himself.

Sam's commitment to making a positive impact is evident in his volunteer work, especially in educating young people about gun safety and responsible ownership. He believes in empowerment through knowledge, a value instilled in him by the mentors of his youth.

Family and friendships anchor Sam's world. He speaks fondly of family dinners that could easily pass for debates, where lively discussions on politics, history, and philosophy were the norm. These gatherings not only deepened his understanding of the world but also his convictions about gun ownership and personal freedom.

Sam's friends describe him as a man of integrity, grounded by the core values of freedom, responsibility, and respect. Yet, they're quick to point out his lighter side—his quick wit, love for practical jokes, and an uncanny ability to find humor in the mundane. It's this blend of depth and light-heartedness that makes his writing so compelling.

Despite not following a traditional educational path, Sam's knowledge and insights command respect. His writing, marked by a first-person conversational tone, wit, and humor, makes complex gun issues accessible and engaging. But more than that, it's a reflection of the man himself—complex, nuanced, and profoundly human.

Sam Wood may have started as a small-town boy, but through his resilience, he's become a beacon of inspiration and a voice for responsible gun ownership. Residing now in Comfort, Texas, he continues to advocate, educate, and connect with people through his stories and experiences. In every piece he writes, Sam aims not just to inform but to remind us of our shared humanity and the values that unite us.

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