Original U.S. Vietnam War Oversized XM203 Underbarrel Grenade Launcher Classroom Trainer with Functioning Slide & Dummy Round with Original Case Display Stand

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a prime example of a standard oversized training device utilized in a classroom environment for infantrymen during the Vietnam War. With its size, the device would have been placed in a central location, allowing the entire class to witness the subject matter expert (SME) describe the function of each component with ease and clarity. Not Available for Export!

The XM203 is a single-shot 40 mm under-barrel grenade launcher designed to attach to a rifle. It uses the same rounds as the older stand-alone M79 break-action grenade launcher, which utilizes the high-low propulsion system to keep recoil forces low. While compatible with many weapons, the M203 was originally designed and produced by the United States military for the M16 rifle and its carbine variant, the M4. The M203 was the only part of the United States Army's Special Purpose Individual Weapon (SPIW) project to go into production. The M203 has been in service since 1969 and was introduced to US military forces during the early 1970s, replacing the M79 grenade launcher and the conceptually similar Colt XM148 design.

This is a tremendous and truly one-of-a-kind oversized classroom trainer XM203 grenade launcher, produced by the 3rd U.S. Army Training Aids Center at Fort Jackson, South Carolina around 1972. This trainer was custom-built at 2 to 1 Scale to teach soldiers in large groups about the use, loading, and functionality of the XM203 Grenade Launcher, or “Noob Tube” as it’s collectively known due to its popularity in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

The trainer was built with a custom carrying case which doubles as a display stand. The display, when fully put together, measures roughly 17 x 31 x 21”, a fantastic display size. The launcher comes with Graphic Training Aid 9-6-41, with 10 large oversized charts displaying the construction and functionality of the launcher, which was put together by the Headquarters, Department of the Army in September 1972. The training aid measures 33 x 42” and is in great shape with all charts retained. This would look fantastic displayed alongside the launcher, hanging on the wall next to it displaying it mounted to an M16.

The launcher itself, which measures 29½ x 11 x 4”, has a functional slide, to display how the launcher is meant to be loaded with the dummy round. We have only ever seen one other example like this, and it was missing the slide, as it was not made very strong and broke easily. The combat sight flips up and is still functional, but the trigger is foam and was not built to function. The dummy round measures 3½ x 6½” and is completely fabricated.

The display case has two metal bars which slide into notches on the lid to lift & display the launcher, although one of these two bars is pinching badly at the bends. We do not think this will cause any issue with the display. There are several cracks in the body of the carrying case, due to its weak construction and the weight of the set. The back hinge of the case is completely corroded and oxidized and is starting to come off. Thankfully, the set displays well with the case closed and the launcher on top. The label on top of the case reads:

TD-348
GRENADE LAUNCHER M-203
2 TO 1 SCALE MODEL
PRODUCED BY
THIRD U.S. ARMY TRAINING AIDS CENTER
FORT JACKSON, SOUTH CAROLINA

The piece has many moving parts and springs that are now very old and delicate, so please be very careful when handling the different parts. This is meant as a display piece and is not a toy!

This is a fantastic oversized classroom trainer of one of the most prolific pieces of U.S. Military equipment ever designed! This makes for an excellent display and comes ready to become the centerpiece of your war room!