Original U.S. WWII Grenade Launcher M1 for the M1903A1 Springfield Rifle - Very Rare

Original Item. Only One Available. The development and use of rifle grenades with the M1 Garand proved to be problematic due to the gas operated action of the Garand and attrition of launchers being lost. The M1 Garand required the user to attach the M7 launcher prior to using the rifle grenade, disabling the gas system and semi automatic fire, single load a rifle grenade blank, then remove the launcher after firing to restore semi automatic function. Early experiences in Normandy showed that many launchers were being removed after firing and left behind in the heat of combat. This constant removal of the launcher resulted in rapid depletion of stocks of the M7 launcher, in some cases forcing the M1 launcher back into service.

Not Available for Export

Due to the shortcomings of the M7 launcher for the M1 Garand and combat losses, the M1903 Springfield and M1 launcher continued to be highly utilized and popular among the troops. GI's favored the M1 launcher due to the ability of the user to fire the weapon normally without having to affix and remove the rifle grenade launcher as well as very quickly and easily single load rifle grenade blanks.

The M1 Launcher was declared substitute standard during the war and obsolete at the end of the war.  Most of the launchers were sold to foreign governments or scrapped outright with very few hitting the surplus market.

This is an extremely scarce WWII M1903A1 Springfield M1 Grenade launcher, the first of its kind we have ever offered. The launcher measures roughly 7 ⅛” long as is marked to the side:

U.S. RIFLE
.30 M1903A1 K-M

The M1 and M2 were simple clamp-on tubular extensions. These had oversized smooth bores which did not interfere with the rifle's operation. The bands on the launching tube were used to help adjust range. The greater the number of rings left exposed below the bottom of the grenade, the less distance it would travel.

This example is in great condition with much of the original finish still retained. The clamp still works great with only service wear and loss of finish.

Comes ready for further research and display!