The Mk-19 Automatic 40mm Grenade Launcher Is a Beast
Story by Christian Orr • Yesterday 4:02 PM
We at 19FortyFive have recently published our fair share of articles about grenade launchers, from the venerable M203 40mm grenade launcher to the ‘203’s intended replacement weapons systems such as Precision Grenadier System (PGS) and the XM25 "Punisher".
But for sheer awesomeness, badas*ery, and ability to rain hellfire and brimstone upon the enemy, none of those can compare to the Mk-19 automatic grenade launcher (although, granted, those first three weapons do have the advantage of man-portability).
Mk-19 Origins and Specifications
Hard to believe as it may seem, the Mk-19 is actually a Vietnam War-vintage weapon, designed way back in 1966 and went into production in 1968, one year before the M203 did so.
The upgraded Mod 1, Mod 2, and Mod 3 were developed in 1971, 1974, and 1976 respectively; the Mod 3It is manufactured by Saco Defense Industries, which was acquired in 2000 by General Dynamics. Unit production cost is a mere $20,000.00 USD, which is absolute chump change compared to military budgetary boondoggles such as, say, the F-35. As noted by Eric Sof of Spec Ops Magazine:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/the-mk-19-automatic-40mm-grenade-launcher-is-a-beast/ar-AA18vPNZ?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=485ffb9a66ec4f68849174a1e39b90c7&ei=29