M-79

Developed in the 1960s, the M79 (a.k.a the Thumper) Grenade Launcher was one of the first infantry/ hand held explosive firearms. Made famous in Vietnam.

In the end of 1940s, United States army had realized the need to fill the gap between 50 m throwing grenade distance and 400 m minimal range of light 60mm mortars. Project NIBLICK had been created to help fill this gap. By 1952, 40mm projectile was available - HE charge in fragmenting metallic shell. Later, by the 1953, a shell was developed to change the projectile into ammo. It has to be mentioned, that there were attempts to use rifle cups and spring launchers to launch projectiles, but they were not any notable in performance, apparently.

During the time until 1960, M-79s were developed, until in 1961, they went into manufacturing, and were immediately adapted into US Army service, which had the need of weapon of this class to aid war efforts in Vietnam.