special operations forces » special operations weapons » mk 19 grenade launcher
MK 19 Grenade Launcher
The MK 19 is an automatic grenade launcher that fires 40mm high explosive dual purpose (HEDP) rounds.
The MK 19 was first used in anger during the Vietnam War. US SOF use this devastating weapon mounted on vehicles, boats or on a tripod. It can effectively engage point targets up to 1.5kms away and area targets up to 2.2kms away. The 40mm HEDP round has a kill radius of 5 meters against infantry and can penetrate light armor. Effective rate of fire is 60-rounds a minute. Being able to lay down a high volume of explosive rounds can be vital for SOF, especially when breaking contact during an ambush.
MK 19 Specifications
| weight: | 72.56 lbs (weapon only) 150 lbs (weapon + tripod) |
| length: | 43.1 inches |
| barrel length: | 16.25 inches |
| rate of fire : | 325-375 rpm cyclic / 60 rpm effective |
| muzzle velocity : | 790 feet per second |
| effective range : | 1500m (point) 2200m (area) |
| caliber : | 40mmx53mm (HEDP) |
| magazine : | belt |
MK 19- Images and Further Info
MK 19 mounted on a M3 tripod
US DoD Photo
A Marine mans a MK 19 Mod 3 grenade launcher mounted on a HMMWV during street-to-street fighting, Al Kharma, Iraq
US DoD photo by LCPL JORDAN F. SHERWOOD, USMC
US Army soldiers fire a MK19 mounted on a M3 tripod.
U.S. Army Photo
