The “Bloop Tube”, the “Thumper”, or “Big Ed” or whatever other nicknames it was given by troops who used it the field. The iconic M79 had a reputation for being flexible, responsive, and accurate which made it a game changer. The M79 served as the platoon leader’s artillery.
We all have seen videos and pictures of this iconic 40mm Grenade launcher (including the M203 as well). Troops laying down some severe hate from a couple hundred yards away. Well there’s some legit civilian versions available out there in “friendly” 37mm that can have its uses in the field too. So let’s check it out…
But First…
***Lets cover the legalities of the 37m launcher here***
“Are these things even legal?! Are they legal in my state? — every ExoticAmmo website visitor, ever…
Is 37mm legal? Yes!
Is it legal in my state? Yes!
Do I need a license? No.
And a public service announcement from our favorite masked man…
About a year ago I had the opportunity to get the Tac-D 9 underbarrel 37mm launcher and we have been able to experiment with it pretty extensively out at camp and then recently I was afforded the opportunity to grab a 37mm M79 launcher from Exotic Ammo for a stand alone setup and needless to say, I am impressed…
So Jay, just what can todays Minuteman use a 37mm launcher for? Well for starters we need to look at the 37mm as a less than lethal (or non-lethal) applications where we need to be able to control, deter, or incapacitate when lethal force is overkill or not a legal option. Legal nuance is key: in the U.S., 37mm launchers are typically civilian‑legal only when used with non‑anti‑personnel rounds (such as flares, smoke, flash, and noise effects).
So lets look at the 3 most popular 37mm rounds for civilian enjoyment, I mean use…
Smoke
The 37mm smoke rounds provide a controlled deployment of smoke, often used for signaling and/or concealment in training exercises. We have had mixed results with smoke in our testing. Many have gone 30 to 40 yards with good smoke dispersement while others not so much so. Terrain, wind, and vegetation play big roles in the use of smoke as does proper placement of those smoke rounds for maximum effect.
Smoke rounds can be used multiple ways for signaling and masking movement. Depending on your groups SOP’s, Green smoke can be used for marking friendlies, Red can be used for danger areas or medical, Orange could be for marking enemy positions, and Yellow could be used for marking a landing area (I mean sure if you have air capabilities) or for an extraction area. In heavily wooded areas such as the woodlands of northern Ohio, smoke can effectively mask movement just as it was used in the thick jungles of Vietnam.
Flares
37mm flares would be most associated with maritime uses such as signaling for rescue to nearby boats or aircraft. But for the Minuteman flares could be used for temporarily lighting an objective or an open field. But a word of warning, they burn hot (like most other 37mm ammo) and you do run the risk of starting fire in dry or drought conditions. Grass fires are a real thing, so please be smart in their use.
Testing has shown that these flares can illuminate an area 100 yards away for a few seconds at a time.
Wildlife control
Specific ammo designed to deter and/or temporarily incapacitate like Flash Bangers, Shocker, Concussion, and Detonator rounds work great for animal control. Some give off a colorful display of colors for entertainment while others just create a loud noise with an accompanying bright flash. Wildlife control experts around the world rely on such rounds in their daily jobs with much success. Most of the wildlife control rounds can also be used for signaling purposes with different types meaning different things based on you and your groups SOP’s.
In our testing we have had great success with several different wildlife control rounds. Average distances have been approximately 100 yards depending on wind direction and accuracy has been within a 10 yard circle. Perfect for dropping into a gang of geese to keep them away from your property. Some models (like the Super Breakers) also provide good illumination (see video above) in open spaces. But again, a warning on use in dry or drought conditions. They burn hot and can quickly ignite dry material, so take necessary precautions or delay their use until conditions warrant them.
So does the 37mm launcher have a place in the Modern Minuteman’s tool box?
What say you?
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The M79 (37mm) was impressive when used during the recent Jay’s Minuteman Field Challenge. I can definitely see a need/use case for it.