Milkor MGL

Milkor MGL
A U.S. Marine looks through the M2A1 reflex sight on a newly-issued M32 MGL (MGL-140) in September 2006.
Type	Grenade launcher
Place of origin	South Africa
Service history
In service	1983–present
Used by	See Users
Wars	Colombian conflict Syrian Civil War 2013 Lahad Datu standoff
Production history
Designer	Andries C. Piek
Designed	1980
Manufacturer	Milkor (Pty) Ltd
Produced	1983–present
Variants	See Variants
Specifications
Weight	5.3 kg (12 lb)
Length	778 mm (30.6 in) stock extended, 565 mm (22.2 in) stock folded (MGL) 812 mm (32.0 in) stock extended, 711 mm (28.0 in) stock folded (MGL-140)
Barrel length	300 mm (11.8 in) (MGL)
Cartridge	40×46mm grenade 40×51mm grenade (SuperSix)
Action	Double-action
Rate of fire	3 rounds/sec (MGL) (rapid fire) 18-21 rounds/min (sustained)
Muzzle velocity	76 m/s (250 ft/s) (MGL)
Effective firing range	375 m (410 yd) 800 m (870 yd) (ERLP ammunition)
Maximum firing range	400 m
Feed system	6-round, revolver-type swing out cylinder
Sights	Armson OEG collimator sight in quadrant (MGL) M2A1 reflex sight (M32)

The Milkor MGL (Multiple Grenade Launcher) is a lightweight 40 mm six-shot revolver-type grenade launcher (variations also fire 37/38mm) developed and manufactured in South Africa by Milkor (Pty) Ltd. The MGL was demonstrated as a concept to the South African Defence Force (SADF) in 1981. The operating principle was immediately accepted and subjected to a stringent qualification program. The MGL was then officially accepted into service with the SADF as the Y2. After its introduction in 1983, the MGL was gradually adopted by the armed forces and law enforcement organizations of over 50 countries. Total production since 1983 has been more than 50,000 units.

The MGL is a multiple-shot weapon, intended to significantly increase a small squad's firepower when compared to traditional single-shot grenade launchers like the M203. The MGL is designed to be simple, rugged, and reliable. It uses the well-proven revolver principle to achieve a high rate of accurate fire which can be rapidly brought to bear on a target. A variety of rounds such as HE, HEAT, anti-riot baton, irritant, and pyrotechnic can be loaded and fired as fast as the trigger can be pulled; the cylinder can be loaded or unloaded rapidly to maintain a high rate of fire. Although intended primarily for offensive and defensive use with high-explosive rounds, with appropriate ammunition the launcher is suitable for anti-riot and other security operations. A newly patented modification allows the MGL to fire less lethal (very low pressure) rounds.

The MGL is a low-velocity, shoulder-fired 40 mm grenade launcher with a six-round spring-driven revolver-style magazine capable of accepting most 40×46mm grenades. The spring-driven cylinder rotates automatically while firing, but it must be wound back up after every reloading.

The MGL grenade launcher consists of a lightweight, progressively rifled steel barrel, sight assembly, frame with firing mechanism, spring-actuated revolving cylinder magazine, and a folding stock. The weapon has a fire selector safety switch just above the rear pistol grip which can be operated from either side. The launcher cannot be accidentally discharged if dropped. The launcher is loaded by releasing the cylinder axis pin and swinging the steel frame away from the cylinder. The rear of the cylinder (including the pistol grip) is unlatched and pivoted counter-clockwise to expose the chambers during reloading. By inserting the fingers into the empty chambers and rotating the aluminium cylinder it is then wound against its driving spring. The grenades are then inserted into the chambers, one-by-one (because the cylinder cannot be removed), the frame closed, and the axis pin re-engaged to lock. When the trigger is pressed a double-action takes place and the firing pin is cocked and released to fire the grenade. Gas pressure on a piston unlocks the cylinder and allows the spring to rotate it until the next chamber is aligned with the firing pin, whereupon the next round can be fired. If a misfire occurs the trigger can be pulled repeatedly.