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LOT 1346
Attractive “Grenadier” Pattern Colt M16A1 Automatic Rifle with
M203 Underbarrel Grenade Launcher, Class III/NFA -A) Colt M16A1,
Nine Million Serial Range, Class III/NFA Fully Transferable Machine
Gun - Serial no. 9379132, 5.56 mm cal., 20 inch round bbl., matte black
finish, synthetic stock. Developed in the late 1960s, the M203 underbarrel
grenade launcher was intended to replace the free-standing M79 grenade
launcher as the primary organic fire support weapon for American infantry
formations, filling the niche between hand-thrown grenades and full
sized mortar rounds. While there were nearly zero complaints about the
M79 in this role, it was limited in engagements at relatively close range
or against targets unsuitable for grenades; a handgun was considered
insufficient, a separate long gun too heavy, and attempts to adapt the
M79 for close range (like 40mm flechette and buckshot rounds) had their
own issues. With the launcher mounted on a rifle, the grenadier could lay
in support fire while still being able to defend themselves or engage lone
targets when needed. While not the first to combine a rifle and a grenade
launcher, the M203’s lightweight and efficient design made it a trend-
setter in infantry weapons, both being directly adapted to other NATO
standard rifles as well as inspiring other underbarrel launcher designs, as
well as enjoying a long service career with the United States; as of Autumn
2025, the proposed replacement, the M320 under-barrel launcher, has not
yet been fully fielded.
In addition to it’s military career, the M16/M203 combo has made star
turns in numerous films and television programs, traditionally using a
modified commercial AR-15 in lieu of the M16, and a mix of real M203s,
37mm flare launchers, repurposed airsoft weapons or wholly fabricated
props for the M203; the latter combination would be wielded by Arnold
Schwarzenegger’s Major “Dutch” Schaefer in the classic sci-fi action/
horror film Predator and Al Pacino’s Tony Montana in classic gangster film
Scarface.
This particular example uses a commercial/export 9 million serial number
range M16A1 as the host weapon; manufactured by Colt to the same
specifications as their American contract production, it makes this lot
virtually identical to an Army-issue grenadier weapon. Post front and
two-leaf peep rear sights, with an A1 flash hider on the “C MP CHROME
BORE” marked barrel, the flip-up grenade sight on top of the ventilated
handguard, low profile casing deflector and oval shaped forward
assist. The lower receiver has the standard markings, with a right
handed “SAFE”/”SEMI”/”AUTO” selector. The internals match the selector
markings, with an “MPC” bolt head and “C” bolt carrier, both matte black
finished. Fitted with a checkered pistol grip, fixed buttstock and a sling
with a proper clamp-on swivel mounted beneath the front sight.
CONDITION: Excellent, 98% plus original matte black finish, showing minor
scratches and handling marks overall. Mechanically excellent. NOTE: This
weapon is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which
is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives,
(BATFE) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 479.
B) Colt M203 Underbarrel Grenade Launcher, Class III/NFA
Destructive Device - Serial no. 95805, 40 mm cal., 12 inch round bbl.,
matte black finish. Originally developed as part of the Special Purpose
Individual Weapon program, the M203 has been a mainstay of American
infantry for decades. Designed for compatibility with the 40mm rounds
used by the M79, the M203 is primarily aluminum in construction, with
a ribbed plastic grip cover on the sliding barrel, a safety switch inside
the triggerguard, and a spring steel triggerguard that hooks on the
magazine well of the host rifle. The mechanism is single action, cocking
automatically as the barrel is closed, with a spring hook extractor for the
spent casing. The left side of the receiver bears the standard Colt markings,
with the addition of a small “Star of David” proof and other proof stamps,
suggesting that the launcher passed through Israel (a known user of the
M203) at some point.
CONDITION: Excellent, 98% plus original matte black finish, showing minor
scratches and handling marks overall. Mechanically excellent. NOTE: This
Destructive Device is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class
3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives, (BATFE) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR
part 479, National Firearms Act.
Estimate: 42,500 - 60,000
300