RG launch Page
Rifle Grenade Launching with M59/66
What do you need to launch rifle grenades?
All the words on these pages are "my opinions" only. They are
not to be followed by anyone. Use of any of these words is at your own risk, I
accept no responsibility for your actions should YOU decide to follow any of these
words. Disclaimer Done.
The M59/66 Yugoslavian version of the SKS rifle comes equipped
with a built in 22mm NATO grenade launcher, grenade launcher sights, and a gas
cut-off valve to redirect all of the force down the barrel. The original grenade
launching cartridge was a steel cased rose petal crimped round the size and shape
of a ball round. These rounds are corrosive so if you find any of these and launch,
be sure to neutralize the salts before cleaning. I used new grenade launching cartridges
from Hi-VEL, inc. These are normal 39mm cases with a rose petal crimp. They are shorter
than the originals but the primer is non-corrosive.
Making Grenade Launching Blanks
Now you need some sort of inert practice rifle grenade to launch.
NEVER load ANY sort of explosive or explosive device into an inert practice rifle
grenade. To do so violates Federal Law and carries steep monetary and time
penalties for EACH device.
"Real" modern Rifle Grenades
There are several types of inert practice rifle grenades available
nowadays. The most common right now or the Israeli Mk12 and Mk14 practice RG's.
The can be purchased as a kit of (6) with spare parts or purchased seperately.
The Blue M31 practice grenades of the 60's and 70's used to be everywhere at gun shows
and gun shops, but these have just about dried up lately. They are made of metal
and while impressive looking, they dent rather easily upon impact. Plus they
have a one piece fin assembly that refuses to stay put with the strongest epoxy
known to man. You ususally only get one shot and then it's time for fin repair
again. The Mk12's and 14's hold up much better as their fins are made of semi-flexible
plastic and the head is hard rubber. Here is a shot of the types I have:
The above practice grenades are as follows:
(1.) US M31
(2.) Israeli MK12
(3.) Israeli MK14
(4.) M29/AT75
(5.) US M1A2
M31 Rifle Grenade modifications
Launching rifle grenades
One of the reasons I wanted the Yugo version was the grenade
launcher. I have launched several RG's off of my FAL but wanted to let it rest
and use the Yugo for a launch platform.
Practice rifle grenade launching can be very fun to do. It
can also be very deadly and dangerous if not done correctly and responsibly.
ALWAYS make sure that you have ample room to launch the RG. Give yourself a
good 250 yards of range where no damage to anyone or anything will occur. As
long as the Rifle Grenade is inert and not pointed at someone or something with
the intent to do harm, it is legal in most states to practice launching these.
With practice one can get very accurate with these rifle grenades.
Here I am launching an Israeli Mk#12 inert practice rifle
grenade. Camera makes it seem that the intended target is the trucks but we are
really aiming towards those targets, or just in front of them.
M59/66 Mk#12 Rifle Grenade launch
Here is a standing launch of the MK#14 Israeli practice rifle
grenade. At that particular elevation the RG went about 80 yards. It weighs
about 1 1/2#'s.
M59/66 Mk#14 Rifle Grenade launch
Below is an RPG2 rocket pack carrying case that will hold (3) of the M31's or (3-4)
of the MK12's. Numrich Arms sells them and they are brand new for $8.50 each.
Here is another kneeling launch of the MK12. Went about 120 yards.
M59/66 Mk#12 kneeling launch
Standing launch of MK12. If you look carefully about 2 oclock at the target stand 150 yards away you will see
the dust from the RG hit in the dirt.
M59/66 Mk#12 standing launch
Target practice, MK12 hits 3'x3' target @ 150 yards. RG landed
just 5 feet in front of target and bounces and hits it!
MK12 Target Practice
MK12 launch from FAL. Notice stronger recoil than 39mm GLB's.
These are original FN rifle grenade cartridges.
FAL MK12 RG launch w/Tannerite
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