When you absolutely positively have to blow something up, accept no substitutes. Opt for a shoulder-fired grenade launcher. South Africa’s MilKor produces a fine example of the breed: the M32 semi-automatic shoulder-fired grenade launcher. At the risk of losing any claim of journalistic objectivity, the moment a MilKor company rep handed me a loaded M32 was one of the happiest moments of my life . . .
The M32 fires 40mm grenades. The projectiles can be loaded with anything from chalk (like the practice rounds MilKor handed me) to high explosives to a Taser. The rotating cylinder acts like the cylinder in a revolver, holding six rounds of 40mm ammunition. The barrel consists of a 11.8 inch tube with internal rifling. Unlike standard revolvers, the M32 places a metal covering over the front of the non-firing chambers, keeping the expanding gases off the shooter’s forward hand.
The MilKor M32’s is a manually-charged semi-automatic weapon. To load the M32, the user spins the entire cylinder 360 degrees, placing tension on a spring. As the gun fires, the spring advances the cylinder to the next unfired chamber. The lack of a recoil or gas operated action means that there is no method for resetting a single action trigger, so double action it is. The MilKor M32 MGL’s go-pedal was designed as a kind of two-stage affair. Resistance in the pull increases before the “break” of the shot.
The aiming system: a red dot sight in an adjustable mount. You change the sight’s elevation depending on the distance to the target (duh). You use a compass on the side of the sight to dial in the proper distance—without the need for a ranging shot. At least in theory . . .
The MilKor M32 MGL grenade launcher’s ergonomics are fantastic. The grip is made from a soft and squishy rubber (not official military term). The M32’s buttpad is fully adjustable for length of pull as well as the angle of the stock. The forward vertical grip makes aiming this gun easy. My only complaint: the safety. Like the safety on a KRISS carbine, operating the safety with your thumb WITHOUT moving your hand off the fire controls is a tricky. But possible.
The M32 MGL also has a free-floated barrel surrounded by a rail system, to which the user can mount lights, lasers, thermal imagers, GPS locators, etc. The stock folds for added convenience and, like a revolver, the M32’s drop safe.
So, how does it feel? It feels like shooting fish in a barrel. Or with a barrel. Of high explosives. That flies through the air and lands on their head. The M32’s recoil is insignificant, despite the size of the projectile, mostly due to its low velocity.
As with any weapons system, the MilKor M32 MGL’s effectiveness depends on the ordinance selected, the operator’s skill and the gun’s ability to keep doing what it was designed to do, no matter what. The M32 is combat-proven, which speaks highly of the both rounds and reliability. As for the human factor, experience is key. With enough practice, it’s the M32 is as easy as pie.
So where do I sign?
MilKor M32 MGL Grenade Launcher
Specifications
Caliber: 40mm
Barrel: 11.8″
Size: 30.6″ with stock extended
Weight: 11.68 lbs
Operation: Spring operated semi-automatic
Finish: Black / Desert Tan
Capacity: U6 rounds
MSRP: $??? (LE/Mil Sales Only)
Ratings (Out of Five Stars)
All ratings are relative compared to the other weapons in the gun’s category.
Accuracy: * * * * *
Frankly, I still can’t believe I put two rounds in a trash can at 50 yards without any practice whatsoever. This thing is absolutely dead-on accurate.
Ergonomics: * * *
It’s GIGANTIC, but what would you expect from something that’s basically a Peacemaker that fires grenades? The cylinder release is a little awkward to grab, but the placing makes perfect sense.
Ergonomics Firing: * * * * *
Not only does it feel pretty natural to hold and shoot, but the “thunk” sound it makes puts a little bit of extra happiness in your heart.
Reliability: N/A
I didn’t have enough time to test the reliability, but the design seems solid. Unless the spring breaks or the user forgets to spin the cylinder, this thing should work without a hiccup for ages.
Customization: * * * *
There’s some rails, but what more do you really need? Sight? Check. Forward grip? Check. Done.
Overall Rating: * * * * *
I really really want one, even though I have nowhere to shoot it and no practical application for it. It’s a destructive device, not a machine gun, so I may actually have some hope of the ATF letting me register one.