M203 is NFA But Not Other Models?

[MarcSpaz]

So, I am looking for an M203 grenade launcher to go with a Vietnam era AR15 build I am working on. All of the M203's I am finding, the seller is listing them as an NFA Title 2 item. However, it is only M203's... no other bran/models.

Also, LMT M203's are like $1,800, while other models and brands are $300-$400.

I looked at the NFA and it states that the grenade is the destructible device, not the launcher, therefore the launcher is not regulated by NFA.

Q: Are grenade and rocket launcher attachments destructive devices?

Grenade and rocket launcher attachments for use on military type rifles generally do not come within the definition of destructive devices. However, the grenades and rockets used in these devices are generally within the definition.
[26 U.S.C. 5845, 27 CFR 479.11]

Here is the actual code. Grenade talk starts on page 23...

https://www.atf.gov/files/publicatio...appendix-b.pdf

What am I missing? Are grenade launchers not NFA items and the sellers are mistaken or am I completely missing something and the other brand/model vendors are making illegal transfers?

And why are LMT M203's almost 2 grand and other are a few hundred?

[jdonovan]

first and formost make sure you are comparing 40mm lunchers to 40mm lancers. There are quite a few sellers of '203 clones' that are 37 mm flare launchers. The flare launchers are 'not a firearm' so yes, they are non-nfa as well.

Most of the real 203's are $2k ish, and the 37's tend to be 300-400

if the shell contains > 1/4 oz of powder, propellant included, then it is a DD by itself.

The FAQ you site, is using some very broad generalizations, and you have to read more into it than is present on the surface. Prior to dedicated grenade launching systems there were adapters that fit over a barrel and were propelled by a special cartridge loaded into the rifle. I believe this is the kind of grenade launcher they are referring to.

I've been down the 203 path, so I can fill in more details if you have more questions

[MarcSpaz]

Cool, I appreciate it.

I am only looking to use training and IR flares on a launcher that is attached to the rifle, not a standalone. I have zero desire to launch DD's. Reading the info you provided make sense of a lot of stuff I have seen. I am almost thinking the 37mm under barrel flare launcher may be the way to go.

I have some thinking to do.

[jdonovan]

in any case the payloads are very expensive. Even simple chalk rounds can run $15-20 each.

Most of the 'interesting' ammo is only available in 40mm flavor. and the interesting ammo can be $50/each, if you can find anyone who will sell it and usually you're dealing in 20-25 count case quantity.

Also no range I've ever been to will allow me to fire it there.

[MarcSpaz]

That is what I have been seeing. Especially the IR flares, which seems to be drawing most of my attention. 40mm and by the case. Something else I have be thinking about is, even though I am not thinking explosive ordnance now, I may in the future. I really only want to do this once and not have regrets in the future.

As far as the range goes, that one we went to... he lets me use exploding targets if I am there alone. I will talk to him about it. Maybe as long as I clean my mess up, it won't be an issue. The really fun stuff, I would do on private property out in rural VA. I can't discharge anything at his place after dark. So practicing with things like the IR's need to be done elsewhere.

My only real dilemma is deciding if I want to drop $2k on something I will rarely use and is mostly for looks/wow factor.

[jdonovan]

almost all of the 40mm shells have some sort of 'burning compound' to generate their effect, or disperse the contents. This has been the cause of many a range fire.

[MarcSpaz]

Ah! Got you.