Quoted:
Hey whats the deal with these 37mm launchers that look like M203's but are sold as basically fireworks launchers/flare guns? The only difference I can tell between them is that the 37's have a smooth bore and the real M203's have rifling? Maybe you guys could shed some light on this one....
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Most of the 37's are junk - flimsy construction and smoothbore. A friend of mine has one and it just flops about underneath the barrel. Now keep in mind, with a launcher attached, that becomes your forward hold point - if its not steady and firm, you'll loose some degree of control and accuracy with your weapon. With a 37, you are basicly limited to flares and smokers - you cannot use anything solid like beanbags, buckshot, BB's, or anything with a solid, explosive, or "anti-personnel" projectile. 37's are cheap though - about $150-200 for the launcher, but the cliche "you get what you pay for" comes to mind.
With a real M203 in 40mm, the barrel is rifled (so better accuracy with the 40mm projectile), and the frame of the launcher is far more sturdy and solid when attached - so your accuracy and control of your AR/M16 is also improved. With a real 40, you can also use solid projectiles including chalk practice rounds. Randy Shivak (www.mr40mm.com) also makes an insert for the 40 that holds 18rds of .22LR - imagine shooting 18rds of .22 in one shot! A real M203 or M79 ain't cheap though - expect to pay about $2500-$3k for one, and you'll have to find a DD Dealer in your state and do a form 4 complete with a $200 transfer tax, or do a form 1 (with $200 tax) and put it together yourself.
Another option is to have Randy make you a custom 203 in 37mm using a standard 40mm frame with a smoothbore 37mm barrel. Its about $1800, but there's no paperwork required (like any 37mm launcher). It does have the benefit of the real 40mm frame which stabilizes it and helps your control of the weapon. It still a 37mm and again, you're basicly limited to smokers and flares.