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AR15.COM
9/14/2015 6:00:58 PM EDT
Why has nobody ever made accurate 37mm copies of the military 40mm versions?





9/14/2015 6:37:31 PM EDT
[#1]


Randy Shivak aka MR. 40mm used to have a website that advertised M203, and M79 receivers, and you could use a 37mm barrel.  I understand that he is out of that business now.
9/14/2015 6:44:59 PM EDT
[#2]
Always wondered this too.  I have all these nifty M4 barrels, each with the step down in diameter, yet no launchers to hang on them.  Seems like there's a market there.  Hmmm........
9/14/2015 6:46:51 PM EDT
[#3]
the way the ATF is going, you wont be able to fire a toy soldier/parachute into the air with them in 6 months.
9/14/2015 6:47:39 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:

Randy Shivak aka MR. 40mm used to have a website that advertised M203, and M79 receivers, and you could use a 37mm barrel.  I understand that he is out of that business now.
View Quote


Yeah those were really expensive IIRC.
9/14/2015 6:50:42 PM EDT
[#5]
Honest answer?? Because very few people want to pay $1300 for a Real M-203 Receiver to shoot 37mm, or IIRC $1700 for an M-79 Receiver for the same...
9/14/2015 6:52:07 PM EDT
[#6]
you really think the market is there for fake grenade launchers?

I rank those things right up there with the Chinese tazers you hear crackling all day at the gunshow
9/14/2015 6:52:54 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Quoted:
Honest answer?? Because very few people want to pay $1300 for a Real M-203 Receiver to shoot 37mm, or IIRC $1700 for an M-79 Receiver for the same...
View Quote



wouldn't a real receiver require a $200 NFA stamp and be more like $6000
9/14/2015 6:53:10 PM EDT
[#8]

Quote History
Quoted:


Honest answer?? Because very few people want to pay $1300 for a Real M-203 Receiver to shoot 37mm, or IIRC $1700 for an M-79 Receiver for the same...
View Quote




 
I think he's suggesting; for example - why didn't Spike's design their flare launcher to be a clone of the M203 instead of the one they did?




I think a lot more would be interested in purchasing one if it actually looked like the M203 instead of hanging 3" lower under the barrel...
9/14/2015 6:59:58 PM EDT
[#9]
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Quoted:



wouldn't a real receiver require a $200 NFA stamp and be more like $6000
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Honest answer?? Because very few people want to pay $1300 for a Real M-203 Receiver to shoot 37mm, or IIRC $1700 for an M-79 Receiver for the same...



wouldn't a real receiver require a $200 NFA stamp and be more like $6000


No. Receivers can be transferred as title one and cost just about what he said. Except I think the M79 ones are going for a bit more.

You only need a stamp to put a 40mm barrel on, or to shoot people rounds out of the 37mm.
9/14/2015 7:02:18 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Quoted:
Honest answer?? Because very few people want to pay $1300 for a Real M-203 Receiver to shoot 37mm, or IIRC $1700 for an M-79 Receiver for the same...
View Quote

It's not hard to tie up $3500-$5000 building a M79 and doing it right. The last receiver I saw sold went for $2300 iIIRC. Add in a complete usable parts kit and parkerizing and your about centered in that range, a really good barrel and wood might blow the $5000 away.
9/14/2015 7:03:40 PM EDT
[#11]

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No. Receivers can be transferred as title one and cost just about what he said. Except I think the M79 ones are going for a bit more.



You only need a stamp to put a 40mm barrel on, or to shoot people rounds out of the 37mm.
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Quoted:



Quoted:


Quoted:

Honest answer?? Because very few people want to pay $1300 for a Real M-203 Receiver to shoot 37mm, or IIRC $1700 for an M-79 Receiver for the same...






wouldn't a real receiver require a $200 NFA stamp and be more like $6000




No. Receivers can be transferred as title one and cost just about what he said. Except I think the M79 ones are going for a bit more.



You only need a stamp to put a 40mm barrel on, or to shoot people rounds out of the 37mm.
Yup, it's the barrel that makes it a DD.

 
9/14/2015 7:03:48 PM EDT
[#12]
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Quoted:



wouldn't a real receiver require a $200 NFA stamp and be more like $6000
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Honest answer?? Because very few people want to pay $1300 for a Real M-203 Receiver to shoot 37mm, or IIRC $1700 for an M-79 Receiver for the same...



wouldn't a real receiver require a $200 NFA stamp and be more like $6000

the reciever itself transfers as a title I Weapon not NFA, There were a few folks, including Shivak that made sleeved 203 and 79 barrels.  It doesnt become NFA unless you possess a 40mm Rifled Barrel for it (or if 37mm AP munitions)  Just like a Mortar, the Cup is a Title 1 weapon..transfers on a 4473 with a NICS check, it doesnt become NFA until you also possess a Tube
9/14/2015 7:04:40 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Quoted:

  I think he's suggesting; for example - why didn't Spike's design their flare launcher to be a clone of the M203 instead of the one they did?


I think a lot more would be interested in purchasing one if it actually looked like the M203 instead of hanging 3" lower under the barrel...
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Honest answer?? Because very few people want to pay $1300 for a Real M-203 Receiver to shoot 37mm, or IIRC $1700 for an M-79 Receiver for the same...

  I think he's suggesting; for example - why didn't Spike's design their flare launcher to be a clone of the M203 instead of the one they did?


I think a lot more would be interested in purchasing one if it actually looked like the M203 instead of hanging 3" lower under the barrel...


The price would go up because of the extra machining involved
9/14/2015 7:05:24 PM EDT
[#14]
hasnt the ATF been cracking down on 37 mm ammo lately? does it even make sense to buy one of these anymore?
9/14/2015 7:05:55 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Quoted:

It's not hard to tie up $3500-$5000 building a M79 and doing it right. The last receiver I saw sold went for $2300 iIIRC. Add in a complete usable parts kit and parkerizing and your about centered in that range, a really good barrel and wood might blow the $5000 away.
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Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Honest answer?? Because very few people want to pay $1300 for a Real M-203 Receiver to shoot 37mm, or IIRC $1700 for an M-79 Receiver for the same...

It's not hard to tie up $3500-$5000 building a M79 and doing it right. The last receiver I saw sold went for $2300 iIIRC. Add in a complete usable parts kit and parkerizing and your about centered in that range, a really good barrel and wood might blow the $5000 away.

 Havent been to Shivak's site in at least 5 years, so im not surprised the prices went up before he got out of the Biz
9/14/2015 7:20:28 PM EDT
[#16]
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hasnt the ATF been cracking down on 37 mm ammo lately? does it even make sense to buy one of these anymore?
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Interested to hear about this...
9/14/2015 7:27:41 PM EDT
[#17]
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Interested to hear about this...
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hasnt the ATF been cracking down on 37 mm ammo lately? does it even make sense to buy one of these anymore?


Interested to hear about this...

some good info about it here:
LINK
9/14/2015 7:38:45 PM EDT
[#18]
Randy Shivak is selling the last M79 receivers he has right now......3500.00 each.....

the type of folks who buy 37mm launchers can not / are not going to drop that kind of coin.....
9/14/2015 7:46:14 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote History
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Randy Shivak is selling the last M79 receivers he has right now......3500.00 each.....

the type of folks who buy 37mm launchers can not / are not going to drop that kind of coin.....
View Quote

I really, really want one, but that's $6000ish to fire the first round. The wife would use it on me.
9/14/2015 7:57:00 PM EDT
[#20]
That's weird, I was thinking the same thing a few days ago. When I started researching it the only M79 clone I could find was some abortion with a picatinny rail on top.

Even the M203 looked...off.

How hard can it be?
9/14/2015 8:03:29 PM EDT
[#21]
they do

check out the B&D m79
9/14/2015 8:05:48 PM EDT
[#22]
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they do

check out the ASA m79
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Got a link?
9/14/2015 8:07:16 PM EDT
[#23]
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Got a link?
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they do

check out the ASA m79

Got a link?


4th down

http://www.americanspecialtyammo.com/37mm-launchers.html
9/14/2015 8:11:04 PM EDT
[#24]
cobray also makes M203 replicas in 37mm

http://www.usmachinegun.com/products.php?cat=63
9/14/2015 8:12:24 PM EDT
[#25]
I don't know much on this subject, but as impractical as it might be, and ultimately completely useless, I've always
wanted a clone of this:

9/14/2015 8:15:50 PM EDT
[#26]

Quote History
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cobray also makes M203 replicas in 37mm



http://www.usmachinegun.com/products.php?cat=63
View Quote




 
None of those are M203 replicas.  The mounting system is very different and the result is that they hang a good couple inches below where a real M203 would be under the barrel.
9/14/2015 8:30:12 PM EDT
[#27]
The B&Ds aren't real close to looking like a M79 either. They look like a cheap Chinese knockoff of a gun the designer only say when playing CoD
9/14/2015 8:44:52 PM EDT
[#28]
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I don't know much on this subject, but as impractical as it might be, and ultimately completely useless, I've always
wanted a clone of this:

http://www.autoweapons.com/photosn/541m16m203e.jpg
View Quote


I've considered it... I've got an A1, but it's currently sporting A2 style hand-guards...
9/14/2015 8:51:20 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote History
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I've considered it... I've got an A1, but it's currently sporting A2 style hand-guards...
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Quoted:
Quoted:
I don't know much on this subject, but as impractical as it might be, and ultimately completely useless, I've always
wanted a clone of this:

http://www.autoweapons.com/photosn/541m16m203e.jpg


I've considered it... I've got an A1, but it's currently sporting A2 style hand-guards...

Tell anyone who asks it a clone of an Air Force M16 transitional model, lock eyes with them, assert your self through visual contact, dare them to prove otherwise. When the right parts show up you can tell them you got tired of explaining why it was so special and reconfigured it, making it a clone of an earlier weapon.
9/14/2015 9:00:03 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote History
Quoted:

  None of those are M203 replicas.  The mounting system is very different and the result is that they hang a good couple inches below where a real M203 would be under the barrel.
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Quoted:
cobray also makes M203 replicas in 37mm

http://www.usmachinegun.com/products.php?cat=63

  None of those are M203 replicas.  The mounting system is very different and the result is that they hang a good couple inches below where a real M203 would be under the barrel.

They also function very differently,  external cooking handle, different safety
9/14/2015 9:04:10 PM EDT
[#31]
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The B&Ds aren't real close to looking like a M79 either. They look like a cheap Chinese knockoff of a gun the designer only say when playing CoD
View Quote

The Bates and Dittus launchers are probably the best quality made of the modern launchers, but they aren't anything close to the "real" thing.
9/15/2015 8:45:41 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote History
Quoted:

  I think he's suggesting; for example - why didn't Spike's design their flare launcher to be a clone of the M203 instead of the one they did?


I think a lot more would be interested in purchasing one if it actually looked like the M203 instead of hanging 3" lower under the barrel...
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Honest answer?? Because very few people want to pay $1300 for a Real M-203 Receiver to shoot 37mm, or IIRC $1700 for an M-79 Receiver for the same...

  I think he's suggesting; for example - why didn't Spike's design their flare launcher to be a clone of the M203 instead of the one they did?


I think a lot more would be interested in purchasing one if it actually looked like the M203 instead of hanging 3" lower under the barrel...

Yes, this!  Design it like that from the start.  And since you don't have to deal with the pressures generated by LEO/Mil rounds, you could use less expensive aluminum vice steel.

The faux M203 I have now actually seems more complicated than the real thing with the cocking lever and the M-16-style safety switch.
9/15/2015 8:46:38 AM EDT
[#33]
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hasnt the ATF been cracking down on 37 mm ammo lately? does it even make sense to buy one of these anymore?
View Quote

They haven't been outlawed yet!
9/15/2015 9:08:13 AM EDT
[#34]
Another question, what about the airsoft versions?  Can I take an airsoft M203 and replace some parts to make a functioning 37mm launcher?  I'm thinking about our fellow arfcommer who turns airsoft guns into .22 shooting copies.
9/15/2015 9:14:36 AM EDT
[#35]
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Another question, what about the airsoft versions?  Can I take an airsoft M203 and replace some parts to make a functioning 37mm launcher?  I'm thinking about our fellow arfcommer who turns airsoft guns into .22 shooting copies.
View Quote


Legally speaking, yes.

Technically speaking, probably not?
9/15/2015 9:17:20 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote History
Quoted:


Legally speaking, yes.

Technically speaking, probably not?
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Another question, what about the airsoft versions?  Can I take an airsoft M203 and replace some parts to make a functioning 37mm launcher?  I'm thinking about our fellow arfcommer who turns airsoft guns into .22 shooting copies.


Legally speaking, yes.

Technically speaking, probably not?

Why not?
9/15/2015 9:19:42 AM EDT
[#37]
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Why not?
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Quoted:
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Another question, what about the airsoft versions?  Can I take an airsoft M203 and replace some parts to make a functioning 37mm launcher?  I'm thinking about our fellow arfcommer who turns airsoft guns into .22 shooting copies.


Legally speaking, yes.

Technically speaking, probably not?

Why not?

What he does is put a complete firearm into an airsoft shell, not turn airsoft into the real thing. "Replace some  parts" and use airsoft receiver and it'll likely come apart, and maybe take your hands with it.
9/15/2015 9:26:05 AM EDT
[#38]
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Quoted:

What he does is put a complete firearm into an airsoft shell, not turn airsoft into the real thing. "Replace some  parts" and use airsoft receiver and it'll likely come apart, and maybe take your hands with it.
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Another question, what about the airsoft versions?  Can I take an airsoft M203 and replace some parts to make a functioning 37mm launcher?  I'm thinking about our fellow arfcommer who turns airsoft guns into .22 shooting copies.


Legally speaking, yes.

Technically speaking, probably not?

Why not?

What he does is put a complete firearm into an airsoft shell, not turn airsoft into the real thing. "Replace some  parts" and use airsoft receiver and it'll likely come apart, and maybe take your hands with it.


That and the "firing pin" and trigger assembly on the airsoft models essentially push a button on the back of the airsoft shell VS. strike a primer.

You'd pretty much have to replace every single part with a custom machined part. At which point just machine the whole thing yourself.
9/15/2015 9:27:07 AM EDT
[#39]
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Another question, what about the airsoft versions?  Can I take an airsoft M203 and replace some parts to make a functioning 37mm launcher?  I'm thinking about our fellow arfcommer who turns airsoft guns into .22 shooting copies.
View Quote


That sounds awesome, link to one of these Airsoft conversions?
9/15/2015 9:29:26 AM EDT
[#40]
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That sounds awesome, link to one of these Airsoft conversions?
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Another question, what about the airsoft versions?  Can I take an airsoft M203 and replace some parts to make a functioning 37mm launcher?  I'm thinking about our fellow arfcommer who turns airsoft guns into .22 shooting copies.


That sounds awesome, link to one of these Airsoft conversions?


How have you missed these? That dude inserted his pics into every fucking picture thread until people got pissed. Imagine an Airsoft M249 SAW with a Marlin Model 60 in it.
9/15/2015 9:33:16 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote History
Quoted:


That and the "firing pin" and trigger assembly on the airsoft models essentially push a button on the back of the airsoft shell VS. strike a primer.

You'd pretty much have to replace every single part with a custom machined part. At which point just machine the whole thing yourself.
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
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Another question, what about the airsoft versions?  Can I take an airsoft M203 and replace some parts to make a functioning 37mm launcher?  I'm thinking about our fellow arfcommer who turns airsoft guns into .22 shooting copies.


Legally speaking, yes.

Technically speaking, probably not?

Why not?

What he does is put a complete firearm into an airsoft shell, not turn airsoft into the real thing. "Replace some  parts" and use airsoft receiver and it'll likely come apart, and maybe take your hands with it.


That and the "firing pin" and trigger assembly on the airsoft models essentially push a button on the back of the airsoft shell VS. strike a primer.

You'd pretty much have to replace every single part with a custom machined part. At which point just machine the whole thing yourself.

Good info to know, thanks!
9/15/2015 9:40:21 AM EDT
[#42]
I would love to own an M79, even a non-working one.
9/15/2015 11:02:41 AM EDT
[#43]
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How have you missed these? That dude inserted his pics into every fucking picture thread until people got pissed. Imagine an Airsoft M249 SAW with a Marlin Model 60 in it.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Another question, what about the airsoft versions?  Can I take an airsoft M203 and replace some parts to make a functioning 37mm launcher?  I'm thinking about our fellow arfcommer who turns airsoft guns into .22 shooting copies.


That sounds awesome, link to one of these Airsoft conversions?


How have you missed these? That dude inserted his pics into every fucking picture thread until people got pissed. Imagine an Airsoft M249 SAW with a Marlin Model 60 in it.

New guy.......that peaked in 12 didn't it????????
9/15/2015 11:04:53 AM EDT
[#44]
Quote History
Quoted:


That and the "firing pin" and trigger assembly on the airsoft models essentially push a button on the back of the airsoft shell VS. strike a primer.

You'd pretty much have to replace every single part with a custom machined part. At which point just machine the whole thing yourself.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Another question, what about the airsoft versions?  Can I take an airsoft M203 and replace some parts to make a functioning 37mm launcher?  I'm thinking about our fellow arfcommer who turns airsoft guns into .22 shooting copies.


Legally speaking, yes.

Technically speaking, probably not?

Why not?

What he does is put a complete firearm into an airsoft shell, not turn airsoft into the real thing. "Replace some  parts" and use airsoft receiver and it'll likely come apart, and maybe take your hands with it.


That and the "firing pin" and trigger assembly on the airsoft models essentially push a button on the back of the airsoft shell VS. strike a primer.

You'd pretty much have to replace every single part with a custom machined part. At which point just machine the whole thing yourself.

I had one, but my bag got stolen out of my truck before I could test the fit of a real 203 barrel.  That said, there are some INTERESTING airsoft 40 mm rounds out there now from a Russian company....they get spendy very fast tho
9/15/2015 11:24:10 AM EDT
[#45]
I'm happy with my Spikes Havok.
9/15/2015 11:31:07 AM EDT
[#46]
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New guy.......that peaked in 12 didn't it????????
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Quoted:
Quoted:
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Another question, what about the airsoft versions?  Can I take an airsoft M203 and replace some parts to make a functioning 37mm launcher?  I'm thinking about our fellow arfcommer who turns airsoft guns into .22 shooting copies.


That sounds awesome, link to one of these Airsoft conversions?


How have you missed these? That dude inserted his pics into every fucking picture thread until people got pissed. Imagine an Airsoft M249 SAW with a Marlin Model 60 in it.

New guy.......that peaked in 12 didn't it????????

He's using real parts kits as body shells now.
9/15/2015 1:16:01 PM EDT
[#47]
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I would love to own an M79, even a non-working one.
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If you just want a relatively inexpensive replica, these airsoft ones are incredible!  I had a buddy who had the M203 and it had a rifled 40mm diameter barrel with lands and grooves, military markings, was constructed of steel and plastic, and felt like the real thing in every way possible.  I was amazed!
9/15/2015 1:46:45 PM EDT
[#48]
I purchased this one:  http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/King_Arms_Colt_M203_Airsoft_Grenade_Launcher_Military_Version_Long_Barrel/5580



Just to put on one of my 20" AR's for some pictures.  Actually, I was *very* impressed with it.  Licensed Colt trademarks, unique serial number, made out of metal, attaches very well.  I got it on a closeout from another retailer for about $50 shipped.  It was definitely worth that for some pics.
9/15/2015 4:58:08 PM EDT
[#49]
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If you just want a relatively inexpensive replica, these airsoft ones are incredible!  I had a buddy who had the M203 and it had a threaded 40mm diameter barrel with regular lands and grooves, military markings, was constructed of steel and plastic, and felt like the real thing in every way possible.  I was amazed!
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I would love to own an M79, even a non-working one.

If you just want a relatively inexpensive replica, these airsoft ones are incredible!  I had a buddy who had the M203 and it had a threaded 40mm diameter barrel with regular lands and grooves, military markings, was constructed of steel and plastic, and felt like the real thing in every way possible.  I was amazed!

Mine was pretty spot-on...the only "Airsoft-feel" thing was the extendable section of the collapsible stock, when it was out it didn't lock well.