The M79 grenade launcher is a single-shot, shoulder-fired, Break-action grenade launcher which fires a 40x46mm grenade and first appeared during the Vietnam War. Because of its distinctive report, it earned the nicknames of "Thumper", "Thump-Gun", "Bloop Tube" and "Blooper" among American soldiers;[1] Australian units referred to it as the "Wombat Gun".[2] The M79 can fire a wide variety of 40 mm rounds, including explosive, anti-personnel, smoke, buckshot, flechette, and illumination. While largely replaced by the M203[3], the M79 has remained in service in many units worldwide in niche roles.
