#ubgl

Black Storm Defender

The Defender, from Ukrainian Company Black Storm, is a kit which allows the venerable 40mm GP-25 under-barrel grenade launcher to be converted into a standalone weapon. It combines a telescoping stock with an internal spring designed to mitigate felt recoil and a forward grip and a pistol grip extension to improve the weapon’s ergonomics. These have been seen in use since Spring 2022 and pre-date Russia’s February invasion so have probably been in use even longer. 

They are an interesting piece of kit which allows AK pattern rifles which have been adapted with after-market railed forends and the large numbers of western rifles (which can’t mount a GP-25) to continue to be used. 

Check out my video on the Defender below, it features more information and examples of its use in the field and video of it in action:

Diemaco/Colt Canada M203A1

In this week’s Armourer’s Bench video Vic takes a brief look at the Diemaco/Colt Canada M203A1 40mm grenade launcher. A smaller, improved version of the M203 under-barrel grenade launcher designed by AAI and produced by Colt. 

XM148 Under-barrel Grenade Launcher

In the latest Armourer’s Bench video, Vic returns with a look at the CGL-4/XM148 40mm grenade launcher developed by Colt to fulfil the US Army's requirement for an under-barrel grenade launcher for the M16. Over 20,000 were made but, as Vic explains, a number of problems with the XM148 were found during extensive troop trials in Vietnam.  

Check out the video here: