Grenade Launcher - 40x46mm - Germany - Single Shot - While Springfield Armory's M79 40x46mm grenade launcher added a valuable addition to squad firepower, the design itself was relatively crude.  The AAI/Colt M203 was an improvement, but its pump-forward action would not physically open far enough to accept many 40x46mm cartridge types (particularly non-lethal).  

With end-user's complaints and wishes in mind, Heckler & Koch engineers went a step further to refine the breed in the HK69A1.  Lightweight at only 5.8 pounds, the HK69A1 can be fired either as a pistol or from the shoulder, due to its adjustable retractable stock.  (HK even offers a holster.)  The use of a break-open action allows the HK69A1 to accept the whole spectrum of 40x46mm ammunition (including CS, HE, AP, batons, and flares).   

The HK69A1 operator can accurately engage targets out to 400 meters due to the rifled steel barrel (contrasted to the aluminum barrel on the M79 and other designs) and a variety of sight options.  The sights include a flip-up dual aperture for short ranges (50 and 100 meters), and a ladder sight for long range targets (100-400 meters).  Equipped with an ambidextrous safety lever and a separate manual hammer, the HK69A1 can be loaded and unloaded without being cocked, limiting the potential for a most spectacular and disastrous accidental/negligent discharge.  (Well-used M203 have a unhealthy quirk regarding sear engagement slippage.)  D.E. Watters
