Cobray 37mm Launcher

Cobray CM203 37mm Launcher

Late Model Cobray CM203, not attached to a rifle - 37mm flare

Late model Cobray CM203 37mm Flare launcher M16A1. Visible is the cocking lever on the side. The early models of the Cobray CM203 mounted the correct distance from the barrel, later models increased the size of the mounting block so that the launcher hung lower, farther away from the rifle barrel.

Cobray Co. (originally of Smyrna GA, but now currently of Westhope, ND) built many smooth bore 37mm Flare launchers that were smooth bore copies of the M203 grenade launcher back in the 1980s (originally known as the M203 IMP). Versions were made by SWD (the predecessor of Cobray) and RPB, as well, but Cobray was the last, and most successful company, to sell the launchers. Throughout the 1990s, several improvements were made in the construction and cocking lever as well as shorter and longer length barrels.

The Cobray CM203 37mm flare launcher is not a grenade launcher. It fires distress flares from a 37mm smooth bore and cannot accept 40mm munitions. However, since it looks like an M203 grenade launcher it is commonly mistaken for one in films on this site. It was built for civilian use as an under slung flare launcher commonly mounted under M16/AR-15s variants and other rifles. It is preferred for most film use over a genuine M203 mainly because, unlike the M203, it is not considered a "Destructive Device" in the U.S. and not subject to NFA regulations.

The Cobray CM203 37mm flare launcher can be distinguished from the Colt M203 based on the following:

1. The M203 is a 40mm launcher capable of firing multiple purpose rounds, the CM203 is a 37mm launcher built specifically as a flare launcher for civilian use.

2. The CM203 has an M16 style safety switch (on later models), the M203 does not.

3. The CM203 lacks a second safety trigger in the front of the main trigger, which the M203 has.

4. The CM203 Flare launcher's trigger guard is more squared when compared to the M203.

5. The CM203 37mm had an external cocking lever on the side of the receiver, the M203 cocks on closure.

The Cobray CM203 37mm Launcher has been seen used by the following actors in the following Movies, Televison, Anime, and Videogames.

Film

• U.S. Army Rangers in Black Hawk Down (fitted on M16A2 rifles)

• A Recon Marine in Heartbreak Ridge (fitted on AR-15/SP1 rifle)

• Elwood (Ethan Suplee) in Without a Paddle (fitted on M16A1 rifle)

Television

• Stargate: SG1 (fitted to M16A2s and M4A1s)

• Stargate: Atlantis (fitted to M16A2s and M4A1s)

• Ultimate Force (fitted to various M16 and CAR-15 models)

Cobray CM79LF 37mm Launcher

Cobray M79LF stand alone launcher - 37mm)

Also an stand alone 37mm launcher was sold with it's own pistol grip and folding stock. Since it resembled an updated version of the M79 Grenade Launcher it was 'unofficially' called the M79L or CM79 or CM79LF, despite the fact that most of Cobrays' receivers simply had the words "37mm launcher" stamped on them. Cobray had been through many ups and downs throughout the years, much of which was created by the unsure business environment brought on by ignorant anti gun legislation.

Since a 37mm flare launcher cannot launch 40mm grenades, it was an uncontrolled item. However, gun ignorant politicians throughout several states have banned using the launcher in conjunction with AR15 rifles or added the launchers to items to be restricted. After all, in their minds, if it's "scary looking" it should be banned.

Also the stand alone CM79LF launcher has been shown as a alternative version of the M79 grenade launcher in such shows as Stargate: SG1.

Film

• Sheriff Keough (Brendan Gleeson) uses a custom long barreled version in Lake Placid

Television

• During the siege of Kobol, Chief Tyrol is seen using this launcher in Battlestar Galactica

• Richard Dean Andersen as Col. Jack O'Neill in Stargate: SG1