A single-shot, break-open, breech-loading, shoulder-fired grenade launcher. It consists of a receiver group fore-end assembly, barrel group, sight assembly and stock assembly. A rubber recoil-pad is attached to the butt of the stock to absorb part of the recoil.The M79 was the first weapon to come into service which was specifically designed to fire spin-stabilised grenades. It is a light weapon with an acceptable recoil and an adequate range. A trained man can fire a grenade with great precision up to 150 m range.The M79 has been in service with the US Army and Marine Corps since 1973, and it is in service with many other militaries. It is currently being superseded in US service by the M203.
