LMT M203-2003
Lewis Machine & Tool Company · Shotgun · In Production · 2003
Also known as: LMT M203 2003, LMT M203-37, Lewis Machine and Tool M203-2003
Overview
The LMT M203-2003 is a single-shot, slide-action 37mm launcher produced by Lewis Machine & Tool as a modernised, rail-mounted evolution of the classic M203. Introduced in 2003, it distils lessons learned from LMT's military M203 production into a 7075-T6 aircraft-aluminium body that clamps to any MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail with three screws seated in machined stop notches for positive retention. The barrel slides forward to open the breech, and the action was lengthened by roughly three-eighths of an inch over the original M203 to chamber longer cartridges. The 37mm barrels are smoothbore and fire flare, smoke, gas and other less-lethal or pyrotechnic munitions, while a parallel 40mm rifled model serves military and less-lethal roles. It can be run underbarrel on a carbine or fitted to a standalone pistol-grip or stock module.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1360 g (48.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 318 mm (12.52") |
| Barrel Length | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 76 m/s (249 fps) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 7 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Aluminum |
| Finish | Hardcoat Anodized |
Calibers
- 37mm Less-Lethal · primary — also known as 37mm, 37x83mm, 37mm flare, 37mm gas
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Trigger Block
- Features: Rail Mounted, Sliding Barrel Breech, Single Shot, Quick Detach Mount, Standalone Or Underbarrel
Variants
- LMT M203-2003 L2D - 12 Inch Barrel
- LMT M203-2003 L2B - 9 Inch Barrel
- LMT M203-2003 L2X - 7 Inch Barrel
Service history
Operators
- United States law enforcement
- United States civilian market
Production
Production years: 2003-present
Produced in 37mm smoothbore and 40mm rifled variants with 7, 9 and 12-inch barrel options
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Lewis Machine & Tool Company
Notes
The 37mm version is a smoothbore intended for signalling, gas and pyrotechnic rounds and is not regulated as a destructive device under the NFA, unlike the 40mm rifled variant. Offered with 7, 9 and 12-inch barrels.
Background
The M203-2003 designation marks the 2003 redesign of LMT's M203, whose lengthened receiver and universal rail interface let a single launcher move between an underbarrel carbine mount and a dedicated standalone frame.