Milkor MGL Mk 1S
Milkor (Pty) Ltd · Machine Gun · In Production · 1983
Also known as: MGL Mk 1, 40mm Multiple Grenade Launcher
Overview
The Milkor MGL Mk 1S is a South African six-shot, semi-automatic 40mm multiple grenade launcher built around a spring-driven revolving cylinder. The 'S' (short) variant uses a shorter cylinder chambered for standard-length 40x46mm low-velocity grenades, making it lighter and more compact than the long-cylinder Mk 1L while still letting one operator place six aimed grenades on target in a few seconds out to roughly 375 metres.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5300 g (187.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 7000 g (246.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 778 mm (30.63") |
| Folded Length | 630 mm (24.80") |
| Barrel Length | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Only |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 76 m/s (249 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 664 J (490 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 375 m (410 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Black |
Calibers
- 40x46mm Grenade · primary · 40mm Low Velocity — also known as 40mm LV, 40x46mm LV, 40mm grenade
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Double Action Trigger
- Features: Spring Driven Revolving Cylinder, Collapsible Stock, Picatinny Rail, Reflex Sight Compatible, Short Cylinder, Double Action Only Trigger
Base model
Service history
Operators
- South African National Defence Force · adopted 1983 · as MGL
Conflicts
- South African Border War (1966-1990)
Production
Production years: 1983-present
Adopted in more than 50 countries across the MGL family; exact per-variant totals not publicly disclosed
Origin
Country of origin: South Africa
Designer: Andries Piek
Notes
The Mk 1S differs from the Mk 1L by using a shorter cylinder that accepts standard-length 40mm low-velocity rounds rather than the longer natures the 140mm cylinder allows. It shares the MGL family's aluminium frame, collapsible stock, double-action-only trigger and reflex-sight compatibility.
Background
The MGL was developed in South Africa in the early 1980s by engineer Andries Piek, who reportedly worked out the spring-driven cylinder mechanism from a design sketched on a matchbox, giving a single soldier the firepower of a whole squad's rifle grenades.