Penn Arms L8
Penn Arms (Combined Systems, Inc.) · Shotgun · In Production
Also known as: Penn Arms L837, Penn Arms L837-1, Penn Arms L8-37, Defense Technology L8 37mm Launcher
Overview
The Penn Arms L8 (formally the L837) is an American six-shot 37mm less-lethal multi-launcher built around a spring-advance rotary cylinder and a double-action trigger. Manufactured by Penn Arms, a division of Combined Systems, the L8 uses an extended eight-inch cylinder that chambers the full-length 37mm x 208mm munition family, feeding direct-impact baton projectiles, chemical-irritant and smoke cartridges, and flares for riot control and crowd management. The rotating six-round drum advances automatically as the double-action trigger is cycled, giving police and correctional teams rapid, repeatable volleys without reloading between shots. The launcher fires from a 9-inch smooth-bore 37mm barrel, wears iron sights, and is offered with either a fixed or a collapsible stock. It is also marketed under the Defense Technology brand as the L8 37mm launcher.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4700 g (165.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 850 mm (33.46") |
| Folded Length | 570 mm (22.44") |
| Barrel Length | 229 mm (9.02") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolving Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 75 m/s (246 fps) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 37mm Less-Lethal · primary — also known as 37mm baton, 37x208mm, 37mm impact munition, 37mm flare
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Six Round Rotary Cylinder, Eight Inch Cylinder, Spring Advance Drum, Double Action Trigger, Collapsible Stock, Pistol Grip, Iron Sights, Interchangeable Cylinder
Service history
Operators
- United States law enforcement
Production
Marketed primarily to law enforcement, corrections and military police for less-lethal crowd control.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The L8/L837 designation combines the eight-inch cylinder length with the 37mm bore, distinguishing it from the six-inch-cylinder L637 and single-shot L137. The fixed-stock variant is the L837-1 and the collapsible-stock variant the L837-3; a pump-action sibling is sold as the PL837. The 40mm Penn Arms launchers (L640, P540, PGL65-40) are separate models, not calibers of this launcher.
Background
The L8 fires a 37mm smooth-bore barrel; because 37mm less-lethal launchers only chamber signaling, chemical, and impact munitions, U.S. law generally does not treat them as destructive devices the way an anti-personnel 40mm grenade launcher would be.