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Ordnance Notes -- by Bob Stoner GMCM(SW) Ret.
NOS Louisville Mk 20 Mod 0 Automatic 40mm Grenade Launcher
The Mk 20 Mod 0 was an attempt to
improve on the hand-cranked Mk 18 Mod 0 by Naval Ordnance Station, Louisville,
KY. The Mk 20 used the same ammunition as the Mk 18; that is, the 40x46mmSR.
The Mk 20 was a blow-forward operated weapon that fired either single shots
or full automatic.
The belt was fed into the gun from
the left as in the Mk 18. The barrel was cocked (moved forward) and the feed
pawls indexed the round into firing position. When the firing button was pushed,
the barrel moved rearward, chambering the round, and firing it. The barrel was
blown forward, which recocked the gun and indexed the in-coming round. The Mk
20 used the steel links of the Mk 19. Cyclic rate was about 275 to 325 rounds/minute.
The gun was roughly the same size and weight as the Mk 18, except that it was
not as bulky. The receiver of the Mk 20 was a sheet metal cover that attached
to the backplate and barrel support by Allen-head screws. When the gun was ready
to fire, the barrel was cocked (and extended). When it was clear and unloaded,
the barrel retracted inside the barrel support. The Mk 20 had paired spade grips
similar to the .50 Browning machinegun.
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© 2002 Bob Stoner
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