Launcher, Grenade, M8, U.S. CABINET BED Co., USM1 Carbine

€375.00

Tax included

Scarce genuine WWII US M8 Grenade Launcher intended for being used with the USM1/M1A1 Carbine, manufactured by US Cabinet Bed Co.

Excellent overall condition.

BOM label and illustration pictures available in digital format only.

Quantity

Description

At the squad level for the US Army, the primary means of anti vehicle defense was the rifle grenade. Grenade launchers were allocated at minimum one per squad, with two per squad in specific TO&E’s. The M1 launcher on the M1903 Springfield rifle was the primary rifle grenade launching platform until the launchers for the Garand and Carbine could be developed and satisfactorily tested. In the spring of 1943, the M7 grenade launcher for the M1 Garand and M8 grenade launcher for the M1 carbine were standardized and production started.

The M8 grenade launcher for the M1 carbine is not well recognized or understood by reenactors. Common myths amongst reenactors are that the M8 was only used in the PTO, and it wasn't a regularly issued item in the Army. My hope is to firmly put those myths to bed and have reenactors re-examine the M8 grenade launcher and their place in ETO impressions.

TO&E:

In the Infantry Regiment, as of the 1944 Tables of Organization and Equipment, there was one grenade launcher allocated for every six men (3360 Enlisted and Officers / 554 launchers). Of those 554 total launchers in the regiment, 97 were M8 grenade launchers for the M1 carbine, with largest allocation to the heavy weapons companies and the cannon company.

The heavy weapons company had the highest concentration of M8's because of their widespread use of the M1 carbine, specifically amongst messengers and ammunition bearers, as detailed below: http://www.90thidpg.us/Equipment/Articles/M8ETO/index.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1TW5Ea1eIu5ZEmGf_a-TLGPaPDqcjmEhZfoa2b8gi-YuniGRSaUZwwwZ8_aem_VfHfPXkQ9pk8r-lXIVH9LQ