M17 rifle grenade
| M17 rifle grenade | |
|---|---|
| Type | Impact-fused rifle grenade |
| Place of origin |
 United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1941-1944 |
| Used by | United States |
| Wars | World War II |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 667g[1] |
| Length | 248mm[1] |
| Diameter | 57mm[1] |
|
| |
| Filling | TNT or EC powder |
| Filling weight | 22g[1] |
Detonation mechanism | Impact Fuse |
The M17 (also known as the T2 grenade[2] ) is a rifle grenade used by the United States during World War II.
Overview
The M17 consists of two major parts, the warhead and the launch adapter. The warhead is a Mk 2 grenade's body, while the adapter has an impact fuse at the end of it. The warhead can be easily screwed into the adapter.[2]
Firing
Once the warhead is screwed in, the M17 is fitted onto a grenade launcher adapter, such as the M7 grenade launcher. A special blank .30-06 cartridge is inserted into the rifle, then fired.
Note that the M17 will not explode if it lands on sand, water or mud; only solid ground will cause it to detonate.[2]
History
Adoption
The M17 was adopted in 1941. It was the United States' primary anti-personnel rifle grenade during the early parts of World War II.[3]
Obsolete
By the middle of 1944, the M17 had been declared obsolete. It was replaced by the M1 Grenade Projection Adapter,[3] which allowed a standard grenade to be converted into a rifle grenade.