An Unforgettable Experience: Sneaking a Peak at the Carl-Gustaf M4

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to shoot a bazooka? Indeed, the experience is more memorable for the landing of the rocket rather than the act of firing itself. So, if you know someone on your team who insists on being near the launch, it might be wise to ensure that they are positioned safely behind the blast.

Back in 1982, when I enlisted in the military, the M20 'Super Bazooka' had long been retired. Although I never had the chance to fire the powerful M20, I did have the experience of using the M72 'Light Anti-Tank Weapon' (LAW), which, while similar, was merely a training version. Firing it was as fun as it was thrilling.

Firing Modern Rocket Launchers: Comparative Insights

Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to have fired several rocket launchers, including the RPG-7 and the M72 LAW. While the RPG-7 was much more accurate compared to the M72, both weapons share a crucial safety guideline: always ensure there is nothing in your exhaust blast area.

For those who are interested in the more advanced and powerful Carl-Gustaf M4, an 84mm airburst rocket launcher, here is a detailed account of the experience. The Carl-Gustaf is not a rocket; it operates like a rifle cartridge, with a 'bullet' and a powder charge, but the recoil is directed into a reaction mass behind the powder, such as air. This setup results in a massive backblast, typically at least 75 meters away, with Swedish safety regulations demanding even greater distance in combat situations.

Personal Experience with the Carl-Gustaf

When using the Carl-Gustaf, the gunner focuses their sight on the target, maintaining their head close to the rifle, while the loader stands facing the backblast, their face level with the breach. Proper maintenance of the rifle is crucial, as any leaks between the breach and venturi can cause severe burns, especially to the eyebrows. The load involves reloading the rifle under intense heat, pressure, and a significant amount of grit and sand spraying into the loader's face.

The main objective is to achieve six shots on target within one minute. The key to success is staying as close to the rifle as possible, as even a few centimeters of distance can increase the pressure significantly. Although the Carl-Gustaf's limits have fluctuated, it is advisable to limit firing to a maximum of eight rounds every 24 hours to avoid adverse effects such as nosebleeds, nausea, and dizziness.

Enjoy Some Authentic Carl-Gustaf Video

To get a better sense of the Carl-Gustaf experience, I recommend watching some authentic Swedish commentary videos on the weapon. These videos showcase the true power and intensity of the Carl-Gustaf in action, providing an unforgettable glimpse into the world of military weaponry.