Heckler & Koch GLM
HK 269 | USA: M320 GLM
Overview
Heckler & Koch HK 269 SAM
Left side view of HK 269 with ladder sight and Stand Alone Module (SAM).
Source: Heckler & Koch -
© Copyright lies with original owner
United States
M320 (GLM in US military service)
France
Description
Introduction
The GLM is a modern era under barrel grenade launcher of German origin. It was developed in the mid 2000's to meet an American requirement to replace the M203. It was adopted in large numbers as the M320 for use on M16A4 and M4A1 rifles. It is also the standard offering by H&K for the HK 416.
Design
The GLM is an updated version of the AG-C, which was a derivative of the AG36 for use with AR-15 pattern weapons. The GLM attached to the host rifle by mounting onto a Picatinny accessory rail. Compared to the AG-C the barrel length has been reduced. The short pistol grip and double action trigger are retained. Sights can be attached to the left side of the frame. Options include a flip-up ladder sight or various types of optical sights. A detachable shoulder stock allows for standalone use of the GLM. The newer HK 269 introduces a mechanism to allows the barrel to open to either side.
Firepower
The GLM is a single shot weapon that fires 40x46mm low velocity grenades. Besides the standard high explosive fragmentation rounds there is a wide selection of other rounds available. As the barrel opens sideways rounds of any length can be loaded. The rate of fire is about 6 rounds per minute. The effective range against point targets is 150 m. Area targets can be engaged out to 350 m.
Users
The GLM was adopted as standard issue by the US Army and US Marine Corps. In US service the GLM is known as the M320. The GLM replaced the AG-C and AC-Hk416 on the production line. The GLM and HK 269 have been sold to numerous countries, mostly in Europe and Asia. The HK 269 saw an order by France of over 10.000 units for use on the HK 416F.
Variants
GLM
The GLM can be distinguished from the AG-C or AG-HK416 by having a shorter barrel with either a folding stock or Picatinny accessory rail underneath. The Picatinny allows a folding vertical grip to be installed.
GLM Stand Alone Module
The Stand Alone Module is a retractable stock that insert in a similar fashion as a Picatinny rail. This turns the GLM into a standalone weapon that can be used without a host rifle.
HK 269
The HK 269 is an updated version of the GLM with the ability to open either to the left or right. This makes it fully ambidextrous and a bit heavier.
Details
Media
HK 269
French soldier with HK 416F with HK 269 under barrel grenade launcher.
Source: www.defense.gouv.fr
Copyright: Licence Ouverte 2.0
H&K G95K with HK 269
A H&K G95K rifle with HK 269 under barrel grenade launcher on display in 2020.
Source: Jan-Phillipp Weisswange
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
M320 GLM
US Army soldier firing the M320 GLM during an exercise in 2021.
Source: US Army
Copyright: Public domain
Heckler & Koch GLM SAM
Left side view of a late model GLM with ladder sight and Stand Alone Module (SAM).
Source: Heckler & Koch
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Heckler & Koch HK 269 SAM
Left side view of HK 269 with ladder sight and extended Stand Alone Module (SAM).
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
M320 GLM
A member of the Georgia National Guard being instructed on a M320 GLM in 2017.
Source: US Army
Copyright: Public domain
M320 GLM
Ukranian marine showing his M320 grenade launcher and associated 40x46mm low velocity grenade.
Source: armyinform.com.ua
Copyright: CC BY 4.0
Related articles
Heckler & Koch AG36
The GLM is a further development of the AG-C and AG-416, which were variants of the AG36 under barrel grenade launchers for the AR-15 pattern rifle.
Heckler & Koch HK 416
The GLM and HK 269 are offered by H&K for use on the HK 416 series of rifles.