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The Slam-Fire
Made
by MLR Distributing LLC
This
review is going to be on the 37mm Slam Fire Launcher, made by MLR Distributing,
LLC. Mark Rogers is the owner of the company, and provided me with a sample
launcher, his model with the trigger and stock, for testing and evaluation. The
basic launcher comes in a hard shell case. The launcher with the attached stock
will be available with an Uncle Mikes submachine gun case for an additional
charge. The launcher itself is a three part system, including the fore-grip and
barrel group, the rear grip and receiver/trigger/firing pin group and the
stock. The launcher is available for purchase in three configurations:
1.
37mm launcher without trigger or stock-- $85.00
2.
37mm Trigger Launcher-- $110.00
3.
37mm Trigger Launcher with stock-- $150.00 Prices are current as of 01 Apr 09
As you can see, the launcher is priced to sell!
When compared to other 37mm launchers on the market, which sell for hundreds to
over a grand… In a day when it seems that every distributor is trying to gouge
people, it is good to see that there is at least one that will continue to
offer a quality unit for a very reasonable price.
The
trigger system in this slam fire launcher serves as a safety, so the launcher
will not close fully until the trigger is depressed, which can be a good thing
if you need to keep a round in it. The weight of the barrel alone could set off
a primer, so the trigger is a good investment.
Upon
inspection, the launcher is made of steel, all parts except the pistol grips
and rear of the stock. The stock is a standard, commercial version of the AR-15
collapsible stock commonly available. The buffer tube from the stock screws
into the rear of the launcher unit. The launchers without trigger or stock do
not have a rear piece for the stock to screw into. If you want a stock
attached, purchase the one with the stock. The finish of the launcher is
excellent, a dark black Parkerizing that is flawless. It matches the AR stock
very well. If you wanted, you could substitute a standard AR stock, by simply
replacing the carbine buffer tube with a standard one and stock. This might
make the launching platform more stable, if you desire more accuracy. The outside
surface of the barrel (the part that slides into the receiver group) must have
a light coat of oil, as these two pieces fit together very well. I’m sure with
use, the parts will loosen up a bit. In a slam fire type launcher, a tight fit
is a good thing, and will keep any escaping gasses from the launch contained.
The fit and finish of this launcher is excellent. The barrel is made of thick
steel, and has been tested by the company to 30,000 psi. This is 5,000 psi over
the pressure generated by the 40mm high pressure chamber in LV munitions. The
launcher is substantial, but not too heavy for its size. The pistol grips are
standard AR-15 type grips, and are mounted to two welded steel blocks to the
barrel and receiver group. There is no movement in the grips, and they are well
attached. When the two sections (barrel and receiver) are together, there is no
play between them. Upon inspection of the interior of the barrel, I see no
indication of welds going through, or any other defects. This is truly a quality
launcher.
The operating instructions of the unit are very simple to
follow. To load the unit, you pull out on the forward handgrip, removing the
barrel assembly from the launcher. Place your munition into the barrel and
replace the barrel into the receiver. To fire the unit, simply depress the
trigger (sear) which will allow you to ‘slam’ the barrel into the receiver
fully, where upon the fixed firing pin will strike the primer, firing the launcher.
To unload the spent casing, simply open the launcher and allow the casing to
fall out. (You may need to depress the trigger to accomplish this action.) The
way in which this launcher functions would negate any difficulties one might
have in using different types of 37mm munitions. We all know the rim
thicknesses of 37mm vary quite substantially between manufacturers. Def Tec
uses both a thick rim for their barricade penetrating munitions, and a thin rim
for their other types, ALS uses a step rim, as well as Federal. The way the
slam-fire functions, it will take any of those rims, and fire the rounds
without a problem.
The launcher was test fired as it was received. The only
thing I had to do was screw the stock into the rear of the unit. The rounds I
used to test and evaluate this launcher were provided from my personal
collection. I have video recorded the testing portion of this evaluation, and
the test movie is linked below. As this launcher is not registered as a
destructive device, no anti-personnel munitions will be tested at this time.
This launcher could very well be registered and those munitions used, as this
is a very well made launcher. It would be easy to add a serial number and form
1 it, or any of the other versions. MLR has plans to engrave each launcher,
with their information and a serial number to aid in this.
As I was going to test fire at
least one pyrotechnic round, I waited until the surrounding area was well wet
with a previous days rain. A must when firing any pyrotechnic burning type
rounds. Forest fires are not your friends, especially when you cause them. Here
are my thoughts:
The launcher functioned
well, and is simple to use, as expected. I used two of the CS 37mm barricade
penetrators commercially manufactured I had on hand from my personal
collection. Both functioned as expected. Also, as I expected, it was hard to
use the launcher accurately and get a point of aim, without any sort of sight
on the tube, even from only 25 yards. This deficiency is being addressed, and a
version of the slam fire will be offered with a section of rail, to mount
optics, or laser, or standard AR type sights. The target I set up is about
standard window size, piece of treated lumber plywood, 2’ x 4’, with a 4x4 post
across the top and bottom, with white Tyvek covering the target board. I took
position approx 25 yards away, and loaded and fired the first round. Aiming as
best I could, the round impacted the top 4x4 to the right of the target board
about 6”. The second round was loaded and fired, and missed the target board,
but not by much. I then loaded and fired a 26.5mm green star flare. The round
functioned properly, however, I recommended some sort of system to hold the
26.5mm inside the adapter, as it could fall out prior to launch. This problem
is also being addressed by MLR, and I was told the new adapter will contain
some system to correct this deficiency.
After firing, I used the
included bore brush, and hot soapy water to clean the launcher, as the Def Tec
CS and 26.5mm were both black powder munitions. The brush worked very well for
this purpose, and I recommend it for those that need a good, easy to use bore
brush.
The launcher has very good fit
and finish. The price cannot be beat, and the quality of the workmanship and
materials is excellent. I made the following minor recommendations to the
manufacturer:
1. As the launcher is 37mm, and is obviously capable of handling any of the
LE type munitions on the market today, a sighting system is a must. This launcher
is a fantastic invention that does not need any improvements as it stands to
make it a good launcher for most 37mm applications. If some small improvements
are made, it will appeal to a much larger audience. This could be accomplished
by simply adding a weaver style scope mount block or rail system to either the
sliding front barrel, or the rear receiver section, and using same to mount an
optical or laser sight. As the launcher would not be used much in ranges over
100-200 meters, this could be easily and cheaply done. It could also be done by
an owner of a current slam-fire in order to improve accuracy.
2. Extraction of the first fired case was a bit difficult, after firing the
first round as the video shows. (proof the T&E is not staged). I assume some
of this might have been due to the 6’2” 250 large muscular dude that was
conducting the test firing slamming the front tube back, perhaps a bit over
zealously… Ideas were shared concerning a fix to this minor problem.
3. In order to fire 26.5mm rounds in the launcher, you need an adapter. This
adapter must hold the 26.5mm round in firing position inside. Once the adapter
is corrected for length, and holding, it should work very well.
4. One other recommendation and this one is completely up to MLR is, I recommended
engraving the rear tube of the launcher with the company name, address, phone
number, and a serial number. I say that, only because if someone wants to use
this in LE/Corrections, they will need to register it as a DD, and it is much
easier if that information is already on the launcher, plus it’s good for
business.
The best part of
this launcher is simplicity. It will work, period. There are no parts that can
break, and cause the launcher not to function. This is important in life saving
signaling situations, as well as LE/Corrections uses. When you need a launcher
that will work all the time, every time, I recommend the Slam Fire, made by
Mark at MLR Distributing.
A bit of
information on the owner, Mark Rogers. Mark has been making these launchers for
15 years. This version of the Slam Fire is a re-design, and parts that were
once cast, are now machined steel. Mark warrants all his products with a
lifetime guarantee on workmanship. If Mark cannot fix your problem, he will
replace it free of charge, unless the unit is misused. (don’t use it to prop up
your Jeep when you change tires.) Mark offers dealer prices on his products.
Contact him for details.
Above is a photo of the soft
shell case Mark will be selling with his extended stock launcher. Contact him
for pricing on this style, and case cost.
MLR also manufactures 37mm to 26.5mm adapters in lathed
aluminum. The cost of the short adapter is $20.00. The sample provided is a
short version of the adapter, and appears to be well made, and has a thicker
rim, consistent with other 37mm munitions. This adapter was tested with 26.5mm
munitions and functioned flawlessly.
Here is a short video of those
tests: http://s119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/grog18b/?action=view¤t=SlamFire1_0001.flv
MLR makes a nylon bristle
cleaning brush that is long enough to clean the barrel of the launcher
provided. Cleaning of the launcher is very important, in that a lot of the ammo
available for 37mm uses black powder for propellant. The launcher is steel, so
if you do not clean it after use, the black powder residue will rust the
launcher parts. The best way to clean black powder residue is with plain hot
soapy water and this brush. Scrub the barrel well, and clean out the firing pin
and receiver area well, and allow them to dry. Then apply a light coat of oil
to the inside of the barrel, and receiver group. This will prevent rust, and
keep your launcher ready to fire for years to come.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
MLR Distributing LLC PO Box 772751 Orlando FL 32877 407-854-1704
http://www.mlrdistributing.com
Send mail to grog@frontiernet.net with questions or
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Copyright ©2002 Grog's 37mm and40mm Information
Last modified: 29 JUN 09