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Click the underlined links below to access more launcher reviews:

SHIVAK_MANUFACTURING_M203 Review and photos

SLAMFIRE NEW Review of the new Slam Fire launcher

"Thumper" A review of the “Thumper” launcher

Bates Fireball NEW A review of the Bates Mfg LLC M79 type launcher

Et-Cetera 37mm launcher

This review in on the Et-cetera launcher. The launcher is sold by a number of companies, such as Bushmaster and Cobray. The launcher is all aluminum construction, and varies in price depending on model. Usually between 150 and 250 for the long slide models. I have owned two et-cetera launchers, and found that they are adequate for the price paid. (If you want M-203 quality, then buy an M-203!)

The et-cetera barrel is a true 37mm. It is very thick aluminum, and made tough. It takes a lot to damage these barrels. I have only known of one that ever failed, and the explosion that caused it was powerful enough to bend an AR heavy barrel. The launcher is easy to clean, and mount. I do however recommend a little gunsmithing on the mounts to tighten them up to the bottom of the AR. It mounts to any length AR and has a number of positions for the mounts to engage the barrels. If you desire to modify the mounts, the basic reloading disc offers photos of how to do them easily. I also modified the firing pin, and sharpened it a bit, to make it more of a pin and not rounded as it comes from the factory. I also modified the butt plate, as it did not hold the larger rimmed casings. I used a lathe to ream it out a bit. Simple things that any gunsmith could do for you if you can't do it yourself.

Here's a photo of one of my et-ceteras:

Notice how close to the AR it looks! Also the handguard, and how snug it is! It is a nice functioning launcher, and is easy to clean. I recommend it for a first time launcher purchase.

RPB 37mm launcher

The second launcher is an RPB launcher. This launcher has a steel barrel and rail. It is very important to keep this launcher clean. Once fired with black powder rounds, it will rust and corrode very quickly unless cleaned and oiled well. It is possible to bend the rail on this launcher, so care needs to be taken when mounting not to do that. If the rail is bent, it will make closing and opening the launcher difficult. Also, don't let the steel barrel fool you. A steel barrel will blow apart just as quickly as an aluminum one! Ask any metallurgist, and they will tell you that there are types of steel that is WEAKER than aluminum alloys. If you are firing things out of your launcher that would do this, you shouldn't have a launcher period. Keep in mind these are signaling pyrotechnic launchers. If used in any other manner, you risk hurting yourself, others, and being arrested.

The RPB I owned was a good launcher, however there were a few things I did not like about it. First off, the pins that hold the internals in place had a tendency to back out and mess up the trigger. The et-cetera has screws that hold all the parts in very well. Also, the steel barrel was too heavy for my little light CAR. The addition of the RPB added quite a bit of weight to the front end. Also, the launcher tended to rust up quickly if not sprayed down with CLP and greased. The locking latch was difficult to press, and it gouged into the launcher barrel rail. No matter how much I oiled and greased it, it still dug in. The RPB goes for around 225-250. I say, not worth the extra bucks for a launcher that rusts so easily. It looks nice on a long AR, but not on a shortie. If the fact that it has a steel barrel makes you feel better, then by all means, knock yourself out. Like I said, your trust might be misplaced. They make fragmentation grenades with steel too.

"Thumper" Review

SUBMITTING PRODUCTS FOR T&E PURPOSES:

I conduct testing and evaluations, in an impartial manner, for any product that is 37mm or 40mm related. 3LC Productions is a registered Government Contractor, conducting T&E on launchers, Munitions, and other products related to the 37mm and 40mm field.

In order to submit a product made by your company, or that you sell, for T&E, you must provide a sample of same product, as it is intended to be sold and marketed. If there are any special instructions, or information concerning the product, such as an operator’s manual, attachments, or other items, include those with your product. The products submitted for review will be tested under real-world conditions, at our range, or in our workshop. When a product is submitted for review and evaluation, that product becomes the property of 3LC Productions, and is considered payment or partial payment for the evaluation and web advertisement, video and production costs, and any costs of munitions used in the review. The reviews are completely impartial, and if any improvements or recommendations are made, it is up to the manufacturer or seller to implement recommendations or correct any defects if they so desire. We will note in our T&E if there are any noticed defects in materials or workmanship in the sample provided. We also conduct live fire tests, and video same tests, to show the functionality and operation of the item tested. Once an item is submitted for testing, the T&E will be completed, and the results will be posted to this site, with the manufacturer contact information, and links to any websites and e-mail for the manufacturer, to assist them in marketing their products.

A bit about me, and my experience and qualifications in this field:

I have over 20 years of Military and Law Enforcement experience. My experience in the 40mm field began in 1985, when I entered the US Army, and was stationed in Korea, along the DMZ. There I earned the Imjin Scout Badge, and also the Expert Badge with the M203 Grenade launcher. I also earned an Army Achievement Medal for my proficiency specifically with the M203 Grenade Launcher. During my military service, I fired every type of 40mm munition then in inventory. I continued my Military service, until 1990, served in the reserves until 1993, at times serving as a unit armorer and working on M203s. I then began my Law Enforcement career in 1990, entering the PA State Police academy, and being posted to the Blooming Grove Barracks in Pike County PA. I served 15 years at that station, before requesting a transfer to Bradford County PA, where I retired last June. During my Law Enforcement career I had occasion to use the 37mm Federal Gas gun, and train with the weapon. I was also in charge of the Barracks Arms room, and the maintenance of the launchers that were kept on station. It was also my duty to identify and expend any expired 37mm munitions, so, every two to three years, it was my pleasure to expend all of our old stock, and make room for the new stuff. J During the last 15 years I have worked extensively in designing 37mm munitions, and have worked with a commercial manufacturer in munitions development. I am currently working on several projects concerning new 40mm munitions, both lethal and less lethal. I own both an M203 40mm Grenade launcher, as well as a M79 grenade launcher (with both 37mm and 40mm barrels), and I use those weapons to test fire 37mm and 40mm munitions that are submitted for testing. I also have an extensive collection of current and past military and civilian 37mm and 40mm munitions, as well as photos, and cut away photos of most of those munitions. I authored two reloading guides, that are currently sold on my website. I also own and host a discussion forum related to 37mm and 40mm launchers and munitions that is frequented by many talented people from the 37mm and 40mm community as well as the law enforcement and military community. I own a personal shooting range on my property that I use for testing of munitions and launchers. I also have a fully stocked workshop, to make modifications, and build parts for constructing munitions, and repairing launchers. I have designed my own casings for 40mm LV munitions, and also designed several new projectiles currently under evaluation by the military. I also run a 37mm and 40mm mold making business, to allow people in the 37mm and 40mm community to make their own projectiles from liquid plastic molding. I also produce inert replicas of 40mm munitions for collectors and making display boards for Law Enforcement, to recognize 40mm LV munitions. I am a registered Government Contractor, and have several patent applications dealing with 40mm munitions.

To have your product tested, send your sample to:

George Confer, CEO 3LC Productions, RR2 Box 2532 Kelly Road, Canton PA 17724