When fired, the expanding gases generated by the cartridges propelled the grenade forward with considerable force.

When the United States entered World War II at the end of 1941, all infantry were issued with the Mk 2 fragmentation hand grenade.

[2] The M7 grenade launcher was a tube-shaped device with an overall length (including the mounting bracket) of 7.5 inches.

The other end was cylindrical with a small clip that held the grenade in place by friction.

Using markings engraved onto the device to determine the desired range, the rifle grenade was slipped over the launcher.

A spirit level allowed the user to figure out the arc of the weapon to aid in aiming the grenade.

[5] The booster cartridge would fall out of the rifle grenades tail fin assembly in flight.