M301 grenade launcher
An M301 Grenade Launcher attachment mounted on top of the barrel of anM6634 flamethrower.
Production overview
Type:	Grenade launcher
Specifications
Ammunition type:	40mm grenades
Effective range:	99 feet (30 m)(horizontal)[1][2] 164 feet (50 m)(vertical)[1][2]
Service history
In service:	Human-Covenant War

"The only thing I can think of that would make theMA5C any sweeter would be an under-slung shotty or a forty mike mike."

— Anonymous UNSC Serviceman

TheM301 40mm Grenade Launcher, also known as the "forty mike-mike" among troops, is aUnited Nations Space Command weapon designed to fire explosivegrenades. It can beattached to a number of weapons.^[1][2]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The M301 takes the form of anunderbarrel grenade launcher, which can be employed on a variety of firearms. The launcher commonly sees usage on theMA5B andMA5C assault rifles fitted under the barrel, replacing theflashlight attachment standard to theMA5 series.^[3] The weapon is also employed on theM6634 flamethrower - the latter of which employs the launcher mounted above the firing nozzle of the flamethrower.^[4][5]

The M301 grenade launcher is capable of firing 40mm grenades at targets within a 99-foot (30 meters) zone, and up to 164 feet (50 meters) vertically—depending on wind, trajectory, and skill. The grenade launcher's rare tendency to detonate in the hands of unskilled operators has led to the M301 seeing limited use.^[1][2]

Ammunition[edit]

The M301 fires40mm grenades. The launcher can be used to fire regular high-explosive munitions orflashbangs.^[4] This has earnt the launcher the nickname "forty mike-mike" among UNSC service personnel.^[3]

Usage[edit]

The launcher is employed in theUNSC Marine Corps, in which it is commonly used in suppression, anti-armor, and anti-vehicle roles.^[1][2] The launcher is also used by the Marine Corps'Hellbringers, who use the launcher mounted on their flamethrowers to fireflashbang grenades - used to stun and surprise enemy troops.^[4]

The launcher's tendencies to rarely explode in the hands of unskilled operators saw it given limited usage, though it has seen increased use within the last hundred years.^[1][2]

Operational history[edit]

Human-Covenant War[edit]

The M301 was employed in2526 during theBattle of Netherop andOperation: SILENT STORM by theSPARTAN-IIs ofBlue,Green andGold Teams.^[6][7][8] It was later used during2531 by Hellbringer forces attached toUNSCSpirit of Fire during theHarvest campaign,Battle for Arcadia andBattle of Trove.^[5]

Post-war era[edit]

The M301 continued to see service in thePost-Covenant War conflicts, with Blue Team continuing to use the launcher underslung on the MA5C rifle inOperation: RETRIBUTION.^[9]

Gameplay[edit]

Halo Wars[edit]

The M301 is useable inHalo Wars, as an upgrade available for theHellbringer units. When unlocked, the grenade launcher allows Hellbringers to fire flashbang grenades as their Y-ability - stunning enemy infantry.

Production notes[edit]

Main article:Cut Halo: Combat Evolved weapons § Assault rifle

Duringearly development,Halo: Combat Evolved was to feature an underbarrel grenade launcher on the MA5B assault rifle. This grenade launcher survived through several iterations of the rifle's evolution, with the weapon at one point even sporting a secondary magazine forward of the main trigger to load grenades. At this time, the rifle's name given in the game HUD wasMA-5 ICW/30mm CGL - possibly standing for something akin toModel A-5 Individual Combat Weapon/30mm Caseless Grenade Launcher. This is in contrast to the M301's final 40mm sizing.

Ultimately, the grenade launcher was removed entirely, and only later referenced in aBungie.net post about the MA5C rifle forHalo 3.^[3] The weapon was first visually depicted in aMcFarlane Toys figurine for the Hellbringer inHalo Wars, which featured the launcher mounted atop the Hellbringers' distinctive flamethrowers.

• 

  An early iteration of the assault rifle firing a grenade.

• 

  Another early assault rifle iteration boasting the grenade launcher and dedicated magazine.

List of appearances[edit]

• Halo Wars(First appearance)
• Halo: Retribution
• Halo: Silent Storm
• Halo: Oblivion

Sources[edit]

• UNSC infantry weapons
• Grenade launchers
• Weapon attachments