Defense Technology Corporation model 1315 37mm Gas Gun

Defense Technologies 1315 37mm Gas Gun

For as long as I can remember, I've always been fascinated by fireworks. What could possibly be better than mere fireworks? Fireworks launched from what would appear to the casual observer as a grenade launcher. In my youth, I had always remembered seeing what looked like grenade launchers at gun shows and cheesy FMJ/Cobray ads in 1990s issues of the Shotgun News. I thought to myself these sure would be fun, but never seriously considered owning one.

These were "non-guns" in such that they were only designed to launch flares and gas rounds. Any possession of anti-personnel munitions such as wood batons, rubber buckshot, or bean bag type rounds would constitute an unregistered destructive device in the eyes of the BATF.

After hours of online research, I came to the conclusion that some consumer grade 37mm signal launchers might not be safely constructed and added unnecessary weight while throwing off the balance of any rifle one might mount them to. Mounting one to a rifle was out. There were also plenty of warnings accompanied by graphic photographs educating people about the dangers of these large bore launchers. Missing body hands, missing fingers, twisted metal...you get the idea. For the most part these launchers are made of aluminum and until recently the wall thickness left more than a little to be desired.

Another problem wasn't so much the construction of 37mm launchers, but the lack of standards and practices for loading 37mm cartridges. Unlike small arms ammunition, there are no organizations along the lines of CIP or SAAMI that regulate and promote industry standards. Different case designs might accommodate black powder or smokeless powder as propellants. Different case dimensions may or may not fit into various launchers depending on how the chamber is cut on a particular launcher. Not surprisingly, I was unable to find concrete pressure specifications for 37mm munitions. 

There are commercially loaded flares, gas, and smoke rounds marketed for law enforcement riot control. These are effectively unavailable to private citizens as law enforcement distribution channels are unwilling to sell outside of government customers.  Even if they were available for purchase, these rounds cost upwards of $25 per shot, placing it outside of what most people are willing to spend.

Decision Diamond

So a firearms mounted launcher was out of the question. It's unnecessary added weight at the worst possible location on a firearm. I also couldn't imagine a situation I would really need to launch a firework off of my AR-15. Most ranges will not allow pyrotechnic ammunition of any kind. This is especially true of indoor ranges where unburnt powder accumulates quicker than one might expect. So I was looking for a standalone launcher, but which one?

Cobray

This was the launcher I saw in my youth at gunshows and advertised in the Shotgun News. I still remember the ad in the Shotgun News featuring the launcher with a top folding stock. From what I can tell, these are no longer in production. Cobray along with their product line pretty much died with the introduction of the 1994 "Assault Weapons" Ban. 

These launchers were designed to look like the military M203 40mm grenade launcher and could also be mounted to an AR-15/M-16 similarly to the M203. Unfortunately, these were also the pieces of twisted metal shown next to mangled hands and missing fingers I found when researching 37mm launchers. From what I understand, these are mostly aluminum and have fairly thin barrel walls and breech face. 

To operate the launcher the user activates a release latch on the left side of the device above the barrel. This allows the barrel to slide forward and accept a cartridge. There is an internal striker than must be cocked before each use on the right side of the launcher receiver. I'm not a big fan of this design as the striker stays protruding after firing. This means that unless the user cocks the striker prior to reloading the launcher, it is possible to unintentionally fire the launcher upon slamming home another shell.

Spikes

Spike's Tactical has probably manufactured their 37mm Havoc launcher in one form or another for over a decade. In my opinion, the Havoc is one of the more aesthetically pleasing launchers in production. These are available as either a sliding barrel design like the Cobray or a side loading barrel that swivels away from the receiver to accept a cartridge. 

Unlike the Cobray launchers, the Havoc is better built and finished. The barrel on the Havoc is visibly thicker than the Cobray, buy alas it is still aluminum. I understand even the military M203 employs an aluminum barrel and my fears may be unfounded, but I'd still like something with a little more strength even if it sacrifices weight.

The one drawback is that the operation is identical to the Cobray where the striker must be manually cocked prior to firing. There have been a few YouTube videos illustrating the possibility of "slip firing" the Havoc should the user accidentally release the cocking knob prior to engaging the sear. This can be avoided by cocking the striker first and engaging the mechanical safety.

MLR

MLR manufactures a unique launcher in that it operates differently from any other launcher. It also happens to be constructed of steel and is boosted to support up to 30K PSI. Heck, it's even the lowest cost option with the top of the line 37mm launcher retailing at $180. 

This may just be my nit picking, but the lack of a trigger firing mechanism crosses it off of my list.

Bates & Dittus / Ordnance Group

These guys make a really nice launcher with excellent materials, fit, and finish. Everything about their series of launchers screams quality. Unfortunately, Bates & Dittus closed their doors in 2015, but Ordnance Group is now producing the design. 

As with the Cobray and Spikes launchers, the Bates & Dittus requires the user to cock the striker prior to firing. They also produce a model called the LTL DAO that fires double action as the name implies. This would allow the user to safely carry a loaded cartridge in the chamber and simply press the trigger without the need to first cock the striker. It's a beautiful looking launcher and the only model from Bates & Dittus I'm interested in. It's all aluminum and Unfortunately MSRP is $599 and out of my price range.

Exotic Firearms

Yet another contender for the double action launcher. Exotic Firearms produces the Nemesis SL. It's well machined out of aluminum and has a double action trigger that doesn't require a separate cocking of the striker or hammer. It also has a side loading feature and is probably the sleekest looking launcher on the civilian market. 

Unfortunately for me, prices start at $679.

Defense Technology Corporation

This is what I finally settled on. The Def Tec 1315 37mm launcher. I came across a used LE launcher from eons ago for a price that undercut all but the most inexpensive options out there. The launcher was in great condition with a shiny bore. The bore condition is extremely important on the Def Tec / Safariland / ALS launchers as the 1315 is made from steel rather than the typical aluminum. Couple the steel barrel with most law enforcement 37mm munitions using black powder for propellant; you have a recipe for some serious rust.

The 1315 also uses the proven trigger group from S&W revolvers. This is a throwback from when S&W owned and produced the design before selling it off with its chemical company. The action allows for a safe double action trigger pull or single action should the user cock the hammer first. There is no safety and loading is accomplished by way of a small latch at the top of the receiver.

Although roughly finished in black enamel paint, the underlying steel barrel and receiver scream quality. Oddly enough the trigger and hammer still carry the trademark case hardening used with S&W revolvers to this day. The hammer is of the wide target hammer variety in S&W circles. It's quite the contrast given the utilitarian finish and purpose of the model 1315.

The 37mm community is still very much a cottage industry driven by enthusiasts and a limited number of manufacturers. Standards are hard to come by for either launcher or ammunition. Most 37mm enthusiasts reload casings and projectiles.