Description
The M34 grenade is used for signaling, screening, and incendiary purposes. It may be thrown by hand or launched from a rifle, using the M1A1 or M1A2 grenade projection adapter.
The M34 grenade body is of serrated steel and is cylindrical in shape. The body has a fuze well liner and is filled with WP.
The M34 hand-rifle grenade has a safety pin which must be removed, and a safety lever which is released to cause the grenade to function. Newer models also contain a safety clip to keep the safety lever in place, should the safety pin be unintentionally removed from the grenade.
The M34 hand-rifle grenade uses the M206A2 fuze. It is a pyrotechnic delay detonating fuze. The body contains a primer and a pyrotechnic delay column. Assembled to the body are a striker, spring, safety lever, safety pin with pull ring, and a detonator assembly. The split end of the safety pin has an angular spread or diamond crimp.
Functioning
When the grenade is thrown, the striker, driven by a striker spring, pushes the safety lever free, of the fuze and strikes the primer. The primer ignites a delay charge which, after a 4 to 5 second delay, explodes the bursting charge. The bursting charge shatters the grenade and scatters WP particles and steel fragments over a 35-yard radius.
Hazardous Components
Filler - WP, 15 oz. (420 grams)
Physical Data
Diameter - 2.36 in. (60 mm)
Height - 5.5 in. (140 mm) with fuze.
See Also
Source(s)
TM 43-0001-29, Grenades (chg 4, 2002)
TM 9-1385-51, Ammunition (Conventional) for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (1967)
TB 3-300-5, Grenade, Hand and Rifle, Smoke, WP, M34 (1959)
