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German Hand & Rifle Grenades
Bulletin No. 59, March 7, 1944
[DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from a U.S. wartime publication on enemy ordnance. As with all wartime material, the text may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the original contents. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]


Pistol Grenade
26 mm. Wurfgranate Patrone 326 Leuchtpistole

Data

Overall length       4.5 inches.
Maximum diameter       1 inch.
Color       Yellow.
Weight of complete round       4.2 ozs.
Weight of projectile       3.2 ozs.
Filler       T.N.T.
Weight of filler       7 grams.

Description

This grenade consists of a projectile having the appearance of a miniature mortar shell and a brass cartridge case. The two parts are crimped together.

The grenade itself is constructed in two parts: the nose cap and the body. The nose cap is rounded and screws into the body of the grenade. Within the body is a case containing the detonator and main filling. Between the case and the fixed firing pin in the nose cap is a creep spring. The case is prevented from moving forward before firing by two metal balls fitting into a hole in the base of the carrier and resting in grooves in a platform in the body. An arming rod fits between the balls holding them out. On the base are four fins which have the same diameter as the body. Contained in the cartridge case which fits over the after part of the grenade is about .1 ounce of rifle powder.

Operation

On firing, the arming rod will be forced out the base by setback. This will happen after 10 - 12 yards of flight and the grenade is then armed. When the rod falls out the balls will move in and the case is free to move forward except for the creep spring. On impact, the case moves forward and the detonator moves onto the fixed firing pin thus exploding the grenade.

[German Pistol Grenade (26 mm. Wurfgranate Patrone 326 Leuchtpistole)]

 


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