Carl-Gustav M1948

Karl Gustaf M1948 History

The global reach of the

Carl Gustav recoilless rifle underlines the popularity of this weapon, which comes in three main variants and has been used by standard military and special forces for around 60 years. Since its inception with the Swedish army in 1948, the system has been known from the start for its accuracy, impressive range and firepower.

The unique name of the system comes from the manufacturing plant that produced the first rifle - Carl Gustafs Stads Gevarsfaktori in Sweden - which is now owned by Bofors.

Carl Gustav, when introduced, was in many ways similar to weapons such as the American Bazooka, the British PIAT, or the German Panzerschreck anti-tank weapon. The Carl Gustav is a rifled recoilless rifle design that immediately distinguishes it from its contemporaries.

Rifled barrels allow ammunition to be stabilized through the barrel, eliminating the need for spring-loaded fins once the projectile achieves flight (a popular feature in other systems). This maneuver gave Carl Gustaf's projectile greater range and firepower and quickly became a favorite among its users.

Since its launch, the Carl Gustav has become a major offensive weapon for armed forces around the world (it's even manufactured under license from Japan with Sumitomo Corporation). The M1 appeared in 1948, followed by the improved Carl Gustaf M2 in 1964. Decades later, in 1991, the M3 saw a series of improvements, chief among them a reduction in overall weight, in part by replacing internal steel components.

Carl Gustaf still serves in various forms and is especially beloved by special forces, including units of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

The rifle can fire all types of ammunition except primary anti-tank rounds, including flares, anti-structure rounds, smoke rounds, practice rounds and anti-personnel (arrow) rounds. Although the simplicity of the system allows a single operator/gunner to sacrifice rate of fire, two crew members are required for optimal service. Optical, laser rangefinder and image intensifier sights (as well as standard iron sights) can be installed to greatly enhance the weapon according to the needs of various special characters. Ammunition is reloaded through a hinged breech on the side of the tube.

The basic supervisor has a pistol grip, foregrip, shoulder strap and optional bipod, as well as standard iron sights.

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