M67 Fragmentation Grenade vs. Mk 2 Grenade

Attribute	M67 Fragmentation Grenade	Mk 2 Grenade
Origin	United States	United States
Weight	14 oz (400 g)	21 oz (600 g)
Explosive Filling	Composition B	TNT
Fragmentation Radius	15 m	10 m
Detonation Mechanism	Time-delay fuse	Time-delay fuse

Introduction

When it comes to hand grenades, two of the most well-known and widely used types are the M67 Fragmentation Grenade and the Mk 2 Grenade. Both of these grenades have been used by military forces around the world for decades, and each has its own unique set of attributes that make it effective in combat situations. In this article, we will compare the key features of these two grenades to help you understand their differences and similarities.

Design

The M67 Fragmentation Grenade is a modern hand grenade that is designed to produce shrapnel upon detonation. It has a smooth, oval-shaped body with a safety lever and a safety pin that must be removed before it can be thrown. The Mk 2 Grenade, on the other hand, is a classic design that dates back to World War II. It has a distinctive pineapple shape with a grooved exterior and a safety lever that must be released before it can be used.

Weight and Size

The M67 Fragmentation Grenade weighs approximately 14 ounces and measures 3.5 inches in diameter. It is relatively compact and easy to carry, making it a popular choice for soldiers in the field. The Mk 2 Grenade, on the other hand, weighs around 1.25 pounds and is slightly larger at 3.5 inches in diameter and 5 inches in height. While it is heavier than the M67, the Mk 2 is still considered lightweight and portable.

Explosive Power

Both the M67 Fragmentation Grenade and the Mk 2 Grenade are designed to produce a lethal blast upon detonation. The M67 contains approximately 6.5 ounces of Composition B explosive, which is known for its high fragmentation effect. The Mk 2, on the other hand, contains around 4 ounces of TNT explosive, which is also highly effective at producing shrapnel. In terms of explosive power, both grenades are capable of causing significant damage to personnel and equipment within their blast radius.

Fragmentation

One of the key differences between the M67 Fragmentation Grenade and the Mk 2 Grenade is the way in which they produce shrapnel. The M67 is designed to break into numerous metal fragments upon detonation, which are then propelled outward at high velocity. This fragmentation effect is highly effective at causing casualties and damage to enemy forces. The Mk 2, on the other hand, relies on its grooved exterior to produce irregular fragments when it explodes. While both grenades are effective at producing shrapnel, the M67 is generally considered to have a more consistent and lethal fragmentation pattern.

Deployment

Both the M67 Fragmentation Grenade and the Mk 2 Grenade are deployed by pulling the safety pin and releasing the safety lever before throwing. Once the grenade is armed, it has a short fuse that ignites upon impact, causing it to explode within a few seconds. The M67 has a fuse delay of approximately 4 to 5 seconds, while the Mk 2 has a slightly longer delay of around 5 to 6 seconds. This difference in fuse delay can impact the effectiveness of the grenade in certain combat situations.

Effectiveness

When it comes to effectiveness, both the M67 Fragmentation Grenade and the Mk 2 Grenade are highly lethal weapons that can cause significant damage to enemy forces. The M67 is known for its reliable fragmentation effect and powerful blast, making it a popular choice among modern military forces. The Mk 2, on the other hand, has a long history of use and has proven to be an effective weapon in combat situations. While both grenades have their strengths and weaknesses, they are both capable of inflicting casualties and disrupting enemy operations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the M67 Fragmentation Grenade and the Mk 2 Grenade are two of the most widely used hand grenades in military forces around the world. While they have some differences in design, weight, explosive power, and fragmentation, both grenades are highly effective at causing casualties and damage to enemy forces. Whether you prefer the modern design of the M67 or the classic look of the Mk 2, both grenades are essential tools for soldiers in combat situations.