Carl Gustaf M4 Recoilless Rifle

Carl Gustaf M4 Recoilless Rifle

Type: Assault Rifle

Domain: land

Country of Origin: Sweden

Manufacturer: Saab AB

First Deployed: 2014

Overview

Latest generation of the legendary Carl Gustaf 84mm multi-role recoilless rifle — a man-portable weapon system that has equipped armies worldwide since 1948 and remains in frontline service thanks to continuous modernization. The M4 variant features reduced weight (under 7 kg, 40% lighter than M3), titanium liner and carbon-fiber wrap, adjustable shoulder rest, integrated red-dot sight with ballistic computer, compatibility with modern optics and laser rangefinders, and Picatinny rails for accessories. Effective range of 150-1,000 metres depending on ammunition type. The Carl Gustaf's defining feature is its ammunition versatility: high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds for armored vehicles, high-explosive dual-purpose (HEDP), illumination, smoke, airburst munitions, and most notably the Guided Carl Gustaf (GCG) munition featuring a laser seeker providing precision engagement at 2,000+ metres. The guided round transforms the Carl Gustaf into a precision weapon system capable of engaging vehicles, bunkers, and buildings with first-round hit probability. Over 40 countries operate Carl Gustaf including US Special Forces, Swedish Army, and NATO forces. Combat-proven in every conflict since the Korean War.

Technical Specifications

type84mm Man-Portable Multi-Role Recoilless Rifle
range150-600 m (round dependent); guided round to 2,000 m
users40+ countries including US SOCOM
weight6.6 kg (unloaded)
caliber84mm
ammunitionHEAT, HEDP, HE, smoke, illumination; guided (programmable)
manufacturerSaab Bofors Dynamics (Sweden)

Operators

Related land Weapon Systems