Before jumping in, let us discuss naming conventions.
Modern models are the M3 and M4 models with the M4 being the most recent introduction.
For additional confusion, some U.S. documentation even uses the M4 designation.
U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 25th Infantry Division fire an M3 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System (MAAWS). Image: Senior Airman Emily Farnsworth/U.S. Air Force
However, thats not quite accurate.
Then again, Charles X wasnt actually the 10thSwedish King to bear the name.
Just 1,000 were reportedly produced.
The rifled bore of the Carl Gustaf M3 is plainly visible in this photos of a U.S. Marine demonstrating its use to Portuguese troops in 2019. Image: Sgt. Katelyn Hunter/U.S.M.C.
This allowed for far greater accuracy even at longer ranges.
Though the original model had been sold to foreign militaries, the M2 was designated the first export model.
It was employed by Swedish Army units that were part of the United Nations (UN) forces.
Sgt. Scott Herring, assigned to the U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division, fires a Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle during a qualification in 2019. Image: Staff Sgt. Neysa Canfield/U.S. Army
That certainly goes beyond anything ever seen on TVsSons of Anarchy.
The United States adopted the upgraded M4, but with the M3E1 MAAWS designation.
The CGM4 features a lightweight, flexible design that incorporates titanium-made components along with improved carbon fiber outer skin.
Shown is a L14A1 recoilless rifle. The L14A1 was the UK version of the Carl Gustav M2 84 mm anti-armor weapon used by Canadian forces. Image: Spc. Vince E. Warner/U.S. Army
It has an effective range of 1,300 meters with a high-explosive round.
Widely exported, the M4 was first adopted by the Slovak Republic in 2015.
Each 84mm Carl Gustaf reportedly costs around $20,000.
A Canadian soldier aims an L-14A1 (UK variant of Carl Gustav M2) while on the firing range during Rendezvous ’83, a U.S./Canada/NATO training operation. Image: Spc. Vince E. Warner/U.S. Army
Collecting the Carl Gustaf
This would be a tall order.
In addition, each round would also be an NFA-destructible machine.
For now, collectors may have to settle for a replica of which a few are available.
Dutch soldiers armed with Uzi submachine guns and an 84mm M-2 Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle observe a convoy of tanks rolling through a village during Reforger ’84 Image: Staff Sgt. Richard Hart/U.S. Army
During the NATO exercise Northern Wedding, a Dutch Marine aims at his target as he looks through the sight of his 84mm Carl Gustaf M2 anti-tank rifle. Image: Lance Cpl. R.L. Bryan/U.S. Marine Corps
Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, fire a Carl Gustaf 8.4cm recoilless rifle at Fort Carson. Image: U.S. Army
The MAAWS, a.k.a. the Carl Gustaf, is a man-portable, reusable, breech-loading, 84 mm recoilless rifle capable of destroying armored targets. Image: Senior Airman Emily Farnsworth/U.S. Air Force
U.S. Army Green Berets assigned to 10th Special Forces Group prepare to fire a Carl Gustaf M3E1 anti-tank (AT) weapon during training in Ādaži, Latvia, in 2022. Image: Pfc. Kirsti Brooksby/U.S. Army
Carl Gustaf high-explosive rounds lay prepared for familiarization fire by soldiers from the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in 2022. Image: Staff Sgt. Ariel J. Solomon/U.S. Army
Swedish Marines fire a Carl Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle during Exercise Archipelago Endeavor on Berga Naval Base, Sweden. Image: Pfc. Sarah Pysher/U.S. Marine Corps
