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AAnti-tank weapons
Shoulder-fired recoilless rifle ( crew-served multi-role infantry support gun )
At a glance
Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless riflelarger figure on 1 of 2
M20 recoilless riflelarger figure on 1 of 2
Measured figures
M2
Single sourceM2 M4/M3A1
Single sourceConfiguration
| Specification | Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle | M20 recoilless rifle |
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| Crew | Two (gunner and loader), but may be used by a single operator at a reduced rate of fire.[source] | 1 or 2[source] |
| Type | Shoulder-fired recoilless rifle ( crew-served multi-role infantry support gun )[source] | Recoilless anti-tank weapon[source] |
| Place of origin | Sweden[source] | United States[source] |
| In service | 1948–present |
Counts only measures both sources give with the same scope. A larger figure is not a better system.
(M2) 1,130 mm (44 in) (M4/M3A1) 950 mm (37 in)[source]
Length
Single source82 in (2.1 m)[source]
Effective; against moving vehicles
Single sourceEffective; against stationary vehicles
Single sourceEffective; using rocket-boosted laser guided ammunition
Single sourceEffective; using smoke and high explosive rounds
Single source350 to 400 m (1,150 to 1,310 ft) against moving vehicles 500 m (1,600 ft) against stationary vehicles 1,000 m (3,300 ft) using smoke and high explosive rounds 2,500 m (8,200 ft) using rocket-boosted laser guided ammunition[source]
Maximum; Maximum firing range
Single source3.9 mi (6.3 km)[source]
Rate of fire
Single source6 rounds per minute[source]
Barrel length
Single source65 in (1.7 m)[source]
Bars compare reported quantities only. A larger figure does not make a system better; configurations and test conditions differ.
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| Used by | See Users[source] | United States[source] |
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| Wars | See Wars[source] | World War II (limited) Korean War First Indochina War Algerian War Portuguese Colonial War Lebanese Civil War Vietnam War Cambodian Civil War Laotian Civil War Rhodesian Bush War Nicaraguan Revolution Salvadoran Civil War Western Sahara War Kosovo war[source] |
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| Designer | Hugo Abramson, Sigfrid Akselson and Harald Jentzen[source] | — |
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| Designed | M1: 1946 M2: 1964 M3: 1986 M4: 2014[source] | 1944[source] |
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| Manufacturer | Saab Bofors Dynamics (formerly Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori), Howa (license)[source] | — |
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| Unit cost | US$20,000 Ammo cost: US$500–3,000 per round[source] | — |
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| Cartridge | 84 × 245 mm R RCL[source] | — |
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| Action | Recoilless , single-shot , breechloader , laterally, percussion fired[source] | — |
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| Feed system | Hinged breech[source] | — |
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| Sights | Open (iron) sights; optical 3× laser rangefinder ; image intensification system[source] | — |
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| Former operator · Netherlands | Netherlands[source] | — |
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| Former operator · Singapore | Singapore[source] | — |
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| Role | Swedish-developed 84 mm (3.3 in) caliber shoulder-fired recoilless rifle , initially[source] | — |
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| Source measurement | The Carl Gustaf 84 mm recoilless rifle ( Swedish pronunciation: [kɑːɭ ˈɡɵ̂sːtav] , named after Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori , which initially produced it) is a Swedish-developed 84 mm (3.3 in) caliber shoulder-fired recoilless rifle , initially developed by the Royal Swedish Army Materiel Administration during the second half of the 1940s as a crew-served man-portable infantry support gun for close-range multi-role anti-armour , anti-personnel , battlefield illumination , smoke screening and marking fire, which has seen great export success around the globe and continues to be a popular multi-purpose support weapon in use by many nations. The Carl Gustaf 84 mm recoilless rifle is a lightweight, low-cost weapon that uses a wide range of ammunition, which makes it extremely flexible and suitable for a wide variety of roles.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Lead; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Development of the initial model started from 1946 as one of the many recoilless rifle designs of that era, based on the experience from the earlier Carl Gustaf 20 mm recoilless rifle and the success of man-portable rocket launchers during World War II , such as the bazooka and Panzerschreck . Production of the initial model was handled by Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori led by Försvarets Fabriksverk (FFV) and the weapon received the designation 8,4 cm granatgevär m/48 , ( 8,4 cm grg m/48 – "8,4 cm grenade rifle", model 1948) in Swedish service. FFV would continue to further develop the weapon for the international market, later being merged into Saab Bofors Dynamics which handles development and export today. While similar weapons have generally disappeared from service, the Carl Gustaf is still in production and remains in widespread use.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Lead; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage In Swedish military service, it is officially known as the 8,4 cm granatgevär m/48 , m/86 and m/18 , depending on the model (M1, M3, M4), but is often simply referred to as the "GRG" (gé-er-gé) after their type designation abbreviation (from granatgevär , meaning "grenade rifle"), since all models fire the same general ammunition and are used in much the same way (although the 84 mm grg m/18 can use programmable and guided ammunition).[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Name; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The overpressure, or blast wave , generated by the Gustaf will cause blast- and burn-related injuries to those behind the weapon, and is dangerous to 30 metres (100 ft) and hazardous to about 50 to 75 metres (160 to 250 ft). Repeatedly firing the Gustaf can also cause related shock wave injuries to gunners and those nearby.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Description / Safety precautions; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Carl Gustaf 20 mm recoilless rifle – 1942 (Swedish designation: 20 mm pansarvärnsgevär m/42)[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Development history / 1946 – M1 in Sweden (8,4 cm grg m/48); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Carl Gustaf 37 mm recoilless rifle – 1943 (Swedish designation: 37 mm granatgevär fm/43)[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Development history / 1946 – M1 in Sweden (8,4 cm grg m/48); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Carl Gustaf 47 mm recoilless rifle – 1945 (Swedish designation: 47 mm granatgevär fm/45)[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Development history / 1946 – M1 in Sweden (8,4 cm grg m/48); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Carl Gustaf 84 mm recoilless rifle – 1948 (Swedish designation: 84 mm granatgevär m/48)[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Development history / 1946 – M1 in Sweden (8,4 cm grg m/48); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Despite advances in recoilless rifle technology introduced by the development family, it was quickly discovered that small-bore solid steel penetrators were obsolete for shoulder-fired antitank weapons, thus caliber was gradually increased to focus on multirole shell -type ammunition and the recent advances in shaped charge projectiles. By 1946 a caliber of 84 mm was decided upon (although larger calibers were proposed and tested).[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Development history / 1946 – M1 in Sweden (8,4 cm grg m/48); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The 84 mm weapon was first introduced into Swedish service in 1948 as the 8,4 cm granatgevär m/48 , filling a similar role as the US Army 's bazooka , British PIAT and German Panzerschreck , albeit with a higher focus on multirole and fire support than pure anti-tank warfare . Unlike the aforementioned weapons, however, the 84 mm Carl Gustaf used a rifled barrel for spin-stabilising its rounds, as opposed to fins used by the other systems. Sweden did, however, also adopt a true man-portable anti-tank system around the same time, the 8 cm raketgevär m/49 (fixed) and 8 cm raketgevär m/51 (foldable) rocket launchers, only featuring anti-tank ammunition.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Development history / 1946 – M1 in Sweden (8,4 cm grg m/48); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The use of the recoilless firing system allowed the Gustaf to use ammunition containing considerably more propellant, firing its rounds at 290 m/s (950 ft/s), as opposed to about 105 m/s (340 ft/s) for the Panzerschreck and bazooka and about 75 m/s (250 ft/s) for the PIAT. The result was superior accuracy at longer ranges. The Gustaf can be used to attack larger stationary targets at up to 700 m (2,300 ft), but the relatively low speed of the projectile restricts attacks on moving targets to a range of 400 m (1,300 ft) or less.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Development history / 1946 – M1 in Sweden (8,4 cm grg m/48); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The Carl Gustaf M3 started development in the 1980s and initially entered service with the Swedish Armed Forces as the 8,4 cm granatgevär m/86 ("8,4 cm grenade rifle", model 1986). While similar to the export M3, it shares some spare parts with the original 1948 M1 model. It reduced the weight even further by replacing the forged steel tube with a thin steel liner containing the rifling, strengthened by a carbon fibre outer sleeve. The external steel parts were also replaced with plastics and aluminium alloys.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Development history / 1986 – M3 in Sweden (8,4 cm grg m/86); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The MAAWS M3 is primarily used by United States Special Operations Command such as the Army Rangers , Army Special Forces , Marine Raiders , Navy SEALs , and JSOC operators. When used by the Rangers, the M3 may be referred to as the Ranger Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System (RAAWS). Army Rangers found the M3 was best employed using a two-man team. One person would carry the launcher and be armed with a pistol for personal protection, and the other would carry 5–6 rounds of ammunition and act as a spotter for the gunner. Although the single-shot AT4 is lighter and can be carried by one person, a Gustaf team with the heavier recoilless rifle can reload and fire more rounds.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Development history / 2011 – M3 in US (M3 MAAWS); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage HE 441D RS : High explosive round with air burst capability, 800 6 mm steel pellets, and reduced sensitivity (RS) explosives[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Development history / 2011 – M3 in US (M3 MAAWS); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage HE 441E: High explosive with programmable air burst and 4000 3 mm tungsten pellets[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Development history / 2011 – M3 in US (M3 MAAWS); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage SCA 553B: Adapter to fire 7.62 mm tracer ammunition for training[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Development history / 2011 – M3 in US (M3 MAAWS); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage While the M3 MAAWS provided enhanced effectiveness over other launchers, its 9.5 kg (21 lb) weight burdened troops. On 28 March 2013, USSOCOM announced a call for sources to develop a kit to lighten the weapon and reduce overall length without affecting handling or ruggedness. Saab was already developing a weight-reduced version that demonstrated no decrease in performance, no increase in recoil, and nearly equivalent barrel life that could be ready for testing in 2014. Saab also developed a high-explosive round that has a direct fire range of 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) when using a fire control system.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Development history / 2014 – M4 export; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Compared to the M3 MAAWS, the M4 is 3.4 kg (7.5 lb) lighter at 6.6 kg (15 lb), and shorter with a 950 mm (37 in) overall length. The shorter length was in response to the need to wield the weapon in urban terrain, and weight savings were achieved through using lighter components whenever possible including a carbon fibre tube with titanium liner, and a new venturi design. Other new features include a red-dot sight, a travel safety catch to allow the M4 to be carried while loaded, an adjustable shoulder rest and forward grip for improved ergonomics, a shot counter to keep track of how many rounds have been fired to manage the weapon's 1,000-round barrel life, double that of the M3, picatinny rails for grips and sight mounts, and a remote round management function so intelligent sights can communicate with programmable rounds.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Development history / 2014 – M4 export; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage In April 2019, a contract of SEK 168 million (US$18.1 million) was approved to supply the Australian Army with ammunition for the Carl-Gustaf M4 84 mm multipurpose weapon systems ordered by the service in September 2018.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Development history / 2014 – M4 export; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage By using titanium, it is more than 2.7 kilograms (6 lb) lighter than the 2014 M4 and is also 64 millimetres (2.5 in) shorter.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Development history / 2017 – M4 in US (M3A1 MAAWS); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The M3A1's main sight is the Aimpoint FCS13RE, an advanced fire control system with an integrated laser rangefinder and a modular ballistic computer capable of programming high-explosive air-bursting ammunition (up to 1400 meters) and engaging moving targets (up to 600 meters).[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Development history / 2017 – M4 in US (M3A1 MAAWS); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Testing with soldiers and SOF operators during live-fire exercises has demonstrated a hit rate of 90% or higher on both moving targets at 300 meters and stationary targets out to 850 meters, leading to a 60% increase in operational effectiveness compared to the older M3 MAAWS.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Development history / 2017 – M4 in US (M3A1 MAAWS); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage In 2018 the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration ( Swedish : Försvarets materielverk , FMV ) signed a contract with Saab to purchase the Carl Gustaf M4 as the 8,4 cm granatgevär m/18 ("8,4 cm grenade rifle", model 2018), often written without the "m/" to distinguish it from older m/18 (model 1918) systems ( 8,4 cm granatgevär 18 , abbr. 8,4 cm grg 18 ). The M4 will replace the old M1 models ( 8,4 cm grg m/48 ) models still in service as some units are pushing 70+ years in service. The 8,4 cm grg 18 will feature an advanced laser rangefinder and will be acquired with new programmable ammunition (preliminary name HE 448 ), and a new, improved HEAT shell.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Development history / 2018 – M4 in Sweden (8,4 cm grg m/18); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage In November 2011, the US Army began ordering the M3 MAAWS for regular units deployed in Afghanistan. Soldiers were being engaged with RPGs at 900 meters, while their light weapons had effective ranges of 500–600 meters. The Gustaf allows airburst capability of troops in defilade out to 1,250 meters, and high-explosive use out to 1,300 meters.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Combat history / 2011–2021: War in Afghanistan; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage In late 2012, the Army fielded 58 M3s and 1,500 rounds of ammunition to units deployed to Afghanistan to destroy enemy targets out to 1,000 meters.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Combat history / 2011–2021: War in Afghanistan; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage This was because RPG and machine gun teams could attack 900 meters away, while existing weaponry such as the M141 Bunker Defeat Munition , M72 LAW , M136 AT4 , and MK153 SMAW have effective ranges of only 500 meters.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Combat history / 2011–2021: War in Afghanistan; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Employing the 10 kg (22 lb) M3 is easier than the 24 kg (50 lb) FGM-148 Javelin with its launcher with missile and reusable command launch unit, is faster than waiting on mortars, and is cheaper than the Javelin and artillery shells for engaging targets in hard cover.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Combat history / 2011–2021: War in Afghanistan; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Since 2022, the Carl Gustaf has been used in combat in the Russian invasion of Ukraine by Ukrainian forces, being used to target both tanks and infantry. According to Ukraine's Ministry of Defense , a Carl Gustaf was used to destroy the first Russian T-90M main battle tank of the war.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Combat history / 2022–: Russian invasion of Ukraine; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The Carl Gustaf 84 mm recoilless gun fires a 84 × 245 mm rimmed recoilless (84×245R RCL) cartridge with a blowout base for propellant gas ventilation.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Ammunition; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage AEI Systems Ltd., a British defence products manufacturer, offers a variant of the platform dubbed the AE84-RCL designed to fire the M540/M550 line of 84×245 mm R ammunition manufactured in Belgium by Mecar .[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Ammunition; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage FFV441 is an HE round, useful in a "lobbed" trajectory to 1,000 m, which can be fused to either detonate on impact or as an airburst .[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Ammunition; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage FFV441B is an HE round with an effective range against personnel in the open of 1,100 m. The round arms after 20 to 70 m of flight, weighs 3.1 kg, and is fired at a muzzle velocity of 255 m/s.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Ammunition; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage FFV448 is a programmable HE round with a Firebolt interface, 1500m effective range, and 2.7kg weight.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Ammunition; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage FFV469 is a smoke round fired like the FFV441, with a range of about 1,300 m. The 3.1 kg round is also fired at 255 m/s.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Ammunition; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage FFV502 is an HEDP round with the ability to be set to detonate on either impact or one-tenth second later. Effective range is 1,000 m against dispersed soft targets such as infantry in the open, 500 m against stationary targets and 300 m against moving targets. Minimum range is 15 to 40 m to arm the warhead. Penetration exceeds 150 mm of rolled homogeneous armour (RHA). Ammunition weight is 3.3 kg and muzzle velocity is 230 m/s.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Ammunition; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage FFV509 is an ASM (Anti-Structure Munition), designed especially to destroy buildings and other types of urban constructions. The fuse has two modes: impact or a delayed function. The muzzle velocity is approximately 170 m/s and the maximum effective range is 300 meters.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Ammunition; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage FFV545 is an illuminating star shell, fired up to 2,300 m maximum range, but with an effective envelope of 300 to 2,100 m. Suspended by parachute, the star shell burns for 30 seconds while producing 650,000 candela , providing a 400 to 500 m diameter area of illumination.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Ammunition; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage FFV551 is the primary HEAT round and is a rocket-assisted projectile (RAP). Effective range is up to 700 m (400 m against moving targets) and penetration up to 400 mm of RHA. The ammunition weighs 3.2 kg and has a muzzle velocity of 255 m/s. After rocket ignition, the maximum velocity at 500 meters is 330 m/s.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Ammunition; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage FFV551C RS is an evolution of FFV551, with improved Reduced Sensitivity (RS) munition properties and significant behind-armour effect. The ammunition weighs 3.5 kg and has a muzzle velocity of 245 m/s. After rocket ignition, the maximum velocity at 500 meters is 330 m/s. The maximum effective range is 700 meters and the armor penetration is about 400 mm.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Ammunition; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage HEAT 655 CS (Confined Spaces) "high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) round that can be fired by the 84 mm Carl Gustaf recoilless weapon from within small enclosures."[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Ammunition; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage FFV751 is a tandem-warhead HEAT round with an effective range of 500 m and ability to penetrate more than 500 mm of armour. The round weighs 3.8 kg and has a muzzle velocity of 210m/s, while maximum velocity after rocket ignition is 336m/s.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Ammunition; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Guided Multipurpose Munition (GMM) is a laser guided projectile developed between Saab and Raytheon , featuring a multipurpose warhead capable of defeating bunkers and moving light armored vehicles at a range of 2,500 m and can be fired from enclosed spaces.[source]Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle · Ammunition; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage | — |
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| Country of origin | Sweden[source]Inventory Origin column; table 7, row 4, cell 3; revision 1377349156; retrieved 2026-10-02 | — |
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| Produced | — | 1945[source] |
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| Variants | — | Type 56[source] |
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| Shell | — | 75 x 408 mm R HE, HEAT, Smoke[source] |
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| Shell weight | — | 20.5–22.6 lb (9.3–10.3 kg)[source] |
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| Recoil | — | Recoilless[source] |
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| Carriage | — | M1917A1 tripod[source] |
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| Elevation | — | −27° to +65°[source] |
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| Traverse | — | 360°[source] |
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| Reported operators |
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