Carl Gustaf 8.4cm recoilless rifle

2022-01-17T23:48:18Z

2600:8802:C01:9D00:9DA9:C2DD:4122:C93B:

{{Infobox weapon
| name = Carl-Gustaf Recoilless Rifle
| image = File:Carl Gustav M3 Kokonaisturvallisuus 2015 noBG.png
| caption = Carl Gustav M3 anti-tank rocket
| origin = [[Sweden]]
| type = [[Recoilless rifle]]
| is_ranged = yes
| is_explosive = yes
| service = 1948–present
| used_by = See [[#Users|''Users'']]
| wars = [[Falklands War]] [[Lebanese Civil War]] [[Gulf War]] [[Kargil War]] [[Chiapas conflict]] [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|War in Afghanistan]] [[Iraq War]] [[Mexican drug war]] [[Eelam War IV]] [[2011 Libyan Civil War|Libyan Civil War]] [[2013 Lahad Datu standoff]] [[Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017)]]
| designer = Hugo Abramson, Sigfrid Akselson and Harald Jentzen
| design_date = * M1: 1946
* M2: 1964
* M3: 1991
* M4: 2014<ref>{{Citation | title = Carl Gustaf M4 | year = 2014 | url = http://www.saabgroup.com/cgm4 | publisher = Saab | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140930100420/http://www.saabgroup.com/cgm4 | archive-date = 2014-09-30 }}</ref><ref>{{Citation | title = Saab's latest Carl Gustaf M4 system impresses customers in live fire demonstration | publisher = Saab | type = press release | date = 2014-09-26 | quote = The official Carl Gustaf M4 product launch will take place at the AUSA exhibition in Washington, DC, on 13–15 Oct 2014 | url = http://www.saabgroup.com/en/About-Saab/Newsroom/Press-releases--News/2014---9/Saabs-latest-Carl-Gustaf-M4-system-impresses-customers-in-live-fire-demonstration/ | access-date = 26 September 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140930093052/http://www.saabgroup.com/en/About-Saab/Newsroom/Press-releases--News/2014---9/Saabs-latest-Carl-Gustaf-M4-system-impresses-customers-in-live-fire-demonstration/ | archive-date = 30 September 2014 | url-status = live }}</ref>
| manufacturer = [[Saab Bofors Dynamics]] (formerly Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori), [[Howa]] (license)<ref>{{Citation | title = Right-Wing | contribution-url = http://rightwing.sakura.ne.jp/equipment/jgsdf/firearms/84rcl/84rcl.html | contribution = 84mm無反動砲「カール・グスタフ」| place = [[Japan|JP]] | access-date = 2009-11-04 | publisher = Sakura | language = ja}}</ref><ref name="JSDF weapons">{{Citation | publisher = Plala | url = http://www13.plala.or.jp/aconit/e-nerima_soubi.html | place = JP | title = Exhibition of Equipments | access-date = July 29, 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120313105118/http://www13.plala.or.jp/aconit/e-nerima_soubi.html | archive-date = March 13, 2012 }}.</ref>
| unit_cost = *US$20,000
*Ammo cost= US$500 to US$3000 per round<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htweap/20141105.aspx |title=Weapons: Carl the Better |access-date=2018-12-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224074223/https://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htweap/20141105.aspx |archive-date=2018-12-24 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| production_date =
| number =
| variants = 
| weight = (M2) {{convert|14.2|kg|lb|abbr = on}}<ref name="sadefensejournal.com">http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3977 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108100738/http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3977 |date=2019-01-08 }} Small Arms Defense Journal. THE NEW CARL-GUSTAF M4: LIGHTER–BETTER–SMARTER. 2 June 2017</ref> (M4) 6.6 Kg
| length = (M2) {{convert |1130|mm|in| abbr = on}}<ref>http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3977
{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108100738/http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3977 |date=2019-01-08 }} Small Arms Defense Journal. THE NEW CARL-GUSTAF M4: LIGHTER–BETTER–SMARTER. 2 June 2017</ref>
(M4) 950 mm (37 in)
| part_length =
| width =
| height =
| crew = Two (gunner and loader), but may be used by a single operator at a reduced rate of fire.
| cartridge = 84×246 mm R
| caliber = 84 mm (3.31 inches)
| action =
| rate = 6 rounds per minute
| velocity = {{convert|230–255|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}}
| range = * 350 to 400 m against moving vehicles<ref name="Gun 1968. page 2">User Handbook for the Gun, 84mm, INF, ATK, L14A1, Director of Army Equipment Policy. 1968. page 2</ref>
* 500 m against stationary vehicles<ref name="Gun 1968. page 2"/>
* 1000 m using smoke and high explosive rounds<ref name="Gun 1968. page 2"/>
* 2000 m using rocket-boosted laser guided ammunition
| effective_range = [[Ammunition]]-dependent, usually {{convert|400|to|1,000 |m|abbr=on}}
| feed = Hinged breech
| sights = Open (iron) sights; optical 3× [[laser rangefinder]]; [[Night vision device|image intensification]] system
| diameter =
| filling =
| filling_weight =
| detonation =
| yield =
}}

The '''Carl-Gustaf recoilless rifle''', ({{IPA-sv|kɑːɭ ˈɡɵ̂sːtav}}) designated in Swedish service as the '''Granatgevär m/48''', (''Grg m/48'' – "grenade rifle", model 1948) is an 84-mm man-portable reusable [[Anti-tank warfare|anti-tank weapon]] originally produced by [[Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori]] (that later was merged into [[Saab Bofors Dynamics]]) in [[Sweden]]. Developed in 1946, it was one of the many [[recoilless rifle]] designs of that era. While similar weapons have generally disappeared from service, the Carl-Gustaf is still in production and remains in widespread use today. The Carl-Gustaf 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.

The weapon's name is frequently shortened. In Sweden, it is simply called the grg (gé-er-gé). British troops refer to it as the "Charlie G", while Canadian troops often refer to it as "Carl G". In U.S. military service, it is officially known as the "M3 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System" (MAAWS) or "Ranger Anti-tank Weapons System" (''RAWS''), but is often just called "Gustaf". In Australia, it is irreverently known as "Charlie Gutsache" (guts ache, slang for [[stomach pain]]), or "Charlie Swede".<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=U05OvsOPeKMC&pg=PA259 "The Encyclopedia of Middle East Wars"], p. 259</ref>

==Description==
[[File:US Special Forces soldier fires a Carl Gustav rocket during a training exercise conducted in Basrah Iraq.jpg|thumb|right|[[U.S. Army Special Forces]] soldiers train with the Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle in 2009. Note the firing position and backblast. At the shooter's feet, the typical two-round canister is clearly visible.]]

The basic weapon consists of the main tube with the breech-mounted [[Venturi effect|Venturi]] recoil damper, with two grips near the front and a shoulder mount. The weapon is fitted with [[iron sight]]s, but is normally aimed with the attached 3× [[optical sight]] with a 17 degree (300 [[Milliradian|mil]]) [[field of view]]. The most modern variants fielded by Swedish rifle companies have been fitted with the Swedish [[Aimpoint AB|Aimpoint]] sighting system. Luminous front and rear sight inserts are available for the iron sights when aiming at night, and an [[Night vision device|image intensification]] system may also be used.

The Gustaf can be fired from the standing, kneeling, sitting or prone positions, and a [[bipod]] may be attached in front of the shoulder piece. An operating handle called the "Venturi lock" is used to move the hinged breech to one side for reloading.

=== Operation ===
The weapon is normally operated by a two-man crew, a gunner who carries and fires the weapon and a loader, carrying two canisters for a total of four rounds of ammunition. One or two extra ammunition carriers can be assigned if heavy use is expected.
In the firing procedure it is the loader's responsibility to check the area behind the weapon for people and for obstacles that can interfere with the back-blast. The drill is needed due to the inherent dangers of the back-blast; any person within the cone can suffer severe burn injuries and solid objects closely behind can reflect the blast onto the crew.

=== Safety Precautions ===
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 meters<ref name="Gun 1968. page 2">User Handbook for the Gun, 84mm, INF, ATK, L14A1, Director of Army Equipment Policy. 1968. page 2</ref> and hazardous to about 50 to 75 meters.<ref name="sadefensejournal.com">http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3977 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108100738/http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3977 |date=2019-01-08 }} Small Arms Defense Journal. THE NEW CARL-GUSTAF M4: LIGHTER–BETTER–SMARTER. 2 June 2017</ref> Repeatedly firing the Gustaf can also cause related [[shock wave]] injuries to gunners and those nearby.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/04/05/522613294/do-u-s-troops-risk-brain-injury-when-they-fire-heavy-weapons|title=Do U.S. Troops Risk Brain Injury When They Fire Heavy Weapons?|website=npr.org|access-date=29 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030065139/http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/04/05/522613294/do-u-s-troops-risk-brain-injury-when-they-fire-heavy-weapons|archive-date=30 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/12/20/506146595/pentagon-shelves-blast-gauges-meant-to-detect-battlefield-brain-injuries|title=Pentagon Shelves Blast Gauges Meant To Detect Battlefield Brain Injuries|website=npr.org|access-date=29 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107025207/http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/12/20/506146595/pentagon-shelves-blast-gauges-meant-to-detect-battlefield-brain-injuries|archive-date=7 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090119091112.htm|title=Blast Overpressure Is Generated From The Firing Of Weapons, And May Cause Brain Injury|website=sciencedaily.com|access-date=29 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024205618/https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090119091112.htm|archive-date=24 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Other studies has shown that there is no evidence of brain injury after blast repeated explosions or firing heavy weapons, such as Carl-Gustaf.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Skotak|first1=Maciej|last2=LaValle|first2=Christina|last3=Misistia|first3=Anthony|last4=Egnoto|first4=Michael J.|last5=Chandra|first5=Namas|last6=Kamimori|first6=Gary|date=2019-07-25|title=Occupational Blast Wave Exposure During Multiday 0.50 Caliber Rifle Course|journal=Frontiers in Neurology|volume=10|page=797|doi=10.3389/fneur.2019.00797|issn=1664-2295|pmc=6669414|pmid=31402894|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Blennow|first1=K.|last2=Jonsson|first2=M.|last3=Andreasen|first3=N.|last4=Rosengren|first4=L.|last5=Wallin|first5=A.|last6=Hellström|first6=P. A.|last7=Zetterberg|first7=H.|date=2011|title=No neurochemical evidence of brain injury after blast overpressure by repeated explosions or firing heavy weapons|url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-0404.2010.01408.x|journal=Acta Neurologica Scandinavica|language=en|volume=123|issue=4|pages=245–251|doi=10.1111/j.1600-0404.2010.01408.x|pmid=20637009|s2cid=25726209|issn=1600-0404}}</ref>

During training, gunners are only allowed to fire six rounds a day.<ref name="Gun Trivia 2013. Page 49">The Big Book of Gun Trivia: Everything you want to know, don't want to know, and don't know you need to know. By Gordon L. Rottman. Bloomsbury Publishing, Oct 20, 2013. Page 49</ref> The assistant gunners would also often move away from the overpressure zone, so that they too can fire six rounds a day.<ref name="Gun Trivia 2013. Page 49" /> Sweden, the first user of Carl-Gustaf, has the regulation that both gunner and assistant gunner is allowed to have 20 full caliber rounds each day.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=|first=|date=2021-01-26|title=Reglemente - Verksamhetssäkerhet – Ehv/Pv|url=https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/siteassets/4-om-myndigheten/dokumentfiler/reglementen/sakr-ehv-pv-2020.pdf|journal=Swedish Armed Forces - Regulations|volume=year 2020|pages=52|via=Swedish Armed Forces}}</ref>

==History==
===1946: M1===
The '''Carl Gustaf M1''' was developed around 1946 by Hugo Abramson and Harald Jentzen at the ''[[Royal Swedish Army Materiel Administration|Kungliga Arméförvaltningens]] Tygavdelning'' ("Royal Swedish Arms Administration") and produced at [[Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori]] from where it derives its name. Development of the weapons system was preceded by the 20mm [[Carl Gustaf 20mm recoilless rifle|Pansarvärnsgevär m/42]] developed between 1940 and 1942. Despite advances in recoilless rifle technology introduced by the device; it was quickly discovered that a relatively small-bore solid steel penetrator was obsolete for an shoulder-fired antitank weapon.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://modernfirearms.net/en/anti-tank-rifles/sweden-anti-tank-rifles/carl-gustav-m42-eng/|title=Carl Gustav m/42|date=October 27, 2010|website=Modern Firearms}}</ref> The 84mm weapon was first introduced into Swedish service in 1948 as the ''8,4 cm Granatgevär m/48'' (Grg m/48), filling the same [[anti-tank]] role as the [[United States Army|U.S. Army]]'s [[bazooka]], British [[PIAT]] and German [[Panzerschreck]]. Unlike these weapons, however, the Gustaf used a [[rifled]] [[gun barrel|barrel]] for spin-stabilising its rounds, as opposed to fins used by the other systems.

The use of the [[Recoilless rifle|recoilless firing system]] allowed the Gustaf to use ammunition containing considerably more propellant, firing its rounds at {{convert|290|m/s|abbr=on}}, as opposed to about {{convert|105|m/s|abbr=on}} for the Panzerschreck and Bazooka and about {{convert|75|m/s|abbr=on}} for the PIAT. The result was superior [[accuracy]] at longer ranges. The Gustaf can be used to attack larger stationary targets at up to {{convert|700| m|abbr=on}}, but the relatively low speed of the [[projectile]] restricts attacks on moving targets to a range of {{convert|400| m|abbr=on}} or less.{{citation needed|date=September 2014}}

The Gustaf was soon sold around the world and became one of the primary [[squad]]-level anti-tank weapons for many West European armies.

===1964: M2===
An improved, lighter and slightly shorter version, the '''Carl-Gustaf M2''', was introduced in 1964 and quickly replaced the original version.

===1991: M3===
The current '''Carl-Gustaf M3''' version was introduced in 1991. 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.

In recent years, the M3 has found new life in a variety of roles. The British [[Special Air Service]], [[Special Forces (United States Army)|United States Army Special Forces]] and [[United States Army Rangers]] use M3s in [[bunker]]-busting and anti-vehicle roles, while the German [[Bundeswehr]] maintains a small number of M2s for battlefield illumination. Many armies continue to use it as a viable anti-armour weapon, especially against 1950s- and 1960s-era [[tank]]s and other armoured vehicles still in use worldwide.{{citation needed|date=September 2014}}

===2011: M3 MAAWS===
In November 2011, the U.S. 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. While the weapon provides enhanced effectiveness, its {{convert|9.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}} weight burdens troops. On 28 March 2013, USSOCOM announced a call for sources to develop a kit to lighten the M3 MAAWS and reduce overall length without affecting handling or ruggedness. By that time, Saab was developing a weight-reduced version prior to the SOCOM release that demonstrated no decrease in performance, no increase in recoil, and nearly equivalent barrel life that could be ready for government testing in 2014. Saab has also developed a new high explosive round that has a direct fire range of 1,500 meters when using a fire control system.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/socom-seeks-lighter-carl-gustaf/ |title=SOCOM Seeks Lighter Carl Gustaf |publisher=Defense media network |first= Scott R. |last=Gourley |date=22 April 2013 |access-date=27 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424232351/http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/socom-seeks-lighter-carl-gustaf/ |archive-date=24 April 2013 |url-status=live }}.</ref>

The '''M3 Multi-role Anti-armor Anti-tank Weapon System (MAAWS)''' is the U.S. military designation for the Carl-Gustaf M3 recoilless rifle. It is primarily used by [[United States Special Operations Command]] such as the [[75th Ranger Regiment (United States)|Army Rangers]], [[United States Army Special Forces|Army Special Forces]], [[MARSOC|Marine Raiders]], [[United States Navy SEALs|Navy SEALs]], and [[JSOC]] operators. When used by the U.S. Army's [[75th Ranger Regiment]], the M3 is known as the '''Ranger Anti-tank Weapons System (RAWS)'''.{{Citation needed |date=September 2014}}

In the late 1980s, the Special Operations Forces Modernization Action Plan indicated need for a Ranger Anti-Armor/Anti-Personnel Weapon System (RAAWS) to replace the [[M67 recoilless rifle]] in use by the 75th Ranger Regiment. A market survey in 1987 indicated that the Carl Gustaf M3 was the best candidate for satisfying RAAWS requirements. On 29 September 1988, the M3 was selected as the RAAWS from candidate proposals submitted in response to the market survey compiled by [[ARDEC]]. A subsequent review of the contractor-supplied fatigue test data determined that the data did not meet U.S. Army requirements. [[Benét Laboratories]] conducted fatigue test of two tubes to establish an interim safe service life for the weapon. Tests were conducted in 1993. The manufacturer's recommended life for the weapon was 500 rounds, but bore surfaces showed no indications of erosion until 2,360 rounds. The U.S. Navy SEALs became interested in the program and moved it to a Joint Integrated Product Team. The program name subsequently changed from the RAAWS to the Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System (MAAWS).<ref name="M3">{{Citation | url = http://sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=1962 | title = Saab to Supply Carl-Gustaf 84mm Recoilless Rifle System to the U.S. Army | newspaper = SA defense journal | date = 19 June 2013 | access-date = 19 September 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131104000444/http://sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=1962 | archive-date = 4 November 2013 | url-status = live }}.</ref>

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.<ref>{{Citation | url = http://strategypage.com/htmw/htweap/articles/20140910.aspx | title = Carl Gustaf Rules In America | publisher = Strategy page | date = 10 September 2014 | access-date = 12 September 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140912051825/http://strategypage.com/htmw/htweap/articles/20140910.aspx | archive-date = 12 September 2014 | url-status = live }}.</ref>

The M3 MAAWS fires the following ammunition:{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}[[File:M3E1.jpg|thumb|right|The M3E1 is the US version of the M4. An updated M3 using titanium makes the weapon system six pounds lighter, 2.5 inches shorter and has an improved carrying handle, extra shoulder padding and an improved sighting system that can be adjusted for better comfort.]]
* [[Explosive material|High Explosive]] (HE 441/441B) round
* [[High Explosive Anti-Tank]] (HEAT/751) round
* High Explosive Anti-Tank - Rocket Assisted Projectile (HEAT-RAP/551) round
* [[High-explosive anti-tank warhead#High explosive dual purpose|High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP/502)]] round
* Area Defense Munition(ADM/401) round
* Anti-Structure Munition(ASM/509) round
* Smoke (Smk/469) round
* Illumination (Illum/545) round
* Target Practice, Tracer(TPT/141) round
* Target Practice Rocket Assisted Projectile (TP RAP/551) round

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. 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 [[Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon|MK153 SMAW]] have effective ranges of only 500 meters. The AT4 is lighter and cheaper but is made of reinforced fiberglass, while the M3's rifled metal/carbon fiber launch tube allows for reloading. Employing the 22 lb M3 is easier than the 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.<ref name="M3" /> Although Special Operations forces had been using the M3 since the early 1990s, light infantry unit commanders in Afghanistan had to submit operational needs statements to get the weapon. The M3 became an official program of record in the conventional Army in 2014, and a conditional materiel release was authorized in late 2015 to equip all brigade combat teams with one M3 launcher per infantry platoon.<ref>[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/05/20/us-army-adds-84mm-recoilless-rifle-to-platoon-arsenal.html US Army Adds 84mm Recoilless Rifle to Platoon Arsenal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523080248/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/05/20/us-army-adds-84mm-recoilless-rifle-to-platoon-arsenal.html |date=2016-05-23 }} – Military.com, 20 May 2016</ref>

===2014: M4 (M3E1 in USA) ===
[[File:Carl Gustav M4 Kokonaisturvallisuus 2015.jpg|thumbnail|left|M4 variant]]At [[Association of the U.S. Army|AUSA]] 2014, Saab displayed its new '''Carl-Gustaf M4''' variant. Compared to the M3 MAAWS, the M4 is {{convert|3.4|kg|lb|abbr=on}} lighter, weighing {{convert|6.6|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, and shorter with a {{convert|950|mm|in|abbr=on}} 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, as well as 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, [[picatinny rail]]s for grips and sight mounts, and a remote round management function so intelligent sights can communicate with programmable rounds.<ref>[http://www.military1.com/army/article/539069-new-carl-gustaf-weapon-system-design-unveiled New Carl-Gustaf weapon system design unveiled] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024133641/http://www.military1.com/army/article/539069-new-carl-gustaf-weapon-system-design-unveiled |date=2014-10-24 }} – Military1.com, 8 October 2014</ref><ref>[http://aviationweek.com/defense/saab-adds-capabilities-new-recoilless-rifle Saab Adds Capabilities In New Recoilless Rifle] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023053510/http://aviationweek.com/defense/saab-adds-capabilities-new-recoilless-rifle |date=2014-10-23 }} ''Aviation Week'', 13 October 2014</ref>

The US Defence Department agreed to evaluate the shorter and lighter M4 version over the next two years;<ref>[http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/lists/posts/post.aspx?ID=1665 Army, Special Operations Forces Eye Lighter, Cheaper Shoulder-Fired Weapons] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20141119005654/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/lists/posts/post.aspx?ID=1665 |date=2014-11-19 }} ''National Defense Magazine'', 10 November 2014</ref> testing and qualifications were planned to be completed in spring 2017, and the weapon type classified as the '''M3E1''' in fall 2017, making the system available for procurement to all Department of Defence services.<ref>[http://www.defensetech.org/2016/10/20/army-evaluates-new-recoilless-rifle/ Army Evaluates New Shoulder-Fired Rocket Tech] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023050808/http://www.defensetech.org/2016/10/20/army-evaluates-new-recoilless-rifle/ |date=2016-10-23 }} – Kitup.Military.com, 20 October 2016</ref> The first unit was planned to be equipped with the M3E1 in 2018.<ref>[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/05/09/army-maps-out-future-small-arms-programs.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm Army Maps Out Future Small-Arms Programs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517065027/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/05/09/army-maps-out-future-small-arms-programs.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm |date=2017-05-17 }} – Military.com, 9 May 2017</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/article/87844/saab-awarded-ammunition-contract-for-australian-army-s-carl-gustaf-m4-weapon-system|title=Saab awarded ammunition contract for Australian Army's Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon system |first=Gabriel |last=Dominguez |date=11 April 2019 |website=Jane's Defence Weekly |access-date=2019-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412172522/https://www.janes.com/article/87844/saab-awarded-ammunition-contract-for-australian-army-s-carl-gustaf-m4-weapon-system|archive-date=2019-04-12|url-status=dead}}</ref>

M3 was the name used for decades worldwide for the basic weapon. For the new, improved, lighter, titanium employing weapon, first displayed in 2014, the name everyone uses is: '''M4''', except for the US. In the US the Army designation for the US version of the improved M4 mentioned above was given the name: '''M3-E1'''.

In 2017, the U.S. Army approved a requirement for 1,111 M3E1 units to be fielded to soldiers as part of an Urgent Material Release. The M3E1 is part of the Product Manager Crew Served Weapon portfolio. A key benefit of the M3E1 is that it can fire multiple types of rounds, giving soldiers increased capability on the battlefield. By using titanium, the updated M3E1, based on the M3A1 introduced in 2014, is more than six pounds lighter. The M3E1 is also 2.5 inches shorter and has an improved carrying handle, shoulder padding and an improved sighting system that can be adjusted for better comfort without sacrificing performance. The wiring harness was included in the M3E1 configuration that provides a foregrip controller and programmable fuze setter for an interchangeable fire control system. For added safety and cost savings, an automatic round counter enables Soldiers and logisticians to accurately track the service life of each weapon. The M3E1 uses the same family of ammunition as the M3, which has been successfully tested.<ref>[https://www.army.mil/article/193339/army_to_rapidly_procure_reusable_shoulder_fired_weapon_system Army to rapidly procure reusable shoulder-fired weapon system] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908153739/https://www.army.mil/article/193339/army_to_rapidly_procure_reusable_shoulder_fired_weapon_system |date=2017-09-08 }} army.mil, 8 September 2017</ref>[[File:Weapons practice (8480477446).jpg|thumb|Soldier fires a Carl-Gustaf. Note the significant back-blast.]]In November 2017, the [[U.S. Marine Corps]] announced they planned to procure the M3E1 MAAWS. 1,200 M3E1s would be acquired with one fielded to every infantry squad. In addition to infantry use, the Marines are considering it to replace the [[Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon|Mk 153 SMAW]] in combat engineer squads. The weapons perform similar functions and the improvements incorporated into the new M3E1 place it in the same size and approximate weight class as the SMAW. While the SMAW weighs {{convert|2.5|lb|kg|abbr=on}} less when loaded, the MAAWS has a greater variety of ammunition available and a maximum effective range of 1,000 meters, twice that of the SMAW. The Marines plan to test both weapons' effectiveness against bunkers to inform their decision.<ref>[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/11/07/marines-eye-carl-gustaf-replace-smaw-bunker-breaching.html Marines Eye Carl Gustaf to Replace SMAW for Bunker Breaching] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112211035/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/11/07/marines-eye-carl-gustaf-replace-smaw-bunker-breaching.html |date=2017-11-12 }} - Military.com, 7 November 2017</ref>

The orders are placed within a framework agreement signed by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) in June 2019, which allows Sweden, Latvia and Estonia to place orders for Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon systems during a ten-year period.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}

==Specifications==
* Calibre: 84 mm rifled (24 lands, progressive twist)<ref name = "opfor">{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/WorldwideEquipmentGuide1999|title = Worldwide Equipment Guide (1999)|year = 1999}}</ref>
* Crew: 2 optimal, 1 minimal
* Weight:
**(M2) {{convert|14.2|kg|lb|abbr = on}}<ref name="sadefensejournal.com">http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3977 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108100738/http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3977 |date=2019-01-08 }} Small Arms Defense Journal. THE NEW CARL-GUSTAF M4: LIGHTER–BETTER–SMARTER. 2 June 2017</ref>
**(M3) {{convert|10|kg|lb|abbr = on}}<ref name="sadefensejournal.com">http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3977 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108100738/http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3977 |date=2019-01-08 }} Small Arms Defense Journal. THE NEW CARL-GUSTAF M4: LIGHTER–BETTER–SMARTER. 2 June 2017</ref>
**(M4) {{convert|7|kg|lb|abbr = on}}<ref name="sadefensejournal.com">http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3977 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108100738/http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3977 |date=2019-01-08 }} Small Arms Defense Journal. THE NEW CARL-GUSTAF M4: LIGHTER–BETTER–SMARTER. 2 June 2017</ref>
* Length:
**(M2) {{convert |1130|mm|in| abbr = on}}<ref name="sadefensejournal.com">http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3977 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108100738/http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3977 |date=2019-01-08 }} Small Arms Defense Journal. THE NEW CARL-GUSTAF M4: LIGHTER–BETTER–SMARTER. 2 June 2017</ref>
**(M3) {{convert |1065|mm|in| abbr = on}}<ref name="sadefensejournal.com">http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3977 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108100738/http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3977 |date=2019-01-08 }} Small Arms Defense Journal. THE NEW CARL-GUSTAF M4: LIGHTER–BETTER–SMARTER. 2 June 2017</ref>
**(M4) {{convert |1000|mm|in| abbr = on}}<ref name="sadefensejournal.com">http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3977 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108100738/http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3977 |date=2019-01-08 }} Small Arms Defense Journal. THE NEW CARL-GUSTAF M4: LIGHTER–BETTER–SMARTER. 2 June 2017</ref>
*Effective firing range
**350 to 400 m against moving vehicles<ref name="Gun 1968. page 2">User Handbook for the Gun, 84mm, INF, ATK, L14A1, Director of Army Equipment Policy. 1968. page 2</ref>
**500 m against stationary vehicles<ref name="Gun 1968. page 2">User Handbook for the Gun, 84mm, INF, ATK, L14A1, Director of Army Equipment Policy. 1968. page 2</ref>
**1000 m using smoke and high explosive rounds<ref name="Gun 1968. page 2">User Handbook for the Gun, 84mm, INF, ATK, L14A1, Director of Army Equipment Policy. 1968. page 2</ref>
**2000 m using rocket-boosted laser guided ammunition
* Breech: Hinged
* Rate of fire: 6 rounds per minute
* Sights: Iron sights, optical 3×, [[laser rangefinder]], [[Night vision device|image intensification]] system
* Service life:
**(M3) 500 rounds<ref>https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a352481.pdf</ref><ref>https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a277071.pdf</ref>
**(M4) 1000 rounds<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/article/54263/carl-gustaf-the-legend-lives-on-dsei15-d1 |title=Janes | Latest defence and security news |access-date=2019-01-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107181046/https://www.janes.com/article/54263/carl-gustaf-the-legend-lives-on-dsei15-d1 |archive-date=2019-01-07 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Ammunition==
[[File:MSPO2007-40.jpg|thumb|Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle round ammunition on display in 2007.]]
Improvements to the ammunition have been continual. While the older [[HEAT]] rounds are not particularly effective against modern tank armor, the weapon has found new life as a bunker-buster with an [[HEAT#High-explosive dual-purpose|HEDP]] round. In addition, improved HEAT, [[high explosive]] (HE), smoke and illumination (star shell or [[Flare (pyrotechnic)|flare]]) ammunition is also available. For full effectiveness, illumination rounds have to be fired at a very high angle, creating a danger for the gunner as the backblast from firing can burn him. For this reason, several armies have retired the illumination rounds, while the U.S. Army requires that they be fired from a standing position.

Note that the following are the Swedish manufacturer designations (other countries use similar terminology, replacing the "FFV - [[Försvarets Fabriksverk]]")
* FFV401 is an Area Defence Munition designed as a close-range anti-personnel round. It fires 1100 [[flechettes]] over a wide area.<ref>https://www.thelocal.se/20110306/32424 Peace group slams sale of Swedish 'meat grinder' ammunition</ref>
* FFV441 is an HE round, useful in a "lobbed" trajectory to 1,000m, which can be fused to either detonate on impact or as an [[air burst|airburst]].
* 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.<ref name = "opfor" />
* 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.<ref name="opfor" />
* FFV502 is an [[HEAT#HEDP|HEDP]] round with the ability to be set to detonate on either impact or one-tenth of a second afterwards. Effective range is 1,000 m against dispersed [[soft target]]s 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.<ref name = "opfor" />
* FFV509 is an ASM (Anti-Structure Munition), designed especially for destroying buildings and other types of urban constructions. The fuse has two modes, impact or a delayed function.<ref name="brochure">{{cite web |url=http://saab.com/globalassets/commercial/land/weapon-systems/support-weapons/carl-gustaf-m3/carl-gustaf-m3.pdf |title=THE 84 mm carl-gustaf Multi-purpose Weapon System |author= |access-date=2016-12-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329123247/http://saab.com/globalassets/commercial/land/weapon-systems/support-weapons/carl-gustaf-m3/carl-gustaf-m3.pdf |archive-date=2017-03-29 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* 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.
* 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. Ammunition weight is 3.2 kg and muzzle velocity is 255 m/s.<ref name = "opfor" />
* FFV552 is a practice round with the same ballistics as the 551.
* FFV651 is a newer HEAT round using mid-flight rocket assistance for ranges up to 1,000m. In theory, it has less penetration than the FFV551, but it includes a stand-off probe for the fuse to improve performance against [[reactive armour]].
* 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."<ref>{{Citation | publisher = Jane's | newspaper = Infantry Weapons | title = Saab reveals confined spaces capability for Carl Gustaf | url = http://www.janes.com/article/31930/saab-reveals-confined-spaces-capability-for-carl-gustaf | access-date = 2014-02-20 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140225131250/http://www.janes.com/article/31930/saab-reveals-confined-spaces-capability-for-carl-gustaf | archive-date = 2014-02-25 | url-status = live }}.</ref><ref name="brochure" />
* FFV751 is a [[tandem-warhead]] HEAT round with an effective range of 500 m and ability to penetrate more than 500 mm of armour. Weight is 4 kg.<ref name="opfor" />
* FFV756 is an MT (Multi Target) ammunition, designed for combat in built-up areas and for incapacitating an enemy under cover inside a building or some type of fortification. The MT 756 uses a tandem charge.<ref name="brochure" />
* [[Guided Multipurpose Munition]] (GMM), previously called the Guided Carl Gustaf Munition (GCGM), is a [[laser guided]] projectile developed between Saab and [[Raytheon]], featuring a multi-target warhead capable of defeating bunkers and moving light armored vehicles at a range of 2,500 m and capable of being fired from enclosed spaces. It can also be fired from an adaptation of the [[AT4]] disposable launcher.<ref>[https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2018/10/09/the-carl-gustaf-is-getting-a-game-changing-laser-guided-munition/ The Carl Gustaf is getting a ‘game changing’ laser-guided munition]. ''Army Times''. 9 October 2018.</ref><ref name="urlSaab, Raytheon to Demonstrate a Guided Munition for Carl Gustaf M4 Recoilless Rifle - Defense Update:">{{cite web |url=https://defense-update.com/20181005_guidd_m4.html |title=Saab, Raytheon to Demonstrate a Guided Munition for Carl Gustaf M4 Recoilless Rifle - Defense Update |date=5 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302024744/https://defense-update.com/20181005_guidd_m4.html |archive-date=2019-03-02 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=7 June 2021|title=Saab, Raytheon demonstrate new 84 mm Guided Modular Munition|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/saab-raytheon-demonstrate-new-84-mm-guided-modular-munition|access-date=12 June 2021|website=[[Jane's Information Group]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612224327/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/saab-raytheon-demonstrate-new-84-mm-guided-modular-munition|archive-date=12 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2021/saab-unveils-and-demonstrates-new-guided-multipurpose-munition Saab Unveils and Demonstrates New Guided Multipurpose Munition]. ''[[Saab Group]]''. 1 June 2021.</ref>

== Comparison to similar weapons ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:95%;"
|-
|+Comparison<ref>''Jane's Infantry Weapons 1984–85''</ref>{{page needed|date=January 2021}}
|-
! Weapon
! Diameter
! Muzzle velocity
! Warhead
! Armor penetration (est.)
! Effective range
! Sight
|-
| M3-E1 Carl Gustaf
| 84 mm
| 310 m/s
| 1.70 kg HEAT
| 400 mm
| 450 m
| 2×
|-
| [[M67 recoilless rifle]]
| 90 mm
| 213 m/s
| 3.06 kg HEAT
| 350 mm
| 400 m
| 3×
|-
| [[LRAC F1]]
| 89 mm
| 300 m/s
| 2.20 kg HEAT
| 400 mm
| 600 m
| N/A
|-
| [[RPG-7]]
| 93 mm
| 120 m/s
| 2.60 kg HEAT
| 500 mm
| 500 m
| 2.5×
|-
| [[B-300]]
| 82 mm
| 280 m/s
| 3.00 kg HEAT
| 400 mm
| 400 m
| N/A
|-
| [[PF-98]]
| 120 mm
| 310 m/s
| 7.91 kg HEAT
| 800 mm
| 800 m
| 4×
|}

==Users==

* {{flag |Argentina}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2016/08/31/noticia-argentina-adquiere-canones-retroceso-gustaf-radar-vigilancia-terrestre.html|title=Argentina adquiere cañones sin retroceso Carl Gustaf y un radar de vigilancia terrestre - Noticias Infodefensa América|last=Infodefensa.com|date=31 August 2016|website=infodefensa.com|access-date=29 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029172855/http://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2016/08/31/noticia-argentina-adquiere-canones-retroceso-gustaf-radar-vigilancia-terrestre.html|archive-date=29 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.zona-militar.com/2017/10/27/carl-gustaf-at-4cs-fusiles-steyr-hs-50-m1-ejercito-argentino/|title=Carl Gustaf , AT-4CS y fusiles Steyr HS.50 M1 para el Ejército Argentino.|date=27 October 2017|website=zona-militar.com|access-date=29 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029173139/https://www.zona-militar.com/2017/10/27/carl-gustaf-at-4cs-fusiles-steyr-hs-50-m1-ejercito-argentino/|archive-date=29 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag |Australia}}:<ref name = "jones2009">Jones, Richard D. ''Infantry Weapons 2009/2010''. Jane's; 35 ed. (January 27, 2009). {{ISBN|978-0-7106-2869-5}}.</ref> M2 replaced by M3 variant. M4 on order.<ref>{{cite web |title=Direct fire support weapons land 40 phase 2 |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/lsd/land40/ |publisher=Defence Material Organisation |date=October 2010 |access-date=24 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410234803/http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/lsd/land40/ |archive-date=10 April 2011 }}</ref>
* {{flag |Austria}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag |Belgium}}<ref name = "popenker">{{Citation | publisher = Guns | place = [[Russia|RU]] | title = World | contribution = Grenade | contribution-url = http://world.guns.ru/grenade/gl10-e.htm | access-date = 2008-04-26 | archive-date = 2008-04-09 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080409085107/http://world.guns.ru/grenade/gl10-e.htm | url-status = dead }}.</ref>
* {{flag |Belize}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag |Botswana}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag |Brazil}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag |Burkina Faso}}<ref name = "jones2009" />
* {{flag |Canada}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag |Chile}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2018/12/21/noticia-division-realiza-instruccion-sistema-gustav.html|title=La II División realiza instrucción de tiro con el sistema 'Carl Gustav' - Noticias Infodefensa América|last=Infodefensa.com|date=21 December 2018|website=infodefensa.com|access-date=29 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229123344/https://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2018/12/21/noticia-division-realiza-instruccion-sistema-gustav.html|archive-date=29 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag |Czech Republic}}<ref name = "army.cz">{{Citation | publisher = Army | place = CZ | language = cs | title = Karl Gustaf protitanková zbraň | url = http://www.acr.army.cz/technika-a-vyzbroj/pozemni-technika/technika-druhu-vojsk/karl-Gustaf---protitankova-zbran-12603/ | access-date = 2015-04-20 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023134/http://www.acr.army.cz/technika-a-vyzbroj/pozemni-technika/technika-druhu-vojsk/karl-Gustaf---protitankova-zbran-12603/ | archive-date = 2016-03-04 | url-status = live }}.</ref>
* {{flag|Denmark}}:<ref name = "jones2009" /> M2 called ''M/79'',<ref>{{Citation | title = Panser værns våben | publisher = Dansk panser | language = da | place = [[Denmark|DK]] | contribution-url = http://www.danskpanser.dk/Panservaernsvaben/DysekanonM79.htm | contribution = Dysekanon M/79 | access-date = 2012-09-03 | archive-date = 2008-12-05 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081205164414/http://www.danskpanser.dk/Panservaernsvaben/DysekanonM79.htm | url-status = dead }}.</ref> M3 called ''M/85''.<ref>{{Citation | title = Panser værns våben | publisher = Dansk panser | language = da | place = [[Denmark|DK]] | contribution-url = http://www.danskpanser.dk/Panservaernsvaben/DysekanonM85.htm | contribution = Dysekanon M/85 | access-date = 2012-09-03 | archive-date = 2008-12-05 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081205164421/http://www.danskpanser.dk/Panservaernsvaben/DysekanonM85.htm | url-status = dead }}.</ref> Commonly referred to as "Dysekanon" in the army.
* {{flag|Estonia}}: M2, M3 variants. Purchased 250 M4s in 2021 for $12.7 million to replace M2 variants.<ref>{{Citation | title = 84 mm tankitõrjegranaadiheitja Carl-Gustaf M2 | language = ee | place = [[Estonia|EE]] | publisher = Military | url = https://mil.ee/kaitsevagi/tehnika/relvad/#t-84-mm-tankitorjegranaadiheitja-carl-gustav-m2 | access-date = 2021-05-06 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171219143135/http://www.mil.ee/et/kaitsevagi/tehnika/relvad/carl-gustav-m2 | archive-date = 2017-12-19 | url-status = live }}.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-10|title=Estonian Defence Forces Place Order For More M4 Carl Gustafs|url=https://www.overtdefense.com/2021/03/10/estonian-defence-forces-place-order-for-more-m4-carl-gustafs/|access-date=2021-03-10|website=Overt Defense|language=en-CA}}</ref>
* {{flag |Germany}}<ref name="popenker" />
* {{flag |Ghana}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag |Greece}}<ref>{{Citation | title = Greek Army ground forces military equipment | contribution = Armored vehicle weapons in formation | publisher = Army Recognition | contribution-url = http://www.armyrecognition.com/greece_hellenic_greek_army_military_equipment_uk/greece_hellenic_greek_army_land_ground_forces_military_equipment_armoured_vehicle_weapons_informati.html}}.</ref>
* {{flag |Hungary}}: M4
* {{flag |Honduras}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag |India}}:<ref name="jones2009" /> A modified version has also been developed by the [[DRDO]] which is significantly lighter due to use of advanced composites.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.livefistdefence.com/2009/11/drdo-develops-new-84mm-lightweight-anti.html | place = India | title = DRDO Develops New 84mm Lightweight Anti-Tank System | date = 11 November 2009 | access-date = 2016-10-01 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161219144807/http://www.livefistdefence.com/2009/11/drdo-develops-new-84mm-lightweight-anti.html | archive-date = 2016-12-19 | url-status = live }}</ref>
* {{flag |Indonesia}}: Used by the ''[[Kopaska|Komando Pasukan Katak]]'' (Kopaska) tactical diver group and ''[[Kopassus|Komando Pasukan Khusus]]'' (Kopassus) special forces group.<ref name="idnvojnik">{{cite web|url=http://www.hrvatski-vojnik.hr/hrvatski-vojnik/1612007/ind.asp |place=[[Croatia|HR]] |title=Kopassus & Kopaska – Specijalne Postrojbe Republike Indonezije |language=hr |publisher=Hrvatski Vojnik Magazine |access-date=2010-06-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822145526/http://www.hrvatski-vojnik.hr/hrvatski-vojnik/1612007/ind.asp |archive-date=2010-08-22 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Iraq}}: [[Iraqi Kurdistan]] received 40 launchers and 1,000 projectiles in 2014<ref name="SAS 2015">{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2015/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2015-Highlights-EN.pdf|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2015/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2015-Chapter-04-EN.pdf|chapter=Trade Update: After the ‘Arab Spring’|title=Small Arms Survey 2015: weapons and the world|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|year=2015|author=[[Small Arms Survey]]|ref={{harvid|Small Arms Survey 2015}}|page=110|access-date=2018-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128065841/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2015/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2015-Highlights-EN.pdf|archive-date=2018-01-28|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flag |Ireland}}: [[Defence Forces (Ireland)|Defence Forces]] specialist units, including [[Army Ranger Wing]] (ARW).<ref name = "jones2009" />
* {{flag |Israel}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag |Japan}}: M2 called ''84 mm Recoilless Rifle'',<ref name= "JSDF weapons" /> M3 called {{nihongo |''multi-purpose gun''|多用途ガン}}'
* {{flag |Kenya}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag |Kuwait}}.<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/gulf/kuwait-army-equip.htm | title = Kuwait – Army Equipment | publisher = Global security | access-date = 2014-07-21 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170703040850/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/gulf/kuwait-army-equip.htm | archive-date = 2017-07-03 | url-status = live }}.</ref>
*{{flag |Latvia}}: M4 on order.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}
*{{flag |Libya}}<ref name="jones2009" />
*{{flag |Lithuania}}: M2, M3 and M4.<ref>{{Citation | place = LT | publisher = KAM | language = lt | title = Prieštankinis granatsvaidis "Carl Gustaf" M2, M3 | url = http://kariuomene.kam.lt/lt/ginkluote_ir_karine_technika/granatsvaidziai_ir_priestankiniai_ginklai/priestankinis_granatsvaidis_bdquocarl_gustafrdquo_m-2_m-3.html | access-date = 2010-08-02 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100731011018/http://kariuomene.kam.lt/lt/ginkluote_ir_karine_technika/granatsvaidziai_ir_priestankiniai_ginklai/priestankinis_granatsvaidis_bdquocarl_gustafrdquo_m-2_m-3.html | archive-date = 2010-07-31 | url-status = live }}.</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lithuania Joins Framework Agreement on Carl-Gustaf|url=https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2022/lithuania-joins-framework-agreement-on-carl-gustaf|date=11 January 2022|access-date=12 January 2022|publisher=Saab}}</ref>
* {{flag |Malaysia}}: M2 and M3 variant in service. 110 new units of M4 variant ordered in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.malaysiandefence.com/the-goose-or-not-the-goose/|title=The Goose or Not the Goose - Malaysian Defence}}</ref><ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag |Myanmar}}: Used by divisional heavy weapon companies in bunker busting/infantry support/light artillery role for counter-insurgency campaigns.<ref>{{Citation | trans-title = Sweden sells to Burma’s army | title = Svenska vapen hos Burmas arme | newspaper = SvD | place = [[Sweden|SE]] | language = sv | url = http://www.svd.se/nyheter/utrikes/svenska-vapen-hos-burmas-arme_7743628.svd | access-date = 2012-12-11 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121212055713/http://www.svd.se/nyheter/utrikes/svenska-vapen-hos-burmas-arme_7743628.svd | archive-date = 2012-12-12 | url-status = live }}.</ref> Clones made as [[Myanmar Directorate of Defence Industries|BA-84(MA-84) MK and MK-II]].
* {{flag |Nepal}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag |New Zealand}}<ref name= "jones2009" />
* {{flag |Nigeria}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag |Norway}}: M2, M3, M4<ref>{{Cite web|last=B|first=Eric|date=15 January 2021|title=Norway Orders SAAB Carl-Gustaf M4 Recoilless Rifles|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/01/15/norwegian-order-for-saab-carl-gustaf-m4/|access-date=|website=The Firearm Blog}}</ref>
* {{flag |Poland}}: Used by special forces.<ref>{{Citation | place = [[Poland|PL]] | title = Altair | url = http://www.altair.com.pl/cz-art-1660 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100326120026/http://www.altair.com.pl/cz-art-1660 | archive-date = 2010-03-26 }}.</ref>
* {{flag |Portugal}}<ref>{{Citation | publisher = Operacional | url = http://www.operacional.pt/exercicio-%e2%80%9capolo-10%e2%80%9d-no-distrito-de-santarem/ | language = pt | place = [[Portugal|PT]] | trans-title = Capolo exercise in the Santarém district | title = Exercício Capolo no distrito de Santarém | access-date = 2010-09-19 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110725235038/http://www.operacional.pt/exercicio-%e2%80%9capolo-10%e2%80%9d-no-distrito-de-santarem/ | archive-date = 2011-07-25 | url-status = live }}.</ref><ref>{{Citation | title = Meios dos fuzileiros | contribution = Armas | publisher = Marinha | language = pt | place = [[Portugal|PT]] | trans-title = Marines’ equipment | contribution-url = http://fuzileiros.marinha.pt/PT/meios/Pages/Armas.aspx | access-date = 2010-09-19 | archive-date = 2010-08-05 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100805095104/http://fuzileiros.marinha.pt/PT/meios/Pages/Armas.aspx | url-status = dead }}.</ref>
* {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}<ref name ="gulf">{{cite book|title=Armies of the Gulf War|url=https://archive.org/details/armiesgulfwar00rott|url-access=limited|series= Elite 45 |first= Gordon L.|last= Rottman|date=1993|isbn= 9781855322776|publisher=Osprey Publishing|page=[https://archive.org/details/armiesgulfwar00rott/page/n29 30]}}</ref>
* {{flag |Sierra Leone}}<ref name = "jones2009" />
* {{flag |Slovakia}}: M3, launch customer for the M4 variant, which became operational in July 2017.<ref>[http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/dsei-2015-launch-customer-carl-gustaf-m4/ Launch customer for Carl-Gustaf M4] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928182358/http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/dsei-2015-launch-customer-carl-gustaf-m4/ |date=2015-09-28 }} – Shephardmedia.com, 16 September 2015</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Tomkins|first1=Richard|title=Slovakia deploys Saab's Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon|url=https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2017/07/18/Slovakia-deploys-Saabs-Carl-Gustaf-M4-weapon/9041500393791/|website=United Press International|access-date=18 July 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170718222047/https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2017/07/18/Slovakia-deploys-Saabs-Carl-Gustaf-M4-weapon/9041500393791/|archive-date=18 July 2017|date=18 July 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flag |Sweden}}:<ref name="jones2009" /> M2, M3. M4 on order will replace all old M2, M3 between 2020 and 2023.
*[[Tamil Eelam]]: Used by the [[Tamil Tigers]] during the Final Eelam War.<ref>{{Citation|url=http://www.army.lk/vgallery.php?galid=27 |title=Army |place=LK |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111217152155/http://army.lk/vgallery.php?galid=27 |archive-date=2011-12-17 }}.</ref>
* {{flag |Thailand}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|United Arab Emirates}}<ref name = "jones2009" />
* {{flag|United States}}: Used by [[United States Special Operations Command|USSOCOM]], U.S. Army Ranger battalions,<ref>{{Citation | title = The World defense almanac 1996–97 | page = 32}}.</ref> and some regular U.S. Army infantry units in the War in Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web|last= Robinson | first =Spc Nigel| title= Carl Gustaf Recoilless Rifle |url= http://www.dvidshub.net/video/130147/carl-Gustaf-recoilless-rifle |work=7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment|publisher= Defense Video and Imagery Distribution System|access-date = 15 November 2011|date= 2011-10-27}}</ref><ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.defencetalk.com/us-army-orders-additional-carl-gustaf-weapon-system-44788/ | title = U.S. Army Orders Additional Carl-Gustaf Weapon System | newspaper = Defense talk | date = 27 September 2012 | access-date = 27 June 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130911085253/http://www.defencetalk.com/us-army-orders-additional-carl-gustaf-weapon-system-44788/ | archive-date = 11 September 2013 | url-status = live }}.</ref> In February 2014, the M3 MAAWS was designated as a Program of Record within the U.S. Army and became standard-issue in Army Light Infantry units.<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.deagel.com/news/Carl-Gustaf-Selected-as-Standard-Equipment-for-US-Army-Light-Infantry-Units_n000012406.aspx | title = Carl Gustaf Selected as Standard Equipment for U.S. Army Light Infantry Units | newspaper = Deagel | date = 20 February 2014 | access-date = 21 February 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140224193120/http://www.deagel.com/news/Carl-Gustaf-Selected-as-Standard-Equipment-for-US-Army-Light-Infantry-Units_n000012406.aspx | archive-date = 24 February 2014 | url-status = live }}.</ref><ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.janes.com/article/60331/us-army-approves-carl-gustaf-m3-maaws-for-general-use | title = US Army approves Carl Gustaf M3 MAAWS for general use | newspaper = IHS Janes | date = 16 May 2016 | access-date = 16 May 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160517102630/http://www.janes.com/article/60331/us-army-approves-carl-gustaf-m3-maaws-for-general-use | archive-date = 17 May 2016 | url-status = live }}.</ref>
* {{VEN}}
* {{flag |Zambia}}<ref name="jones2009" />

=== Former users ===
* {{flag |Netherlands}}: The M2 was in service with the Royal Netherlands Army since 1964, known as the ''Terugstootloze vuurmond (TLV) 84 mm, Carl Gustaf M-2''. It is used in combination with the ''Kijker, richt, recht, 2x12 Wöhler'' scope.<ref>Talens, Martien. ''De ransel op de rug deel 2''. Brabantia Nostra. p. 400.</ref> The same model was also used in the Dutch Marine Corps, where it was known as the ''Terugstootloze vuurmond (TLV) van 84 mm, Carl Gustaf, M2''.<ref>Handboek voor de Marinier 1978 p. 21-53''</ref> It was replaced by the [[Panzerfaust 3]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.parlementairemonitor.nl/9353000/1/j9vvij5epmj1ey0/vi3agwzp5ev2|title= Brief staatssecretaris - Anti-tankwapens|last= Gmelich Meijling|first= J. C.|date= 1998-02-09|access-date= 2018-02-14|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180215023916/https://www.parlementairemonitor.nl/9353000/1/j9vvij5epmj1ey0/vi3agwzp5ev2|archive-date= 2018-02-15|url-status= live}}</ref>
* {{flag |Singapore}}: Replaced by [[MATADOR]] in 2013.<ref name="sg_mindef">{{cite web|url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/army/armynews_issue235.pdf |title=Army News – Issue No. 235 |year=2015 |publisher=Ministry of Defence, Singapore |access-date=2015-06-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623073326/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/army/armynews_issue235.pdf |archive-date=2015-06-23 }}</ref>
* {{flag |United Kingdom}}: M2 variant was used from the 1970s until the early 1990s.<ref name="owen2007">{{cite web|url=http://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/upload/200712031855161.pdf |title=Light Anti-Armour Weapons: Anti-Everything? |last=Owen |first=William F. |year=2007 |work=Asian Military Review |access-date=2010-05-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707174026/http://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/upload/200712031855161.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-07 }}</ref> AEI Systems Ltd. – a British defence products manufacturer headquartered in [[Ascot, Berkshire]] – offers a variant of the platform dubbed the ''AE84-RCL'' designed to fire the M540/M550 line of 84×246 mm R ammunition manufactured in Belgium by [[Mecar]].<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.aei-systems.com/land/ae84-rcl/ | publisher = AEI Systems | title = AE84-RCL recoilless rifle | access-date = September 16, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140903191017/http://www.aei-systems.com/land/ae84-rcl/ | archive-date = September 3, 2014 | url-status = live }}.</ref>

==See also==

* [[55 S 55]] (Finland, 1955, 55 mm, man-portable)
* [[Panzerfaust 3]] (German, 1992, man-portable)
* [[AT4]], a Swedish one-shot recoilless-rifle anti-armour weapon
* [[Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon]] - American 83 mm rocket assault weapon
* [[M72 LAW]] - American 66 mm light anti-tank weapon
* [[M40 recoilless rifle]] (United States, 1955, 105 mm, tripod mounted)
* [[M67 recoilless rifle]] (United States, 1960s, 90 mm, man-portable)
* [[RPG-2]] (USSR, 1954, man-portable)
* [[B-10 recoilless rifle]] (USSR, 1954, 82 mm, tripod mounted)
* [[PF-98]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Carl Gustav recoilless rifle|Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110314182731/http://www.saabgroup.com/Land/Weapon-Systems/support-weapons/Carl_Gustaf_M3_weapon_system/ Saabs Bofors] – manufacturer's product page
** [https://web.archive.org/web/20110910073712/http://products.saabgroup.com/PDBWebNew/GetFile.aspx?PathType=ProductFiles&FileType=Files&Id=7996 Saab Bofors] – official manufacturer's brochure
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRiNMBGb9pY Video of loading and firing drill for Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkQnix42gNw&NR Video of a Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle being fired]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/m3-maws.htm M3 MAAWS at GlobalSecurity.org]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080409085107/http://world.guns.ru/grenade/gl10-e.htm Carl Gustaf anti-tank recoilless rifle (Sweden) – Modern Firearms]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160304064804/http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2005smallarms/wednesday/martin.pdf U.S. Army Armament Research, Development & Engineering Center FCT and SOCOM Shoulder Fired Weapons May 2005]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Carl Gustaf Recoilless Rifle}}
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1948]]
[[Category:Anti-tank weapons]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced from 1945 to 1949]]
[[Category:Recoilless rifles]]
[[Category:Firearms of Sweden]]

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Carl Gustaf 8.4cm recoilless rifle