The South African revolver that changed how infantry squads deliver explosive firepower globally

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Developed in 1981, the Milkor MGL transformed infantry combat by replacing single-shot launchers with a six-round, spring-driven revolving magazine. This rugged weapon allows a soldier to fire high-explosive or less-lethal rounds as fast as the trigger can be pulled, significantly increasing the firepower available to a small squad in the field.

The Milkor MGL, or Multiple Grenade Launcher, was first demonstrated to the South African Defence Force in 1981 and officially entered service as the Y2 in 1983. Its design relies on a proven revolver principle, utilizing a spring-driven cylinder that rotates automatically after each shot. When the trigger is pulled, gas pressure from the fired grenade acts on a piston to unlock the cylinder, allowing the internal spring to align the next chamber with the firing pin. This mechanism enables rapid fire, with the SuperSix MRGL variant capable of discharging six rounds in under three seconds.

Reloading the weapon requires a manual process: the operator must release the cylinder axis pin, pivot the frame, and rotate the aluminum cylinder against its driving spring before inserting new grenades one by one. To ensure accuracy, early models like the Y2 utilized the Armson Occluded Eye Gunsight, a collimator sight that allows the shooter to keep both eyes open while superimposing an aiming post onto the target. This post is calibrated to match the height of a person at 200 meters, aiding in range estimation.

Since its introduction, the platform has evolved through several iterations. The Mk 1, released in 1996, focused on user-friendliness, while the 2004 Mk 1S and Mk 1L variants introduced stainless steel frames and Picatinny rail support. The 2012 SuperSix MRGL further expanded the weapon's capabilities, allowing for the use of medium-velocity munitions that extend the effective range to between 800 and 1,200 meters. Today, the MGL is used by armed forces and law enforcement in over 50 countries, with total production exceeding 50,000 units since 1983.

It is important to note that the global proliferation of the MGL has led to various manufacturing arrangements. Milkor USA, Inc., which produces copies of the launcher, has no affiliation with the original South African manufacturer, Milkor (Pty) Ltd. The U.S. military adopted its own versions, such as the M32 MGL, which was field-tested in 2006 and later updated to the M32A1 to accommodate higher-pressure rounds required by Special Operations Command.

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