Carl Gustav recoilless rifle
The Carl Gustaf (Swedish pronunciation: [ˈkʰɑːɭ ˈɡɵ̞stɑːv]; also known as, Gustaf Bazooka and M2CG) is an 84 mm man-portable reusable anti-tank recoilless rifle produced by Saab Bofors Dynamics (formerly Bofors Anti-Armour AB) in Sweden. The first prototype of the Carl Gustaf was produced in 1946, and while similar weapons of the era have generally disappeared, the Carl Gustaf remains in widespread use today. It is also recognized as being a "rocket launcher", not just a recoilless rifle, in that it is capable of firing the HEAT RAP FFV 551 (High Explosive Anti Tank Rocket Assisted Projectile) finned round. Simply put, depending on the round (shell) utilized, the explosive energy propelling the projectile may, or may not, occur during mid flight of said projectile. Hence, the Carl Gustaf may or may not be referred to as a "rocket launcher" or "recoilless rifle", both equally correct.
In its country of origin it is officially named Grg m/48 (Granatgevär - "grenade rifle", model 48). British troops refer to it as the "Charlie G", while Canadian troops often refer to it as the "84" or "Carl G". In U.S. military service it is known as the "M3 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System" (MAAWS) or "Ranger Anti-tank Weapons System" (RAWS), but is often called the Gustaf or "the Goose" or simply the "Carl Johnson" by American servicemembers. In Australia it is irreverently known as "Charlie Gusto" or "Charlie Gutsache" (guts ache, slang for stomach pain).
Tri-County Tribune
13 Apr 2025
Tri-County Tribune
13 Apr 2025