M17 rifle grenade

The M17 (also known as the T2 grenade ) is a rifle grenade used by the United States during World War II.

Overview
The M17 consists of two major parts, the warhead and the launch adapter. The warhead is a Mk 2 grenade's body, while the adapter has an impact fuse at the end of it. The warhead can be easily screwed into the adapter.

Firing
Once the warhead is screwed in, the M17 is fitted onto a grenade launcher adapter, such as the M7 grenade launcher. A special blank .30-06 cartridge is inserted into the rifle, then fired.

Note that the M17 will not explode if it lands on sand, water or mud; only solid ground will cause it to detonate.

Adoption
The M17 was adopted in 1941. It was the United States' primary anti-personnel rifle grenade during the early parts of World War II.

Obsolete
By the middle of 1944, the M17 had been declared obsolete. It was replaced by the M1 Grenade Projection Adapter.