This "From the Vault" video from Brownells Gun Tech features Keith Ford and Joel Colander of Rock Island Auction Co. exploring the unique Manville Gas Gun. Designed by Charles Manville in 1935, this tear gas dispensing firearm was intended for law enforcement and military use but failed to gain traction during the Great Depression. Despite its obscurity, the Manville Gas Gun achieved a cult following after appearing in the film "The Dogs of War" as the "XM-18 Grenade Launcher." A scaled-up version was also famously used in "Terminator 2." The video highlights its distinctive rotating cylinder, which allowed for multiple shots, a significant innovation for tear gas launchers of its era. Keith Ford explains the surprisingly simple mechanics of this historical oddity.
The Manville Gas Gun is a 25mm gas grenade discharger designed for riot control and prison use, often mistaken for a machine gun. It features an 18-round spring-loaded cylinder and a simple striker mechanism. Reloading requires disassembly and manual loading of cartridges, with the internal spring wound like a watch. The gun was intended to be fired from the hip.
You've reached the end! 2 videos loaded.
Gun Laws by State
Read firearms regulations for all 50 states + D.C.
Find Gun Dealers
Search licensed FFL dealers near you.
