The TBL-37 Users Manual
37mm Top Break Munitions Launcher
Bates and Dittus LLC
Connecticut USA
Always wear eye and ear protection when firing
Only use commercially loaded ammunition
www.BatesAndDittus.com 914.592.7227
Table of Contents
Warranty
3
Introduction
4
Specifications
5
Maintenance
6
TBL-37 Parts
7
Instructions for Use:
Stock Replacement
9
Instructions for Use:
Loading and Firing
10
2
Distributed by The Ordnance Group LLC 941.592.7227
2/2014
Remember that the TBL should be treated as you would any firearm!
Always assume that it is loaded! Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction!
Warranty and Legal Note
For the original purchaser, Bates and Dittus LLC (B&D) warrants all launchers for as long as the
model of the product in question is being manufactured. Any such products returned, postage
paid, to the factory in Connecticut, USA, will be repaired or replaced at our discretion, and
returned to the consumer free of charge. You MUST contact us prior to sending your launcher!
Exceptions, please read carefully: This warranty does not cover any damage to the Launcher
caused by alteration of the Launcher or by use of non-commercially loaded rounds. It does not
cover damage caused by firing rounds for which the launcher was not designed. This includes
any 40mm rounds, 12 gauge rounds (other than signaling rounds and blanks) and any other
center fire or rim fire rounds.
This warranty specifically excludes damage caused by firing shotgun shells
loaded with shot or slugs or anything other than commercially available signaling
loads or blanks.
The use of Tannerite or other explosives in conjunction with B&D products is epically stupid and
in addition to the undoubted resulting damages not being covered by this warrantee, you will
likely grievously harm yourself and anyone else in the vicinity of your foolish act.
We should not have to say it but attempting to fire 37mm artillery rounds in B&D Launchers
WILL result in death. Please don’t. We want our customers to be around.
Using our products in any way that violates local or federal laws or BATF rules voids this
warrantee. We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to refuse to repair or replace launchers
or their parts if they were damaged by mistreatment.
No B&D product is warranted for fitness for any purpose beyond the firing of signaling
ammunition.
Note: To the best of our knowledge as of this writing (2/2014) possession of any B&D product
does not violate any Federal or Local laws or statutes. It is, however, solely your responsibility to
be up to date on what is allowed where you intend to possess and use these products.
That said, the firing of flares and other signaling rounds must be done with an awareness of
local circumstances and laws.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
This warranty might be modified from time to time at the discretion of B&D.
Please contact us for instructions for return.
3
Distributed by The Ordnance Group LLC 941.592.7227
2/2014
Remember that the TBL should be treated as you would any firearm!
Always assume that it is loaded! Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction!
Introduction
The TBL is a 37mm launcher made to the highest standards of American
workmanship. Constructed of 6061 aircraft grade aluminum and 4140
hardened steel, it is rugged while maintaining a reasonable weight. The
standard finish is matte black.
Based on the proven design of the Viet Nam era M-70 grenade launcher,
the TBL-37 as advanced it to new levels. Replacing the heavy wooden
stocks with modern tactical black poly was the beginning. We added a full
barrel length Picatinny rail on the top and a shorter rail on the bottom.
These allow the owner to interchange tactical accessory thus providing the
ultimate in flexibility. The sight is a front post and flip up rear ladder.
The pistol grip and butt stock are AR compatible and be readily swapped
out for any custom stocks that the user cares to replace them with.
While we use strong 6061 aircraft grade aluminum for the barrel and
receiver, where additional strength is required 4140 hardened steel is used.
These areas include the trigger, hammer, barrel pivot, and recoil plate.
These strike the correct balance between manageable weight and safety.
The TBL-37, when treated as you would any fine firearm, will provide years
of reliable, trouble free service. This manual will provide instructions for the
use and care of your launcher. Please familiarize yourself with it’s contents.
4
Distributed by The Ordnance Group LLC 941.592.7227
2/2014
Remember that the TBL should be treated as you would any firearm!
Always assume that it is loaded! Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction!
TBL-37 Specifications
General Characteristics
Weight: 5lb.
Length: 23" – 27”
Top Break 37/38mm Munitions Launcher
Hi-power firing pin spring for positive ignition
Single action
Exposed Hammer
Mil-Spec Picatinny Rails (top and bottom)
Replaceable AR Stock and pistol grip
Materials and Finish
6061 Aluminum barrel and parts
Bearing parts are 4140 Chrome-moly steel
Aluminum parts anodized to meet or exceed Mil-A-8625F Type III, Class 2
Steel parts Black Oxide coated
Ammunition
The TBL-37 is designed to safely chamber and fire all commercially
available 37mm ammunition of any cartridge length.
5
Distributed by The Ordnance Group LLC 941.592.7227
2/2014
Remember that the TBL should be treated as you would any firearm!
Always assume that it is loaded! Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction!
TBL-37 Maintenance
Non-lethal ammunition can use either Black Powder or Smokeless Powder
as a propellant. To remove powder residue, use the solvent that is
appropriate to the ammunition that you are using.
1. To clean barrel swab solvent through bore replacing cleaning pad
until no further residue can be seen.
2. Lightly oil bore and exterior of the launcher.
3. Spray cleaner into mechanism through trigger and firing pin openings.
4. If launcher is not to be used for an extended period of time, make
sure that exposed steel surfaces are well oiled.
5. If you have a TBL with the Black Walnut stock, refreshing the wood
with a thin coat of linseed oil occasionally is all that is required for
routine maintenance.
6
Distributed by The Ordnance Group LLC 941.592.7227
2/2014
Remember that the TBL should be treated as you would any firearm!
Always assume that it is loaded! Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction!
TBL-37 Parts
Lower Picatinny
Rail
Vertical Foregrip
Upper
Picatinny
Rail
Barrel Release
Trigger Guard
Safety
Trigger
Pistol Grip
Hammer
Castle Nut
AR Stock
7
Distributed by The Ordnance Group LLC 941.592.7227
2/2014
Remember that the TBL should be treated as you would any firearm!
Always assume that it is loaded! Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction!
TBL-37 Parts cont’d
Flip-up Rear Sight
Extractor
Locking Lug
Please familiarize yourself with the location and names of the parts.
8
Distributed by The Ordnance Group LLC 941.592.7227
2/2014
Remember that the TBL should be treated as you would any firearm!
Always assume that it is loaded! Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction!
Instructions for Use: Replacing the AR Stock
The AR stock that comes with the TBL-37 is easily replaceable with any AR
compatible stock. To remove it requires one step more than simply
loosening the Castle Nut.
On the TBL, the AR stock is anchored with a small set screw that seats in
the groove that guides the registration plate on the buffer tube. To loosen it
follow the steps below. Note that the registration plate is NOT used for
stock installation with the TBL.
1. Remove the Pistol Grip using a 3/16” Allen wrench.
2. Loosen the set screw in the hole forward of the pistol grip lug using a
5/64” Allen wrench.
Buffer Tube
The screw does not
need to be removed,
Castle Nut
only loosened.
3. Loosen the Castle Nut
and unscrew the stock.
4. Simply reverse the
procedure to install
your new stock.
Pistol Grip Lug
9
Distributed by The Ordnance Group LLC 941.592.7227
2/2014
Remember that the TBL should be treated as you would any firearm!
Always assume that it is loaded! Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction!
Instructions for Use: Loading and Firing
Please familiarize yourself with the names and locations of the parts
of the TBL-37 (page 6).
Be sure muzzle is pointed away from you
Wear hearing and eye protection
Launchers can be dangerous: Treat it as you would a firearm
Keep safety on until ready to fire
1. Locate safety on right side of the frame
2. Be sure that the detent engages so that the safety is in the “ON”
position.
10
Distributed by The Ordnance Group LLC 941.592.7227
2/2014
Remember that the TBL should be treated as you would any firearm!
Always assume that it is loaded! Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction!
Instructions for Use: Loading and Firing cont’d
3. Press the barrel release forward
4. Press down on the barrel until fully opened
11
Distributed by The Ordnance Group LLC 941.592.7227
2/2014
Remember that the TBL should be treated as you would any firearm!
Always assume that it is loaded! Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction!
Instructions for Use: Loading and Firing cont’d
5. Insert a commercially manufactured 37mm round only!!
6. Snap barrel upward until it clicks
7. Test to be sure that the
barrel is firmly locked
8. Turn safety to “Fire”
9. Point in safe direction
10. Cock hammer
11. Pull trigger
12
Distributed by The Ordnance Group LLC 941.592.7227
2/2014
Remember that the TBL should be treated as you would any firearm!
Always assume that it is loaded! Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction!
Instructions for Use: Loading and Firing cont’d
Enjoy!
REMEMBER!!
1. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
2. If you are not going to fire immediately, rotate Safety to the safe
position.
13
Distributed by The Ordnance Group LLC 941.592.7227
2/2014
Remember that the TBL should be treated as you would any firearm!
Always assume that it is loaded! Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction!