The VB grenade
put into service in 1916, was the most famous French rifle grenade.
It was shot using a blunderbuss attached to the rifle Lebel, using a classic cartridge. It was crossed in its axis by a cylinder of the diameter of the bullet, and the tube of the detonator was parallel to this axis.
When fired, the bullet passed through the central tube, and when it came out it activated a small lever placed on the external part of the detonator, triggering the firing mechanism. Ejection gases, accumulating in the blunderbuss, ejected the body of the grenade up to 180 m.
A small brass cap, with a hole for the passage of the bullet in its center, was generally placed on the head of the grenade to prevent accidental triggering of the lever.
This grenade was so effective that it changed the tactics of the French infantry:each company had 16 VB shooters, giving it very manageable and discreet firepower for both offensive and defensive actions.
Weight 475 g, cheddite 60 g
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