What type of safety mechanism does the M203 have?

The M203 grenade launcher is equipped with a manual safety mechanism. This design requires the operator to actively engage or disengage the safety to prevent accidental discharge, ensuring that the weapon is only fired when the user intends to. The manual switch allows for greater control of the weapon during various operational scenarios, enhancing safety, particularly when moving or when the weapon is not in immediate use. This emphasis on operator accountability is a fundamental principle in the handling of firearms, making it crucial for maintaining safety in both training and combat situations.

While other safety mechanisms, such as automatic safeties or trigger locks, may provide different methods of preventing discharge, they do not apply to the M203's functionality.