Double-Barreled Destruction: Building the Ultimate CQB Grenade Launcher

I’ve been running the Ace Tech Volcano as my go-to grenade launcher for CQB. It’s nasty—built-in tracer, Novritsch mount compatibility, and that psychological edge when 100 glowing BBs suddenly fill a hallway. But the Volcano has a limitation: one shot, then you’re reloading. In a fast CQB environment, that second barrel might be the difference between clearing a room and getting cleared out.

Enter the Alpha Parts AS-40.

The Platform

The AS-40 is a double-barreled 40mm grenade launcher from Alpha Parts (also branded as Savya Arts Airsoft). I picked mine up from Red Wolf Airsoft for $109.99, though I initially thought it was closer to $80. The price includes something I didn’t expect: two shells. Not just the launcher—actual usable shells in the box.

Build quality is the first thing that stands out. This isn’t 3D-printed polymer. It’s solid, dense polymer with zero flex or wobble. The M-LOK slots are clean, the grip texture is aggressive without being abrasive, and there’s an integrated hand stop that actually works. The weight distribution feels right—heavy enough to know you’re holding something substantial, light enough to run as a secondary.

The dual-trigger mechanism is what makes this platform interesting. Pull halfway, you fire one barrel. Pull fully, both barrels discharge in rapid succession. The sound signature alone—thump-thump, immediately back-to-back—creates an intimidation factor that single-shot launchers can’t match.

The Tracer Problem

Here’s where most grenade launchers fall short: visibility. Standard shells throw BBs, but in a dark CQB environment, you can’t see where they’re going. The Volcano solved this with an integrated tracer unit. The AS-40 doesn’t have one built-in.

I considered my options. I could accept that the AS-40 would be less capable in low light. I could try to rig something together. Or I could wait for a solution that actually worked.

T238 delivered that solution.

The T238 Upgrade

T238’s self-contained tracer grenades are exactly what they sound like: 40mm shells with built-in tracer units. No external batteries, no wiring, no modifications to the launcher. Charge them via USB, load them like standard shells, and they illuminate every BB that leaves the barrel.

I tested two variants: the “Spin” shell and the “Hexa” shell. Both offer multiple color options (green, red, blue) and firing modes. The configuration is straightforward—cycle through settings using the button on the shell body until you get the color and pattern you want.

The integration is seamless. Load two T238 shells into the AS-40, pull the trigger fully, and you’re sending 200+ glowing BBs downrange in under a second. The visual effect is immediate and overwhelming. In testing, the tracer function activated reliably on every shot, with no noticeable delay between the shell firing and the BBs illuminating.

Live Testing

I set up a BB tent in my workspace to test spread patterns and tracer brightness. At CQB distances (10-30 feet), the dual-shell spread creates a wall of BBs that’s nearly impossible to dodge. The T238 shells maintain consistent trajectory—no wild flyers or inconsistent ignition.

The noise signature is worth mentioning. Single-shot launchers have a distinct thump. The AS-40 with dual T238s has a thump-thump cadence that sounds like rapid-fire suppression. In a dark hallway, opponents hear that sound before they see the BBs. The psychological impact is real.

I also tested the shells individually to understand the difference between the Spin and Hexa variants. The Spin shell creates a spiraling BB pattern—useful for covering corners or doorways. The Hexa shell produces a more concentrated burst pattern. For pure area denial, I preferred running one of each, giving me two distinct spread patterns in a single trigger pull.

Mounting and Ergonomics

The AS-40 includes QD mounts on both sides and extensive M-LOK real estate. I experimented with a few optic setups before settling on a minimal configuration: Viridian OP MOD micro green dot on a low mount. The riser setups added unnecessary bulk, and honestly, for a platform I’m not shouldering like a rifle, precision aiming isn’t the priority. Point and shoot. The green dot helps with rough alignment, but this isn’t a sniper platform—it’s a room-clearing tool.

I removed the orange flash hider tips (required for US compliance, easily detached with a heat gun) to clean up the profile. The threaded barrels underneath are metal, not polymer, which speaks to the overall durability.

Holster options are still a work in progress. The Novritsch universal holster adapter may integrate with the M-LOK slots, or I may run a dedicated QLS fork setup on my battle belt. For now, it rides in a dump pouch or in-hand as a primary secondary.

The Verdict

Is the AS-40 with T238 shells better than the Volcano? It depends on your priorities.

The Volcano is lighter, simpler, and has that integrated tracer convenience. For players who want one grenade launcher that does everything reasonably well, it’s still the benchmark.

The AS-40 with T238s is for players who want maximum CQB devastation. Two barrels. Two tracer shells. One trigger pull. 200+ glowing BBs. The complexity is higher—charging shells, managing two ammunition sources, the bulk of a double-barreled platform. But the output is unmatched.

At $109 for the launcher plus the cost of T238 shells (approximately $50-60 each), this is not a budget setup. But for CQB players who prioritize area denial and psychological impact, the investment is justified.

The AS-40 platform delivers on its promise: double the capacity, solid construction, and with the T238 upgrade, tracer capability that rivals dedicated tracer units. In the right environment—dark hallways, tight corners, objective rooms—this combination is devastating.

What’s your CQB secondary? Have you experimented with tracer shells? Drop your setup in the comments.

Source: Transcript from “Creating a CQB Monster with the Alpha Parts AS-40 and T238 Tracer Grenades” (Video ID: JiDaBbD-zFI)

Products mentioned: - Alpha Parts AS-40 Grenade Launcher — $109.99 via Red Wolf Airsoft - T238 Self-Contained Tracer Grenades (Spin and Hexa variants) - Ace Tech Volcano Grenade Launcher (comparison) - Viridian OP MOD Micro Green Dot