History : The Russian M42, 45mm Anti-Tank Gun

Well as I am still awaiting some sand to base my ATGs I though I would have alook for a bit of info about the Weapon itself:

The M-42 was a 45-mm Soviet light semi-automatic anti-tank gun. Full official name is 45-mm anti-tank gun model 1942 (M-42). These guns were used from 1942 until the end of the war.

The M-42 was developed by the Plant 172 in Motovilikha as an upgrade of the 45mm M1937. The gun received a longer barrel, shells with more powerful cartridges, and a thicker shield (7 mm instead of 4.5 mm), but of hinged construction as a need for reduced profile, requiring the weapon to be serviced by crews while kneeling. Some minor changes were also introduced in order to speed up production.

These guns were used from 1942 until the end of the war. In 1943, due to its insufficient anti-armor capabilities against new Nazi tanks such as the Panzer IV Ausf H, Panzer V Panther and Panzer VI Tiger, the M-42 was partially replaced in mass production by more powerful 57 mm ZiS-2 anti-tank gun. The M-42 remained in production, however as it was quite effective against lighter vehicles and could pierce the side armour of Panther and Panzer IV Ausf H. Fragmentation shell and canister shot gave the gun some anti-personnel capability.

Mass production of M-42 ceased in mid-1945. The total number of guns produced is 10,843.

Specifications

Weight – Combat: 625 kg (1,378 lbs),  Travel: 1,250 kg (2,756 lbs)

Shell – 45 x 386 mm. SR

Calibre – 45 mm/ 68 (1.77 in)

Carriage – Split Trail

Elevation – 8 to 25 degrees

Traverse – 60 degrees

Rate of Fire – 15-20 rounds per minute

Muzzle Velocity – 870 m/s (2,854 ft/s)

Maximum Range – 4.55 km (2.84 ,mi)

Robster