[Lone Sentry: Italian 20-mm. Antitank Rifle (Solothurn), WWII Tactical and Technical Trends]
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"Italian 20-mm. Antitank Rifle (Solothurn)" from Tactical and Technical Trends

The following U.S. intelligence report on the Italian 20-mm antitank rifle is reproduced from Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 5, August 13, 1942.

[DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department publication Tactical and Technical Trends. As with all wartime intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the text. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]
 

ITALIAN 20-MM. ANTITANK RIFLE (SOLOTHURN)

This antitank rifle is a self-loading, single-shot weapon. The rifle can be set at "safe" or "fire" by means of a thumb-operated catch on the pistol grip. (See accompanying sketch.) It is fired from the shoulder off the bipod. Some of its specifications are as follows:
Caliber    20 mm. (.79 in.)
Weight with empty magazine120 1/2 lbs.
Overall length7 ft. 1 in. (including recoil reducer)
Rate of fire 10-20 aimed r.p.m.
Sights  (a)Blade foresight, leaf backsight, leaf backsight graduated to 1,500 meters
        (b)Telescopic sight mounted on bracket
System of operationRecoil. Breech positively locked on firing by rotation of locking lugs
FeedMagazine capable of holding 10 rounds, but normally loaded with 8 rounds only
Weight of H.E. and A.P. shell4 ozs.
Muzzle velocity2,750 f.s.
Penetration (armor plate at 500 meters, 90°)30 mm.

Remarks: This gun is carried by two men and is sometimes found on tanks, armored cars and motorcycles. It is effective only in keeping mechanized patrols at a distance.

[Italian 20-mm. Antitank Rifle (Solothurn)]
Italian 20-mm. Antitank Rifle (Solothurn)

 
 


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