Small Arms Review
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
        • V1N1 (Oct 1997)
        • V1N2 (Nov 1997)
        • V1N3 (Dec 1997)
        • V1N4 (Jan 1998)
        • V1N5 (Feb 1998)
        • V1N6 (Mar 1998)
        • V1N7 (Apr 1998)
        • V1N8 (May 1998)
        • V1N9 (Jun 1998)
        • V1N10 (Jul 1998)
        • V1N11 (Aug 1998)
        • V1N12 (Sep 1998)
      • Volume 2
        • V2N1 (Oct 1998)
        • V2N2 (Nov 1998)
        • V2N3 (Dec 1998)
        • V2N4 (Jan 1999)
        • V2N5 (Feb 1999)
        • V2N6 (Mar 1999)
        • V2N7 (Apr 1999)
        • V2N8 (May 1999)
        • V2N9 (Jun 1999)
        • V2N10 (Jul 1999)
        • V2N11 (Aug 1999)
        • V2N12 (Sep 1999)
      • Volume 3
        • V3N1 (Oct 1999)
        • V3N2 (Nov 1999)
        • V3N3 (Dec 1999)
        • V3N4 (Jan 2000)
        • V3N5 (Feb 2000)
        • V3N6 (Mar 2000)
        • V3N7 (Apr 2000)
        • V3N8 (May 2000)
        • V3N9 (Jun 2000)
        • V3N10 (Jul 2000)
        • V3N11 (Aug 2000)
        • V3N12 (Sep 2000)
      • Volume 4
        • V4N1 (Oct 2000)
        • V4N2 (Nov 2000)
        • V4N3 (Dec 2000)
        • V4N4 (Jan 2001)
        • V4N5 (Feb 2001)
        • V4N6 (Mar 2001)
        • V4N7 (Apr 2001)
        • V4N8 (May 2001)
        • V4N9 (Jun 2001)
        • V4N10 (Jul 2001)
        • V4N11 (Aug 2001)
        • V4N12 (Sep 2001)
      • Volume 5
        • V5N1 (Oct 2001)
        • V5N2 (Nov 2001)
        • V5N3 (Dec 2001)
        • V5N4 (Jan 2002)
        • V5N5 (Feb 2002)
        • V5N6 (Mar 2002)
        • V5N7 (Apr 2002)
        • V5N8 (May 2002)
        • V5N9 (Jun 2002)
        • V5N10 (Jul 2002)
        • V5N11 (Aug 2002)
        • V5N12 (Sep 2002)
      • Volume 6
        • V6N1 (Oct 2002)
        • V6N2 (Nov 2002)
        • V6N3 (Dec 2002)
        • V6N4 (Jan 2003)
        • V6N5 (Feb 2003)
        • V6N6 (Mar 2003)
        • V6N7 (Apr 2003)
        • V6N8 (May 2003)
        • V6N9 (Jun 2003)
        • V6N10 (Jul 2003)
        • V6N11 (Aug 2003)
        • V6N12 (Sep 2003)
      • Volume 7
        • V7N1 (Oct 2003)
        • V7N2 (Nov 2003)
        • V7N3 (Dec 2003)
        • V7N4 (Jan 2004)
        • V7N5 (Feb 2004)
        • V7N6 (Mar 2004)
        • V7N7 (Apr 2004)
        • V7N8 (May 2004)
        • V7N9 (Jun 2004)
        • V7N10 (Jul 2004)
        • V7N11 (Aug 2004)
        • V7N12 (Sep 2004)
      • Volume 8
        • V8N1 (Oct 2004)
        • V8N2 (Nov 2004)
        • V8N3 (Dec 2004)
        • V8N4 (Jan 2005)
        • V8N5 (Feb 2005)
        • V8N6 (Mar 2005)
        • V8N7 (Apr 2005)
        • V8N8 (May 2005)
        • V8N9 (Jun 2005)
        • V8N10 (Jul 2005)
        • V8N11 (Aug 2005)
        • V8N12 (Sep 2005)
      • Volume 9
        • V9N1 (Oct 2005)
        • V9N2 (Nov 2005)
        • V9N3 (Dec 2005)
        • V9N4 (Jan 2006)
        • V9N5 (Feb 2006)
        • V9N6 (Mar 2006)
        • V9N7 (Apr 2006)
        • V9N8 (May 2006)
        • V9N9 (Jun 2006)
        • V9N10 (Jul 2006)
        • V9N11 (Aug 2006)
        • V9N12 (Sep 2006)
      • Volume 10
        • V10N1 (Oct 2006)
        • V10N2 (Nov 2006)
        • V10N3 (Dec 2006)
        • V10N4 (Jan 2007)
        • V10N5 (Feb 2007)
        • V10N6 (Mar 2007)
        • V10N7 (Apr 2007)
        • V10N8 (May 2007)
        • V10N9 (Jun 2007)
        • V10N10 (Jul 2007)
        • V10N11 (Aug 2007)
        • V10N12 (Sep 2007)
      • Volume 11
        • V11N1 (Oct 2007)
        • V11N2 (Nov 2007)
        • V11N3 (Dec 2007)
        • V11N4 (Jan 2008)
        • V11N5 (Feb 2008)
        • V11N6 (Mar 2008)
        • V11N7 (Apr 2008)
        • V11N8 (May 2008)
        • V11N9 (Jun 2008)
        • V11N10 (Jul 2008)
        • V11N11 (Aug 2008)
        • V11N12 (Sep 2008)
      • Volume 12
        • V12N1 (Oct 2008)
        • V12N2 (Nov 2008)
        • V12N3 (Dec 2008)
        • V12N4 (Jan 2009)
        • V12N5 (Feb 2009)
        • V12N6 (Mar 2009)
        • V12N7 (Apr 2009)
        • V12N8 (May 2009)
        • V12N9 (Jun 2009)
        • V12N10 (Jul 2009)
        • V12N11 (Aug 2009)
        • V12N12 (Sep 2009)
      • Volume 13
        • V13N1 (Oct 2009)
        • V13N2 (Nov 2009)
        • V13N3 (Dec 2009)
        • V13N4 (Jan 2010)
        • V13N5 (Feb 2010)
        • V13N6 (Mar 2010)
        • V13N7 (Apr 2010)
        • V13N8 (May 2010)
        • V13N9 (Jun 2010)
        • V13N10 (Jul 2010)
        • V13N11 (Aug 2010)
        • V13N12 (Sep 2010)
      • Volume 14
        • V14N1 (Oct 2010)
        • V14N2 (Nov 2010)
        • V14N3 (Dec 2010)
          • Ammunition
        • V14N4 (Jan 2011)
        • V14N5 (Feb 2011)
        • V14N6 (Mar 2011)
        • V14N7 (Apr 2011)
        • V14N8 (May 2011)
        • V14N9 (Jun 2011)
        • V14N10 (Jul 2011)
        • V14N11 (Aug 2011)
        • V14N12 (Sep 2011)
      • Volume 15
        • V15N1 (Oct 2011)
        • V15N2 (Nov 2011)
        • V15N4 (Jan 2012)
        • V15N5 (Feb 2012)
      • Volume 16
        • V16N1 (1st Quarter 2012)
        • V16N2 (2nd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N3 (3rd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N4 (4th Quarter 2012)
      • Volume 17
        • V17N1 (1st Quarter 2013)
        • V17N2 (2nd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N3 (3rd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N4 (4th Quarter 2013)
      • Volume 18
        • V18N1 (Jan Feb 2014)
        • V18N2 (Mar Apr 2014)
        • V18N3 (May Jun 2014)
        • V18N4 (Jul Aug 2014)
        • V18N5 (Sep Oct 2014)
        • V18N6 (Nov Dec 2014)
      • Volume 19
        • V19N1 (Jan 2015)
        • V19N2 (Feb Mar 2015)
        • V19N3 (Apr 2015)
        • V19N4 (May 2015)
        • V19N5 (Jun 2015)
        • V19N6 (Jul 2015)
        • V19N7 (Aug Sep 2015)
        • V19N8 (Oct 2015)
        • V19N9 (Nov 2015)
        • V19N10 (Dec 2015)
      • Volume 20
        • V20N1 (Jan 2016)
        • V20N2 (Feb Mar 2016)
        • V20N3 (Apr 2016)
        • V20N4 (May 2016)
        • V20N5 (Jun 2016)
        • V20N6 (Jul 2016)
        • V20N7 (Aug Sep 2016)
        • V20N8 (Oct 2016)
        • V20N9 (Nov 2016)
        • V20N10 (Dec 2016)
      • Volume 21
        • V21N1 (Jan 2017)
        • V21N2 (Feb Mar 2017)
        • V21N3 (Apr 2017)
        • V21N4 (May 2017)
        • V21N5 (Jun 2017)
        • V21N6 (Jul 2017)
        • V21N7 (Aug Sep 2017)
        • V21N8 (Oct 2017)
        • V21N9 (Nov 2017)
        • V21N10 (Dec 2017)
      • Volume 22
        • V22N1 (Jan 2018)
        • V22N2 (Feb 2018)
        • V22N3 (March 2018)
        • V22N4 (Apr 2018)
        • V22N5 (May 2018)
        • V22N6 (Jun Jul 2018)
        • V22N7 (Aug Sep 2018)
        • V22N8 (Oct 2018)
        • V22N9 (Nov 2018)
        • V22N10 (Dec 2018)
      • Volume 23
        • V23N1 (Jan 2019)
        • V23N2 (Feb 2019)
        • V23N3 (Mar 2019)
        • V23N4 (Apr 2019)
        • V23N5 (May 2019)
        • V23N6 (Jun Jul 2019)
        • V23N7 (Aug Sep 2019)
        • V23N8 (Oct 2019)
        • V23N9 (Nov 2019)
        • V23N10 (Dec 2019)
      • Volume 24
        • V24N1 (Jan 2020)
        • V24N2 (Feb 2020)
        • V24N3 (Mar 2020)
        • V24N4 (Apr 2020)
        • V24N5 (May 2020)
        • V24N6 (Jun Jul 2020)
        • V24N7 (Aug Sep 2020)
        • V24N8 (Oct 2020)
        • V24N9 (Nov 2020)
        • V24N10 (Dec 2020)
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • Events
  • FrankenGun Challenge
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
        • V1N1 (Oct 1997)
        • V1N2 (Nov 1997)
        • V1N3 (Dec 1997)
        • V1N4 (Jan 1998)
        • V1N5 (Feb 1998)
        • V1N6 (Mar 1998)
        • V1N7 (Apr 1998)
        • V1N8 (May 1998)
        • V1N9 (Jun 1998)
        • V1N10 (Jul 1998)
        • V1N11 (Aug 1998)
        • V1N12 (Sep 1998)
      • Volume 2
        • V2N1 (Oct 1998)
        • V2N2 (Nov 1998)
        • V2N3 (Dec 1998)
        • V2N4 (Jan 1999)
        • V2N5 (Feb 1999)
        • V2N6 (Mar 1999)
        • V2N7 (Apr 1999)
        • V2N8 (May 1999)
        • V2N9 (Jun 1999)
        • V2N10 (Jul 1999)
        • V2N11 (Aug 1999)
        • V2N12 (Sep 1999)
      • Volume 3
        • V3N1 (Oct 1999)
        • V3N2 (Nov 1999)
        • V3N3 (Dec 1999)
        • V3N4 (Jan 2000)
        • V3N5 (Feb 2000)
        • V3N6 (Mar 2000)
        • V3N7 (Apr 2000)
        • V3N8 (May 2000)
        • V3N9 (Jun 2000)
        • V3N10 (Jul 2000)
        • V3N11 (Aug 2000)
        • V3N12 (Sep 2000)
      • Volume 4
        • V4N1 (Oct 2000)
        • V4N2 (Nov 2000)
        • V4N3 (Dec 2000)
        • V4N4 (Jan 2001)
        • V4N5 (Feb 2001)
        • V4N6 (Mar 2001)
        • V4N7 (Apr 2001)
        • V4N8 (May 2001)
        • V4N9 (Jun 2001)
        • V4N10 (Jul 2001)
        • V4N11 (Aug 2001)
        • V4N12 (Sep 2001)
      • Volume 5
        • V5N1 (Oct 2001)
        • V5N2 (Nov 2001)
        • V5N3 (Dec 2001)
        • V5N4 (Jan 2002)
        • V5N5 (Feb 2002)
        • V5N6 (Mar 2002)
        • V5N7 (Apr 2002)
        • V5N8 (May 2002)
        • V5N9 (Jun 2002)
        • V5N10 (Jul 2002)
        • V5N11 (Aug 2002)
        • V5N12 (Sep 2002)
      • Volume 6
        • V6N1 (Oct 2002)
        • V6N2 (Nov 2002)
        • V6N3 (Dec 2002)
        • V6N4 (Jan 2003)
        • V6N5 (Feb 2003)
        • V6N6 (Mar 2003)
        • V6N7 (Apr 2003)
        • V6N8 (May 2003)
        • V6N9 (Jun 2003)
        • V6N10 (Jul 2003)
        • V6N11 (Aug 2003)
        • V6N12 (Sep 2003)
      • Volume 7
        • V7N1 (Oct 2003)
        • V7N2 (Nov 2003)
        • V7N3 (Dec 2003)
        • V7N4 (Jan 2004)
        • V7N5 (Feb 2004)
        • V7N6 (Mar 2004)
        • V7N7 (Apr 2004)
        • V7N8 (May 2004)
        • V7N9 (Jun 2004)
        • V7N10 (Jul 2004)
        • V7N11 (Aug 2004)
        • V7N12 (Sep 2004)
      • Volume 8
        • V8N1 (Oct 2004)
        • V8N2 (Nov 2004)
        • V8N3 (Dec 2004)
        • V8N4 (Jan 2005)
        • V8N5 (Feb 2005)
        • V8N6 (Mar 2005)
        • V8N7 (Apr 2005)
        • V8N8 (May 2005)
        • V8N9 (Jun 2005)
        • V8N10 (Jul 2005)
        • V8N11 (Aug 2005)
        • V8N12 (Sep 2005)
      • Volume 9
        • V9N1 (Oct 2005)
        • V9N2 (Nov 2005)
        • V9N3 (Dec 2005)
        • V9N4 (Jan 2006)
        • V9N5 (Feb 2006)
        • V9N6 (Mar 2006)
        • V9N7 (Apr 2006)
        • V9N8 (May 2006)
        • V9N9 (Jun 2006)
        • V9N10 (Jul 2006)
        • V9N11 (Aug 2006)
        • V9N12 (Sep 2006)
      • Volume 10
        • V10N1 (Oct 2006)
        • V10N2 (Nov 2006)
        • V10N3 (Dec 2006)
        • V10N4 (Jan 2007)
        • V10N5 (Feb 2007)
        • V10N6 (Mar 2007)
        • V10N7 (Apr 2007)
        • V10N8 (May 2007)
        • V10N9 (Jun 2007)
        • V10N10 (Jul 2007)
        • V10N11 (Aug 2007)
        • V10N12 (Sep 2007)
      • Volume 11
        • V11N1 (Oct 2007)
        • V11N2 (Nov 2007)
        • V11N3 (Dec 2007)
        • V11N4 (Jan 2008)
        • V11N5 (Feb 2008)
        • V11N6 (Mar 2008)
        • V11N7 (Apr 2008)
        • V11N8 (May 2008)
        • V11N9 (Jun 2008)
        • V11N10 (Jul 2008)
        • V11N11 (Aug 2008)
        • V11N12 (Sep 2008)
      • Volume 12
        • V12N1 (Oct 2008)
        • V12N2 (Nov 2008)
        • V12N3 (Dec 2008)
        • V12N4 (Jan 2009)
        • V12N5 (Feb 2009)
        • V12N6 (Mar 2009)
        • V12N7 (Apr 2009)
        • V12N8 (May 2009)
        • V12N9 (Jun 2009)
        • V12N10 (Jul 2009)
        • V12N11 (Aug 2009)
        • V12N12 (Sep 2009)
      • Volume 13
        • V13N1 (Oct 2009)
        • V13N2 (Nov 2009)
        • V13N3 (Dec 2009)
        • V13N4 (Jan 2010)
        • V13N5 (Feb 2010)
        • V13N6 (Mar 2010)
        • V13N7 (Apr 2010)
        • V13N8 (May 2010)
        • V13N9 (Jun 2010)
        • V13N10 (Jul 2010)
        • V13N11 (Aug 2010)
        • V13N12 (Sep 2010)
      • Volume 14
        • V14N1 (Oct 2010)
        • V14N2 (Nov 2010)
        • V14N3 (Dec 2010)
          • Ammunition
        • V14N4 (Jan 2011)
        • V14N5 (Feb 2011)
        • V14N6 (Mar 2011)
        • V14N7 (Apr 2011)
        • V14N8 (May 2011)
        • V14N9 (Jun 2011)
        • V14N10 (Jul 2011)
        • V14N11 (Aug 2011)
        • V14N12 (Sep 2011)
      • Volume 15
        • V15N1 (Oct 2011)
        • V15N2 (Nov 2011)
        • V15N4 (Jan 2012)
        • V15N5 (Feb 2012)
      • Volume 16
        • V16N1 (1st Quarter 2012)
        • V16N2 (2nd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N3 (3rd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N4 (4th Quarter 2012)
      • Volume 17
        • V17N1 (1st Quarter 2013)
        • V17N2 (2nd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N3 (3rd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N4 (4th Quarter 2013)
      • Volume 18
        • V18N1 (Jan Feb 2014)
        • V18N2 (Mar Apr 2014)
        • V18N3 (May Jun 2014)
        • V18N4 (Jul Aug 2014)
        • V18N5 (Sep Oct 2014)
        • V18N6 (Nov Dec 2014)
      • Volume 19
        • V19N1 (Jan 2015)
        • V19N2 (Feb Mar 2015)
        • V19N3 (Apr 2015)
        • V19N4 (May 2015)
        • V19N5 (Jun 2015)
        • V19N6 (Jul 2015)
        • V19N7 (Aug Sep 2015)
        • V19N8 (Oct 2015)
        • V19N9 (Nov 2015)
        • V19N10 (Dec 2015)
      • Volume 20
        • V20N1 (Jan 2016)
        • V20N2 (Feb Mar 2016)
        • V20N3 (Apr 2016)
        • V20N4 (May 2016)
        • V20N5 (Jun 2016)
        • V20N6 (Jul 2016)
        • V20N7 (Aug Sep 2016)
        • V20N8 (Oct 2016)
        • V20N9 (Nov 2016)
        • V20N10 (Dec 2016)
      • Volume 21
        • V21N1 (Jan 2017)
        • V21N2 (Feb Mar 2017)
        • V21N3 (Apr 2017)
        • V21N4 (May 2017)
        • V21N5 (Jun 2017)
        • V21N6 (Jul 2017)
        • V21N7 (Aug Sep 2017)
        • V21N8 (Oct 2017)
        • V21N9 (Nov 2017)
        • V21N10 (Dec 2017)
      • Volume 22
        • V22N1 (Jan 2018)
        • V22N2 (Feb 2018)
        • V22N3 (March 2018)
        • V22N4 (Apr 2018)
        • V22N5 (May 2018)
        • V22N6 (Jun Jul 2018)
        • V22N7 (Aug Sep 2018)
        • V22N8 (Oct 2018)
        • V22N9 (Nov 2018)
        • V22N10 (Dec 2018)
      • Volume 23
        • V23N1 (Jan 2019)
        • V23N2 (Feb 2019)
        • V23N3 (Mar 2019)
        • V23N4 (Apr 2019)
        • V23N5 (May 2019)
        • V23N6 (Jun Jul 2019)
        • V23N7 (Aug Sep 2019)
        • V23N8 (Oct 2019)
        • V23N9 (Nov 2019)
        • V23N10 (Dec 2019)
      • Volume 24
        • V24N1 (Jan 2020)
        • V24N2 (Feb 2020)
        • V24N3 (Mar 2020)
        • V24N4 (Apr 2020)
        • V24N5 (May 2020)
        • V24N6 (Jun Jul 2020)
        • V24N7 (Aug Sep 2020)
        • V24N8 (Oct 2020)
        • V24N9 (Nov 2020)
        • V24N10 (Dec 2020)
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • Events
  • FrankenGun Challenge
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal
No Result
View All Result
Small Arms Review
No Result
View All Result
Home Articles

Soviet Semiautomatic Shoulder Cannon: Live firing the 14.5mm PTRS

SAR Staff by SAR Staff
October 13, 2022
in Articles, Articles by Issue, Guns & Parts, Search by Issue, V18N5 (Sep Oct 2014), Volume 18
Soviet Semiautomatic Shoulder Cannon: Live firing the 14.5mm PTRS

An enormous cartridge case flips up and away after Jones touches off a shot while adjusting for the range of a target tank. While some propellant smoke is evident, the camera has just missed catching the dazzling flames on both sides of the muzzle brake that accompany each detonation. The muzzle blastís shockwave sent dust flying like a short, violent, miniature sandstorm.

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

By Robert Bruce

“From the first days of the war we were convinced that an unpardonable error had been committed. The German Army attacked with extremely varied and far-from-first-class tanks, including the captured French Renaults and outdated German T-1 and T-II tanks whose participation in the war had not initially been anticipated.” Boris Vannikov, People’s Commissar of Armament (From Vannikov’s memoirs, quoted in D.N. Bolotin’s 1995 book, Soviet Small Arms and Ammunition, published by Finnish Arms Museum Foundation)

Vannikov’s admission of this near-fatal error carried a host of implications as Operation Barbarossa, Hitler’s mechanized blitzkrieg, blasted into Russia on June 22nd 1941, steamrolling over an ill-prepared and poorly armed Red Army. The problem was particularly acute in a lack of anti-armor weapons; both shortages of artillery and an almost complete lack of infantry weapons suitable to stop even lightly armored enemy vehicles.

Pre-war planning by Soviet generals and armaments chiefs had overestimated the armor thickness of what would prove to be the actual types of tanks that would be used by the German invaders. At the same time they rejected the need for antitank rifles and underestimated the need for increased quantities of conventional artillery.

Thus, German forces quickly and relentlessly penetrated hundreds and hundreds of miles into “Mother Russia.” This caused Josef Stalin, the ruthless and remorseless Soviet dictator who was well known for ordering executions as remedial action, to turn his wrath on top bureaucrats.

Armament Commissar Boris Vannikov reports being angrily confronted by Stalin in a high level meeting in July of 1941. Why, he demanded, were his soldiers reduced to using hand grenades and “Molotov Cocktail” gasoline bottles in desperately attempting to stop even light tanks when a suitable antitank rifle had been developed but not fielded in anything but paltry quantities?

The bolt is automatically caught in the rearmost position to facilitate reloading after the last round is fired. As seen here, it needs only to be pulled back slightly to run forward under spring tension, chambering a round and securely locking.
The gas-operated PTRS uses a top-mounted piston protected by a tubular steel housing. Note a line of five relief ports drilled in the housing that bleed off excess propellant gas that would otherwise damage the action.

Rukavishnikov

While there were lesser-known contenders along the way, the “suitable” rifle Stalin was referring to was Nikolay Rukavishnikov’s semi auto design, adopted in late 1939 and firing a demonstrably powerful 14.5mm cartridge. Although proven capable of penetrating 20 mm of armor at 500 meters, a catalog of problems in performance, production, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and high-level Army indifference delayed fielding of more than a handful.

Vannikov nervously and hastily cited these factors in his defense, winning at least a temporary reprieve from the firing squad. But Stalin, told that debugged Rukavishnikov rifles would not be rolling off the assembly line for more than a month, upped the pressure.

Such was the urgent need as Germany’s armored forces continued to race toward Moscow, that the dictator demanded a crash program to develop alternatives. Not just one but two simultaneous efforts were to begin at once, produce guns in the shortest time, and they had both damn well better be good. Or else it would be cigarette and blindfold time…

Hefty 14.5mm cartridges ready to be individually loaded into the PTRS’ internal five round magazine. This works a bit slower but well enough in the absence of the big M1 Garand style five round enbloc clips that were Red Army issue.
The right side of the PTRS” massive steel receiver clearly shows prominent machining marks, testifying to its creation under harsh wartime conditions. Also, the gun’s well-worn finish indicates years of rough use before finally making its way into the hands of J.D. Jones. The trigger housing and magazine groups are simple and efficiently made from sheet steel stampings that are pinned and welded. Note the safety, a long flat bar just forward of the trigger, that rests here in the FIRE position. For SAFE, it swings down then up in a 180 degree arc to block the opening to the trigger guard. A takedown pin at the rear of the receiver swings down and pulls out when stripping is called for.

22 Day Wonders

In what has to have been an “honor” they’d prefer not have, two of the Soviet Union’s most talented gun designers were put under Stalin’s fearsome orders and immediately set to work around the clock. Vasiliy Alexeyevich Degtyarev, best known at the time for several well-regarded machine guns, and Sergey Gavrilovich Simonov, creator of the clever but flawed AVS-36, are said to have produced firing prototypes in an astonishingly brief 22 days.

Degtyarev’s gun used a relatively simple bolt action, albeit fancied up a bit with a recoiling barrel and automatically unlocking bolt to help minimize high energy stress on the parts and to speed up manual feed of subsequent shots. Robust, relatively light, simple to operate and to manufacture using mostly lathe-turned parts, it was a strong contender.

Simonov, on the other hand, took a bigger chance by making his rifle a gas operated autoloader. But, hedging the bet somewhat, its action was wisely derived from his previous invention, the 7.62x54R Simonov 1938 rifle. Although heavier and somewhat more difficult to make, its fast, reliable semiautomatic function and five round capacity were compelling advantages over the rival bolt gun.

Both weapons tested well and were deemed superior to the still-struggling Rukavishnikov that was summarily scrapped. Then, testifying to the dire need for weapons of this exact kind, both were officially adopted on August 29, 1941 and rushed into production.

An interestingly ironic side note to quantity manufacture of the PTRS comes from having to make an emergency move of its entire factory operation from Tula to Saratov. Seems the rapid German advance, against which the antitank rifles were so sorely needed, threatened to overrun the factory.

view of the left side view of receiver shows more evidence of rough use and Simonovís ìno-frillsî design with no accommodation for left handers to retract the bolt or operate the safety. Atop and forward on the receiver, the simple rear sight rides steadily upward on a machined surface as its range setting is increased. The pull lever seen underneath the trigger housing group unlocks the sheet steel cover on the magazine housing, allowing it to swing down for clearing stoppages or cleaning.
Viewed from directly above the receiver, the rear sight is marked in 50 meter increments from 100 to 1,500 meters. It is configured almost identically to most other Red Army rifles and machine guns with a simple U notch that ramps upward when slid forward as range is increased. It is not adjustable for windage so gunners in combat action had to master the art and science of ìhold offî to one side or the other.

Anatomy of the PTRS

Since the focus of this feature is on live firing Simonov’s “Protivotankovoe Ruzhe Sistemy Simonova,” let‘s take a close look at what he came up with in just over three weeks of grueling, nonstop, trial-and-error design and fabrication.

With apparent faith in his 7.62mm 1938 rifle despite it earlier losing out to rival Fedor Tokarev’s SVT-38 and 40, Simonov used its essence as the basis for his considerably more powerful tank-buster. With a top-mounted gas piston to actuate a sturdy bolt carrier, its locking in the beefy machined steel receiver was achieved by simple tipping action.

Taming the mechanism-destroying and case-separation propensity of the powerful 14.5mm cartridges was achieved by building in “dwell time” during movement of the gas piston and unlocking the bolt carrier. The proper milliseconds delay – calculated and achieved on the run with no sophisticated engineering apparatus – allowed the relatively brittle cartridge cases to “deflate” inside the firing chamber, easing extraction and ejection without undue instances of sticking and rim separation.

Recognizing the many handicaps of mass-manufacturing operational weapons under the most dire wartime circumstances and shortages of materials, machine tools and their operators, Simonov’s design was efficiently simple to make and not unnecessarily critical in its tolerances. Its thick, conventionally machined upper receiver was mated with a mandrel rifled barrel. Underneath, a trigger housing group and protruding magazine assembly were made mostly from stampings.

Weighing more than reasonable for one man to carry on the march, the long and heavy barrel assembly could be quickly separated from the receiver. Its well positioned bipod allowed necessary movement for gunner position and efficient aiming, and sights were configured in the same manner as most other Soviet shoulder weapons. The gun was “soldier friendly” – quick and easy to load, aim, fire, strip, and clean. Equally important, the PTRS was effective for gunners with steely nerves whose best bet was to wait for enemy tanks to close to well within 500 meters.

Reduction of recoil wasn’t just a concern in minimizing stoppages as well as parts stress; effects on gunners had to be considered as well. Because too much kick would cause flinching and inaccurate shooting, not to mention pain and suffering, both Degtyarev’s bolt gun and Simonov’s semi auto featured prominent muzzle brakes. These simple and effective blast deflectors channeled propellant gas at a slight rearward angle, pulling the whole gun forward with each shot. And, while the PTRD’s tubular steel buttstock contained a sturdy spring that compressed with each shot, Simonov’s considerably heavier rifle with recoil-absorbing semi auto action needed only to have a simple butt pad on its fixed wooden stock.

Seen in a Red Army wartime propaganda photo, Vasily Degtyarev’s single shot, bolt action 14.5mm PTRD antitank rifle was developed and fielded simultaneously with Sergey Simonovís semi auto PTRS. Significantly simpler, lighter and easier to manufacture, far greater numbers of the PTRD were fielded. Its sights are widely offset to the left of the receiver and barrel so the gunnerís face is well out of the way of its automatically recoiling bolt. His assistant, armed with the crude but ruthlessly efficient drum-fed PPSh-41 submachine gun, is ready to hand the gunner his next round. (Photo courtesy of Thomas B. Nelson collection)

First Blood

Less than three months after adoption and start of manufacture, the first of the new antitank rifles went into battle with the Red Army, fighting a desperate action to block advance of the Germans on Moscow.

As reported by Western Front Artillery Commander (initial tactical doctrine called for the big rifles to be deployed with the artillery), “The first experience in using antitank rifles occurred on 16 November 1941 in the 1075th Infantry Regiment… in the region of Petelino – Shiryaevo, where eight rifles were used in the battle. They were fired at enemy tanks at 150-200 meters. In that battle, two medium tanks were destroyed.”

Combat experience undoubtedly increased the ability and confidence of the gunners because target engagement ranges quickly lengthened. The same commander, Lieutenant General Ivan Kamara, wrote to superiors, “In subsequent battles, the antitank rifles were successfully used against light and medium enemy tanks. Fire was usually laid out to 250-400 meters.”

Production ramped up quickly and by the end of 1942 more than 248,000 of both types are said to have been produced with the PTRS accounting for about 63,000 of this impressive number. As more and more of the two types of rifles reached the front lines tactical doctrine was refined and matured.

In his invaluable reference book, Soviet Small Arms and Ammunition, D.N. Bolotin reports, “By 1943, the demands of the Red Army were completely satisfied; there were antitank platoons in every battalion, antitank companies in every infantry regiment and every tank-fighting division. In addition, the artillery, beginning with the antitank regiments, also received antitank rifles on the scale of one for every gun. According to approved practices, each infantry regiment was to have 54 rifles.”

August 1950, Korea. Holding its big M1 Garand style enbloc clip of five powerful 14.5mm cartridges, Army Private First Class Howard Jameson examines the Soviet PTRS antitank rifle he captured during a battle with North Koreans. Note how the sheet metal cover for the rifleís internal magazine (seen later on Simonovís SKS carbine) swings down for cleaning and clearing stoppages. After WW2, The Soviets provided enormous numbers of weapons to their communist allies in Red China and North Korea. The water cooled Maxim gun on wheeled and shielded mount behind Jameson is another Soviet weapon supplied in great quantities. (U.S. Army Signal Corps photo courtesy of Lee Holland collection)

Heroes of the Great Patriotic War

PTRS and PTRD rifles and the men who used them in battle quickly entered Red Army combat mythology through a vigorous and comprehensive propaganda campaign intended to inspire soldiers on the front as well as civilians back at home and in factories. Bolotin cites one colorfully worded leaflet among many representing countless true stories of heroic antitank riflemen in action against the hated invaders.

Recounting actions of Vasili Zverev, a former tractor driver turned platoon commander, it notes, “The line defended by a handful of his men was attacked by tanks. The enemy vehicles surged ahead, pouring fire at the soldiers from their cannon and machine guns, threatening to crush the defenders with their tracks. Nervously, the soldiers awaited the commander’s instructions. Zverev simply let the tanks come nearer, then opened fire with other antitank rifle teams. Tanks started burning, then exploding. Six had been destroyed by the riflemen.”

The rifle’s simple post front sight is well protected against damage in rough handling by a sturdy hood. Its massive and imposing muzzle brake is a crudely welded steel box that channels propellant gas to both sides and angled slightly rearward. This pulls the whole weapon forward with each shot, significantly reducing recoil but also raising position-revealing dust from the shockwave.

Room for Improvement

PTRD and PTRS rifles were strong, serviceable and deadly in the right circumstances but they still had shortcomings. While some sources contend that the harsh Russian winter was the source of the bulk of problems, Bolotin directly refutes this. “Though they operated faultlessly in wintertime, spring thaws brought jams caused by dust and mud; stoppages were caused by violent extraction (of the powerful rounds), together with partial ruptures of the cartridge. These flaws could be explained by minor design imperfections, impossible to eliminate within the short time in which the weapons had been developed.”

Bolotin reports that both Degtyarev and Simonov personally visited soldiers on the battlefront, carefully listening and taking to heart their concerns. A comprehensive remedial program was carried out in the latter part of 1942, addressing shortcomings in “technical documentation, roughly finished chambers and sliding parts, and mishandling by the soldiers.”

It is reported that one remedy to sticking cases came with instructing gunners to lightly lubricate the cartridges. But this can be tricky as the inevitability of oiled surfaces attracting grit could quickly make the extraction problem even worse.

PTRS Technical Specifications

Armaments designer Sergei Gravilovich Simonov designed, built and fired a prototype in the astonishing period of just 22 days. While the simpler PTRD went on to be made in vast numbers, it is said that more than 250,000 of both types were made before production ended following defeat of Germany in 1945. Although replaced by RPGs in first-line postwar use, they soldiered on for decades later, supplied to various communist armies and insurgent forces around the world.

The 14.5mm Cartridge with BS-41 Projectile, adopted in August 1941, was most commonly used in the PTRS and PTRD rifles in WW2. Carried in a brass alloy jacket, its penetrator core – variously described as tungsten carbide or metal-ceramic – is said to be capable of punching through some 40 mm of armor when hit flat-on at ranges under 300 meters. More powerful and versatile versions evolved and are still in use with the Russian Army and others in various heavy machine cannon, most notably the KPV/ZSU.

Nomenclature: 14.5mm Protivotankovoe Ruzhe Sistemy Simonova, Obrazets 1941 g
Origin: Soviet Union
Caliber: 14.5 x 114 mm
Operation: Semiautomatic only, gas activated piston
Locking: Bolt carrier tilts to lock in receiver recesses
Feed: 5-round internal magazine with rounds loaded individually or with enbloc clip
Overall length: 86.6 inches/2200 mm
Sights: Hooded post front and tangent U notch rear. Adjustable to 1,500 meters
Barrel: 48 inches/1,220 mm long, 8 grooves rifling, right twist. Operator removable for two-man carry.
Weight unloaded: 46 pounds/20.8 kilograms
Muzzle velocity: 3,320 feet/1,012 meters per second
Armor penetration: 1.57 inches/40mm at 90 degree angle, target engaged under 300 meters

The firing line on Range 56C lights up with burning propellant gas and a vivid tracer streaks toward its target. While the human eye always sees the PTRSí instantaneous flash signature, it takes a lucky combination of the cameraís slow shutter speed and wide aperture to capture this spectacular but remarkably brief phenomenon. Jones, in appreciation for the opportunity, graciously offered the Armyís range personnel the opportunity to shoot his exotic rifle and very expensive ammo.

PTRS and 14.5mm Update

Recent correspondence with Mr. J. D. Jones in preparation of this feature reveals that he has since parted with the rare and undoubtedly pricey gun seen in the live fire photos. But his appreciation for its big bore ammo has led him to make and offer the 14.5mm JDJ, yet another exotic and interesting development in SSK’s distinguished line of unique wildcat cartridges and custom tailored launch platforms:

The 14.5mm JDJ cartridge is based on the .50 BMG case. The neck is opened to accept the SSK 1,173 grain bullet loaded over 235 grains of 5010 to fire form the case. Other bullets may become available in the near future.

Important Note: SSK has non Destructive Device exemption for a 14.5mm (.585?) cartridge

In the test rifle, 100 yard accuracy hovers between .3 and .5 inches with this fire form load. Velocity is chronographed at 2,600 – 2,700 feet per second with the 1,173 grain bullet. This author’s worst 300 yard three shot group with it is 1.509 inches. The 750 Barnes is a real performer at 3,000 FPS. Dies are in stock.

Actions suitable for the .50 BMG are the ONLY ones that will take this cartridge. We recommend McMillan actions. Guns are all custom built according to customer preferences. It is doubtful that it will be possible to build one for less than $8,000. Please do not email questions – if seriously interested call.

SSKINDUSTRIES.COM
590 Woodvue Lane
Wintersville, Ohio 43953
Phone: (740) 264-0176,
FAX: (740) 264-2257
http://sskindustries.com

This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V18N5 (October 2014)
Tags: 2014OCTOBER 2014Robert BruceSoviet Semiautomatic Shoulder Cannon: Live firing the 14.5mm PTRSV18N5
Previous Post

NFATCA Report: V18N4

Next Post

New Review: V18N6

Next Post
New Review: V18N2

New Review: V18N6

TRENDING STORIES

  • U.S. NAVY MK18 MOD O CUSTOM CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT WEAPON FOR THE SEAFARING SERVICE

    U.S. NAVY MK18 MOD O CUSTOM CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT WEAPON FOR THE SEAFARING SERVICE

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Recreational Use Of 40MM Grenade Launchers

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Customizing the Already Custom SIG P320 Spectre Comp

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Col. Rex Applegate: The Knife Designs of a Close-Combat Legend

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Firearm Review: Pioneer Arms Classic AK in 7.62×39

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
U.S. NAVY MK18 MOD O CUSTOM CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT WEAPON FOR THE SEAFARING SERVICE

U.S. NAVY MK18 MOD O CUSTOM CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT WEAPON FOR THE SEAFARING SERVICE

Recreational Use Of 40MM Grenade Launchers

Recreational Use Of 40MM Grenade Launchers

SIG Spectre Comp with AXG Grip Module

Customizing the Already Custom SIG P320 Spectre Comp

Col. Rex Applegate: The Knife Designs of a Close-Combat Legend

Col. Rex Applegate: The Knife Designs of a Close-Combat Legend

New Review: V19N1

New Review: V23N3

SAR|Special

SAR|Special

The Grand Power Q100

The Grand Power Q100

A Fading Star: The star S135 Submachine Gun, That is

A Fading Star: The star S135 Submachine Gun, That is

The Luger Rifle

Where in the world is the Luger rifle?

Book Reviews: September 2016

BOOK REVIEW: Two Great MP40 Books 

Henk Visser Interview: SAR Talks Stoners, CETME, HK with One of the Founders of the Modern Small Arms Industry

Henk Visser Interview: SAR Talks Stoners, CETME, HK with One of the Founders of the Modern Small Arms Industry

The SCCY DVG-1—The Changer of Games

The SCCY DVG-1—The Changer of Games

QUICK LINKS

  • About Chipotle Publishing
  • About Small Arms Review
  • Advertise with Us
  • Write for Us

CONTACT DETAILS

  • Phone: +1 (702) 565-0746
  • E-mail: office@smallarmsreview.com
  • Web: www.chipotlepublishing.com
  • Chipotle Publishing, LLC 631 N. Stephanie St., No. 282, Henderson, NV 89014
Small Arms Review

FOLLOW US

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer

© 2022 Chipotle Publishing | All Rights Reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
      • Volume 2
      • Volume 3
      • Volume 4
      • Volume 5
      • Volume 6
      • Volume 7
      • Volume 8
      • Volume 9
      • Volume 10
      • Volume 11
      • Volume 12
      • Volume 13
      • Volume 14
      • Volume 15
      • Volume 16
      • Volume 17
      • Volume 18
      • Volume 19
      • Volume 20
      • Volume 21
      • Volume 22
      • Volume 23
      • Volume 24
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • Events
  • FrankenGun Challenge
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal

© 2022 Chipotle Publishing | All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Are you in the know?
Stay up to date with the latest articles.

Facebook-f Linkedin Instagram

Redirecting to External Website

You are leaving the Small Arms Review website and will be redirected to an external link in a 5 Seconds.
VISIT NOW!