PM-38
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| PM-38 | |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Soviet Union |
| Service history | |
| Wars | World War II |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | combat: 12.1 kg (26.6 lb) |
| Barrel length | bore: 553 mm (21.77 in) overall: 780 mm (30.7 in) |
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| Shell | 0.85 kg (1.875 lb) bomb |
| Caliber | 50 mm (1.97 in) |
| Breech | muzzle loaded |
| Elevation | 45 or 75 degrees plus 82 degrees on some models |
| Traverse | 6 degrees |
| Muzzle velocity | 96 m/s (315 ft/s) |
| Maximum range | 45 degrees: 800 m (875 yds) 75 degrees: 402 m (440 yds) 82 degrees: 100 m (109 yds) |
The PM-38 was a Soviet 50 mm light infantry mortar, developed as a variant of the M-38 120 mm mortar. The barrel was clamped at two elevation angles only - 45 and 75 degrees. Range variations were made by altering a sleeve round the base of the barrel. This sleeve opened a series of gas ports which bled off exhaust gases and so determined the range.
The project was deemed overly complex and expensive, and was only produced for a short time, before being replaced by the Model 1939. Despite the small number produced, some fell into German hands in 1941, who introduced them as the 5 cm Granatwerfer 205/1(r).
