Carl Gustav m/42: A 20mm Recoilless Antitank Rifle

Published on April 21, 2017
Duration: 14:30

This guide details the operational procedures for the Carl Gustav m/42 recoilless antitank rifle, focusing on loading and mechanical functions. It highlights the pivoting breech, extractor, trigger mechanism, and the wear characteristics of the breech block plate. Expert instruction from Ian McCollum emphasizes the unique design elements of this historical weapon.

Quick Summary

The Carl Gustav m/42 is a Swedish 20mm recoilless antitank rifle that fires a 108-gram armor-piercing projectile at 950 m/s, capable of penetrating 40mm of armor at 100m. Its recoilless operation, venting gases rearward, made it man-portable, evolving from heavier predecessors.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Carl Gustav m/42
  2. 01:02Evolution of Antitank Rifles
  3. 02:50Recoilless Technology and Shaped Charges
  4. 06:01Ammunition and Case Design
  5. 07:11Mechanical Operation and Loading
  6. 09:26Sights and Ergonomics
  7. 11:37Performance and Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Carl Gustav m/42?

The Carl Gustav m/42, also known as Pansarvärnsgevär fm/42, is a Swedish 20mm recoilless antitank rifle developed during WWII. It fired a 108-gram projectile at 950 m/s and could penetrate 40mm of armor at 100 meters.

How does a recoilless rifle like the m/42 work?

Recoilless rifles offset recoil by venting propellant gases out the rear of the barrel through a Venturi nozzle. This allows for a lighter, man-portable weapon compared to traditional cannons of similar caliber.

What were the predecessors to the Carl Gustav m/42?

The m/42 evolved from earlier antitank rifles like the WWI German 13mm Mauser and WWII-era 20mm models such as the Swiss Solothurn and Finnish Lahti L-39, which became too heavy as tank armor increased.

What optics were used on the Carl Gustav m/42?

The m/42 could be equipped with a detachable 4x Meopta ZF4 optical sight. This scope featured external adjustments for range and windage, calibrated up to 1,000 meters, and had a German post reticle.

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