History of WWI Primer 022: German TankGewehr Anti-Tank Rifle Documentary

Published on March 29, 2016
Duration: 38:35

This guide details the operation of the Mauser 1918 T-Gewehr, the world's first anti-tank rifle. It covers loading, firing, and immediate post-shot actions, emphasizing the extreme recoil and tactical considerations. Developed by C&Rsenal, this expert-level instruction highlights the rifle's historical significance and mechanical operation for enthusiasts and historians.

Quick Summary

The Mauser 1918 T-Gewehr was the world's first anti-tank rifle, developed by Germany in WWI to counter Allied tanks. It fired the 13.2x92mmSR cartridge, capable of penetrating 22mm of steel at 100 yards. Despite its effectiveness, the rifle produced severe recoil, often injuring shooters.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Anti-Tank Warfare
  2. 00:54Physical Specifications
  3. 01:14The Tank Threat
  4. 06:08Early Solutions and SmK Ammo
  5. 07:34Development History
  6. 09:12The 13.2mm Cartridge
  7. 11:29Mechanical Design
  8. 18:11Live Fire and Recoil Assessment
  9. 20:01Deployment and Tactics

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Mauser 1918 T-Gewehr designed for?

The Mauser 1918 T-Gewehr was developed by Germany during WWI as the world's first man-portable anti-tank rifle. It was created in response to the introduction of British tanks, which threatened to break the trench warfare stalemate.

What caliber is the Mauser 1918 T-Gewehr?

The Mauser 1918 T-Gewehr fires the powerful 13.2x92mmSR (Tank und Flieger) cartridge. This large-caliber round was specifically designed for penetrating the armor of early WWI tanks.

How effective was the T-Gewehr against tanks?

The T-Gewehr, firing the 13.2x92mmSR round, could penetrate roughly 22mm of steel at 100 yards. While not always instantly destroying tanks, it could disable them by damaging critical components or wounding the crew through spalling.

What were the challenges of firing the T-Gewehr?

The T-Gewehr was notorious for its extreme recoil due to its powerful cartridge and lack of recoil mitigation systems. Firing it often resulted in shooter injuries like headaches, dizziness, and even broken collarbones.

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