Lahti L-39
Valtion Kivääritehdas (VKT) · Sniper Rifle · Out Of Production · 1939
Also known as: Norsupyssy, Elephant Gun, Lahti Anti-Tank Rifle, 20 ITK/39
Overview
The Lahti L-39 is a massive Finnish semi-automatic anti-tank rifle chambered in 20x138mmB, designed by Aimo Lahti and produced by VKT (Valtion Kivääritehdas). At nearly 50 kg and over 2.2 meters long, it is one of the largest and heaviest shoulder-fired weapons ever fielded. The gas-operated action fed from a 10-round detachable top-mounted box magazine, giving it an exceptional rate of fire for an anti-tank rifle. The weapon could penetrate 30mm of armor at 100 meters, making it effective against Soviet light and medium tanks during the Continuation War. Finnish soldiers transported the weapon on specially designed skis in winter conditions.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 49500 g (1746.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 52500 g (1851.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 2240 mm (88.19") |
| Barrel Length | 1300 mm (51.18") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 800 m/s (2625 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 47360 J (34931 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 700 m (766 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 30 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood And Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 20x138mmB · primary — also known as 20mm Long Solothurn, 20x138B, 20mm Solothurn Long
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Muzzle Brake, Bipod, Recoil Absorbing Pad, Gas Operated, Ski Equipped Transport, Anti Aircraft Tripod Adaptable
Variants
- Lahti L-39/44 — Automatic Anti Aircraft
Service history
Operators
- Finnish Defence Forces · adopted 1939 · as L-39
Conflicts
- Winter War (1939-1940)
- Continuation War (1941-1944)
Production
Estimated total produced: 1,906 · Production years: 1939-1944
Approximately 1,906 L-39 rifles were manufactured by VKT during World War II. Limited production reflects Finland's smaller industrial capacity compared to major combatants.
Origin
Country of origin: Finland
Designer: Aimo Lahti
Discontinued: 1944
Notes
The Lahti L-39 was nicknamed 'Norsupyssy' (Elephant Gun) by Finnish soldiers due to its enormous size and tremendous recoil. Finnish troops found the weapon particularly effective in the extreme cold of the Winter and Continuation Wars, where the weapon's reliability in sub-zero temperatures was a significant advantage. The L-39/44 variant was converted for fully automatic fire and used as an improvised anti-aircraft weapon on a tripod mount. The 20mm round was also effective against bunkers, machine gun nests, and vehicles.
Background
Finnish soldiers nicknamed the Lahti L-39 'Norsupyssy' (Elephant Gun) and used it with devastating effect against Soviet tanks during the Winter War and Continuation War. The weapon was so large it required a two-man crew and was transported on specially designed wooden skis across frozen Finnish terrain. Despite its weight, Finnish troops valued the weapon for its reliability in extreme cold where other weapons seized up, and its 20mm round could disable Soviet T-26 and BT-series tanks with flank shots.