PTRD-41
Degtyarev Plant · Sniper Rifle · Out Of Production · 1941
Also known as: Protivotankovoye Ruzhyo Degtyaryova, Degtyaryov Anti-Tank Rifle, PTRD
Overview
The PTRD-41 is a single-shot anti-tank rifle designed by Vasily Degtyaryov and fielded by the Soviet Red Army from 1941. Chambered in the massive 14.5x114mm cartridge, it was the simplest and most widely produced Soviet anti-tank rifle of World War II. The weapon's action featured a clever semi-automatic breech opening mechanism: upon firing, barrel recoil automatically opened the bolt and ejected the spent case, allowing the gunner to simply insert a new round. At over 2 meters long and weighing 17.3 kg, the PTRD was a formidable weapon that could penetrate 40mm of armor at 100 meters, making it effective against early and mid-war German tanks and armored vehicles when targeting side and rear armor.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 17300 g (610.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 17500 g (617.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 2020 mm (79.53") |
| Barrel Length | 1350 mm (53.15") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1012 m/s (3320 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 32588 J (24036 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3000 m (3281 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 10 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 455 mm (17.91") |
| Number of Grooves | 8 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 14.5x114mm · primary — also known as 14.5mm Soviet, 14.5x114, 14.5mm KPV
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Bolt Safety
- Features: Muzzle Brake, Bipod, Recoil Absorbing Pad, Single Shot, Semi Automatic Breech Opening
Variants
- PTRS-41 — Semi Automatic Variant
Service history
Operators
- Soviet Red Army · adopted 1941 · as PTRD
- People's Liberation Army
- Korean People's Army
- Armed Forces of Ukraine
Conflicts
- World War II (Eastern Front) (1941-1945)
- Korean War (1950-1953)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2014-present)
Production
Estimated total produced: 471,000 · Production years: 1941-1945
Approximately 471,000 produced. In 1941 alone, 17,888 units were manufactured, ramping up to 184,400 in 1942. The PTRD vastly outnumbered the more complex PTRS-41.
Origin
Country of origin: Soviet Union
Designer: Vasily Degtyaryov
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
The PTRD's simple single-shot design made it far easier and cheaper to manufacture than the semi-automatic PTRS-41, contributing to its vastly higher production numbers. The weapon used a long recoil barrel travel that automatically opened the breech after firing, technically making it faster to reload than a conventional bolt-action despite being single-shot. The massive 14.5mm round could also be used effectively against bunkers, machine gun nests, and low-flying aircraft.
Background
The PTRD-41 has seen a remarkable second life in the 21st century. During the Russo-Ukrainian War, Ukrainian forces have employed these 80-year-old anti-tank rifles as improvised anti-materiel weapons, using the devastating 14.5mm round to engage light vehicles, equipment, and fortified positions. The weapon's longevity is a testament to the effectiveness of its massive cartridge, which remains relevant against modern unarmored and lightly armored targets.