This "From the Vault" episode showcases the German WWII Panzerschreck (Raketenpanzerbüchse 54), a potent anti-tank weapon. Presented by Brownells Gun Techs Caleb and Keith at Rock Island Auction Co., it's noted as potentially the largest caliber firearm ever featured. The Panzerschreck, a German copy of the American M1 Bazooka captured in North Africa, fires an 88mm rocket capable of penetrating 8 inches of steel armor. Despite its power, its effective range is limited to about 150 meters, requiring operators to get dangerously close. The featured example bears markings indicating service with the Finnish Army, and its unloaded weight is compared to the modern AT4.
This video details the development and features of the German Panzerschreck antitank weapon, a direct response to the American Bazooka encountered in 1943. It highlights the Panzerschreck's lineage from the Raketenwerfer 43 "Puppchen," its use of an 88mm shaped charge warhead, and its innovative electrical firing system generated by a small dynamo. The description also addresses a key design flaw: the rocket motor's continued firing outside the tube, leading to burns and the subsequent development of protective shields for the shooter.
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