Posted on 11/15/2016 5:55:11 AM PST by C19fan
The mammoth Lahti L-39 anti-tank rifle, designed by Aimo Lahti — Finland’s greatest gun-designer — served Finland well during the 1940s. The 20-millimeter, semi-automatic anti-tank rifle’s barrel alone was 51.2 inches long, and the overall weapon weighed a staggering 109 pounds. Through the 1930s, the Finnish military had debated the optimum caliber of weapon for use against armor. Officials suggested 12.7 millimeter, 13.2 millimeter and 20 millimeter — and planned to use the same caliber round in both anti-armor and anti-aircraft roles.
(Excerpt) Read more at warisboring.com ...
When I was a youth, 1950’s, one could purchase these by mail. Every Popular Mechanics, etc, had an ad. You could also buy the 50 cal.
Looks like it has skis to move around in snow?
Yes.
Yes. The Finns commonly towed them around on a sled instead.
“When I was a youth, 1950’s, one could purchase these by mail. Every Popular Mechanics, etc, had an ad. You could also buy the 50 cal.”
I remember those ads. I remember the local Army-Navy store having barrels of 06’ Springfields for $15. Doh!!!
1. I presume the muzzle device, set horizontally, is meant to minimize disturbance to snow ahead of the shooter?
2. Please note conversion of skis on earlier versions to water-skis on later versions deployed for surface use. LOL
I’ll bet you this is a picture of feds confiscating a punt gun. Almost all of them were taken...
When in doubt. PUNT!
A punt gun used to commercialy kill ducks en masse as they rafted on the water, for market. 19th and early 20th century
Not a sportsman’s weapon
I remember what changed that. A criminal gang bought one and had it sent to a P O box. The seller notified the law, who said “send it” and they would arrest the men when they came to pick it up at the post office.
No one showed up so everyone went home. That night, the gang broke into the post office, grabbed their rifle and proceeded to blast their way into a bank vault.
The new media promptly blamed the seller and the government changed the laws on what could be sent through the mails.
***I remember those ads. I remember the local Army-Navy store having barrels of 06’ Springfields for $15. Doh!!!***
I remember those days! Old obsolete German Mausers for $5.00! .303s! Real Remington Rolling Block rifles! Cash and carry! 55 gallon drums full of Civil War bayonets!
Then came the 1968 Gun Control Law and ruined everything as those “evil” 5 shot bolt action army surplus rifles could no longer be imported.
Sounds perfect for home self-defense. Are they still available to the general public?
I remember those ads. I remember the local Army-Navy store having barrels of 06’ Springfields for $15. Doh!!! .................................. Carcano’s were sold at E.J. Korvetts for $19.99 in the 50’s. Back in the late 80’s Woolworth had M-1’s for 199.99. I always wanted one of those Swedish Mauser carbines in the 50’s but didn’t have the 39.95. (The Enfield carbines sold for about the same price) I don’t recall seeing any 98Ks or Arisakas for sale back then.
Hot Damn! I want one!
They were really just a very light anti-tank gun!
https://www.full30.com/video/ce20dd02102cf22d659b99b08d63794f
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