The Solothurn 20mm Anti-Tank Rifle

[Vikram]

I have not seen or heard of this rifle until today. Very interesting design to say the least.

[timmy]

Vikram, thanks for this video!

I have an article in an old Guns Digest Annual (1977 or 1978) that talks about this gun and shooting it. I believe that one has to have a special permit for owning one -- it's not like owning a gun in 50 BMG.

My interest in these is because my Dad brought home a headspace gauge for one from WW2. It looks just like a loaded round, except that it is all one piece (bullet and case shape all in one) and it is highly polished chrome plated.

There are a number of different loadings for this cartridge, and I don't know which gun Dad's headspace gauge came from. He seldom liked talking about his personal experiences.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solothurn_S-18/100 (20×110 mm)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solothurn_S-18/1000 (20×138 mm B)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solothurn_S-18/1100 (20×138 mm B)

I suppose Dad's gauge is for one of the last two, since it is a belted case.

Note: This fellow is obviously from some uncultured part of the USA, as anyone with any refinement knows that "soda" is bicarbonate used for cooking and other purposes, and carbonated soft drinks, such as what he has, is correctly called "pop." Poor fellow.

[Vikram]

Tim,

Thanks for the links. Always fascinating to find out to see a link somewhere to a historical object and a personal relation. The headspace guage must be a very cool thing to sit over one's table.

Note: This fellow is obviously from some uncultured part of the USA, as anyone with any refinement knows that "soda" is bicarbonate used for cooking and other purposes, and carbonated soft drinks, such as what he has, is correctly called "pop." Poor fellow.

[eljefe]

After a less than stellar performance with a .470 NE recently, I was asked by a friend if i plan to shoot in a concussed state! Very true.

Looking at the brute power involved with a 20mm, I wonder how many shots the firer could get off effectively and come out unscathed ?