boys anti tank rifle

Non-naval discussions about the Second World War. Military leaders, campaigns, weapons, etc.
paul.mercer
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Joined: Fri Mar 26, 2010 10:25 pm

boys anti tank rifle

Post by paul.mercer »

Gentlemen,
Does anyone know anything about the Boys Anti-Tank rifle?
I believe it was of .55 calibre and packed a mighty kick to those firing it, but what sort of tank would it be used against, as I cannot believe it would do much more than scratch the paintwork of a Panzer or Tiger and how would it compare against a modern .50 cal rifle?
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marcelo_malara
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Location: buenos aires

Re: boys anti tank rifle

Post by marcelo_malara »

Hi Paul, it was created in WWI, when the tanks had far less armour than in WWII, would be useless against a WWII tank.

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wadinga
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Location: Tonbridge England

Re: boys anti tank rifle

Post by wadinga »

Hello All,

All you could wish to know is here starting with its development in 1934.
Between the two World Wars, early in the 1932, a requirement was perceived for an up-to-date British anti-tank rifle, and design work was initiated in 1934, with trialling early in 1936 and first issue in the following year.
https://www.rifleman.org.uk/Enfield_Boy ... _Rifle.htm

including its use to sink a German midget submarine and against Japanese flying boats!

There weren't any Tigers or Panthers when it was designed, early panzers were tinclad by comparison.
how would it compare against a modern .50 cal rifle?
It appears from this site it was the origin of the long range 0.50 calibre thousand yard sniping rifle.

All the best

wadinga
"There seems to be something wrong with our bloody ships today!"
paul.mercer
Senior Member
Posts: 1223
Joined: Fri Mar 26, 2010 10:25 pm

Re: boys anti tank rifle

Post by paul.mercer »

Thanks very much for that Wadinga, the article was very interesting, particularly about the recoil
One statement says, "We had an anti-tank rifle which temporarily incapacitated the firer after every round" Another said, " In an anti-tank rifle report on the 'Boys' it acquired the unsubstantiated name of 'Charlie the Bastard' due to it's painful recoil"
At around 34 pounds I would imagine it was not a particularly popular item to have to carry around!
Thanks again for the info.
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