The Pak 97/38 Anti-Tank Gun

Following the campaign in France Germany captured a large number of 75mm 1897 field guns, after experience in Russia demonstrating the short comings of the new Pak 38 a more powerful weapon was required. As in stopgap measure until the Pak40 was ready for service the barrels from the captured 75mm field guns were removed and attached to Pak 38 carriages.

These weapons were never highly regarded due to the low muzzle velocity making accurate shooting, particularly against moving targets difficult and there was also a high rate of failure. These weapons were replaced when the Pak 40 entered service.

Pak 97/38 Anti-Tank Gun Statistics

Length of Gun	272.1 cm
Calibre	7.5cm
Elevation	-8°, +25°
Transverse	65°
Rate of fire	12-14
Rifling	24 grooves
Weight in Action	1190kg

Performance of the Pak 97/38 Gun

Ammunition	Weight of shot/shell	Complete Weight	Bursting Charge	Propellant Charge	Muzzle Velocity	Angle	Plate	100m	1000m
7.5 K Gr Pz Patr (p)	6.8kg	-	-	-	570m/s	30	MQ	61	58
7.5 Gr Patr 97/38 H1/B	4.54kg	5.98kg	-	349gm	450	30	MQ	90	90

Sources - Germany Artillery of World War Two, German Anti-Tank Guns