The 5 cm (1.96") Pak 38 (L/60) (5 cm Panzerabwehrkanone 38 (L/60)) was developed during 1938 by Rheinmetall-Borsig. Although approved for mass production from 1939, it did not see service in the field until 1941. While the increase from 37mm to 50 mm might not sound very much, the difference in size and performance between the two was considerable. it should also be noted that although some of the more advanced versions of the Panzer III were fitted with a 5 cm gun, they should not be confused with this new gun, as both the round and barrel of the Pak38 were larger.
'Panzerabwehrkanone' is an example of the German language's love of compound words. Panzer (meaning tank) Abwehr (meaning guard) and Kanone (meaning gun), translates to English as Anti-tank gun. The L60 designation, in this instance, comes from the barrel length of 3 metres divided by the calibre of 5 cm. giving a result of 60 calbres.
'Panzerabwehrkanone' is an example of the German language's love of compound words. Panzer (meaning tank) Abwehr (meaning guard) and Kanone (meaning gun), translates to English as Anti-tank gun. The L60 designation, in this instance, comes from the barrel length of 3 metres divided by the calibre of 5 cm. giving a result of 60 calbres.
Each gun cost 10,600 RM (approximately £833 in 1939 prices) with 9566 examples produced. The gun had a maximum range of 3,700 m (3,000 yards), with the effective range peaking at 1,500m (1600 yards).
5 cm rounds for the Pak38. Shown here are the armour-piercing version a training round.
To read about the Pak 40, click here.
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