Panzerbucshe 39 (PzB 39)

The German PzB 39 was a redesigned PzB 38 without most of the disadvantages of the PzB 38.  It was a simple and light weapon that used the pistol grip to open and to close the firing chamber. When the was pushed forward, the block slid down expelling the 318 casings and opened the firing chamber to load a new cartridge.  To facilitate the charge, two 5 rd. Ammunition boxes per side, with a capacity of 10 rds.

Parts of the Panzerbucshe 39

1 Muzzle brake and sighting systems.
2 Bipod of Mg-34
3 Box with ten cartridges one to each side.
4 Frame
5 Trigger and grip of the pistol.
Six folding Butt.

Technical Specifications

Length: Extended Butt: 1.62m. Folded
Butt: 1.28m
The length of the barrel: 1.08m.
Weight: 12.6kg.
Muzzle Velocity: 1190-1210 meters per second.

Approximately 40,000 Pzb 39 were made by the time production ceased in mid-1941. The ammunition for this rifle was the Patrone 318 S.m.K(H) (Spitzer mit Kern, Pointed Hart = with armor-piercing core). It was able to penetrate (at angles up to 90º with respect>to the vertical), 30mm. at distances up to 100 meters and penetrate up to 25mm at distances out to 300 meters and also was able to chamber the tear gas load that had been problematic for the PzB 38.

Use of Pzb 39 in combat

The PzB39 was first combat-tested in France in 1940. (Approximately 300 in service). Although effective against light armor, particularly the armored cars, its’ shortcomings were evident when used against the Char B and the English tanks supporting the infantry. It also saw action in Crete and during the first months of the invasion of the USSR. It was used profusely by the Fallschirmjäger and Kavallerie due to its relatively light weight and folding butt that made it suitable such duties.