Re: Shturmovik Il-2 and Il-10

[James Robert Dennis III <jrdennis@earthlink.net>]

><PRE>Speaking of .50 caliber weapons, when we arrived at Hagaru from 
>Yudam-ni, I 
>contacted a buddy from the 1st regiment. He had a .50 caliber rifle that he 
>had captured from the bad guys. If I remember correctly, it was either bolt 
>action, or breech loading. I do remember that it weighed about 40 pounds, 
>and 
>could not be fired w/o a bipod or other supporting device. I didn't and I 
>don't know of anyone else who was foolish enough to fire that monster. I 
>have 
>always wondered what a single shot .50 caliber rifle was used for? Anyone 
>have any idea what that rifle was or what it was used for? Lee

The Soviets developed an Anti-Tank Rifle just after World War I (probably 
related to the German one) that was around 20mm.  It was a long barreled, 
heavy sucker with a bolt action.  At the time, it could have penetrated 
any current tank, but by the start of World War II, it would have been 
marginal at best.  Still if it is all you have.  As I recall the 
Americans called them "elephant guns".