15 July 2023 Garand Picture of the Day

[Mark in Rochester]

submission from
Sapper740 Sapper740

[browningautorifle]

Not so often you see a Boys rifle in action. Probably one of the first things they did away with.

[Mark in Rochester]

The Boys anti-tank rifle (officially Rifle, Anti-Tank, .55in, Boys, and sometimes incorrectly spelled "Boyes") is a British anti-tank rifle used during the Second World War. It was often nicknamed the "elephant gun" by its users due to its size and large 0.55 in (14 mm) bore.[7]

There were three main versions of the Boys: an early model (Mark I) which had a circular muzzle brake and T-shaped monopod, built primarily at BSA in England; a later model (Mk I*) built primarily at the John Inglis and Company in Toronto, Canada, that had a rectangular muzzle brake and a V shaped bipod; and a third model made for airborne forces with a 30-inch (762 mm) barrel and no muzzle brake. There were also different cartridges, with a later version offering better penetration.

Although adequate against light tanks and tankettes in the early part of the war, the Boys was ineffective against heavier armour and was phased out in favour of the PIAT hollow charge weapon mid-war.

The .55 Boys cartridge was an adaptation of the .50 BMG[11] with a belt added firing a 47.6 g (735 gr) bullet. At its introduction, the weapon was effective on light armour 23.2 mm (0.91 in) thick at 100 yards (91 m).

[browningautorifle]

the Boys was ineffective against heavier armor and was phased out in favor of the PIAT hollow charge weapon mid-war.

I don't think the US troops carried them that long... I DO know a guy that has shooting quantities of ammo still in the sealed boxes and a bandoleer with one five round brass clip. Unfortunately he's missed his chance to shoot it all.

[fjruple]

Jim-- It seems the US Marines favored the US M1 Carbine with a M8 Grenade launcher in the anti-armor role when they became available. Most of the pictures I have seen when the M8 launcher is use on the M1 Carbine seems to be with the Marines. Obviously a close range weapon for pill boxes and light armor. Later the bazooka and fire thrower was added to the mix.

The US Army favored the M1903 with a grenade launcher and later the M1 Garand with the launcher. Both of which gave better range.