United States - 57mm Gun M1 |
| Written by Marcia Malory |
|
The 57mm Gun M1, which was produced in the United States from 1942 to 1945, was the American version of the British 6 Pounder anti-tank gun. Because of production differences between the two countries, there were differences between the M1 and the 6 Pounder. The M1 had a slightly longer barrel than the 6 Pounder. The longer barrel gave the M1 an increased muzzle velocity of 2793ft/s (853m/s).
It was successfully mounted on self propelled carriages, which were used by the British in North Africa. The strong recoil from the M1 made it unpopular with gunners. The M1 anti-tank gun continued to be used after production ceased in 1945. After World War II ended, the US gave M1s to other countries as a form of military aid. The guns remained in service in these countries for decades. Central American republics were using M1s at least until the 1980s. |