1940 British Anti-Tank Rifles - Skoblin

The Anti-Tank, .55in, Boys commonly known as the "Boys Anti-tank Rifle", was a British anti-tank rifle in use during World War II. It was often nicknamed the "elephant gun" by its users. In service from 1937-43, there were three main versions of the Boys - the early model (Mark I) which had a circular muzzle brake and T-shaped monopod, a later model (Mk I*) that had a square 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. It fired a .5625 in. (14.3 mm) (9/16 in.) round. Although adequate against light tanks in the early part of the war, the Boys was ineffective against heavier armor and was phased out in favor of the PIAT mid-war.