Tankgewehr 1918

Go Back to Anti-Tank Weapon

Go Back To Weapons Home

	Weapon: Tankgewehr 1918 Type: Anti-Tank Weapon Country of Origin: Germany Year Adopted: 1918 Caliber: 13.2x92mmSR Action: Bolt-Action Overall Length (mm): 1700.0 Overall Length (in): 66.93 Weight (kg): 17.70 Weight (pounds): 39.02 Effective Range (m): 300 m Effective Range (yards): 328.08

The Tankgewehr 1918 (T-Gewehr) was the world's first anti-tank rifle, developed by Germany during the final year of World War I. Designed by Mauser, it was a scaled-up bolt-action rifle chambered for the powerful 13.2x92mm TuF (Tank und Flieger) cartridge. The weapon featured a single-shot action with a heavy-duty steel receiver and a long, rifled barrel to provide armor-piercing capability. Unlike later anti-tank rifles, the T-Gewehr lacked a muzzle brake or recoil-absorbing system, meaning that the user endured significant recoil when firing. It was equipped with a simple bipod and an iron sight system, making it relatively straightforward to operate.

Production of the Tankgewehr 1918 began in early 1918, with Mauser manufacturing approximately 15,800 units before the war ended in November. The rifle was issued to German infantry units as a desperate response to the growing effectiveness of Allied tanks, particularly British Mark IV and French Renault FT models. Though capable of penetrating the thin armor of early tanks at close range, its effectiveness declined as armor technology improved. The rifle was typically used in two-man teams, with one soldier handling the weapon and another assisting with loading and spotting.

Despite its limited battlefield impact, the Tankgewehr 1918 was a significant innovation in anti-armor warfare and laid the foundation for future anti-tank rifles such as the Polish Wz. 35 and Soviet PTRD-41. After World War I, some T-Gewehrs were captured and repurposed by Allied nations for testing and evaluation. It remains a notable historical firearm due to its pioneering role in anti-tank weaponry. Today, surviving examples are highly sought after by collectors and military historians, serving as a reminder of the rapid technological advancements in warfare during the early 20th century.