Solothurn S-18/100

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	Weapon: Solothurn S-18/100 Type: Anti-Tank Weapon Country of Origin: Germany Year Adopted: 1934 Caliber: 20x105mmB Action: Blow Back Semi-Automatic Overall Length (mm): 1760.0 Overall Length (in): 69.29 Weight (kg): 45.00 Weight (pounds): 99.21 Effective Range (m): 500 m Effective Range (yards): 546.81

The Solothurn S-18/100 was a Swiss-designed anti-tank rifle developed in the late 1930s by the Solothurn company, a subsidiary of the German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall. This semi-automatic, magazine-fed weapon was chambered for the 20x105mmB cartridge, providing significant armor-piercing capability against early armored vehicles. Featuring a long recoil-operated action, the S-18/100 was designed to offer a high rate of fire compared to bolt-action anti-tank rifles of the era. Its robust design included a heavy barrel and a bipod for stability, though its substantial weight made it cumbersome for infantry use.

Production of the S-18/100 was limited, as it was quickly followed by improved models such as the S-18/1000 and S-18/1100, which offered greater penetration and improved performance. The rifle was exported to several nations, including Switzerland, Italy, and Hungary, where it saw limited service in the early stages of World War II. However, as tank armor rapidly advanced, the effectiveness of anti-tank rifles like the S-18/100 diminished. Despite this, it remained in use for some time in roles such as disabling lightly armored vehicles and fortified positions.

The Solothurn S-18/100 gained a reputation as a well-engineered but impractical weapon due to its size and weight. While its semi-automatic action provided a faster rate of fire than many contemporary anti-tank rifles, its overall combat effectiveness was hindered by the rapid improvement of armored vehicles. Today, the S-18/100 is considered a rare collector's item, valued for its historical significance as one of the early attempts at a high-caliber anti-tank rifle. It serves as a testament to the technological evolution of anti-armor weaponry during the interwar period and early World War II.