| RM-38 | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Company Mortar M1938 | |
| Type | Infantry mortar |
| Place of origin | Soviet Union |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Soviet Union |
| Wars | World War II |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | combat: 12.1 kg (27 lb) |
| Barrel length | bore: 50 mm (2 in) overall: 78 cm (2 ft 7 in) |
| Shell | 0.85 kg (1 lb 14 oz) |
| Caliber | 50 mm (1.97 in) |
| Breech | muzzle loaded |
| Elevation | 45° or 75°. 82° on some models |
| Traverse | 6° |
| Muzzle velocity | 96 m/s (310 ft/s) |
| Maximum firing range | 45°: 800 m (870 yd) 75°: 402 m (440 yd) 82°: 100 m (110 yd) |
The RM-38 was a Soviet 50 mm light infantry mortar. The barrel was clamped at two elevation angles only - 45 and 75 degrees. Range variations were made by altering a sleeve round the base of the barrel. This sleeve opened a series of gas ports which bled off exhaust gases and so determined the range.
The project was deemed overly complex and expensive, and was only produced for a short time, before being replaced by the Model 1939. Despite the small number produced, some fell into German hands in 1941, who introduced them as the 5 cm Granatwerfer 205/1(r).