PM-38

Infobox Weapon
name=PM-38
image
caption=
origin=Soviet Union
type=
is_ranged=
is_bladed=
is_explosive=
is_artillery=yes
is_vehicle=
is_UK=
service=
used_by=
wars=World War II
designer=
design_date=
manufacturer=
production_date=
number=
variants=
weight=combat: 12.1 kg (26.6 lb)
length=
part_length=bore: 553 mm (21.77 in)
overall: 780 mm (30.7 in)
width=
height=
crew=
cartridge=0.85 kg (1.875 lb) bomb
caliber=50 mm (1.97 in)
action=
rate=
velocity=96 m/s (315 fps)
range=
max_range=45 degrees: 800 m
(875 yds)
75 degrees: 402 m
(440 yds)
82 degrees: 100 m
(109 yds)
feed=
sights=
breech=muzzle loaded
recoil=
carriage=
elevation=45 or 75 degrees
82 degrees on some models
traverse=6 degrees
blade_type=
hilt_type=
sheath_type=
head_type=
haft_type=
diameter=
filling=
filling_weight=
detonation=
yield=
armour=
primary_armament=
secondary_armament=
engine=
engine_power=
pw_ratio=
suspension=
vehicle_range=
speed=The PM-38 was a Soviet 50 mm light infantry mortar, developed as a variant of the M-38 120 mm 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).