76mm ZiS-3
76-мм дивизионная пушка обр. 1942 г. (ЗиС-3)
Overview
ZiS-3
A ZiS-3 76.2mm anti-tank gun in a museum.
Source: LostArtilleryman -
© public domain
V.G. Grabin
Soviet Union - Factory No. 235
52-P-354U (GRAU index)
M1942 (NATO reporting name)
ZiS / Zavod imeni Stalina
Russian for "factory named after Stalin"
76 K42 (Finnish service)
PaK-M42 (Austrian service)
Description
Introduction
The ZiS-3 is a World War 2 era field gun of Soviet origin. The ZiS-3 was developed during the early stages of World War 2 to replace the heavier and more expensive F-22 in service. The ZiS-3 was the main Soviet anti-tank gun and light howitzer during World War 2 and large numbers remained in use after the war.
Design
The ZiS-3 has a rather simple design that combined the 76.2mm gun of the F-22USV with the ZiS-2 spilt trail two wheel carriage. The 76.2mm ordnance uses a sliding breech block and was improved by fitting a multi-slotted muzzle brake. This increased its performance while reducing stress on the carriage. A gun shield provides the seven men crew some protection from small arms fire and shell splinters.
Firepower
The ZiS-3 is armed with a long barrel 76.2mm gun with multi-slotted muzzle brake. Compared to the older 76.2mm F-22 the ZiS-3 has a better range, accuracy and penetration. The ZiS-3 was able to knock out all but the heaviest Nazi German tanks but was of little use against post war tanks. The maximum range is 2 km for armor piercing shells and 13.3 km for indirect fire with high explosive shells. A rate of fire of 25 rpm can be achieved.
Mobility
The use of the older ZiS-2 carriage made the ZiS-3 rather mobile considering its power. It was normally towed by a 4x4 truck which also transported the ammunition and crew. The ZiS-3 can be manhandled over short distances.
Users
The ZiS-3 was widely used by the USSR during World War 2 and is one of the most produced anti-tank guns in the world. In post war Soviet service it was quickly supplemented by the more powerful D-44 and BS-3, promptly making a lot of units available for export. Most nations with ties to the USSR received the ZiS-3 although most were phased out by the 1970's. A limited number remains in service, mostly as a fire support weapon. Some nations retain the ZiS-3 as a saluting gun.
Details
Media
ZiS-3
Forward view of a ZiS-3 anti-tank gun with trails in travelling position.
Source: Kerim44
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
ZiS-3
Rear view of a ZiS-3 anti-tank gun. Note the split trail carriage and simplicity of the weapon.
Source: Balcer
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
ZiS-3
A ZiS-3 dug in by Soviet forces.
Source: www.wio.ru
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
ZiS-3
A number of ZiS-3 being used in the light artillery role.
Source: Bundesarchiv
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
ZiS-3
A Soviet ZiS-3 standing in the middle of the street in a ruined city.
Source: www.wio.ru
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
ZiS-3
A number of ZiS-3 being towed through the streets of Dresden during World War 2.
Source: www.wio.ru
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
57mm ZiS-2
The ZiS-3 uses the same carriage as the ZiS-2 high velocity anti-tank gun.