Boys anti-tank rifle
The Boys anti-tank rifle (officially Rifle, Anti-Tank, .55in, Boys, and sometimes incorrectly spelled "Boyes") was a British anti-tank rifle used during the Second World War. It was often nicknamed the "elephant gun" by its users due to its size and large 0.55 in (14 mm) bore.
| Boys anti-tank rifle | |
|---|---|
Boys anti-tank rifle Mk I | |
| Type | Anti-tank rifle |
| Place of origin | United Kingdom |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1937–1998 |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars |
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| Production history | |
| Designed | 1937 |
| Manufacturer | Royal Small Arms Factory |
| Produced | 1937–1940 |
| No. built | ~62,000 |
| Variants | Mk I, Mk I*, Mk II |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 35 lb (16 kg) unloaded |
| Length | 5 ft 2 in (1.57 m) |
| Barrel length | 36 in. (910 mm); Airborne: 30 in. (762 mm) |
| Cartridge | .55 Boys (Kynoch & RG) |
| Calibre | 0.55 in (14 mm) |
| Action | Bolt-action rifle |
| Rate of fire | ~10 round/min |
| Muzzle velocity | Mk I: 747 m/s (2,450 ft/s) Mk II: 884 m/s (2,900 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 100 yards (91 m): 23.2mm penetration at 90° 500 yards (460 m): 18.8mm penetration at 90° |
| Feed system | 5-round detachable box magazine |
There were three main versions of the Boys: an early model (Mark I) which had a circular muzzle brake and T-shaped monopod, built primarily at BSA in England; a later model (Mk I*) built primarily at the John Inglis and Company in Toronto, Canada, that had a rectangular muzzle brake and a V-shaped bipod; and a third model made for airborne forces with a 30-inch (762 mm) barrel and no muzzle brake. There were also different cartridges, with a later version offering better penetration.
Although adequate against light tanks and tankettes in the early part of the war, the Boys was ineffective against heavier armour and was phased out in favour of the PIAT hollow charge weapon mid-war.