PTRD Crew receiving instruction on the use of their weapon. Notice the slot in the top of the receiver to load the next round.
The PTRD-41 was designed by Vasiliy Degtyarev in August 1941 when the request was made to find a replacement weapon for the failed Rukavishnikov rifle.
Degtyarev's design was a single shot bolt action rifle. The action was locked by lugs on the bolt, which rotated into recesses in the receiver as the bolt handle was turned downward. The Bolt
was returned and lock manually, though the action unlocked automatically as the barrel recoiled. This was achieved by forcing the bolt handle back and up an inclined metal plate to the right of
the butt assembly. The striker-type firing mechanism cocked automatically on closing the bolt as the round was chambered. The firing pin could be pulled back and rotated 90 degrees to as a safety.
The rear sight was graduated for 400 or 1000m. A muzzle brake and spring loaded butt-plate helped to reduce recoil.
Armour penetration is reported to be 25mm at 500m with 0 degrees deflection.
Links for more information:
www.battlefield.ru Finnish Army 1918-1945 AT-Rifles Part II
