Deadly shovel in service with the Red Army (9 photos)
In the Soviet and Russian armies, a sapper shovel is not just an entrenching tool, but a formidable weapon, which in the hands of a skilled fighter can kill many opponents. It is not surprising that attempts were constantly made to modernize this “weapon”. One such attempt is in front of you, this simple shovel hides a deadly weapon.
This is a mortar shovel, which was developed in the 30s of the last century. In 1939 it was adopted by the Red Army. Mortars received their baptism of fire during the Finnish War, but the soldiers did not really like them. It was inconvenient to use the mortar like a shovel, and its firing range turned out to be short, and the radius of destruction left much to be desired. Due to the lack of a sight, the shooter had to navigate only along the flight path of the mine. The mines themselves flew only 200 - 300 meters, their fragments easily got stuck in the snowdrifts without causing harm to the enemy.
With the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, such mortars began to be used mainly by partisans, who loved them for their mobility and ease of use. In 1942, the shovel-mortar was discontinued.
When traveling, the 37mm mortar could be used like a shovel.
In a combat position, it turned into a mortar, the role of the barrel was played by the handle, and the base of the shovel served as a support plate. This specimen does not have a bipod that holds the 520 mm barrel in a vertical position.
This is a locking ring, thanks to which it was possible to lift the cutting.
The firing pin is visible at the bottom of the barrel.
Drawing of a 37 mm mine.
Bandolier for mortar mines 37mm.
