Zvezda 6112 1/72 (Snap-Fit) Soviet 45mm Anti-Tank Gun with Crew

This is a plastic snap fit model kit, which comes unassembled and unpainted. So model paints and other basic modelling tools are additionally required. This "snap fit" model can be assembled without glue.

This kit includes one plastic model Soviet artillery piece with two soldier crewmen.

The 45mm Anti-tank Gun Model 1937 was the standard anti-tank field piece in the Soviet arsenal at the beginning of the Great Patriotic War. With a relatively quick firing mechanism and a long 45mm barrel, this weapon could fire accurately at distances up to 4 kilometres away. With modifications, it could also be used as an anti-aircraft gun in a pinch, but without a timed fuse and a rate of fire much lower than other AA guns, it served poorly in this role.

The 45mm AtG could fire various kinds of ammunition, including high explosive and fragmentation shells for use against infantry, smoke rounds, and armour-piercing rounds for use against armoured vehicles. However, its relatively low penetration power meant that it was really only effective against German light tanks and armoured vehicles. Even early versions of the Panzer III were vulnerable only at short range. In 1942, an improved anti-tank gun became available, and production of the 1937 model ceased.