RT20: Croatia's Insane Kludged 20mm Anti-Material Rifle (Ad-free)
Added 2024-07-31 12:00:01 +0000 UTCDuring its Homeland War, Croatia manufactured a wide variety of ad-hoc firearms including a number of anti-material rifles. The RT-20 was the largest of these, and its development began with the discovery of a stash of Yugoslav M55 anti-aircraft cannon barrels chambered for 20mm Hispano in a warehouse. These barrels were cut down, fitted with single-shot bolt actions, bipods, and bullpup stock assemblies and became the RT-20s. The most unusual element of the design is the use of gas vents about halfway down the barrel which open into a hollow tube which vents over the shooter's shoulder. This creates a gas exhaust jet upon firing to help counteract recoil (and also reducing the muzzle velocity by about 25%). The recoil from firing is still pretty brutal, but the guns can be used - and were during the war for Croatia's independence. A few remain in Croatian police inventory today...
A big thanks to the Croatian Police Museum (Muzej Policije) in Zagreb for giving me access to film this rare piece for you! Check them out at: https://muzej-policije.gov.hr
Comments
Somebody call Scott at Kentucky Ballistics! :)
David Teach
2024-08-01 12:40:38 +0000 UTCI doubt they actually took the backpack straps off in use. I reckon that thing had quiet a signiture when touched off. better change position kind of fast.
Guido Schriewer
2024-07-31 20:03:59 +0000 UTCHuh I wonder what would happen if you’d stuff something with some mass inside the gas tube. If there isn’t only some gas (little mass) but some material accelerated out the back there might be some effect on recoil.
HDub
2024-07-31 18:55:39 +0000 UTCI’m thinking actually muzzle up carry based on shape of backpack frame, configuration of straps and latching mechanism.
maxmfs
2024-07-31 16:34:01 +0000 UTCKnowing that the police possess such an item might encourage proper behaviors.
Mark Brian
2024-07-31 14:39:11 +0000 UTCInteresting [material] Ian! Thanks. BUT the gun is anti-[materiel], accent on the last syllable.
Douglas Knapp
2024-07-31 13:20:46 +0000 UTCAmazing firearm. Thanks for sharing.
Glenn Miller
2024-07-31 13:03:16 +0000 UTCWhat if we added recoil to a recoiless rifle?
z c
2024-07-31 12:34:13 +0000 UTC
