PTRD41 modified to .50 BMG
Hathcock's successful 50-caliber experience rests on work Brophy began with the 50 caliber in Korea in 1951. However, Brophy redesigned the firearm to make it more easily usable and deployable. Thinking that turn about was fair play he took a Soviet PTRD 14.5mm (57 caliber) bolt-action antitank rifle and fitted it with a 50-caliber machine gun barrel. The rifle had a skeleton tube stock, an elevating device as a pistol grip, a bipod for stability, and a cheek piece that projected from the stock. With a scope mounted on top it looked like a Jurassic Age ancestor of the rifles that running boar shooters use
today. Some years after his retirement from active duty The Ordnance Center arranged to present this historic artifact to its creator.
The use of the 50 caliber enabled Brophy and his team to inflict casualties on the enemy at ranges between 1,000 to 2,000 yards. Army authorities took notice of the success of Brophy's team's efforts and directed that tests be conducted to compare the M-1D Garand, the commercial high power competition rifle, and the 50 caliber machine gun. The combat zone was not deemed an appropriate location for the tests so the Development and Proof Service at Aberdeen Proving Ground was directed to conduct the program.
Just saw this thought it was pretty cool, anybody know if there are any PTRD 41's here in the U.S. for sale? Or replicas/ new builds?
Sent from my PRC 117A in my Batmobile disguised as a sedan.
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Originally Posted by islandermyk
