The following U.S. intelligence report on the Italian 20-mm antitank rifle is reproduced from Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 5, August 13, 1942. [DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department publication Tactical and Technical Trends. As with all wartime intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the text. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]

ITALIAN 20-MM. ANTITANK RIFLE (SOLOTHURN) This antitank rifle is a self-loading, single-shot weapon. The rifle can be set at "safe" or "fire" by means of a thumb-operated catch on the pistol grip. (See accompanying sketch.) It is fired from the shoulder off the bipod. Some of its specifications are as follows: Caliber      20 mm. (.79 in.) Weight with empty magazine 120 1/2 lbs. Overall length 7 ft. 1 in. (including recoil reducer) Rate of fire 10-20 aimed r.p.m. Sights  (a) Blade foresight, leaf backsight, leaf backsight graduated to 1,500 meters         (b) Telescopic sight mounted on bracket System of operation Recoil. Breech positively locked on firing by rotation of locking lugs Feed Magazine capable of holding 10 rounds, but normally loaded with 8 rounds only Weight of H.E. and A.P. shell 4 ozs. Muzzle velocity 2,750 f.s. Penetration (armor plate at 500 meters, 90°) 30 mm. Remarks: This gun is carried by two men and is sometimes found on tanks, armored cars and motorcycles. It is effective only in keeping mechanized patrols at a distance. Italian 20-mm. Antitank Rifle (Solothurn)

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