Anti-Tank Rifle-It's Not Just For Killing Tanks

Ranging in size from 7.9 mm to 20mm (.311 to .787 inches), the Anti-Tank Rifle (ATR) was a standard weapon in most armies at the start of the 2nd World War, the US Army being a notable exception.

When designed in the 1930's the type 97 20mm ATR was able to penetrate the frontal armor of most of the World's tanks. Even though by the time of the Second World War, medium tank armor quickly became too much for every nation's ATR's, they still had their uses. They were very effective vs lightly armored cars, halftracks and soft skinned vehicles. While not as accurate as sniper rifles, their range and stopping power made them quite deadly against individual troops. 

The Soviet Army used countless 14.5 mm (.57 inches) ATR's in the Second World War. So much so that the design (and possibly some original weapons) is still being used in the current Ukranian Russian War.

Taking aim on a lightly armored vehicle, this Afrika Korps Anti-Tank Rifle team (ATR), has an excellent chance to take the APC out if action. Alternatively, the range and killing power of the ATR makes it a deadly snipers' weapon in the hand of a good marksman.

 This Aussie ATR takes aim on an advancing Japanese light armored fighting vehicle (AFV). They are using the Boys .55 cal. (13.97mm) ATR that could penetrate around an inch (25mm) of armor at 100 yards range (91.44m).

In the Pacific War, having supporting firepower such as this .55-inch (13.97mm) Boys ATR Sikh team was always appreciated. 

The constantly increasing thickness of tank armor quickly made ATRs obsolete in their anti-tank role. But they continued to be used by some troops till the end of the war. While not as accurate as sniper rifles, their range and stopping power made them quite deadly against individual troops.