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A World War II-era rifle designed to solve World War I-era problems, the Boys Anti-Tank rifle was something of an anachronism against such German behemoths as the Panzer and Tiger II. Firing a .55-cal. bullet, the Boys rifle was designed to penetrate the somewhat thinner-skinned tanks of the Great War, but proved its use in World War II nonetheless in a variety of other ways, even once reportedly taking down an aircraft. For more on this massive firearm, check out this "I Have this Old Gun" segment from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV.
For all new episodes of American Rifleman TV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel.
Among the machine guns used by all the powers involved in World War I, the Austrian Schwarzlose is often forgotten. But this simple, reliable arm saw service for more than 20 years across two world wars.
For the Union Army during the American Civil War, its officers and cavalry troopers relied on one of Colt's most notable firearms: the 1860 Army revolver.