PTRD-41

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> - In-Game Description

## Overview

The PTRD-41 is a Soviet Anti-Tank rifle. Despite being the First AT Rifle for the Soviets, it is a highly effective weapon, capable of destroying most of the enemy armour you will encounter. Although made redundant by the semi-auto PTRS-41, it can still hold its own compared to it, and upgrading to the PTRS isn't necessary. The PTRD can also be used as a make-shift Sniper Rifle, though this is highly unadvised, as the extremely high damage isn't necessary, and the lack of a scope, heavy ADS sway, and low RoF leads to it being outclassed by even the worst of purpose made sniper rifles.

Due to the lack of post pen damage, you should always aim to disable or cripple the enemy tank before destroying them. Aiming for Tracks, Transmissions, or Engines is a good way to do so, before aiming for Ammo or Crew. This way, the enemy can't escape, and you can easily climb on the tank, or crawl up to it. If the tank does get crippled, the Crew will more than likely bail out and repel the attackers, or fix the tank. Because of this, waiting for the crew to bail before finishing off the tank is safer, albeit slower, than going straight for the kill. Keeping an AI Assaulter, Medic, or Gunner nearby is helpful to fight off the crew when/if they bail. Or you can throw a Molotov to kill the crew when they bail.

At it's BR, it can effectively deal with any tank from the front within normal AT gunner ranges, save the Pz, III J. The Pz. III J has 50mm of frontal hull armour, however, it's turret is still only 30mm, making it penetrable. Going for the tracks is needed. Luckily, as the soviets, you will be playing on maps with lots of ambush spots, and the buildings offer a lot of cover to wait for a good shot. In BR II, the majority off tanks will have to be fought like the Pz. III J. Wait for them to pass by, and hit the side armour. The Pz. III N however lacks this weakness, due to it's side skirts. You'll need to hit the rear to cripple the engine, then move in for an explosion pack kill. The Sd.kfz 234/2 'Puma' is an exception. It's armour can be easily penetrated by the PTRD. Aim for the turret face, or driver's view port. Note that the Puma has wheels, so it's extremely hard to immobilize by shooting it's wheels. Aiming for the driver, then the engine is a good solution.

With the PTRD, you have to be sure that the shot will either kill the tanks, or put into a position to effectively deal with it. Sometimes, a crippled tank is more useful than a dead tank, as a dead tank can be respawned. The PTRD rewards careful planning, and is very unforgiving at times, but can be quite lenient when it comes to penetration and damage. Overall, it’s a good start for Soviet AT Weapons, and will train some skills for the PTRS-41.

**Pros**

- High penetration for its BR. Able to comfortably take out 3/4 of BR I German tanks it will face from the front. Anything it can't pen from the front, it can pen from the sides, except for the Pz. III N.

- Extremely high damage. Will easily kill tankers and modules inside the tank. Still deals 45 damage at 1.5km. Any hit Infantry will get a golfball size hole blown through them at typical Enlisted engagement ranges.

- Nice and clean sights allow for precise shooting at enemy tank weak spots.

**Cons**

- Low RoF severely limits ability to make follow up shots.

- Will Struggle frontally with most BR II Tanks. Don't even bother at BR III. Tracks and barrels at BR 3 are all you can really hope for.

- As a AT rifle, you have to manually aim for enemy modules or crew, as post pen damage is practically non-existent.

## Statistics

**Muzzle Velocity** - 1020 m/sec

**Rate of Fire** - 13 - 15 Shots Per Minute

**Vertical Recoil -** 280

**Horizontal Recoil -** 120

### Upgrades

**[NOTICE** - This gun comes fully upgraded**]**