The video features Ian from ForgottenWeapons.com discussing the Lahti L39, a Finnish 20mm anti-tank cannon used during World War II. The Lahti L39 was designed by Aimo Lahti and used a 20mmx138B cartridge, also used in the Solothurn S-18/1000 anti-tank rifles and German Flak 30 and Flak 38 anti-aircraft guns.
The gun has a unique operating system, with a 10-round magazine, a crank-style bolt handle, and a grip safety that releases the bolt when depressed. Ian also notes that the gun ejects its spent cases rearward, posing a risk to the shooter's hands.
Ian proceeds to demonstrate the operation and shooting of the Lahti L39, showcasing its iron sights, manual safety, and loading process. The video also highlights the gun's history, development, and use during World War II, particularly in the Continuation War between Finland and the Soviet Union.
The Lahti L39 being showcased is up for sale at the James Julia Auction Company, and Ian encourages interested viewers to check out the auction catalogue page for more information.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The gun being discussed is a Lahti L39 20mm anti-tank cannon.
2. The Lahti L39 was popular in many European militaries in the 1930s.
3. The gun became obsolete at the start of World War II.
4. The idea behind the gun was to create a cost-effective way to fight against enemy armored vehicles.
5. The gun was formally adopted by the Finnish military in September 1939.
6. The Russians invaded Finland in November 1939, before the guns were available.
7. Only two prototype guns were used in the Winter War.
8. The guns went into production after the Winter War and were used extensively in the Continuation War.
9. Approximately 1,800 Lahti L39 guns were produced.
10. The gun was used as a combination of a long-range sniping rifle and a long-range anti-materiel rifle.
11. The gun fired 20mmx138B cartridges, also known as the 20mm Solothurn Long.
12. The cartridge was used in other guns, including the Solothurn S-18/1000 anti-tank rifles and the German Flak 30 and Flak 38.
13. The gun's muzzle velocity was between 2,600 and 3,000 feet per second.
14. The gun's muzzle energy was approximately 35,000 foot-pounds, three times that of a .50 BMG.
15. The gun weighed 109 pounds and was typically carried by a two-man team.
16. The gun had a 10-round magazine and was gas-operated semi-automatic.
17. The gun had a crank-style bolt handle due to the significant recoil impulse.
18. The gun locked open after every shot and had a grip safety.
19. The gun had iron sights and a manual safety.
20. The gun was used with a variety of projectiles, including armor-piercing, armor-piercing tracer, phosphorus incendiary, and high-explosive rounds.
21. The Finns used the guns to start forest fires behind enemy lines by firing phosphorus projectiles.
22. The gun had a dual-type mount with skis for soft ground and bipods for hard ground.
23. The gun was typically fired from the bipod to prevent it from sliding backwards under recoil.