Original Soviet Russian WWII RPG-40 Anti-Tank Hand Grenade - Ground Dug - Inert

Original Item: This is a genuine ground dug condition inert example of a Soviet Russian RPG-40 Anti-Tank hand grenade. This example is deactivated according to specifications provided by the ATF. It is totally inert, cannot be converted to an explosive devise. Like all deactivated ordnance, this grenade is Not Available for Export.

The designation RPG-40 is Short for ruchnaya protivotankovaya granata obraztca 1940, goda meaning "hand-held anti-tank grenade". It was a high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) hand grenade used by the Soviet Union during the Second World War. The grenade was designed in 1938 by M. I. Puzirev, and entered service in 1940 as the Soviet Unions first Anti-Tank Hand Grenade.

The grenade was armed by removing the pin and spoon, and throwing it at the armored vehicle using the short handle on the bottom. Upon contact, 760 grams of explosives contained within it were detonated and produced a blast effect. This enabled about 20 mm of armour to be penetrated and caused secondary damage, such as spalling, on contact with thicker armor. This made the grenade very effective against earlier German tanks, but ineffective against later models, such as the Panzer IV and the Panzer V, leading to the RPG-43 replacing it in 1943.

This example is in good relic condition, and appears to have been ground dug, with small remnants of the original paint and very small fragments of the original paper label. The spoon and pin with pull ring are both intact although we aren’t sure if the pull ring is original or not. A great addition to any WWII ordnance collection!