Soviet Artillery Crew on Maneuver

Plastic model kit for a ZiS-3 gun and crew

• 1:35 scale
• 5 figures and 1 ammo box included
• not built, not painted
• Paint and glue not included

The Soviet ZiS-3, officially the "76mm Divisional Gun Model 1942," was one of the most successful artillery pieces of World War II. Developed under the direction of Vasily Grabin, it combined good firepower with simple and inexpensive production. Its lightweight carriage and distinctive muzzle brake, which reduced recoil and made the gun particularly maneuverable, were characteristic features.

The ZiS-3 could be used both as field artillery in indirect fire and directly against tanks. With its versatility, robustness, and high reliability, it became a standard-issue gun of the Red Army and saw action on almost every front of the war. Over 100,000 were built, making the ZiS-3 one of the most produced artillery pieces of World War II.

The ZiS-3 was nicknamed "Ratsch-Boom" or "Rutsch-Boom" by German soldiers.

This nickname arose from the way they perceived the firing sound: German soldiers often heard the impact of the shell ("Ratsch") first, followed by the firing boom ("Boom"). This was due to the ZiS-3's high muzzle velocity. At longer ranges, the shell traveled faster than the sound of the firing could travel.

The ZiS-3 was considered by the Wehrmacht to be a very effective and dangerous Soviet field gun. Because of its reliability, high rate of fire, and widespread use, it was one of the most well-known Soviet guns of the war. Numerous captured specimens were reused by the Wehrmacht.