The Accurate Reloading Forums
20mm Solothurn
30 August 2009, 04:16
John Hipwell20mm Solothurn
Hi all,
Just thought you might enjoy some pictures of my new toy

I am looking for some accessories and mags, if someone has some kicking around to get rid of....
Solothurn 18/1000:
30 August 2009, 08:05
GoWyoAwesome! Congratulations!
You ever read Unintended Consequences?
How much per round? and if I may be so rude, what does a such a weapon run up in Canada?
Damn right its loaded, it makes a lousy club. -JW
30 August 2009, 23:14
b0400879Beautiful rig, John.
(Of course, this means that we all now hate you ....

31 August 2009, 03:17
Tyler KempHoly cow, tell us more!
Love shooting precision and long range. Big bores too!
Recent college grad, started a company called MK Machining where I'm developing a bullpup rifle chassis system.
Very nice indeed !
What is the 20mm ammo situation up there?
NRA Life member
01 September 2009, 01:09
John HipwellThe Treaty of Versailles that ended WWI severely limited Germanys ability to conduct research and development of military hardware. In order to circumvent this the German firm of Rheinmetall acquired a controlling interest in the Swiss firm of Solothurn. Solothurn developed some interesting small arms in the 1920’s and 30’s. The S18-1000 was their premium Ant-Tank rifle, semi automatic firing the 20 x 138B round. Commercial sales were disappointing and as an anti tank rifle she was obsolete before WWII started. These rifles did see limited use, mainly in North Africa. Many were sold as surplus into the US in the sixties for $189.50! now in the US they fetch $20-$30,000 and about half that in Canada.
She weights approx 120 lbs and is over 7 feet long. The cocking handle is a crank, two and a half turns are required to pull the breech block to the rear, the breech block is held to the rear by the sear and the crank reversed two and a half turns. When a loaded mag is inserted the breech block “thunders” forward and chambers a rd. She is equipped with a telescopic sight, the body of which is machined as part of the receiver and has back up iron sights.
I am looking for loaded ammo, empty cases, operators manual, original transit box, spare mags and muzzle brakes. I believe a few years ago Sarco listed spare mags as “door stops” any one care to part with one?
Both the Italians and the Swiss had a wheeled mount for this girl, one of them would make a good conversation piece.
01 September 2009, 15:27
D HumbargerThat is absolutly cool!
Doug Humbarger
NRA Life member
Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club 72'73.
Yankee Station
Try to look unimportant. Your enemy might be low on ammo.
02 September 2009, 06:53
Tyler KempWhat are ballistics of this round like?
Love shooting precision and long range. Big bores too!
Recent college grad, started a company called MK Machining where I'm developing a bullpup rifle chassis system.
02 September 2009, 18:54
John HipwellFrom my limited information I believe she fired a 20 mm AP projectile weighing 2,274 grains at 2,760 fps. Performance quoted was penetration of 1.5 inches of armor plate at 100 meters, and 1 inch at 500 meters with a 90 degree impact angle.
06 September 2009, 08:33
EterryWOW!!! 5.2 OUNCES of AP coming your way at the same velocity as your garden variety 8X57. Thats Awesome. Try cheaperthandirt.com, they have all kinds of mil-surp stuff.
Eterry
Good luck and good shooting.
In Memory of Officer Nik Green, #198, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troop G...Murdered in the line of duty 12-26-03...A Good Man, A Good Officer, and A Good Friend gone too soon
07 September 2009, 06:11
Tyler KempGood God.
Love shooting precision and long range. Big bores too!
Recent college grad, started a company called MK Machining where I'm developing a bullpup rifle chassis system.
14 September 2009, 07:29
IowanicRabbit hunting won't be quite the same, I suspect.
14 September 2009, 08:27
Fat_AlbertI can remember adds for these things in the late 50's. Came in a wooden case with snow skes that you could attach to the bi-pod,3 extra magazines and 100 rds of ammo. All for $400. Last time I looked the shells were about $50 each.
14 September 2009, 08:57
IowanicFor those interested:
Taylor KO= 706.
Foot pounds= 38, 474.
(Using the numbers provided by Hipwell)