“Nothing can be better” declared Marshal G. F. Odintsov. He spoke of the 122-mm howitzer M1938. Today we explore this iconic piece of Soviet artillery. The 122-mm howitzer M1938 is also known as the M-30. It stands before us as a testament to Soviet engineering.
This howitzer was not just a weapon. It was a workhorse. It served in countless conflicts. These conflicts spanned World War II to the Russo-Ukrainian War.
The M-30 was developed in the late 1930s. F. F. Petrov headed the design bureau. Production ran from 1939 to 1955. It became a crucial part of the Red Army. The German Wehrmacht and Finnish Army also used captured M-30s.
In the 1930s, the Red Army sought a new divisional howitzer. They wanted to replace older models. The M1909 and M1910 howitzers needed an upgrade. Initial attempts involved German engineers. The Lubok design emerged. It was adopted as the 122-mm howitzer model 1934.
However, production halted after only eight pieces. The reasons remain unclear. The Main Artillery Directorate considered 105 mm guns. These were common in other armies. A smaller shell meant lighter guns. But it also meant less power. The Soviets decided to stick with 122 mm ammunition. They had existing production lines and shells.
Three howitzers were trialed in 1938-1939. UZTM developed the U-2. Motovilikha Plants created the M-30. Plant No. 92 designed the F-25. The U-2 was rejected due to carriage issues. The F-25 was deemed redundant. The M-30 after revisions was adopted in September 1939. It was the 122 mm divisional howitzer M1938.
A. B. Shirokorad argued the F-25 could have been better. It was lighter and had better ground clearance. Yet the M-30 had key advantages. It lacked a muzzle brake. This prevented dust clouds that revealed the gun’s position. The M-30 used the M1910/30 breechblock. This lowered technical risks. Its stronger carriage later supported the 152-mm howitzer M1943.
Mass production began in 1940. Plant No. 92 in Gorky and No. 9 in Sverdlovsk built the M-30. Plant No. 9 also made M-30S barrels for SU-122 assault guns. Production continued until 1955. Poland produced it as Wz.1938 from 1950-1960.
The M-30’s barrel was built-up. It had a liner, jacket and breech. It featured a hydraulic recoil buffer. A panoramic sight aided both direct and indirect fire. The split trail carriage allowed towing at 50 km/h on roads. It could also be moved by six horses. Setting up for combat took just 1-1.5 minutes.
The M-30 was a divisional-level howitzer. Each rifle division had multiple artillery regiments. These regiments included batteries of 76 mm guns and 122 mm howitzers. In June 1940, each unit had 32 howitzers. By June 1941, this dropped to 16. Guards rifle divisions had varying numbers.
The M-30 fired HE-fragmentation shells. These posed a threat to armored vehicles. HEAT shells were developed for self-defense. The M-30 was towed by trucks and artillery tractors. It could even be manhandled by its crew.
The 122-mm howitzer D-30 eventually replaced it in 1960. Some M-30s remain in Russian Army depots. They were training tools in Soviet movies.
Captured M-30s were used by the Wehrmacht as 12,2 cm s.F.H.396(r) howitzers. Finland adopted 41 guns as 122 H 38. Romania also used captured M-30s. China produced them as Type 54 howitzers.
The M-30 could fire various 122 mm shells. These included HEAT, HE-Frag, and chemical shells. Surviving M-30s are displayed in museums worldwide.
The 122-mm howitzer M1938 successfully combined firepower with mobility. It was reliable and easy to use. Its long service proves its combat effectiveness. As we conclude here before this remarkable piece of artillery, remember Marshal Odintsov’s words. “Nothing can be better.” The M-30 is a legend.