The Russian 122 mm M-30 Field Howitzer was a Soviet artillery piece widely used during World War Two. Captured guns were used by the Fins and the German Wehrmacht.
The 122 mm Howitzer was designed by F. F. Petrov and introduced in 1939, it had a caliber of 122 mm and a maximum firing range of 11.8 km (7.3 mi). It could fire high-explosive, armor-piercing, and smoke shells, making it versatile for both direct and indirect fire roles. The M-30 had a rate of fire of 5 to 6 rounds per minute and used a split-trail carriage, allowing for an elevation range of -3° to +63° and a traverse of 49°. Weighing 2,450 kg (5,401 lbs) in combat, it was towed by trucks or horses.
Known for its reliability and ease of production, the M-30 became the backbone of Soviet divisional artillery and remained in service long after World War Two. It was produced until 1955, by then around 19.260 M-30 guns were made.
An adapted version of the barrel of this gun, the M-30S barrel, was used in the SU-122 Assault gun.
