Due to its shape, the 47/32 was commonly called “elefantino” (little elephant) by the troops. The 47/32 was primarily an anti-tank gun but was also used as a close support weapon.

The gun was also employed as infantry gun and mountain gun, as it could be disassembled in parts that could be carried individually.

Even if it wasn’t very successful in any of these extra roles, the anti-tank capability was satisfactory and a number of nations used this gun during the war: Italy (Cannone da 47/32 M35), Netherlands (Kanon van 4.7), Romania, Soviet Union (M35B), Germany (4.7-cm Pak).

There were a number of variations regarding the lower carriage, the presence of the shield or the muzzle brake, but the basic gun remained unchanged.”

The total weight of the weapon in the combat position was 277 kilograms, and the barrel length – 168 centimeters. The cannon’s range did not exceed 7,000 meters. The muzzle velocity of the anti-tank missile was up to approx. 630 m / s.

The gun had ballistic parameters similar to the German PaK 36 or the British 2-pounder cannon, which made it ineffective and rather outdated already in 1940-1941.

However, they remained in service until 1943.