ZS3

ZiS-3, also written as ZIS-3 (ЗиС-3), is a Soviet 76.2 mm divisional field gun developed during World War II. It was designed by the design bureau at Zavod imeni Stalina (Factory named after Stalin), commonly abbreviated ZIS, under the leadership of Sergei Grabin. The ZiS-3 was intended to be lighter, cheaper to produce, and easier to maintain than earlier 76.2 mm divisional guns, while preserving range and firepower for infantry support and light anti‑tank tasks.

The gun features a split-trail carriage and a shield to protect the crew, along with a recoil system suitable for rapid deployment on varied terrain. It fires standard 76.2 mm ammunition, including high‑explosive and armor‑piercing shells, for use against personnel, fortifications, and light armor. Its mobility and straightforward design made it well suited to mass production under wartime conditions.

ZiS-3 entered service in 1942 and saw extensive action on the Eastern Front. It formed the backbone of Soviet divisional artillery for much of the war and was produced in large numbers. In addition to Soviet use, captured examples were employed by German forces and by some of the Soviet Union’s allies.

After World War II, the ZiS-3 remained in service for several years and influenced later Soviet artillery designs. While eventually superseded by more modern towed and self-propelled systems, it is remembered as one of the more successful and mass-producible field guns of the conflict.