ATG Effectiveness

[McIvan]

The 3in AT gun had a much lower profile than an 88mm, although larger than a 57mm.

The 57mm was easily capable of taking out PIVs and Stugs, had a small chance of killing Tigers but only at close range or from the side/rear, and could easily go through Panther side armour, but not the front (shot trap kills excepted (meaning shots deflecting from the bottom of the turret mantlet into the top hull armour).

El Alamein saw a celebrated action with 57mm (6pdrs) where dozens of German tanks were destroyed. No Tigers or Panthers there of course.

You'd rather have the 3in, granted, but the 57mm/6pdr was still a pretty good gun even if nearing the end of its useful service life.