Riflemen and machine gunners were given armor-piercing k bullets, while artillery units were trained to engage the tanks with direct fire.

Although adequate to pierce the armor of the time this gun proved unpopular due to its weight of 18.5 kg (40 lb 13 oz) and strong recoil.

Both companies presented a number of prototypes for the competition and after tests, during August 1918 at the Kummersdorf Proving Grounds, the Rheinmetall design was declared the winner.

The barrel was rigidly mounted with no recoil mechanism or muzzle brake on a box trail carriage with two wooden-spoked wheels.

Training was to be conducted by instructors of the Infanteriegeschützbatterien (Infantry Gun Batteries) who would teach the new gunners anti-tank tactics.

Each gun would have a seven-member crew consisting of a gunner, a loader, a commander, and four assistants who would provide covering fire and protection from infantry attacks.