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Degtyaryov machine gun
Degtyaryov machine gun
Degtyaryov machine gun
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The Degtyaryov machine gun (Russian: Пулемёт Дегтярёва Пехотный (ПДП), romanized: Pulemyot Degtyaryova Pekhotny (PDP), lit. 'Degtyarev Infantry Machinegun' or DP-27/DP-28 is a light machine gun firing the 7.62×54mmR cartridge that was primarily used by the Soviet Union, with service trials starting in 1927, followed by general deployment in 1928.[8][9]

Key Information

Besides being the standard Soviet infantry light machine gun (LMG) during World War II, with various modifications it was used in aircraft as a flexible defensive weapon, and it was equipped on almost all Soviet tanks in WWII as either a flexible bow machine gun or a co-axial machine gun controlled by the gunner. It was improved in 1943 producing the DPM, but it was replaced in 1946 with the RP-46 which improved on the basic DP design by converting it to use belt feed. The DP machine gun was supplemented in the 1950s by the more modern RPD machine gun and entirely replaced in Soviet service by the general purpose PK machine gun in the 1960s.[10]

Service use

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Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces soldier training with a DPM machine gun during the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Despite its limitations, the DP had a reputation as a relatively effective light support weapon. It was nicknamed the "Record player" (proigryvatel') by Red Army troops because of its rotating disc-shaped pan magazine.[5]

The first uses of the DP-27 in war were with the Republican forces in the Spanish Civil War. On 25 October 1936, the SS Kursk docked at Cartegena, delivering 150 Degtaryov machine guns along with 9,000 Winchester Model 1895 rifles. The Cabo Palos delivered 3 DT tank machine guns on 7 May 1937. On 7 February 1938 the SS Bonafacio arrived in Bassens and included numerous weapons in its cargo delivery, including DP & DT machine guns.[11][12][13]

Many were captured by the Finnish army in the Winter War and the Continuation War and partially replaced the Lahti-Saloranta M/26. The DP received the nickname Emma in Finnish service after a popular waltz, again due to the magazine's resemblance to a record player. In the summer of 1944, the Finnish army had about 3400 Finnish-made Lahti-Salorantas and 9,000 captured Soviet-made Degtyarevs on the front. Captured examples were operated by the Volkssturm, the late-war German militia, and in German service the Degtyarev received the designation Leichtes Maschinengewehr 120(r).[14]

The Chinese Nationalists received 5,600 DPs from the USSR and used them in the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Chinese Civil War. The North Korean and Chinese Communists used the DP in the Korean War and copied the DPM as the Type 53.[14]

Examples of all variants of the DP machine gun were given or sold to the Viet Minh in the First Indochina War[15] by the USSR and Chinese Communists. Similarly, in the Vietnam War to the NVA and Vietcong.[16][17]

DPMs have also been recovered from Taliban fighters during the War in Afghanistan[18] while DPs or DPMs have been spotted in 2014 in the Northern Mali conflict.[19] During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, a few of the backline Ukrainian forces were issued surplus DPMs.[20][21]

System

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The Degtyaryov light machine gun (DP) operates using a gas-operated mechanism and magazine-fed ammunition. The gas engine features a long-stroke piston and a gas regulator located under the barrel.

The barrel itself is quick-detachable, partially covered by a protective shroud, and equipped with a conical removable flash hider (early models lacked both a flash hider and threading for it). The barrel was prone to overheating during intensive fire: due to its thin walls, it would heat up quickly (especially in later models where ribbed radiators were omitted for simplicity), and thus short bursts were necessary to prevent disabling the gun (combat rate of fire was up to 80 rounds per minute). Replacing the barrel during combat was difficult—it required a special wrench to remove the lock and protect the hands from burns.

The bolt was locked using two locking lugs that spread sideways when the firing pin moved forward. Once the bolt reached the forward position, the bolt carrier continued moving, and the widened middle section of the firing pin, connected to it, pushed the rear ends of the locking lugs outward into the grooves of the receiver, securely locking the bolt. After firing, the bolt carrier moved backward under the action of the gas piston. During this, the firing pin was retracted, and special bevels on the carrier brought the locking lugs inward, disengaging them from the receiver and unlocking the bolt. The recoil-operating spring was located under the barrel and could lose elasticity when overheated during intense fire, which was one of the relatively few but significant disadvantages of the DP. Additionally, the locking lugs required precise fitting to achieve symmetrical locking (though this was not a major practical drawback).

Cartridges were arranged in a circle, with bullets facing the center of the disk.

The weapon was fed by flat pan magazines—“platters”—in which cartridges were arranged in a circle with bullets facing the center. This design ensured reliable feeding of rimmed cartridges but had notable drawbacks: large size and weight of the empty magazine, difficulty in transport and reloading, and susceptibility to damage during combat due to deformation. Initial magazines held 49 rounds, later replaced by 47-round ones with improved reliability. The machine gun was issued with three magazines and a metal box for their transport.

Although the DP magazine externally resembled the magazine of the Lewis gun, its operating principle was entirely different; for example, in the Lewis gun, the disk rotated using energy from the bolt via a complex lever system, while in the DP, it was powered by a pre-tensioned spring inside the magazine.

Top view of DP drum magazine
Bottom view of DP drum magazine
Magazine lips

The trigger mechanism allowed only fully automatic fire from an open bolt. It was housed in the trigger frame, attached to the receiver with a cross-pin. There was no conventional safety; instead, it had an automatic safety lever that disengaged when gripping the neck of the stock. During intense fire, the need to constantly press the safety lever tired the shooter, and the rifle-type stock did not aid in maintaining a firm grip during burst fire. The tank version, the DT, had a more successful trigger frame design, featuring a standard safety and a pistol grip. The upgraded version, the DPM, adopted a similar trigger frame. Interestingly, Finnish-modified DPs during overhaul were fitted with a manual safety in addition to the original automatic one.

The DP was fired using a detachable bipod (bipod), which was sometimes lost in the heat of battle due to insecure attachment or became loose, significantly reducing stability and ease of use. The DPM later adopted a fixed bipod. Spent casings were ejected downward.

Accessories

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The machine gun's accessories include[22]:

  • a sectional cleaning rod for cleaning the barrel bore;
  • a wrench-screwdriver for disassembly and assembly;
  • a crank cleaning rod with a bristle brush for cleaning the chamber through the top receiver port without full disassembly;
  • a gas path cleaning tool;
  • two drifts for pushing out pins and dowels;
  • an extractor for removing torn cartridge case necks.

All accessories were packed in a box-bag or a canvas pouch.

Sound Suppressor

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At the end of 1941, the SG-DP (Special Sound Suppressor for the “DP” LMG), likely developed with I.G. Mitin's involvement, was created. It used low-charge rounds with light bullets, reaching a muzzle velocity of 330 m/s. The suppressor enabled silent automatic fire up to 300 m (with a lethal range of up to 500 m). It was adopted by the Red Army on May 27, 1942. In June 1942, Plant No. 2 of the NKVD in Kovrov planned to produce 500 units[23]. The suppressor weighed 1.3 kg, and the overall length of the machine gun with it was 1332 mm[24].

After testing in July 1942, the SG-DP was revised at Kovrov's OKB-2 by designers A.M. Marantsev and I.V. Dolgushev. The improved suppressor had a reduced inner diameter from 16 to 14.5 mm. It weighed 1.15 kg, had an 85 mm muzzle attachment, and an overall length of 291 mm[24].

Snowshoe for the DP LMG
DP-27 with replica snowshoe

In late 1942, the suppressor was tested at the NIPSVO as the SG-42 (Special Suppressor Model 1942). It was presumably used at the front and mass-produced, although production volume is unknown. Postwar tests in February–March 1948 found the suppressors unreliable, and they were decommissioned[25][26].

Between 1948–1950, the suppressor was further developed into the KB-P-535 at OKB-2. It weighed 0.96 kg with obturators, measured 301 mm in length, 68 mm in height, and 34 mm in width. The DP with this suppressor measured 1310 mm[26].

In March–April 1950, the KB-P-535 suppressors were tested with the RP-46 machine gun but again failed to meet requirements[26][27].

Snowshoe

[edit]

Due to the legs of the machine gun sinking into snow or loose soil, various devices were developed, such as the snowshoe.

The snowshoe for the DP consists of metal plates hinged together with a stretched canvas fabric. Two of the plates, with eyelets and straps, are used to attach the bipod legs, while a canvas strap with buckle secures it to the trigger guard.

The snowshoe supports the DP during firing from deep snow, swampy, or sandy ground in summer[28].

Magazines and ammunition could also conveniently be placed on the snowshoe.

Designation

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The Degtyaryov machine gun was accepted for Red Army service in 1927 with the official designation 7,62-мм ручной пулемет обр. 1927 г (7.62mm Hand-Held Machine Gun Model 1927). It was called the ДП-27 (DP-27), although some western sources refer to it as the DP-28.[5]

Variants

[edit]
Chinese Type 53 (DPM)
  • DPM, modernized version adopted in 1943–44, with a more robust bipod fastened to the cooling jacket and the recoil spring housed in a tube projecting from the rear of the receiver which necessitated a pistol grip for this model of the weapon (manufactured in China as the Type 53)[29]
  • DA, for mounting and loading in aircraft (Дегтярёва авиационный, Degtyaryova Aviatsionny; ДА). Also used in tandem mounts known as DA-2. Employed in the early versions of the Tupolev TB-3 bomber and in the Polikarpov R-5 and Polikarpov Po-2 army cooperation aircraft. The DA weighed 7.1 kg empty and 11.5 kg with standard ammunition load. Its rate of fire was 600 rounds per minute. It was built between 1928 and March 1930 with 1,200 units delivered.[30] It was soon superseded by the ShKAS, which had a much higher rate of fire.
  • DT and DTM, for mounting and loading in armoured fighting vehicles (Дегтярёва танковый, Degtyaryova Tankovy; ДТ and ДТМ)[31]
  • DTM-4, (ДТМ-4) quad mounted variant.[32]
RP-46
  • RP-46 (Ротный пулемет - company machine gun): metallic-belt fed version adopted in 1946 with a heavier barrel to allow prolonged sustained fire. About 500 rounds could be fired continuously before the barrel had to be swapped or allowed to cool down. Also had a user-adjustable gas system, with three holes of varying diameters provided, to cope with varying environmental conditions and residue buildup. Although the empty weight of the RP-46 exceeded that of DP by 2.5 kg, when considered together with a single ammo box of 250 rounds, the RP-46 weighed 10 kg less than the DP together with the same amount of ammunition in DP pans. The RP-46 remained in Soviet service for 15 years before it was replaced (together with the SGM) by the PK machine gun.[5] The RP-46 was later manufactured in China as the Type 58 and in North Korea as the Type 64.[33] The RP-46 could still fire from DP-style magazines by removing its belt-feeding system.[34]

Users

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See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Degtyaryov machine gun

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from Grokipedia
The , commonly known as the DP-28 or DP-27, is a Soviet designed by and adopted by the in 1928 as its standard squad automatic weapon. Chambered for the full-powered rifle cartridge, it is gas-operated using a long-stroke with flapper locking and is fed from a distinctive 47-round double-pan mounted atop the receiver. Weighing approximately 9.12 kg (20.11 lb) unloaded, the DP-28 measures 1,270 mm (50 in) in overall length with a 604 mm (23.8 in) barrel, achieving a cyclic of about 550 rounds per minute. Developed in response to the Soviet military's need for a reliable, domestically produced following , the DP-28 underwent service trials in before full adoption, replacing imported designs like the and becoming a cornerstone of . Its robust construction, including a bipod for sustained fire support and wooden furniture for harsh environments, made it well-suited to the Eastern Front's extreme conditions during , where over 800,000 units were produced in total and it equipped Soviet rifle squads alongside the Mosin-Nagant rifle. The weapon's pan magazine, while innovative for its era, was prone to jamming from dirt and required careful handling, yet its simplicity allowed for field repairs and widespread use by partisan forces. Post-war, the DP-28 influenced variants such as the DPM (a lighter model with a adopted in 1943–1944) and saw export to allies in and the , remaining in limited service through the and various insurgencies into the late . Despite its obsolescence by modern standards due to the rimmed cartridge's feeding issues and lack of quick-change barrel, the DP-28's legacy endures as an iconic symbol of Soviet engineering, emphasizing reliability over in mass mobilization warfare.

Development

Origins and Design Process

Vasily Alekseevich Degtyaryov, a prominent Soviet weapons designer born on January 2, 1880, in , led the development of the Degtyaryov machine gun as part of his extensive work on small arms. A disciple of renowned gunsmith Vladimir Fyodorov, Degtyaryov headed the Soviet Union's first firearms design bureau at the Arms Factory starting in 1918, where he focused on automatic weapons. His prior contributions included early prototypes of light machine guns in the , building on Fedorov's 1916 automatic rifle designs, and an developed in 1926 using gas-operated mechanics. In the post-World War I era, the Soviet sought a domestic to replace imported models like the Danish Madsen, which had been used during the conflict but proved costly and logistically challenging for mass production. The requirements emphasized reliability in harsh environmental conditions, portability for squads, and compatibility with the existing rimmed cartridge from the Mosin-Nagant rifle to simplify logistics. This need prompted a competition involving designers like Degtyaryov, Fyodor Fyodorov, and Fyodor Tokarev, aimed at creating an affordable, rugged weapon for squad automatic fire. Degtyaryov began the design process in , focusing on a gas-operated with a long-stroke gas to ensure robust operation under field conditions. Key innovations included a flapper-locking mechanism, inspired by earlier designs like the Kjellman-Friberg , to securely lock the bolt while managing the of the full-power cartridge, and a top-mounted pan magazine holding 47 rounds to prevent rimlock issues common with rimmed in belt or feeds. Early prototypes, developed between and in with Fyodorov, addressed feeding reliability but encountered challenges such as barrel overheating during sustained fire and excessive affecting accuracy. By 1927, Degtyaryov completed a refined prototype that balanced simplicity and durability, incorporating a fixed barrel with a bipod for stability despite initial concerns.

Testing and Adoption

Field trials for the Degtyaryov light machine gun commenced in the during the late 1920s, with initial prototype evaluations occurring in December 1926. Two improved prototypes underwent rigorous testing, firing a total of 40,000 rounds under adverse conditions, which resulted in only 0.6% stoppages, demonstrating high reliability. Following these preliminary assessments, the redesigned weapon, designated as the DP-27, was subjected to official trials at the plant from January 17 to 21, 1927. The machine gun passed all required evaluations without major failures, confirming its suitability for use. Based on trial feedback, minor refinements were implemented to enhance operational performance, including adjustments to the gas system and overall . The Soviet military formally adopted the DP-27 as its standard on December 21, 1927, with the designation later updated to DP-28 upon entry into production in 1928. Initial manufacturing began at the Machine Building Plant, marking a key step in Soviet small arms independence. Production scaled rapidly to meet demands, with total production reaching approximately 800,000 units through expanded facilities and wartime mobilization efforts, primarily during . This output underscored the weapon's central role in Soviet .

Design and Operation

Operating Mechanism

The Degtyaryov DP-28 employs a gas-operated mechanism utilizing a long-stroke gas that drives a mechanism to lock the breech. This design relies on high-pressure gases diverted through a port in the barrel to actuate the , which is rigidly attached to the bolt carrier, ensuring reliable cycling without short-stroke or recoil-operated variants in the base model. In the firing cycle, upon ignition of the cartridge, gases are tapped from the barrel and directed into the , where they expand to drive the and bolt carrier rearward. This rearward movement first retracts the lugs to unlock the bolt from the receiver, allowing extraction and ejection of the spent cartridge case via a fixed ejector; the carrier then continues rearward to cock the striker, after which the return spring compresses. On the forward stroke, the bolt carrier strips a fresh round from the pan magazine, chambers it, and extends the lugs to lock, readying the for the next shot. The mechanism fires from an open-bolt position to aid cooling and prevent . Safety features include a manual lever located on the left side of the receiver, which, when engaged, blocks the trigger and sear to prevent firing, and a hinged dust cover over the top-mounted feed opening that shields the mechanism from debris ingress during operation. The cyclic is 550 rounds per minute, with an of 800 meters when using the standard . Unique to the design, the return spring surrounds the gas shaft beneath the barrel for compactness, though this placement contributed to overheating issues in prolonged fire, and the gravity-assisted pan magazine rotates via studs on the bolt carrier that engage the drum's during .

Specifications and Components

The Degtyaryov DP-28 light machine gun is chambered for the 7.62×54mmR rimmed cartridge, a full-powered round that provides substantial stopping power for infantry support roles. The muzzle velocity of the projectile is 840 m/s, contributing to an effective firing range of 200 to 800 meters, influenced by the type of sights employed. Ballistically, the cartridge delivers approximately 3,500 J of muzzle energy, enabling penetration through light cover such as thin wooden barriers or soft soil at typical engagement distances. Key dimensions of the DP-28 include an overall length of 1,270 mm and a barrel length of 604 mm, making it a relatively compact for its era despite its robust construction. The unloaded weight is 9.12 kg (with an empty magazine), increasing to 11.3 kg when fitted with a fully loaded magazine, which balances portability with sustained fire capability. The feed system utilizes a 47-round double-stack pan mounted atop the receiver, with rounds held individually in radial compartments, rims alternating to aid reliable feeding of the rimmed cartridges under field conditions. Primary components encompass a barrel in a fixed perforated shroud for dissipation and user protection, a folding bipod attached to the barrel for stability during prone firing, a wooden buttstock with integrated cleaning kit compartment, and a separate wooden for control. Sighting is provided by adjustable , featuring a front post and a rear notch scalable up to 2,000 meters for long-range adjustment.
SpecificationDetail
Caliber7.62×54mmR
Muzzle Velocity840 m/s
Effective Range200–800 m
Overall Length1,270 mm
Barrel Length604 mm
Weight (Unloaded)9.12 kg
Weight (Loaded)11.3 kg
Magazine Capacity47 rounds (pan)

Accessories and Attachments

Standard Accessories

The standard accessories issued with the DP-28 light machine gun for infantry use facilitated maintenance, transport, and deployment in the field. The bipod featured adjustable steel legs attached to the forward portion of the barrel jacket, providing stability for prone firing positions. A dedicated cleaning kit was provided, including a sectional rod, , and a small oil bottle with integrated brush applicator housed in the buttstock for convenient access and storage. The sling consisted of a sturdy strap with reinforcements, enabling soldiers to carry the approximately 9 kg weapon over extended distances during marches. Spare parts typically included replacement components for repairing the pan magazine, a carry handle for the quick-detachable barrel, and two spare barrels carried in special boxes. Maintenance tools encompassed a wrench-screwdriver combination for gas system disassembly, such as removal, along with additional brushes for chamber cleaning.

Specialized Modifications

An experimental integral silencer for the Degtyaryov DP machine gun was developed and tested in 1941 during the for potential use in covert operations, though it did not enter serial production. Known as the SG-DP, this sound suppressor was designed to reduce the weapon's noise signature while using low-charge ammunition, but it increased backpressure and was not widely adopted due to reliability issues in field conditions. To adapt the DP for harsh winter environments, Soviet forces employed specialized bipod attachments resembling snowshoes or pads to prevent the legs from sinking into deep snow, particularly after experiences in the 1939–1940 Finnish Winter War. These extensions, often improvised or issued post-1939, allowed stable emplacement in snowy terrain and were integrated into ski unit tactics where machine guns were dragged on sleds for rapid deployment. Such modifications enhanced mobility and firing stability in cold weather operations without altering the base design's gas-operated mechanism. Rare optical sight adaptations for the DP series included experimental telescopic mounts tested in 1935 on the PD variant for designated marksman roles, aiming to extend effective accuracy beyond standard iron sights. These mounts, though unsuccessful in trials due to balance and durability concerns, were tested for precision in aimed fire. Compatibility with the DP's receiver allowed for occasional use in sniper teams, prioritizing controlled bursts over sustained fire. For anti-aircraft roles, the DA aviation variant of the Degtyaryov machine gun featured a folding handle and specialized ring sights, which were applicable to ground-based DP adaptations via a anti-aircraft . This setup included a lightweight folding and anti-aircraft ring sight for elevated firing against low-flying , designed specifically for the DP. The modification facilitated quick transitions from infantry to AA configurations, though it saw limited adoption beyond experimental and wartime emergency use.

Variants

Infantry Models

The Degtyaryov DP-28, adopted in as the standard for Soviet squads, utilized a fixed 47-round pan magazine and featured traditional wooden furniture, including a fixed bipod and stock for stability during sustained fire. Weighing 9.12 kg unloaded, it was designed for portability by a single gunner and assistant, emphasizing durability in extreme environments typical of Eastern Front operations. In response to wartime manufacturing demands, the DPM variant emerged in 1943–1944 as a modernization of the DP-28, incorporating a stamped metal receiver to reduce production complexity and material use, along with a for improved handling. This model achieved a lighter unloaded weight of 8.4 kg while maintaining the pan magazine feed and non-folding stock, distinguishing it from the original's milled receiver and facilitating mass output without sacrificing core functionality. The RP-46, introduced in , represented a further evolution for use by converting the DPM to belt-fed operation with 100- or 200-round non-disintegrating belts, enabling greater capacity and sustained capability. It featured a quick-detachable barrel to manage heat buildup, an increased cyclic rate of 600 rounds per minute, and an unloaded weight of 13 kg, with production continuing into the in limited quantities to bridge the transition to newer squad automatic weapons. Key differences among these infantry models included the DP-28's reliance on machined components and versus the DPM's simplified stamped and ergonomic grip, while the RP-46's belt feed and barrel detachability addressed limitations in prolonged engagements compared to both predecessors. By the end of , over 795,000 DP-28 and DPM units had been manufactured, underscoring their pivotal role in equipping Soviet ground forces.

Vehicle and Aircraft Adaptations

The DT (Degtyaryov Tankovyi), introduced in 1930 as a for , was a modified version of the DP infantry , with the bipod and removed to facilitate fixed mounting and an electric or manual trigger mechanism added for integration. This variant featured a shortened receiver to better suit confined tank interiors and lacked a barrel jacket, relying on the 's environment for cooling. Weighing 7.5 kg without its 63-round disc magazine, the DT fired at a cyclic rate of 500–600 rounds per minute using the cartridge, providing effective from . It was widely installed in Soviet tanks, including the as both and hull-mounted weapons, and the medium tank primarily as a gun alongside the main armament. The DA (Degtyaryov Aviatsionny), developed in 1928 and produced through 1930, served as an early adaptation with a spade grip for turret or flexible mounts and specialized anti-aircraft sights optimized for aerial engagements up to 2,000 meters. The twin DA-2 configuration allowed synchronized firing through arcs for wing installations or defensive turrets on s. Empty weight was 7.1 kg, increasing to 11.5 kg when loaded with a 63-round disc magazine, and the was 600 rounds per minute to balance reliability during flight. modifications included added cooling fins on the barrel to mitigate heat buildup in high-altitude operations and a compact 940 mm length for integration. Approximately 1,200 units were manufactured before the DA series was phased out by in favor of higher-rate guns like the ShKAS for light roles and the for heavier calibers. These variants were deployed on and such as the , (U-2), and Tupolev TB-3. In contrast to the portable DP, the DT and DA emphasized fixed, automated without provisions for dismounted use.

Operational History

World War II Service

The Degtyaryov light machine gun, known as the DP-28, saw its first major combat during the between the and from 1939 to 1940. Finnish forces captured thousands of these weapons from Soviet troops, adopting them into service under the nickname "Emma" due to their distinctive pan magazine design. The DP-28's reliability in harsh winter conditions allowed captured examples to be effectively repurposed by the , who found the weapon simple to maintain despite the extreme cold that plagued Soviet logistics and contributed to high losses. During the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945), the DP-28 became the standard squad automatic weapon in the , providing that helped blunt German advances in the early stages of . By mid-1941, the Soviet military had approximately 170,400 light machine guns in service, with the DP-28 forming the backbone of infantry firepower amid the chaotic retreats. Its rugged construction proved effective in suppressing enemy positions during the initial German onslaught, contributing to the defense against rapid incursions despite the overwhelming numerical superiority of Axis forces. Overall, around 795,000 DP-28 and its variants were produced from 1928 through the early 1950s, with wartime output ramping up significantly after 1941 to equip expanding Soviet formations. The weapon excelled in key battles, including the Defense of in late 1941, where Soviet machine gun crews used the DP-28 to hold defensive lines in forested outskirts against German assaults. In the urban fighting of Stalingrad (1942–1943), its portability and sustained fire capability made it ideal for close-quarters combat amid rubble and buildings, supporting riflemen in house-to-house engagements. The modernized DPM variant, introduced in 1943–1944 with an improved bipod and recoil spring housing, aided Soviet infantry advances during the that summer, providing mobile suppression as counteroffensives pushed back German positions. Despite its strengths, the DP-28 had notable drawbacks that affected its performance in prolonged engagements. The top-mounted pan magazine, holding 47 rounds, was vulnerable to damage from rough handling or debris, often jamming if bent or dented during transport. Additionally, the fixed barrel and spring under the barrel were prone to overheating after extended bursts—typically beyond 200–300 rounds without pauses—leading to loss of spring elasticity and reduced reliability. These issues were particularly evident in intense firefights, where gunners had to manage heat buildup to maintain effectiveness.

Post-War and Modern Conflicts

Following World War II, the Degtyaryov light machine gun continued to see service in major conflicts, primarily through Soviet aid to communist allies. During the Korean War (1950–1953), the Soviet Union supplied DP-27 and DPM variants to North Korean and Chinese forces, where they provided squad-level suppressive fire in the rugged, mountainous terrain that characterized much of the fighting. These weapons were valued for their reliability in harsh conditions, though they were gradually supplemented by more modern designs as the war progressed. In the (1955–1975), the Degtyaryov machine gun was extensively employed by the and (PAVN), with Soviet shipments including both the original DP-27 and the belt-fed RP-46 variant aiding guerrilla operations in dense jungles and ambushes. U.S. forces frequently captured these weapons during engagements. The gun's lightweight design and high made it suitable for mobile infantry tactics against superior firepower. During the Soviet-Afghan War (1979–1989), Afghan mujahideen fighters captured Degtyaryov machine guns from Soviet stockpiles and used them in , including defensive positions against invading forces. These captured DPs proved effective in prolonged engagements in the country's varied terrain, contributing to the insurgents' ability to sustain fire from elevated or concealed locations. By the 1960s, the Degtyaryov had largely been phased out of frontline Soviet and service in favor of belt-fed successors like the RPD and PKM, but surplus stocks persisted in reserves across and into 2025, where they supported irregular forces amid ongoing insurgencies. In the (2022–present), both Russian and Ukrainian forces have resorted to stored DP-27s and DPMs for reserve units facing ammunition shortages, with sightings of the weapon in territorial defense roles. As of 2024, Ukrainian forces continue to employ the DP-28 in reserve and territorial defense units, with approximately 120,000 units remaining in inventory. China produced a licensed copy of the DPM as the Type 53 light machine gun starting in the 1950s, incorporating minor improvements such as an enhanced bipod and simplified maintenance for tropical environments, which extended its utility in Asian conflicts.

Operators

Soviet and Allied Use

The Degtyaryov DP-27 light machine gun served as the primary for the from its adoption in until the mid-1950s, when it was gradually replaced by more modern designs like the RPD. Produced primarily at the Tula and arms factories, a total of approximately 795,000 units were manufactured in the between and the early 1950s. In Red Army doctrine, the DP-27 was integrated at the squad level, with one weapon assigned per rifle or to provide mobile , prioritizing portability and short bursts over sustained suppression to complement heavier machine guns. During , the supplied DP-27s to Allied partisans as part of broader aid efforts, including shipments to Yugoslav Partisan forces fighting Axis occupation, where the weapon bolstered their capabilities. Limited quantities were also provided to the and for evaluation and testing, allowing Western allies to assess Soviet design. Post-1945, the DP-27 was exported to nations, including , , and , where it filled suppression roles in units until the , aligning with standardized Soviet bloc equipment. In these forces, it supported doctrinal emphasis on massed maneuvers with integrated fire. As of 2025, the Russian military maintains a small inventory of DP-27 variants in reserves for ceremonial purposes such as parades and historical reenactments, though some have seen limited reactivation in ongoing conflicts.

Captured and Exported Users

During , Finnish forces captured significant numbers of Degtyaryov DP-27 light machine guns from Soviet troops, particularly during the (1939–1940) and the subsequent (1941–1944). By the end of the , over 3,400 examples had been seized and integrated into Finnish service, where they supplemented and often rivaled the domestically produced Lahti-Saloranta M/26 due to their reliability in harsh winter conditions. Additional captures during the brought the total to more than 9,000 by 1944, with the weapons designated as Degtjarev M/27-r and employed across Finnish infantry units. German forces also acquired DP-27s through battlefield captures on the Eastern Front, redesignating them as the 7.62 mm leichte Maschinengewehr 120(r) for standardization. These captured guns were issued to second-line units, including the militia in the war's final stages, where their simple design allowed for rapid deployment despite ammunition supply challenges. Japanese use of captured DP-27s was limited, primarily occurring in border clashes such as the (1939) and during operations in , where small quantities were pressed into service by units facing Soviet forces. However, their adoption was minimal compared to standard Japanese light machine guns like the Type 11 and Type 96, due to logistical incompatibilities with ammunition. Post-war exports and licensing played a key role in the Degtyaryov's proliferation beyond Soviet-aligned states. China produced a licensed copy of the modernized DPM variant as the Type 53 light machine gun starting in the early 1950s, making it one of the first standardized squad automatic weapons in the arsenal. This domestic production supported Chinese forces during the and subsequent conflicts, with surplus examples remaining in storage or reserve roles into the , reflecting the weapon's enduring utility in second-line applications. North Korean forces received DP-27s and DPMs through Soviet military aid, deploying them extensively during the (1950–1953) as squad support weapons alongside domestically produced small arms. Similarly, Soviet and Chinese aid packages supplied the weapons to North Vietnamese and forces during the (1946–1954) and the (1955–1975), where they provided sustained fire in until largely phased out by more modern designs in the 1980s, though some remained in use into the early 2000s among reserve and irregular units. In non-state contexts, captured or surplus Degtyaryov variants circulated widely through proxy networks. Mujahideen fighters in Afghanistan acquired DP-27s and RP-46 upgrades from Soviet stockpiles during the Soviet-Afghan War (1979–1989), using them in ambushes and defensive positions due to their robustness in rugged terrain. While in Mali, surplus examples appeared among government and rebel forces in post-colonial conflicts, often sourced through informal arms transfers. These acquisitions highlight the gun's persistence as affordable surplus in the Global South. Insurgent groups in the Middle East, including Iraqi militants during the Iraq War (2003–2011), employed the RP-46 variant—a drum-fed evolution of the DP—for its portability in urban guerrilla operations, typically obtained from smuggled stockpiles originating in Cold War-era exports. The weapon has also seen use by rebel groups in the Syrian Civil War (2011–present) and Libyan Civil War (2011–2020), as well as by Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces since the 2022 Russian invasion.

References

  1. https://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.php?smallarms_id=413
  2. https://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Degtyaryov_DP
  3. https://odin.tradoc.army.mil/WEG/Asset/08d8f2feed33900f1dbf896877ee2dd2
  4. https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/meet-dp-28-red-armys-record-player-or-killer-machine-gun-163703
  5. https://www.thearmorylife.com/dp-27-degtyaryov-lmg/
  6. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/degtyarev-va.htm
  7. https://en.kalashnikovgroup.ru/media/100-let-krasnoy-armii/100-let-krasnoy-armii-ruchnoy-pulemet-degtyareva-dp
  8. https://www.laipublications.com/en/degtyareva-pekhotiny-the-light-machine-gun-of-the-great-patriotic-war/
  9. https://www.forgottenweapons.com/the-long-road-to-the-dp-27/
  10. https://machine-gun-around-the-world.fandom.com/wiki/Degtyaryov_DP-27
  11. https://all-andorra.com/degtyaryov-machine-gun/
  12. https://istochnik.us/the-dp-27/
  13. https://www.gunsandammo.com/editorial/a-soviet-workhorse-the-dp-28-machine-gun/248639
  14. http://www.wardrawings.be/WW2/Files/5-IndividualWeapons/Allies/2-USSR/04-Machine-Guns/DP-28/DP-28.htm
  15. https://www.breachbangclear.com/dp-28-the-soviets-infantry-machine-gun/
  16. https://sofrep.com/specialoperations/arms-of-the-soviet-union-dp-28-light-machine-gun/
  17. https://www.ima-usa.com/products/original-soviet-russian-wwii-era-degtyaryov-dp-28-display-light-machine-gun-with-pan-magazine-2
  18. https://smallarmsreview.com/russian-dp28-gunners-kit/
  19. https://en.topwar.ru/14415-degtyarev-pehotnyy-pulemetu-dp-85-let.html
  20. https://www.gunpartscorp.com/gun-manufacturer/dp-28
  21. https://modernfirearms.net/en/machineguns/russia-machineguns/dp-dpm-rp-46-eng/
  22. https://www.safar-publishing.com/post/rp-46-the-most-mysterious-soviet-machine-gun
  23. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA005480.pdf
  24. https://en.topwar.ru/236466-ne-izvestnyj-aviacionnyj-pulemet-degtjareva.html
  25. https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/where-will-we-bury-them-all-finnish-arms-of-the-winter-war/
  26. https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/battle-of-moscow-wwiis-first-critical-turning-point/
  27. https://www.historynet.com/red-army-riflemen-1941-45/
  28. https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/combat-studies-institute/csi-books/glantz2.pdf
  29. https://wwiiafterwwii.wordpress.com/2015/06/01/wwii-gear-in-afghan-use-part-i-firearms/
  30. https://www.twz.com/44034/pre-world-war-ii-dp-27-machine-guns-could-go-to-needy-ukrainian-reserve-units
  31. https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/02/26/wwi-and-wwii-firearm-relics-still-used-in-russo-ukrainian-war/
  32. https://weaponsystems.net/system/1682-Degtyarev%20DP-27
  33. https://www.nytimes.com/1974/10/10/archives/in-soviet-interview-tito-rebuts-view-on-war-aid.html
  34. https://sofrep.com/news/arms-soviet-union-dp-28-light-machine-gun/
  35. https://www.safar-publishing.com/post/the-dp-27-in-the-russo-ukrainian-war-a-soviet-machine-gun-back-on-the-battlefield
  36. https://www.jaegerplatoon.net/LMG1.htm
  37. https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/winter-warrior-the-finnish-lahti-saloranta-m-26-lmg/
  38. https://www.vffwts.de/en/articles/mg120rthe-light-machine-gunrussian-model-degtjarjow-dp28.html
  39. https://wwiiafterwwii.wordpress.com/2017/04/21/north-korea-wwii-weapons-after-the-korean-war/
  40. https://www.armamentresearch.com/small-arms-recovered-in-mali/
  41. https://wwiiafterwwii.wordpress.com/2017/06/27/syrian-civil-war-wwii-weapons-used/
  42. https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/44034/pre-world-war-ii-dp-27-machine-guns-could-go-to-needy-ukrainian-reserve-units
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