Decommissioning does not always mean a serious backwardness of some kind of weapon. As a rule, new generation weapons systems replace old ones, and combat performance is not the only determining factor. Thus, when a real war breaks out, many officially decommissioned weapons are taken back out of storage, put into battle, and able to successfully compete with active weapons. In local conflicts in the 20th century, a wide variety of weapons were widely used, including flintlock pistols used in Afghanistan. In the hotspots of the former Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union, weapons from the times of the Second World War and even the First World War were widely used. During the Special Military Operation (СВО), almost all the exhibits of the "Museum of Past Wars" were used: Mosin Nagant rifles, Maxim heavy machine guns, TT pistols, DP-27 light machine guns, MG-42 machine guns, PPSh submachine guns, PTRD anti-tank rifles, SKS semi-automatic rifles and dozens of other more or less legendary weapons.
Dege Galev RPD light machine gun: on display on canvas. Belts, chains, grenades...
Backstory
During the Great Patriotic War, the main armament of the Red Army soldiers consisted of Maxim heavy machine guns and Doggalev infantry machine guns (DP-27), Mosin Nagant rifles and Tokarev rifles (SVT-40, AVT-40) - these weapons used 7.62x54 mm rifle-machine gun ammunition.
Soviet soldiers are armed with Tokarev SVT-40 rifles
Submachine guns (PPD, PPS, PPSh) with 7.62x25 mm pistol ammunition (based on Mauser C96 and TT-33 pistols) were gradually introduced.
TT pistol with 7.62x25mm ammunition
Machine guns and rifles excel in long-range combat: they can effectively fire at a range of up to 800 meters, 1 km or even more. The submachine gun, due to its high rate of fire, could provide high-density fire, but was effective only at short distances due to the relatively weak ammunition of the pistol. Beyond 150 meters, the accuracy of automatic fire drops significantly. When firing a single shot, the rifle had an advantage in all respects.
Soldiers of the era of the Great Patriotic War are armed with the legendary PPSh submachine gun
This situation has not attracted much attention, because at that time there was no obvious alternative to challenge the dominance of these two 7.62 mm caliber ammunition: rifle cartridges and pistol cartridges. (This refers to mass-produced weapons.) ）
Mosin Nagant rifle with 7.62x54mm ammunition
Back in the 1930s, designers were working on less powerful ammunition, which was less powerful than rifle ammunition. But at that time, there were many ideas and ideas, but they did not reach the stage of mass production. Later, when the war broke out, this research was interrupted, and it was not until the third year after the war situation improved that the topic was reopened.
"Sturmgewehr" - gave rise to a lot of realities and myths about the history of Soviet-style weapons in the 20th century......
The captured German "Sturmgewehr" sample in 1943 used 7.92x33 mm ammunition and a 7.62x33 mm M1 carbine supplied by the US military, which led the Soviet Weapons Committee to begin developing its own intermediate power ammunition. The obtained sample ammunition was between rifle and pistol cartridges, which led to the development of its own intermediate-power ammunition and corresponding weapons.
From left to right: 7.62x54 mm rifle machine gun rounds with flanges, 7.62x39 mm mid-power rounds, 7.62x25 mm pistol rounds
In the course of the research, the idea of a whole range of weapons with universal intermediate-power ammunition was born:
• Automatic or semi-automatic rifles (carbines);
• Light machine guns;
• Submachine guns with stronger ammo.
The idea is exciting, and what attracts it is its potential to unify and simplify the supply of the army. Just one kind of ammunition! On paper, this is excellent.
In addition, each ammunition saves about 6 grams of weight compared to rifle cartridges, while maintaining sufficient effectiveness at most infantry combat distances.
However, as we know it today, this concept was only partially realized. Intermediate-power ammunition failed to completely replace all ammunition in the field of infantry firearms.
Rifles and carbines, which were infantry weapons, were completely replaced by automatic rifles with 7.62x39 mm (later 5.45x39 mm low-pulse rounds). But for sniper applications, the intermediate power bullet is obviously too weak. Sniper rifles, such as the Dragonov Sniper Rifle (SVD), its modifications, and some other rifles (e.g., SV-98, SVCh), still use the venerable flanged 7.62x54 mm rifle cartridge.
7.62x54 mm flanged rifle cartridge for Mosin Nagant rifle, SVD, Maxim machine gun, DP-27, PK machine gun
Intermediate-power ammunition has also not been able to completely replace rifle cartridges in the field of machine guns. Individual machine guns (for example, RPKs) have their place in intermediate-power ammunition, but they are to a certain extent considered "secondary machine guns". Considering this background, the Deggarev RPD-44 light machine gun looks especially interesting.
RPD
Back in 1943, Alizarov and Samuel began to develop Soviet intermediate-power munitions. Originally it was 7.62x41 mm, and by the end of the 40s of the 20th century, it was finalized into the 7.62x39 mm that is common today.
РПД chain, intermediate power bullet 7.62x39 mm
In late 1943, the legendary Soviet weapons designer Vasily · Alekseevich · Deggalev and his team began to develop a new machine gun to accommodate the new intermediate-power ammunition.
From RD-44 to RPD-44
If the early designs were very successful, it is only natural to take the same approach or even copy some components directly. Thus, the new light machine gun of Dzeg Galev in many respects inherited the DP-27 and large-caliber DShK machine guns for infantry. The new machine gun had a lot of similarities in automation work, gas system, bolt structure, trigger mechanism, etc.
RPD and its accessories. Ammunition, magazines, some kind of submachine gun, RPG-7 and its launcher......
In 1944, the first samples appeared, collectively known as the RD-44: "Deg Galev light machine gun", indicating the year. These weapons were tested at the front in small batches, but failed to be mass-produced during the war (as in the case of the SKS carbine, the same ammunition was used).
Simonov carbine, SKS, uses 7.62x39 mm intermediate-power rounds
Therefore, the appearance of "1944" in the name of the famous RPD light machine gun is slightly far-fetched. A number of improvements were made during this period to address the reliability issues and blockages of the gas system. It was not until the end of the 1940s that the final intermediate-power ammunition was determined to be the 7.62x39 mm as it is known today.
Marines of the Baltic Fleet carry RPDs
Thus, the RPD light machine gun began to be mass-produced and widely equipped with troops only in the early 1950s as the most powerful firepower weapon in the squad.
Rapid decline
In 1947, the young Mikhail ·Timofeevich · Kalashnikov developed the AK automatic rifle.
AK
In the shadow of Deeggalev, a new design star rose in the field of Soviet weapons.
In 1959, AKM was born.
In the early 60s, Kalashnikov light machine guns (RPK) and universal machine guns (PK) appeared, both in infantry version (PKS) and tank version (PKT).
Kalashnikov light machine gun, RPK. Squad weapons, RPD successors in the Soviet Army
At the end of the 60s, a lightweight improved version of the PK (PKM) designed for infantry appeared.
Kalashnikov machine gun, PK. Universal machine gun, infantry version
Considering the goal of mass production, standardized production becomes crucial. Kalashnikov's automatic rifles and machine guns have a lot in common, and the production line can be easily adjusted. Dzeg Galev's light machine gun in this case appeared redundant and structurally different.
RPD with a detachable cartridge chain
Therefore, the RPD is destined to be replaced by the RPK in the squad. The modest weight of the PK and the convenient cartridge chain case also weakened the usefulness of the RPD, although they were suitable for different levels of platoon and company.
Another angle of RPD
From the mid-60s, RPDs were gradually withdrawn from the troops, replaced by RPKs. This process continued for many years, but by the mid-70s, RPD was already very rare in elite troops. The arrival of the new 5.45x39 mm low-pulse projectile used in the AK-74 and RPK-74 accelerated the process of phasing out RPDs. A large number of RPD machine guns were stored in army reserve warehouses.
Served in the Soviet Army
A certain friend of the East, armed with a Soviet RPD
In general, despite the fact that the RPD was not directly involved in the combat operations of the USSR, it was actively supplied to Soviet allies around the world.
Asian warriors held RPDs, and the might of the Soviet military industry was in their hands – formidable
It is used and used in about 40 countries today. This is reasonable. The machine gun is simple and reliable, using the same ammunition as the legendary and extremely widespread AK (AKM).
"Type 56"
This machine gun was called "Type 56". It has been produced in Egypt and Poland.
The one on the left is holding an RPD with a shortened barrel
At one time, RPDs with shortened barrels were used in various "Delta" units and "Navy SEALs".
Western servicemen liked the concept of a light machine gun with a chain feed. However, when equipping themselves with such machine guns, they adopted a different design, which was not realized until a later period. In the mid-1970s, Belgium's FN Minimi appeared. Ten years later, the United States version of the M249 SAW was introduced. In the 90s, Israel-made "Negev" appeared.
Israel servicemen are armed with a version of the FN Minimi with a 5.56×45 mm small-caliber intermediate bullet
Technical aspects of RPD
This machine gun consists of the following main components and components:
Main components and assemblies, partially disassembled
• Barrel and bolt case
• Latching racks and gas pistons
• Loading handles
•Atresia
• Reset mechanism
• Trigger mounts, trigger mechanisms, stocks
• Chain box (or disc magazine)
РПД and accessories: tool box (including wrench, percussion); Oil cans, spare chain boxes, belts, chain box carrying bags
• Notes:
• Non-replaceable barrels. Capable of withstanding a high rate of fire of 300 rounds (3 chain cartridges), it is suitable for long-term continuous firing.
Front handguard, retracter cover, mechanical sight, chain box suspension bracket
• The reentry spring is mounted inside the butt, so the butt cannot be folded.
• The trigger mechanism is so simple that it can't even be called a complete firing mechanism.
Operating mechanism of RPD
The fire selector has only two positions: insurance and fully automatic fire.
RPD's chain box
The cartridge chain box holds 100 rounds and consists of two standard 50-round segments that are connected together by a single bullet.
An open chain box
Chains need to be reloaded manually (a cumbersome process) or a special loader (similar to a meat grinder), which is now quite rare.
RPD ammo box with bullet chain full of bullets
The ammunition box is not a magazine, but just a container for a chain. This is more reliable than the disc magazine of the RPK, which has a notorious reputation for frequent breakdowns. It is also possible to shoot only with a chain without an ammunition box. However, the ammunition box prevents the chain from hanging on the object, thus avoiding jamming.
The ammunition box was attached to the bolt frame by a special bracket at the bottom.
Close-up of the details of the RPD
The case cover is held by a fixture, which opens upwards to attach the cartridge chain. Closing the case cover is a dangerous operation and finger protection should be taken.
The bipod is non-removable. Putting it in a combat position requires three steps: unfastening the fastener, unfolding the bipod downward, and then unfolding it by squeezing and releasing it again. Although it is not the quickest and most convenient operation, it is quite effective when quick action is required and is already suppressed by enemy fire.
Unfolded RPD bipod
The position of the through bar is very unique: it is located in the lower left of the trigger frame, and the tip of the through bar passes through the handguard.
The tail of the butt had a cavity for storing oil cans, covered with a steel cap.
Tail view of the RPD butt. Below it is the storage cavity of the oil pot and the re-entry spring
The overall structure is relatively simple, and it is easy to carry out incomplete disassembly and maintenance.
RPD machine guns are used
Attach the chain box with the chain to the machine gun and fasten it. Open the pop-up link window. Push the retainer forward and lift the receiver cover. Pull the end plate of the chain from the right side so that the first link is above the link of the chain. Close the receiver lid (be careful with your fingers).
The chain is loaded
Turn off the fuse (the fuse is located on the top right of the trigger). Pull the lever to the very end position and compress the recoiling spring. The protrusion of the bolt frame (firing cam) was stuck on the trigger hook. To make the first shot and shoot continuously, press the trigger. The trigger hook is depressed, the bolt frame detaches and flies forward, pushing the bullet in the chain into the chamber, which is locked with the bolt (similar to the locking lugs of the DP and DShK separate and snap on the locking grooves of the receiver). The firing pin strikes the primer, triggering a shot.
Photograph of the RPD machine gun on a bipod, taken from above at an oblique angle
A portion of the gunpowder gas enters the gas system through a hole in the barrel, pushing the piston and bolt frame backwards while compressing the recoiling spring. The cartridge case was pumped out and ejected from the bottom, slightly deflecting around the chain box.
The RPD machine gun was equipped with a chain but no chain box, which was placed separately next to the photo
If the trigger is released, the crew of the gun moving backwards will be hooked by the trigger, and the shooting will stop. If the trigger continues to be depressed, the gun crew will move forward again directly, push the chain, reload the next round, and repeat. This is how bursting fire works.
RPD in dismantling state
1. Start by removing the throughbar.
2. Using the through-strip or the striking tool taken out of the tool box, knock out the pins at the rear of the receiver from left to right.
3. This will allow you to pull the butt and firing mechanism assembly backwards.
4. Use the charging handle to pull the bolt assembly to the rearmost position.
5. Take out the charging handle.
6. Remove the bolt assembly and piston from the tail (hold the bolt by hand when removing it to prevent its parts from scattering).
7. This makes it possible to clean the barrel and gas system.
8. Reassemble in reverse order.
Specifications of the RPD
RPD and spare chain box (image from open source)
• Length: 1037 mm
• Barrel length: 520 mm
• Caliber: 7.62 mm
• Ammunition: 7.62x39 mm intermediate ammunition
• Weight (with box and unloaded chain): 7.4 kg
• Weight (without chained case): 6.6 kg
• Weight (with cartridge and chain for 100 rounds): 9 kg
• Rate of fire: 650-750 rounds/min
• Technical rate of fire: 150 rounds per minute
• Effective range: up to 800 meters
Comparison of RPK vs. RPD
• RPK: A "drum" magazine with 75 rounds of ammunition and weighs 6.8 kg.
• PKM: Chain with chain box and 100 rounds of 7.62x54 mm ammunition, weighing 11.4 kg.
• RPK: about 1 cm longer than RPD.
• PKM: 12-15 cm long, depending on the type of flame suppressor.
RPD and modernity
In 2014. For a certain purpose, a silent flameless firing installation from the AKM was installed on the RPD......
During the 2022 special military operation, RPD machine guns were used by both sides.
Ukrainian soldiers, carrying RPDs, brand new, taken out of stock
A wide variety of weapons were used...... But RPDs are the most practical in these "museum" collections. The weapon is simple, reliable, and uses AKM ammunition.
A group of soldiers marched in the area of the special military operation. The most recent one carries an RPD
Today, RPD is again gaining relative popularity and widespread use in active troops. A number of cases of the issuance of these machine guns to troops preparing for and participating in the special military operation have been recorded.
RPD chain boxes, which were collected by the populace across the country and given to the soldiers, as they were equipped with only one box of chains. Obviously, there is only one box in stock, and the spare chain box may be in a nearby warehouse......
However, there is some confusion among the recipients about the role and status of these machine guns.
Soldiers carrying RPD during the special military operation
In some places, RPDs are used instead of RPKs. This is normal, because the RPK (not the RPK-74, which uses small-caliber ammunition, but the RPK that uses 7.62x39mm ammunition) and the RPD use the same ammunition. Although the RPD is slightly heavier, its chain feeding system is more reliable than the RPK's drum magazine. In addition, the RPD's cartridge chain box can hold 100 rounds, while the RPK's drum magazine can actually hold only 73-74 rounds, not to mention that its cartridge magazine can only hold 40 rounds.
Russian soldiers carry RPDs in a forest somewhere on the Russian-Ukrainian border, possibly trophies
In some places, RPD is said to be used in place of PKM...... That's a bit weird. The firepower here is not the same. RPD is normal as an alternative to RPK and can be used as a supplement to, but not for, PKM. All kinds of situations can happen in war. In short, there is no doubt that having an RPD is better than nothing.
RPD in the zone of the special military operation
In any case, it is a respectable weapon that continues its fighting career after decades of playing an important role in combat.
RPD retrofit
Deeply modified RPD, remodeled by United States collectors
The RPD machine gun can be retrofitted. Especially in the United States, when this weapon appeared on the market, it was transformed into a carbine in the single-shot mode. The production of modified parts in United States is also very well developed.
Modified RPD
In Russia, such modifications were not widespread, especially for fighter guns. Although some folk enthusiasts tried to modify, "patchwork" with accessories from other samples. Some mods look good, others look weird. But for us, what is more important in war is practicality, not appearance.
Another modded version of the RPD. Barely recognizable......
Deeply modified RPD
Of course, the whims of these fans of modding have nothing to do with the war......