A 7.62-mm Degtyaryov machine gun (DP), USSR.

A 7.62-mm Degtyaryov machine gun (DP), USSR.

The 7.62-mm Degtyaryov DP (Degtyaryov's infantry) machine gun, created in 1927, was the chief automatic fire support weapon in the Red Army’s infantry platoon.

Its main advantage was its simple design, benefitting from the original construction of the breech block and firing mechanism. The gas chamber adjuster enabled the user to alter the amount of combustion gases for the mobile automatic system, which was an important factor for using the weapon in adverse conditions, allowing it to withstand dirt, dust, and extreme temperatures.

In 1943-1944, the design of the Degtyaryov machine gun was substantially improved, and the modernized version entered service in the Red Army’s infantry units under the designation of DMP. Owing to its simplicity, reliability, high firing accuracy and maneuverability, DMPs passed the harsh tests of the Great Patriotic War with flying colors.

Soviet weapon makers produced a bit more than 700,000 DP/DMP machine guns for the army during the four years of the war.

Characteristics:
Caliber, mm — 7.62
Weight, unloaded, kg — 7.77
Flat pan magazine weight, unloaded, kg — 1.59
Weight in firing position, kg — 11.35
Length, mm — 1,272
Muzzle velocity, m/s — 848
Effective firing range, m — 1,500
Rate of fire, rpm — 600
Usable rate of fire, rpm — 100-150
Flat pan magazine capacity, rounds — 47