RPD

Go Back to Light Machine Gun

	Weapon: RPD Type: Light Machine Gun Country of Origin: USSR Year Adopted: 1944 Overall Length (mm): 1037.0 Overall Length (in): 40.83 Weight (kg): 7.00 Weight (pounds): 15.43

The RPD (Ruchnoy Pulemyot Degtyaryova) is a light machine gun developed by Vasily Degtyaryov for the Soviet Union in 1944. Chambered in 7.62x39mm, it was designed to replace older machine guns like the DP-27 and provide a reliable light automatic weapon for Soviet infantry. The RPD features a belt-fed system and is gas-operated, giving it the capability for sustained automatic fire while remaining relatively light for a squad weapon.

The RPD was officially adopted by the Soviet military after World War II and saw extensive use during the Cold War, particularly in conflicts like the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Its robust design and ease of manufacture made it ideal for mass production, and it was widely distributed to Soviet-aligned nations and insurgent groups around the world. The RPD's simplicity and durability made it a reliable weapon in harsh conditions.

Despite being replaced by more modern light machine guns like the PKM in the Soviet arsenal, the RPD remains in use by many militias and armed forces today. Its reliability and ease of maintenance have earned it a reputation as one of the most durable and long-lasting machine guns of the 20th century.