SG-43 Goryunov

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	Weapon: SG-43 Goryunov Type: Heavy Machine Gun Country of Origin: USSR Year Adopted: 1943 Overall Length (mm): 1080.0 Overall Length (in): 42.52 Weight (kg): 11.00 Weight (pounds): 24.25

The SG-43 Goryunov is a Soviet medium machine gun designed during World War II by P.M. Goryunov and first introduced in 1943. It was developed to replace the aging Maxim gun, offering a more modern, lightweight, and mobile solution for infantry and mounted use. The SG-43 utilized a gas-operated action with a locking wedge and was chambered for the powerful 7.62x54mmR cartridge. Designed for versatility, the weapon could be used on a wheeled mount, a tripod, or as a tank-mounted machine gun. Its construction incorporated stamped steel components, simplifying production and reducing weight compared to its predecessor.

Production of the SG-43 began in 1943 and continued into the post-war era, with subsequent variants like the SGM (modernized) and SGMT (tank-mounted) being introduced. Estimates suggest that over 600,000 units were produced during its service life, making it one of the most widely manufactured medium machine guns of its time. The SG-43 saw extensive use in World War II and was later exported to Soviet-aligned nations, becoming a staple of Warsaw Pact and other allied militaries throughout the mid-20th century. Its robust design and ease of maintenance made it a reliable weapon in a variety of combat conditions.

The SG-43 Goryunov is remembered for its role in modernizing Soviet infantry firepower during World War II and beyond. While it was eventually replaced by the PK series of general-purpose machine guns in the 1960s, the SG-43 remained in service with many nations for decades. Its historical significance lies in its combination of reliability, ease of production, and adaptability, which exemplified Soviet small arms philosophy during the mid-20th century. Today, the SG-43 is a sought-after collectible and a symbol of Soviet ingenuity in weapon design.

SG-43 Goryunov - Soviet Union's "Cheap" Medium Machine Gun

SG-43 Goryunov