RPD

Also known as RPD machine gun, Degtyaryov Hand-held Machine Gun, Ruchnoy Pulemyot Degtyaryova

Soviet light machine gun

Key facts

Type: Light machine gun
Place of origin: Soviet Union
In service: 1944–1961 (Soviet Union), 1944–present (other nations)
Used by: See Users
Wars: See Wars
Designer: Vasily Degtyaryov
Designed: 1943–1944
Produced: 1944–1960
Variants: See Variants
Mass: 7.4 kg (16.31 lb) when empty
Length: 1,037 mm (40.8 in)
Barrel length: 520 mm (20.5 in)
Cartridge

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Article

The RPD (Russian: Ручной Пулемёт Дегтярёва, РПД, romanized: Ruchnoy Pulemyot Degtyaryova, RPD, lit. 'Degtyaryov hand-held machine gun, RPD') is a 7.62x39mm light machine gun developed in the Soviet Union by Vasily Degtyaryov for the 7.62×39mm M43 intermediate cartridge.

History