Gun Position

Officially adopted by Red Army in 1939, DShK "Krupnocalibernyj Pulemet Degtyareva-Shpagina, DShK" (Degtyarev-Shpagin, large caliber) has been in production up untill 1980. It was used through WW2 as an anti-aircraft weapon, and also as an heavy infantry support gun. also known as DShKM-38/46. This version was also used as AA-gun mounted on some Russian tanks and armour vehicles (T-55, T-62, BTR-155). DShKM was widely exported to Soviet-friendly nations and regimes. It was also manufactured in other countries, such as China, Iran, Yugoslavia and Pakistan. It was widely used in numerous "local wars", including Afghan campaigns. DSchKM was one of the most sucessful designs of its time. 12.7mm (.50) AP bullets fired from this MG, could pierce 15mm armor plate at 500m. DSchK is the belt-fed, air-cooled, gas operated weapon that fires only in full-auto. Gas system has the 3 positions gas regulator. Bolt is locked in the receiver via two horisontally pivoted locking flaps, attached to the bolt. The HMG comes with a tripod, detachable AA sight, detachable anti-recoil unit.

Calibre, mm 12.7 x 109 (.50)
Muzzle velocity, m/s 850
Rate of fire, rounds/min 600
Feeding Belt 50 rounds
Weight MG body, kg 34
Length, mm 1625
Length of barrel 1070

1. It's a my platoon on tsarandoy position on photo. Nechaev at the left and Panin in the center.

2. DShK on this photo belongs to the Afghanistan forces.

Good photo and facts.