Video: Russian RPD

by
posted on July 31, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
The RPD is a gas-operated, belt-fed light machine-gun developed by the Russians during World War II, but never saw full production or service before that war ended. It did, however, see extensive action during the war in Vietnam, as derivatives of it were produced by several other countries, including China, Poland, Korea and Egypt. It was used by the Viet Cong and the north Vietnamese and was considered an extremely effective weapon, and could be called the pro-generator of the Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW). 

Learn more by watching the video above.


Latest

Gotw Pws Uxr 1
Gotw Pws Uxr 1

Gun of the Week: Primary Weapons Systems UXR

Primary Weapons System took the consumer demand for modularity in firearm design to the next level with its UXR or User Xchangeable Rifle.

Heritage Rough Rider Now Available in .32 H&R Magnum

Long available only in rimfire chamberings, Heritage Manufacturing's popular Rough Rider revolver series is now available in the .32 H&R Magnum centerfire chambering for the first time.

Get Your Official NRA Licensed Merchandise!

It’s never been easier to show your pride in NRA than with a new line of NRA Official Merchandise!

The Armed Citizen® April 17, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Taurus' GX2 T.O.R.O.: Offering Affordability & Optics Readiness

As handgun optics are becoming more of a must-have accessory, Taurus is adding that option to its GX2 design with the GX2 T.O.R.O.

Review: Savage Arms Axis 2 Pro

The latest update to the Savage bolt-action rifle line, the Axis 2 Pro, is a feature-rich design that still remains affordably priced.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.