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

Glock Slimline Magazines 1
Glock Slimline Magazines 1

Review: Glock's New Slimline Magazines

Glock has finally introduced its own 15-round magazine for its slimline models G43X and G48.

Serious Sluggers: The Savage Arms 212 & 220 Harvesters

For hunters who rely on slug guns to fill their tags, Savage Arms has released updated models of its 212 and 220 Harvester bolt-actions.

Gun of the Week: Heckler & Koch G36 .22 LR

Due to Germany's strict firearm-export laws, along with U.S. firearm import laws, the closest any HK fan could get to owning a real G36 was in the form of the HK SL8. Now, though, Heckler & Koch has introduced its G36 .22 LR, which, profile-wise, is a G36 in all but chambering.

The Armed Citizen® July 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.

Standing Strong for Colorado’s Law-Abiding Gun Owners Ahead of Critical Midterms

NRA EVP Doug Hamlin and NRA-ILA Executive Director John Commerford traveled to Denver this week to discuss gun rights.

A Visit to the New Smith & Wesson Academy

Let the training (re)commence at Smith & Wesson's new Academy in Tennessee.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.