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

Mossberg 990 Magpul shotgun
Mossberg 990 Magpul shotgun

New for 2026: Mossberg 990 Magpul and 990 SPX Aftershock

Mossberg steps up its 990 game with a new Magpul shotgun and SPX firearm.

New for 2026: Gemtech Nebula 5.7 Direct-Thread Suppressor

Gemtech’s Nebula is a 5.7x28 mm-specific sound suppressor.

I Have This Old Gun: De Lisle Commando Carbine

The De Lisle "Commando Carbine," as it came to be known, provided British special operators with a suppressed firearm that could be used to take out targets without arousing the attention of nearby troops.

Q&A: Same Cartridge, Two Different Primer Types

Q: How do No. 34 large rifle primers from CCI differ from the standard large rifle type?

New for 2026: Stoeger STR-9 Thinline+ Pistol

Stoeger refines its STR-9 Thinline pistol to be even easier to carry.

Finding The Natural Point Of Aim

Nearly every shooter understands the basic principles of marksmanship: position, grip, sight alignment, breathing, trigger control and follow-through.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.