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

Benelli M4 EXT shotgun
Benelli M4 EXT shotgun

Gun of the Week: Benelli M4 EXT Tactical Shotgun

Benelli's semi-automatic workhorse shotgun continues to evolve and improve.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 6, 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.

New for 2026: Tool Collections from Real Avid

Real Avid just released some new tool collections to help with cleaning, optics mounting and other firearm-related chores.

Review: Bersa M2XI Pistol

The M2XI represents a new area for Argentinian firearm manufacturer Bersa, and this budget 2011 shoots above its price point.

Great American Outdoor Show Opens Feb. 7

America's largest gathering of outdoor enthusiasts opens Feb. 7 and runs through Feb. 15.

New for 2026: CCI Blazer Brass Clean-Fire Ammunition

With the huge boom in suppressor sales, CCI has ammo designed for suppressed firearms.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.