HISTORY
The DShK was based on the design of DK heavy machine gun which was designed in 1929. DShK stands for Degtyarov Shpagin Krupnokalibernyi. It was widely used during World War 2. After World War 2 it remained in use with the Soviet forces, only to be partially replaced by the NSV from the 1970's onwards. The DShK was used in many conflicts in the Middle East, Asia and Africa and it continues to be used today.
DESIGN
The DShK is a belt fed, gas operated, air cooled heavy machine gun. The weapon cycles trough the use of a gas piston below the barrel. The original DShK uses a rotary feed system which was replaced on the modernized DShKM with a shuttle feed system similar to the one on the RP-46. There is only limited interchangeability between the parts of the two guns. The DShK is operated by two spade grips at the rear and a dual trigger. The DShK can be used in various roles. When used as an infantry support weapon it was issued with a two wheel trolley with gunshield. Most of the time it is fitted to vehicles, ranging from utility vehicles to main battle tanks.
PERFORMANCE
In World War 2 the DShK proved to be useful against infantry, light armoured vehicles and low flying aircraft. During the Cold War the DShK was of little use against armoured vehicles as they were fitted with armour to withstand the 12.7mm round and jet fighters fly too high and too fast to be hit. The DShK can still be useful against unarmoured vehicles and most helicopters. The DShK excells against infantry. A single round proves to be fatal even when wearing body armor. The effective range also allows infantry to be engaged at ranges they are not able to return fire.
The DShK was based on the design of DK heavy machine gun which was designed in 1929. DShK stands for Degtyarov Shpagin Krupnokalibernyi. It was widely used during World War 2. After World War 2 it remained in use with the Soviet forces, only to be partially replaced by the NSV from the 1970's onwards. The DShK was used in many conflicts in the Middle East, Asia and Africa and it continues to be used today.
DESIGN
The DShK is a belt fed, gas operated, air cooled heavy machine gun. The weapon cycles trough the use of a gas piston below the barrel. The original DShK uses a rotary feed system which was replaced on the modernized DShKM with a shuttle feed system similar to the one on the RP-46. There is only limited interchangeability between the parts of the two guns. The DShK is operated by two spade grips at the rear and a dual trigger. The DShK can be used in various roles. When used as an infantry support weapon it was issued with a two wheel trolley with gunshield. Most of the time it is fitted to vehicles, ranging from utility vehicles to main battle tanks.
PERFORMANCE
In World War 2 the DShK proved to be useful against infantry, light armoured vehicles and low flying aircraft. During the Cold War the DShK was of little use against armoured vehicles as they were fitted with armour to withstand the 12.7mm round and jet fighters fly too high and too fast to be hit. The DShK can still be useful against unarmoured vehicles and most helicopters. The DShK excells against infantry. A single round proves to be fatal even when wearing body armor. The effective range also allows infantry to be engaged at ranges they are not able to return fire.