The DP-27
The DP-27 light machine gun was produced to address the need for a reliable, portable, and effective weapon that could provide sustained suppressive fire on the battlefield. Its development stemmed from the experiences of the Red Army during the interwar period and the need for a dedicated modern squad machine gun. In this article, we delve into the history, design, and impact of the DP-27 light machine gun, tracing its lifespan from the drawing board to the front lines.
History and Design
In the early 1920s, the need to develop a modern lightweight machine gun emerged as a pivotal concern within the Red Army. Widely recognized as a transformative advancement, this machine gun proved instrumental in reconciling the challenges of mobility and firepower at the level of small combat units, within novel operational contexts. It laid the groundwork for the adoption of innovative infantry tactics termed “group tactics” by the Soviets. Notably, in 1924, following revised regulations, a machine gun section was integrated into all rifle platoons. However, owing to a scarcity of lightweight machine guns, these sections initially relied on a combination of one heavy and one light machine gun for armament. Concerted efforts to develop a lightweight machine gun were undertaken across several key establishments, including the First Tula Arms Factories, the Kovrov Machine Gun Factory, and the Vystrel training ground.
The Degtyaryov machine gun became the gun that emerged from these events. (Russian: Пулемёт Дегтярёвa Пехотный, Pulemyot Degtyaryova Pekhotny literally: “Degtyaryov’s infantry machine gun”) or DP-27/DP-28 is a Light Machine Gun firing the 7.62x54R cartridge that was primarily used by the Soviet Union, with service trials starting after the initial prototypes in 1924-1926, in 1927, followed by general deployment in 1928.
The DP-27 was designed to fire the same ammunition as the main Soviet infantry rifle, the Mosin Nagant, simplifying an ammunition standard production/manufacturing and easing logistical ammo burdens on Soviet infantry units. Of typical Soviet design philosophy, the DP-27 was a sturdy and simple gun that was easy and cheap to manufacture, and could be relied upon to perform even in adverse conditions. However, being magazine fed, it had a rate of fire similar to other light machine guns, like the British Bren Light Machine Gun, but low when compared to its main wartime rivals, the German MG34/42 series, firing at a rate of 550 rpm (rounds per minute) as compared to the 800-1,500 rpm of the German general-purpose machine guns.
In the early 1920s, the need to develop a modern lightweight machine gun emerged as a pivotal concern within the Red Army. Widely recognized as a transformative advancement, this machine gun proved instrumental in reconciling the challenges of mobility and firepower at the level of small combat units, within novel operational contexts. It laid the groundwork for the adoption of innovative infantry tactics termed “group tactics” by the Soviets. Notably, in 1924, following revised regulations, a machine gun section was integrated into all rifle platoons.
However, owing to a scarcity of lightweight machine guns, these sections initially relied on a combination of one heavy and one light machine gun for armament. Concerted efforts to develop a lightweight machine gun were undertaken across several key establishments, including the First Tula Arms Factories, the Kovrov Machine Gun Factory, and the Vystrel training ground.
The Degtyaryov machine gun became the gun that emerged from these events. (Russian: Пулемёт Дегтярёвa Пехотный, Pulemyot Degtyaryova Pekhotny literally: “Degtyaryov’s infantry machine gun”) or DP-27/DP-28 is a Light Machine Gun firing the 7.62x54R cartridge that was primarily used by the Soviet Union, with service trials starting after the initial prototypes in 1924-1926, in 1927, followed by general deployment in 1928.
The DP-27 was designed to fire the same ammunition as the main Soviet infantry rifle, the Mosin Nagant, simplifying an ammunition standard production/manufacturing and easing logistical ammo burdens on Soviet infantry units. Of typical Soviet design philosophy, the DP-27 was a sturdy and simple gun that was easy and cheap to manufacture, and could be relied upon to perform even in adverse conditions.
However, being magazine fed, it had a rate of fire similar to other light machine guns, like the British Bren Light Machine Gun, but low when compared to its main wartime rivals, the German MG34/42 series, firing at a rate of 550 rpm (rounds per minute) as compared to the 800-1,500 rpm of the German general-purpose machine guns.
The operating mechanism of the DP-27 is Gas Operated, using a Kjellman- Friberg flap locking design to lock the bolt against the chamber until the round had left the barrel, aided by a recoil spring. Ammunition came in the form of a 47-round circular pan magazine that was attached to the top of the receiver. Because of the shape of its magazine, the DP-27 was nicknamed the “record player”.
Its main parts were a removable barrel with an integrated flash suppressor and gas cylinder, a receiver with the rear sight, a perforated barrel shroud/guide with the front sight, the bolt and locking flaps, the bolt carrier and gas piston rod, a recoil spring, stock and trigger mechanism group, a bipod for firing from prone positions, and the previously-mentioned pan magazine. In total, the first versions contained only 80 parts. Early versions had 26 transverse cooling fins machined into the barrel, but it was found that these had little cooling effect and so were removed in 1938, further easing manufacture.
The most common way Red Army Soldiers are seen in photographs carrying the ammunition for the DP27 (47 Round Pan magazines) was in a metal magazine carrier with a leather carry handle designed to hold 3 magazines inside which was carried by the assistant gunner. Later in the war during 1944 the a canvas bag was designed to also carry 3 pan magazines. The design had weaknesses that would eventually be addressed in later variants. The pan magazines were prone to damage, while also being difficult and time-consuming to reload. The bipod mechanism was weak and likely to fail if not handled with care. The recoil spring’s location near the barrel led to overheating, causing it to lose proper spring temper. Working on the gas regulator proved to be cumbersome as well. This involved a sequence of steps: removal of the cotter pin, unscrewing of the nut, adjustment of the regulator by pushing it back, turning it, and subsequently re-securing it in place. Even though by the second half of WWII, the DP-27 was proving to be an obsolete design and outclassed by it competitors, it still demonstrated high reliability in the field.
The most common way Red Army Soldiers are seen in photographs carrying the ammunition for the DP27 (47 Round Pan magazines) was in a metal magazine carrier with a leather carry handle designed to hold 3 magazines inside which was carried by the assistant gunner. Later in the war during 1944 a canvas bag was designed to also carry 3 pan magazines.
The design had weaknesses that would eventually be addressed in later variants. The pan magazines were prone to damage, while also being difficult and time-consuming to reload. The bipod mechanism was weak and likely to fail if not handled with care. The recoil spring’s location near the barrel led to overheating, causing it to lose proper spring temper. Working on the gas regulator proved to be cumbersome as well. This involved a sequence of steps: removal of the cotter pin, unscrewing of the nut, adjustment of the regulator by pushing it back, turning it, and subsequently re-securing it in place. Even though by the second half of WWII, the DP-27 was proving to be an obsolete design and outclassed by it competitors, it still demonstrated high reliability in the field.
Production
The DP-27 was officially adopted by the Red Army in 1928, and early production took place at the Tula Arsenal and later expanded to other Soviet arms factories to meet the demands of an increasing military force. The manufacturing process emphasized ease of assembly and mass production, making extensive use of stamped parts and minimizing complex machining. After the German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, many existing factories were relocated east as the demand for small arms surged. DP-27s were manufactured at the Kovrov Arms Plant, Kirkizh State Union Plant, Plant No. 2 of the People’s Commissariat of Armaments, and even at the arsenal plant in Lenningrad.
At the start of 1941 the Red Army had ~39,000 DP-27s. Production numbers per year are as follows: in 1941, 45,300 DP-27s were sent to the army, in 1942, 172,000, in 1943, 250,000, and in 1944, 179,700. Production of the DP-27 would officially cease in January of 1945, as its replacement had been designed and was getting ready for full production.
Between 1927 and 1945, roughly 800,000 DP-27 machine guns were produced. Following World War II, the DP-27 continued to be used until the early 1950s. However, the rapid advancement in automatic weapon design led to the development of its successor, the RP-46, which featured a belt-fed system instead of a pan magazine. By the 1950s, the DP-27 was gradually phased out of Soviet frontline service, though it remained in use by allied and satellite nations for years.
Issuance & Use
The DP-27 was assigned one per rifle or submachine gun squad and served as the basis for the fire element of the squad. In theory the Red Army had two types of squads, light and heavy. The light squad had one DP-27 machine gun, whereas the heavy squad had 2 DP-27s. However, this mostly applied in theory alone, the heavy style sections were rarely seen implemented on the battlefield due to a shortage of squad based machineguns in the Red Army. The most common way Red Army Soldiers are seen in photographs carrying the ammunition for the DP27 (47 Round Pan magazines) was in a metal magazine carrier with a leather carry handle designed to hold 3 magazines inside which was carried by the assistant gunner. Later in the war during 1944 the Soviet Union designed a canvas bag to also carry 3 pan magazines. (See photo examples above)
The DP-27 was assigned one per rifle or submachine gun squad and served as the basis for the fire element of the squad. In theory the Red Army had two types of squads, light and heavy. The light squad had one DP-27 machine gun, whereas the heavy squad had 2 DP-27s. However, this mostly applied in theory alone, the heavy style sections were rarely seen implemented on the battlefield due to a shortage of squad based machineguns in the Red Army.
The most common way Red Army Soldiers are seen in photographs carrying the ammunition for the DP27 (47 Round Pan magazines) was in a metal magazine carrier with a leather carry handle designed to hold 3 magazines inside which was carried by the assistant gunner. Later in the war during 1944 the Soviet Union designed a canvas bag to also carry 3 pan magazines. (See photo examples above)
From 1939 to mid-1941, the number of light machine guns deployed to Red Army soldiers increased by 44%. By June 22, 1941, the Red Army had approximately 170,400 light machine guns deployed in service. Among these, the DP machine gun quickly became a favorite due to its effective combination of firepower and maneuverability.
However, the DP machine gun did present some operational challenges. One notable issue was the “user-friendliness” of the disk magazine, which posed loading difficulties and was awkward to carry without proper storage. Additionally, the quick replacement of the barrel was hampered by the lack of a handle and the necessity to remove the bipod. Even under optimal conditions, a trained crew required about 30 seconds to replace the barrel, highlighting the complexities associated with its operation.
During the war, the regulations governing the use of machine guns underwent revisions, particularly concerning light machine guns. The 1942 “Infantry Combat Regulations” indicated that the optimal range for opening fire with a light machine gun was set at 800 meters. However, it also highlighted that surprise fire from 600 meters was often even more effective.
Additionally, the previous division of battle formations into “pinning down” and “strike” groups was eliminated. This change allowed for greater flexibility in how light machine guns were integrated into both platoon and squad operations. The focus shifted to delivering short bursts of fire, with a combat rate of fire established at 80 rounds per minute, enhancing their role in dynamic combat situations.
Excerpts from a combat report written to the 74th Rifle Corps reads as follows;
- In all types of combat, the DP light machinegun was and remains the main automatic weapon of the infantry squad.
- During penetration of enemy defenses, the crew, following in the squad formation, can quickly prepare for battle and conceal itself and then open massed fire against enemy strongholds that are preventing the squad from advancing.
- When blocking and liquidating bunkers and dugouts, the effective long range fire and rapid maneuver of the DP crew on the battlefield makes it the most effective weapon of an infantry squad.
- When reinforcing a captured line, as well as when deflecting enemy counterattacks, the DP crew can quickly prepare for battle and open sufficiently powerful fire, while heavy machineguns and other types of heavy infantry weapons are not available at the squad level.
- When pursuing the enemy, the DP crew is always prepared to open fire.
- In the defense, the sufficient range and the ability to stealthily change positions ensures the successful deflection of the enemy
- As a rule, fire is opened in short bursts. The shooter does not fire more than 15-20 shots without changing positions or targets. Long bursts (more than 15-20 shots) are only fired when defending from enemy attacks and counterattacks. The fire is maintained until the machinegun jams.
- The most effective fire is at a range of 600 meters, when any individual and group targets can be hit. At a range of over 600 meters, one can only effectively fire at groups.
- On the offensive, it is impossible to find a place on the flanks for firing in a wide arc without being constrained by one’s own soldiers. Usually, the light machinegun follows in formation and fires ahead to not impede the movement of its squad. The machinegun crew must pick a location with a wide arc of fire in order to be able to accompany its squad with fire for as long as possible.
- The light machinegun works flawlessly when correctly maintained. The magazine is poorly designed and jams, thus causing delays in light machinegun fire. The light machinegun is difficult to protect from dust, sand, etc. in offensive combat.
- The failures that are encountered most often are:
- Failure to feed.
- Delayed return of the moving parts forward.
- Failure of the moving parts to return forward completely.
If the magazine is functional, failures are often corrected by simply cycling the bolt.
- The light machinegun often remains unused if the shooter is disabled, as the other squad members are not taught how to use it. All squad personnel must know how to use the DP.
- In practice, gathering all light machineguns in one group under the platoon commander was not done, as there is no reason to do so, since the platoon commander will be distracted from his duties and would have to command the machinegunners. In rifle squads, the machinegun is necessary as a long range automatic weapon.
- The advantages of the MG-42 over the DP are: high rate of fire, reliability, metallic belt. Disadvantages: poor stability due to weak bipod, very heavy. In offensive battles, the MG-42 is given to infantry squads.
Conclusions:
- The DP machinegun is the main automatic weapon of the infantry squad. Its removal from the infantry squad is only possible in the event that a more effective type of long range automatic weapon is designed that has equal or greater firepower compared to the DP.
- It is necessary to replace the DP magazine with a metallic belt. The magazine is unwieldy and is vulnerable to dirt and malfunctions, which limit the rate of DP fire.
- Protect the moving parts of the modern DP from dust and dirt.
You can view the original report here – The Use of the DP in Modern Battle.
What to Expect as a Reenactor
The DP-27/28s are typically built as Blank Firing Replicas (BFONG) to Conform with BATFE laws and regulations here in the United States of America. There are different companies that manufacture blank firing Only and Live firing Semi Auto DP-27/28. Most of these are built from imported demilitarized parts kits coming out of Finland. Semi Auto DP’s will need to be adapted for blank firing use, a simple set screw set with a small apertures drilled inside each screw will need to different sizes and tested to see which will work for the blanks you are using or there are surplus blank adapters that will screw on replacing the cone flash hider. When running the typical short blanks the magazines will have to be adapted with a follower. Short blanks are typically not reliable in the DP27/28. Full length red tip blanks are more reliable when using the DP. With the full length blanks you do not need to adapt the magazines since there is enough space to feed flawlessly.
For those with Blank Firing only (BFONG) DPs when running full length red tip blanks remove the front barrel set screw to allow enough gas pressure to expand to prevent the barrel from being over pressured and breaking/cracking or blowing up your barrel. Only use the set screw when using short blanks since they don’t expel enough gas to cycle the action. DP’s are definitely fun to use at events but can be tiresome to lug around and can be expensive to feed blanks. Having a DP is also very useful for your squad or platoon at events and come in handy when needed. You can buy surplus DP gunners tools that can help with stuck casings if that happens while at an event. You can carry the tools in a small pouch inside your meshok or gas mask bag. There are plenty of disassembly and cleaning videos on YouTube on how to properly maintain your weapon. The blank firing ones will not have removable barrels like the live firing ones. They can still be cleaned and maintained. If needed spare parts and magazines are easily found online.
The DP-27/28s are typically built as Blank Firing Replicas (BFONG) to Conform with BATFE laws and regulations here in the United States of America. There are different companies that manufacture blank firing Only and Live firing Semi Auto DP-27/28. Most of these are built from imported demilitarized parts kits coming out of Finland. Semi Auto DP’s will need to be adapted for blank firing use, a simple set screw set with a small apertures drilled inside each screw will need to different sizes and tested to see which will work for the blanks you are using or there are surplus blank adapters that will screw on replacing the cone flash hider.
When running the typical short blanks the magazines will have to be adapted with a follower. Short blanks are typically not reliable in the DP27/28. Full length red tip blanks are more reliable when using the DP. With the full length blanks you do not need to adapt the magazines since there is enough space to feed flawlessly.
For those with Blank Firing only (BFONG) DPs when running full length red tip blanks remove the front barrel set screw to allow enough gas pressure to expand to prevent the barrel from being over pressured and breaking/cracking or blowing up your barrel. Only use the set screw when using short blanks since they don’t expel enough gas to cycle the action. DP’s are definitely fun to use at events but can be tiresome to lug around and can be expensive to feed blanks.
Having a DP is also very useful for your squad or platoon at events and come in handy when needed. You can buy surplus DP gunners tools that can help with stuck casings if that happens while at an event. You can carry the tools in a small pouch inside your meshok or gas mask bag. There are plenty of disassembly and cleaning videos on YouTube on how to properly maintain your weapon. The blank firing ones will not have removable barrels like the live firing ones. They can still be cleaned and maintained. If needed spare parts and magazines are easily found online.
Similarly to our article on the PPS-43, only original DP-27s parts kits rebuilt either semi auto or BFONG are acceptable to use. Some may try to use a DPM (a modern improved version of the DP-27 designed in the 1940s) or Chinese Type 53 as a substitute, both of these are NOT correct for WWII use. The DPM while officially adopted by the army in late 1944 saw extremely little, if any use during WWII and does not appear in many primary & secondary sources or photographs. Some of the main changes applied to the DPM was; the return spring under the barrel, a tubular rod was inserted on the tail end of the striker, a modified butt stock, a pistol grip installed, the ejection mechanism was replaced with a cylindrical screw one, and the bipod was changed by moving the hinges back strengthening it. This is NOT the same as a DP-27.
Teardown & Maintenance
Proper disassembly is essential for maintenance, cleaning, and safe handling for semi auto and BFONG DP-27s, this can even be useful for deactivated or replica models used for reenactment displays. Remove the pan magazine by pressing the magazine release latch located at the rear of the receiver and sliding the magazine out. Removing the bipod is optional unless you want to swap barrels, you can do so by using a punch or a small tool to push out the mounting pins on either side of the shroud. From there you will want to follow the steps below illustrated in the DP-27 operator/s manual.
First pull the bolt carrier handle back being on the left side of the machine gun and grab the receiver with your right hand and press the barrel lock with your thumb. Then with your left hand use a wrench to pull the barrel out by grabbing it from behind the flash hider.
Once the barrel has been removed use your right hand to bull the bolt carrier back partially. Then place the wrench between the rear coupling and the edge of the receiver frame with your left hand and remove the buttstock and trigger assembly.
To remove the buttstock and trigger assembly make sure you are squeezing the trigger and slide the receiver frame forward. Then you can remove the trigger frame from the stock by removing the screws at the base of the trigger guard.
Once this is complete you will have your receiver, barrel, stock, and trigger assembly separated. Finally the bolt and carrier can be separated by supporting the receiver with your left hand and pull out the bolt and carrier with your right hand.
Sources:
Vinogradov, I.A. Manual on Operating the DP Light Machine Gun. 1st ed. Vol. 3. Molnyia: Ministry of The Armed Forces of The USSR, 1946.
Samsonov, Peter. “DP In Combat.” Tank Archives. Accessed January, 2025. https://www.tankarchives.ca/.
Vekhin, and Sychev. “The Use of the DP in Modern Battle.” The Soviet Armed Forces, November 30, 1944.
Vechly, P.L., and M. Voenizdat. Rep. Combat Infantry Regulations of the Red Army. Moscow, USSR: Publishing House of the People’s Commissariat of Defense, 1942.
Combat Regulations of the Infantry of the Red Army. Parts 1 and 2. Moscow: Voenizdat, 1945-46.
Blagonravov, A. A., ed. The Material Part of Small Arms. Book 2. Moscow: Gosvoenizdat, 1946.
Manual on Small Arms: Weapons of a Rifle Platoon. Moscow: Department of the Publishing House of the People’s Commissariat of Defense of the USSR, 1935.
