Russian Infantry Weapons

The weapon was fed from a five round box magazine and was bolt operated. It was an improved version of the original weapon introduced in 1891. Improvements included a new bayonet mount, new sights and an improved cartridge clip design. These were introduced in 1930 and saw the weapon re-issued as the M1891/30. In addition to the basic version, two further variants were produced. The first, a sniper version, was introduced in 1937, with higher production standards and a down turned bolt handle to improve operation. The second was a carbine version, the M1938, introduced in 1939. Improvements to this variant in 1943 saw it reintroduced as the M1944. The improvements included a shortened stock and the fitting of an integral, folding bayonet. Production of all variants continued until the end of the war. Captured weapons were used extensively by German forces and were designated the Gewehr 254(r).

The Tokarev SVT-38 was first introduced in 1939. This weapon was unpopular with Russian troops as it proved inaccurate and unreliable. It was also too heavy and had an excessive recoil. It was gas operated and fed by a 10 round box magazine. In 1940, improvements were made, including a reduction in weight and a strengthening of the mechanism. The weapon was reintroduced as the SVT-40. Unfortunately the durability of the mechanism was poor and there was little improvement in accuracy. A sniper version of the SVT-40 was also introduced, which incorporated the addition of a bracket for fitting a PU optical sight. However the weapons poor accuracy led to only limited use in this role. A further variant, the AVT-40, was introduced in 1942. It was modified to enable selective fire, either full or semi-automatic. This variant was even more unreliable and production ended in mid 1943. Captured weapons were used extensively by German forces and were designated the Selbsladegewehr 259(r).

The Simonev AVS-36 was introduced in 1937, after many years of development. It was gas operated and could either be fed by a 15 round box magazine, or top loaded with five round cartridge clips. The weapon was difficult to manufacture because of its complicated mechanism. It was too heavy and was complicated to operate. It also proved inaccurate when fired rapidly and was prone to stoppages if the mechanism became fowled with dirt. The rifle had a cleaning rod attached to its right side and a very large muzzle brake in end of the barrel. The weapon was also used in the sniping role and could be fitted with a PE (PT) rifle scope, which was installed off centre, to the left side of the rifle. Production of the rifle ended in 1940 when the SVT-38 entered service, but the weapon still remained in use during the early years of the war. German forces also used captured weapons, which they designated the Selbsladegewehr 257(r).

Originally introduced in 1935 as the PPD, this weapon was gradually refined through the adoption of several modifications and re-issued as the PPSh M1941 in 1940. Production methods were simplified, not only to improve the manufacturing process, but also to improve the weapons reliability. The original 71 round drum magazine was supplemented in early 1942 by a 35 round box magazine and both types could be used on the weapon. However the drum magazine was prone to stoppages and difficult to manufacture and so was gradually phased out. The weapon itself was rugged and reliable and would operate well in almost any conditions. It incorporated selective fire, capable of both full and semi automatic fire. Production of the weapon continued throughout the war. Captured weapons were used extensively by German forces and were designated the MP717(r).

The Degtaryev DP1927 medium machine gun was introduced in 1927. The weapon was gas operated and fed by a 47 round, flat drum magazine. Despite the fact that the weapon was simple to operate and easy to produce, it became unreliable after excessive use. In 1944, a modified version, the M1944, was introduced. Reliability was improved and a pistol grip added to increase stability and production continued until the end of the war. Captured weapons were used extensively by German forces and were designated the leMG 120(r).

The Maxim M1910 heavy machine gun was originally introduced in 1910. It was a belt fed, water cooled weapon and due to its excessive weight was mounted on a wheeled carriage to improve mobility. It was also fitted with a small shield to provide limited protection for the firers. During its lifetime, improvements were made to simplify its ease of manufacture. The gun was rugged and reliable and would operate well in most conditions. Despite an initial halt to production in 1941, it was resumed in 1942 and continued until the end of the war. Although large numbers of this gun were captured by the Germans, they considered it too cumbersome for front line use.

This anti tank rifle was introduced in 1939. Production was halted the same year and only resumed in 1941, with two variants produced by different manufacturers. The PTRS was produced by Simonov and was a semi automatic weapon, fed by a five round magazine and fitted with a muzzle break. The PTRD was produced by Degtaryev and was a bolt action, single shot weapon, fitted with a muzzle break and a spring loaded butt plate to reduce recoil. The Degtaryev was far simpler to produce and became the most numerous type in use. Both weapons were large and cumbersome and required a two man team to operate. Both weapons could penetrate 35mm of armour at 100m, but by mid 1942 were more or less obsolete. They reamined in use as they could still be effective against the side and rear of some vehicles from close range.

HM-38 120mm Mortar

This weapon was introduced in 1938 and was one of the best mortars employed by any side during the war. The German Army extensively used captured weapons of this type and eventually implemented its production themselves in 1942. The weapon was accurate, reliable and simple to operate. It was carried on a metal framed, two wheel limber, which was towed behind a 20 round caisson. A slightly improved version, the HM-41 was introduced in 1941, which incorporated a single spring buffer between the barrel and bipod. Production of the weapon continued until the end of the war. Captured weapons were used extensively by German forces and were designated the GrW 378(r).