LATEST Ancient Prototypes of Proxy Warfare: The Economic and Logistical Burden of Roman and Persian Proxy Networks among Arab Tribes and Caucasian Powers
SEARCH
DB ONLINE
EN ▾
DShK
Photo: Gerd 72 (talk) · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
REC // INTEL FEED

DShK

Heavy Machine Guns (HMG) · Russia · 1938
ADD TO COMPARE

DShK

DShK
DShK Photo: Gerd 72 (talk) · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Penetration
60
Effective Range
55
Firepower
70
Anti-Materiel Capability
65
Reliability
85
Barrel Endurance
75
Accuracy
60
Role Versatility
70
Portability
50
Cost-Effectiveness
80
Origin Russia
ManufacturerTula Arms Plant
CategoryHeavy Machine Guns (HMG)
EraInterwar Period
In service1938–1980
Operators76 countries
Quantity1,000,000
Data Quality88%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
67
Heavy Machine Guns (HMG) MASS Rating
3/12
Interwar Period
22/46
All-Time
Heavy Machine Guns (HMG) · 10 axes scored
Penetration
60
Effective Range
55
Firepower
70
Anti-Materiel Capability
65
Reliability
85
Barrel Endurance
75
Accuracy
60
Role Versatility
70
Portability
50
Cost-Effectiveness
80
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the heavy machine guns (hmg) category.
01 / Overview
DShK
Country
Prime contractor
Production
1938–1980
Quantity
1,000,000
Unit Price (current)
$3.2K↗ 40% inflation · 2012→2025
Original Price
$2.3K (2012)
Operators
Conflicts
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
HEAVY MACHINE GUNS (HMG) · INTERWAR PERIOD
3
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
94
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
$3.2K
Original: $2.3K (2012)
Inflation: +%40
67
heavy machine guns (hmg) category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the heavy machine guns (hmg) category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
  • First Production Year1938
  • Service Entry Year1938
  • DesignerVasily Degtyaryov; Georgi Shpagin
  • Weight (Empty)34 kg
  • Weight (Loaded)157 kg
  • Currently In ServiceYes
◈Cartridge & Calibre7MOD.7
▣Operation6MOD.6
◇Ballistics4MOD.4
  • Muzzle Velocity850 m/s
  • Effective Range (point)2,000 m
  • Maximum Range2,500 m
  • Penetration20 mm
◆Barrel & Sights4MOD.4
▲Production & Cost5MOD.5
  • Total Production1,000,000
  • Production Start1938
  • Production End1980
  • Unit Cost2,250 USD
  • Variants38
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1927First deployment: Chinese Civil War
  2. 1938Production started
  3. 1980Production ended
88
years in service
42
years in production
1,000,000
units produced
76
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
05 / Operators
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE5terms
A firearm feed system where ammunition is stored in a flexible or rigid container (magazine) inserted into the grip or attached externally, feeding rounds into the chamber via a spring or follower.
Firearm action type where expanding gas from a fired cartridge cycles the mechanism, typically via a piston or direct impingement.
Uses high-pressure gas to cycle the action, rather than recoil energy.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
A mounting system for attaching optical sights to rifles.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Heavy Machine Guns (HMG) entry →