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RP-46

Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) · Russia · 1946
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RP-46

⚙ Degtyaryova Pekhotny variant
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Sustained Firepower
60
Effective Range
70
Accuracy
70
Reliability
75
Portability
60
Ammunition Capacity
70
Barrel Endurance
60
Controllability
65
Versatility
70
Cost-Effectiveness
75
Origin Russia
CategoryLight Machine Guns (LMG/SAW)
EraEarly Cold War
In service1946
Operators37 countries
Data Quality88%
67
Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) MASS Rating
2/7
Early Cold War
31/75
All-Time
Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) · 10 axes scored
Sustained Firepower
60
Effective Range
70
Accuracy
70
Reliability
75
Portability
60
Ammunition Capacity
70
Barrel Endurance
60
Controllability
65
Versatility
70
Cost-Effectiveness
75
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the light machine guns (lmg/saw) category.
01 / Overview
RP-46
Country
Production
1946–
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW) · EARLY COLD WAR
2
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
80
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
67
light machine guns (lmg/saw) category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the light machine guns (lmg/saw) category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General7MOD.7
  • First Production Year1946
  • Service Entry Year1946
  • DesignerVasily Degtyaryov
  • Weight (Empty)11.62 kg
  • Weight (Loaded)10 kg
  • Currently In ServiceYes
  • Notable UsersSoviet Union, Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Bulgaria, Central African Republic, China, Comoros, Congo-Brazzaville, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Finland, East Germany, North Korea
◈Cartridge & Calibre7MOD.7
▣Operation8MOD.8
  • Action TypeGas-Operated
  • Fire Modesautomatic
  • Select FireNo
  • Feed SystemBelt
  • Magazine Capacity47
  • Cyclic Rate of Fire550
  • Trigger Typesingle-stage
  • Safety Typemanual safety
◇Ballistics4MOD.4
  • Muzzle Velocity840 m/s
  • Muzzle Energy3,430
  • Effective Range (point)800 m
  • Sighting Range800 m
◆Barrel & Sights5MOD.5
▤Construction6MOD.6
▲Production & Cost2MOD.2
  • Production Start1946
  • Variants1
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1946Production started
80
years in service
1
countries operating
ⓘ 36 countries retired it.
04 / 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.
Integral bipod: a permanently attached, built‑in bipod that provides a two‑point support for a firearm, allowing it to be rested on a surface without separate accessories.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) entry →