Original Item: Only One Available. Constructed from a legally demilitarized (de-milled) parts set, this is a wonderful and rare Soviet Cold War RPD 44 Display Light Machine Gun. It is built using original parts on an original BATF compliant non-firing display receiver, making this a 100% legal display machine gun. This receiver was created by using portions of the original flame torch cut severed receiver, which was correctly angle cut removing at least 1/4" inch of material with each cut. The barrel bushing and rear portion were combined with an inert solid steel center portion, replacing over 66% of the total length. Meaning at least a 2/3 length section of the display receiver is new made solid steel, making this legal to own without a license of any kind.

The bottom plate and top cover are original parts as are all other parts on this gun with the exception of the steel added to the receiver. We checked the barrel, and it is live, with the rifling in very good condition, and an intact chamber. However, it has been reduced in size so it only goes a bit past the gas regulator, and there is no longer any bipod. This example is a "short" configuration seen during the Vietnam war, only about 33.9 inches long, compared to the original 40.8. It was more easy to maneuver in the often close quarters in the Southeast Asian jungles.

While the RPD began production in 1944 this example is almost most likely made completely using post WWII Soviet Parts. We were not able to see any manufacturer or arsenal markings on the top cover, however there is a clear serial number:

КТ 232
Б

The display gun is in excellent condition, looking to have seen only light use, and possibly made using parts that were reconditioned at arsenal. It has a great lightly used look, and the stock wood is all in great shape, including the laminated fore stock. The top cover can still be opened to examine the feed tray, though there seems to be dirt in the mechanism, so it can take some effort. The door on the butt stock storage compartment moves relatively easily, though it is unfortunately empty. Included with the display gun is an original Belt drum which locks onto a bracket below the feed tray.

Offered in excellent condition complete with original Soviet markings and a great look. Ready to display!

The RPD (Russian: ручной пулемёт Дегтярёва Ruchnoy Pulemyot Degtyaryova, English: Degtyaryov hand-held machine gun) is a 7.62mm light machine gun developed in the Soviet Union by Vasily Degtyaryov for the 7.62×39mm M43 intermediate cartridge. It was created as a replacement for the DP machine gun chambered for the 7.62×54mmR round. It is a precursor of most squad automatic weapons. It was succeeded in Soviet service by the RPK.

Work on the weapon commenced in 1943. Three prominent Soviet engineers were asked to submit their own designs: Vasily Degtyaryov, Sergei Simonov and Alexei Sudayev. Among the completed prototypes prepared for evaluation, the Degtyaryov design proved superior and was accepted into service with the Soviet armed forces as the 7.62 mm Ручной Пулемёт Дегтярёва, PПД (RPD, Ruchnoy Pulemyot Degtyaryova or "Degtyaryov light machine gun") model 1944. Although the RPD was ready for mass production during the final stages of World War II, large scale delivery of the weapon did not begin until 1953. During the Vietnam War, the RPD served the Viet Cong as their standard light machine gun.

After the introduction of the Kalashnikov-pattern support weapons, such as the RPK and PK machine guns in the 1960s, the RPD was withdrawn from most first-tier units of the former Warsaw Pact. However, the RPD remains in active service in many African and Asian nations. Apart from the former Soviet Union, the weapon was manufactured in China (as the Type 56 LMG), Egypt, North Korea (Type 62) and, since 1956, Poland.