Degtyaryov DT
Kovrov Mechanical Plant · Machine Gun · Discontinued · 1929
Also known as: DT, DT-29, Degtyaryova Tankovy, DTM
Overview
The Degtyaryov DT (Degtyaryova Tankovy) is a Soviet gas-operated, magazine-fed machine gun developed as the armored-vehicle variant of the DP-27 light machine gun. Designed by Vasily Degtyaryov and adapted for tank use by Georgy Shpagin, it fed from a compact 63-round two-tier pan magazine and was fitted with a telescoping metal stock, pistol grip, and a removable bipod so it could be dismounted and used by crews outside the vehicle. The DT and its modernized DTM successor served as the standard coaxial and hull machine gun on Soviet tanks and armored cars throughout World War II.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 7500 g (264.6 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 9000 g (317.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1138 mm (44.80") |
| Barrel Length | 605 mm (23.82") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 63 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Pan |
| Muzzle Velocity | 840 m/s (2756 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3387 J (2498 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2500 m (2734 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x54mmR · primary — also known as 7.62x54R, 7.62 Russian, 7.62mm Mosin
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Pan Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Grip Safety
- Features: Vehicle Ball Mount, Telescoping Metal Stock, Pistol Grip, Removable Bipod, Flash Hider
Variants
- Degtyaryov DTM — Modernized
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Soviet Armed Forces · adopted 1929 · as DT
- Finnish Defence Forces · adopted 1941
- People's Liberation Army
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
- Winter War (1939-1940)
- Korean War (1950-1953)
Production
Production years: 1929-1959
Standard tank machine gun of the Red Army; large numbers also captured and reused by Finland during the Continuation War
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Vasily Degtyaryov
Discontinued: 1959
Notes
Mounted in a ball joint on Soviet tanks; the deeper 63-round pan magazine distinguished it from the 47-round magazine of the infantry DP. The improved DTM appeared in 1944.
Background
Adapted from the infantry DP by Georgy Shpagin, the DT became the universal armament of Soviet armor, mounted coaxially and in the hull of tanks from the T-26 and BT series through the T-34 and IS heavy tanks.