PM M1910 Maxim
Tula Arms Plant · Machine Gun · Out Of Production · 1910
Also known as: Pulemyot Maxima, Maxim M1910, PM1910
Overview
The PM M1910 (Pulemyot Maxima obraztsa 1910 goda) is the Russian-built version of the Maxim machine gun, a water-cooled, recoil-operated weapon chambered in 7.62x54mmR. Adopted by the Imperial Russian Army in 1910 and produced at the Tula Arms Plant, it fired from a 250-round fabric belt and was typically mounted on the wheeled Sokolov mount, often fitted with a steel gun shield. It served as the standard heavy machine gun of Russian and Soviet forces through both World Wars and the Russian Civil War.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 23800 g (839.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1067 mm (42.01") |
| Barrel Length | 721 mm (28.39") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 250 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 740 m/s (2428 fps) |
| Effective Range | 2700 m (2953 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 5000 m (5468 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 |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x54mmR · primary — also known as 7.62x54R, 7.62 Russian, 7.62x54mm R
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Fabric Belt
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Water Cooled Barrel, Toggle Lock Action, Sokolov Wheeled Mount, Armored Shield, Water Jacket
Service history
Operators
- Imperial Russian Army · adopted 1910 · as PM M1910
- Red Army · adopted 1922 · as PM M1910
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
- Russian Civil War (1917-1923)
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1910-1939
Mass-produced at Tula; remained in Soviet service through World War II
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Hiram Maxim
Discontinued: 1939
Notes
The combination of the heavy gun, water jacket, Sokolov wheeled mount and armored shield gave the complete system a transport weight well over 60 kg. A distinctive large filler cap was added in 1941 to allow the water jacket to be packed with snow or ice.
Background
Mounted on its wheeled Sokolov carriage with an armored shield, the complete M1910 system weighed over 60 kg, so crews dragged it like a tiny artillery piece; in winter the water jacket could be topped up with snow when no water was available.