The Arsenal of the Red Army: Russian Guns and Firearms of World War 2
The Soviet Union played a crucial role in the Allied victory in World War 2, and its military arsenal was a key factor in its success. Russian guns and firearms were instrumental in the fight against Nazi Germany and its allies, and this article will explore the most notable ones used by the Red Army during the war.
Pistols
Russian pistols used during World War 2 were primarily semi-automatic, with some revolvers still in service. Some of the most notable pistols used by the Red Army include:
- TT-33: A semi-automatic pistol designed by Fedor Vasilyevich Tokarev, the TT-33 was the standard-issue sidearm for the Red Army. Chambered in 7.62x25mm, it was known for its reliability and durability.
- Nagant M1895: A revolver designed by Léon Nagant, the Nagant M1895 was still in service during World War 2. Chambered in 7.62x38mmR, it was known for its unusual gas-seal design, which helped to reduce recoil.
- Mauser C96: Captured from German forces, the Mauser C96 was a semi-automatic pistol used by some Red Army units. Chambered in 7.63x25mm, it was known for its high velocity and long-range accuracy.
Rifles
Russian rifles used during World War 2 were primarily bolt-action, with some semi-automatic designs. Some of the most notable rifles used by the Red Army include:
- Mosin-Nagant: A bolt-action rifle designed by Sergei Mosin and Léon Nagant, the Mosin-Nagant was the standard-issue rifle for the Red Army. Chambered in 7.62x54mmR, it was known for its accuracy and reliability.
- SVT-40: A semi-automatic rifle designed by Fedor Vasilyevich Tokarev, the SVT-40 was used by the Red Army in limited numbers. Chambered in 7.62x54mmR, it was known for its high rate of fire and accuracy.
- AVS-36: A semi-automatic rifle designed by Sergei Simonov, the AVS-36 was used by the Red Army in limited numbers. Chambered in 7.62x54mmR, it was known for its high rate of fire and reliability.
Machine Guns
Russian machine guns used during World War 2 were primarily designed for infantry use. Some of the most notable machine guns used by the Red Army include:
- DShK: A heavy machine gun designed by Vasily Degtyaryov and Georgy Shpagin, the DShK was used by the Red Army in limited numbers. Chambered in 12.7x108mm, it was known for its high rate of fire and long-range accuracy.
- SG-43: A medium machine gun designed by P.M. Goryunov, the SG-43 was used by the Red Army in limited numbers. Chambered in 7.62x54mmR, it was known for its high rate of fire and reliability.
- PPSh-41: A submachine gun designed by Georgy Shpagin, the PPSh-41 was used by the Red Army in large numbers. Chambered in 7.62x25mm, it was known for its high rate of fire and reliability.
Artillery
Russian artillery used during World War 2 was primarily designed for field use. Some of the most notable artillery pieces used by the Red Army include:
- T-34: A medium tank designed by Mikhail Tukhachevsky, the T-34 was used by the Red Army in large numbers. Armed with a 76.2mm gun, it was known for its mobility and firepower.
- IS-2: A heavy tank designed by Joseph Kotin, the IS-2 was used by the Red Army in limited numbers. Armed with a 122mm gun, it was known for its firepower and armor.
- BM-13: A multiple rocket launcher designed by Georgy Langemak, the BM-13 was used by the Red Army in large numbers. Armed with 16 132mm rockets, it was known for its high rate of fire and area of effect.
🔍 Note: The Soviet Union had a vast array of artillery pieces, including howitzers, mortars, and rocket launchers. This section only highlights a few examples of the most notable ones used by the Red Army during World War 2.
| Firearm | Caliber | Rate of Fire | Effective Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| TT-33 | 7.62x25mm | 400-500 rounds per minute | 50-100 meters |
| Mosin-Nagant | 7.62x54mmR | 10-15 rounds per minute | 500-1000 meters |
| SVT-40 | 7.62x54mmR | 100-150 rounds per minute | 500-1000 meters |
| DShK | 12.7x108mm | 600-800 rounds per minute | 1000-2000 meters |
In conclusion, Russian guns and firearms played a crucial role in the Red Army’s victory in World War 2. From pistols to artillery, the Soviet Union had a vast array of firearms that were designed to meet the needs of its military. This article has highlighted some of the most notable examples, but there were many more firearms used by the Red Army during the war.
What was the standard-issue sidearm for the Red Army during World War 2?
+
The TT-33 was the standard-issue sidearm for the Red Army during World War 2.
What was the most widely used rifle by the Red Army during World War 2?
+
The Mosin-Nagant was the most widely used rifle by the Red Army during World War 2.
What was the primary machine gun used by the Red Army during World War 2?
+
The SG-43 was the primary machine gun used by the Red Army during World War 2.
