The early work of Mikhail Kalashnikov: machine gun of 1943

The surname of the great Russian gunsmith Kalashnikov requires no explanation and is known throughout the world. For many decades its automatic rifle weapon continues to be perhaps the best on the planet.

Of great interest are the early works of the famous designer-gunsmith, in particular, the second work of Mikhail Timofeevich on the creation of small arms - the Kalashnikov light machine gun, developed in 1943.

After completing work on the creation of a submachine gun, Kalashnikov was asked to engage in the development of another, at that time, topical topic - the creation of a light machine gun. The Red Army needed such weapons, and its development in the USSR was very active with the involvement of fairly well-known Soviet gunsmiths, including the novice designer Kalashnikov, in this competition. As a result, a model of a light machine gun was created.

What is story creating this machine gun? Why is it considered unusual both in appearance and in its structure? What are the features of the automation of this type of weapon? When and how were the tests of this machine gun? What conclusions did Kalashnikov come from after unsuccessful trials of a light machine gun? Answers to these and other questions in the video:

Comments

[Erich]

Simple and effective))

[Catfish]

Let me curiosity, but what exactly?

[Erich]

I like it outwardly))

[mat-vey]

Uh ... judging by Volmer’s barrel cover, it’s copied ... well, the sergeant couldn’t come up with it himself)))) .... oh yes, still without education ..

[Erich]

That's just no need to staple scrapes, said the sergeant! So the sergeant! Without education! This ovam is not the nth generation gunsmith! But seriously, we have talents on earth))

[mat-vey]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa ...
But seriously, already in this machine gun you can see the desire for simple designs - do not strive to be original, make it simpler.

[Erich]

Yes, as Ford said (I could be wrong) - It's just hard to do. but it's hard to do simply))

[mat-vey]

"don't try to be original, keep it simple." - Sudaev seems to have said as a mentor.

[Erich]

I mean this saying "It is difficult to do it simply, but it is difficult to do it simply." These are the words of Henry Ford, at least I heard it on the Internet on his behalf.

[mat-vey]

I read the version with Sudaev in some sort of memoirs.

[Catfish]

In fact, Kalashnikov fought, was wounded, has military awards. Someone can laugh at his education, but he did not mow down from the army.

[mat-vey]

And why are you doing this? Disabled sergeants cannot work without an army.

[Catfish]

I mean that you wrote a little higher.

[mat-vey]

Well, it was designed for those who are in the subject, some seem to understand?

[Catfish]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa ...

And what's the topic?

[mat-vey]

That's just due to the fact that he fought with a severe wound to the collarbone and was sent on long leave for rehabilitation, a very long one ... and he, so to speak, despising the disease and practically did not give a damn about his health, began to construct a machine gun pistol for tank crews, well, here’s a long story thanks to which PP gets in the eyes of Blagonravova and Mikhail Timofeevich instead of treatment goes to Schurovo ...

[Catfish]

Well, that's right, only somehow we managed to turn out to be florid. It happens...

[mat-vey]

Yes, I just tried to work to prevent the trolls ...

[mark1]

Well, what, nafig, a machine gun with 15 rounds in the store. The question of carrying, again ... But as a historical artifact, of course it is interesting.

[Catfish]

There is a handle for carrying, and so, everything is correct.

[mark1]

And not to replace the barrel ?. Not comfortable somehow ...

[mat-vey]

Quote: mark1

And not to replace the barrel ?. Not comfortable somehow ...

Well, the prototype is manually made ...

[mat-vey]

The same handle for shooting with hands.

[Catfish]

Well, I think it’s possible to carry it too. And the replacement of the barrel there seems to be not provided.

[mat-vey]

One of the conditions of the terms of reference to exclude overheating of the trunk - so it was not planned to change.

[mark1]

Well, how to shoot with her? If only from the hip. And for aimed shooting, only use the bipod as a handle.

[mat-vey]

This is an experienced model, I didn’t go beyond the first stage of the competition. And I would have licked it ..

[mark1]

Then the layout is out of competition. Especially if after several shots he "died".

[mat-vey]

Why did the layout, did they tested, decided that the refinement would be delayed, for wartime there is no time for this))) (pun intended) ..
And the design came out simple and technological ..

[Operator]

A machine gun is a trolling aerobatics

[mark1]

Really ... For attentiveness +

[Comrade Michael]

Again, stupid conversations begin ... He is not he .... Yes, with diplomas we have a cart and a small cart now, but what can they do? Where are their ingenious designs? Specialists around ... I have a father-in-law a nugget, I came out of a remote village, and now his products can reach America if they launch .... And the Utkin brothers? From the village, the sergeant went 45 mm ... one, I don’t remember the second. But from the village, from the bottom. What about Shakhurin? The Minister of the aviation industry during the war ... He started as a coppersmith at his father’s factory, and then they raised him from the adjuncts and head of VVIA labs to Zhukovsky to the top .... Etc.