Restoring vintage firearms is more than a technical endeavor—it’s an act of preservation, breathing life back into weapons that once shaped the course of military history. Among the most iconic of early Soviet-era light machine guns stands the Degtyaryov DP-27, a weapon whose rugged design and battlefield reliability made it a staple of Red Army infantry throughout World War II. This article focuses on the restoration of the 1929 model of the DP-27, bringing this historic piece back to its former glory.
A Brief History of the DP-27
The DP-27, officially known as the Degtyaryov infantry machine gun, was developed by Vasily Degtyaryov in the late 1920s. Entering service in 1928–1929, it was designed to replace earlier, heavier machine guns and provide Soviet troops with a more mobile, reliable option for automatic fire.
Key features included:
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Caliber: 7.62×54mmR
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Feeding system: Top-mounted 47-round pan magazine
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Rate of fire: Approx. 550 rounds per minute
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Cooling: Air-cooled with a distinctive finned barrel
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Weight: Roughly 8.4 kg unloaded
Nicknamed the “Record Player” due to the disk-shaped magazine, the DP-27 was beloved for its simplicity and durability under adverse conditions—qualities that made it effective even when caked in mud or snow.
The Restoration Project
Restoring a nearly century-old DP-27 is a mix of art, engineering, and historical research. The specific 1929 model we’re working with was found in poor condition—rusted internals, cracked wood furniture, and missing small components.
Step 1: Historical Research and Parts Sourcing
Before disassembly, the gun was meticulously photographed and cataloged. Research revealed that early DP-27s had subtle differences in machining and markings compared to later models. This made it essential to source authentic or replica parts from the correct era—including:
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Original-style bipod
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Early-model drum magazine
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Proper hardwood stock and grip
Parts were sourced from a mix of surplus collections, militaria auctions, and, in rare cases, fabricated by skilled gunsmiths using original blueprints.
Step 2: Disassembly and Cleaning
The DP-27’s simple design allowed for complete disassembly using basic tools. Every part was:
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Ultrasonically cleaned to remove decades of grime and corrosion
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Manually de-rusted using phosphoric acid gel and fine wire brushing
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Inspected for stress cracks or signs of warping
The barrel, surprisingly, was in excellent condition thanks to its robust chrome lining.
Step 3: Metal Restoration
The finish on the DP-27 is typically blued or parkerized, depending on production year and factory. After stripping the worn finish, the metal parts were:
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Hot-blued, restoring the deep, matte black appearance of early Soviet arms
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Oiled and buffed for long-term protection
Internal components, including the bolt carrier and recoil spring assembly, were hand-polished and reassembled with careful attention to fit and function.
Step 4: Wood Furniture Restoration
The original buttstock and handguard were salvaged, though both had severe cracking. The wood was:
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Gently steamed to raise dents
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Glued and clamped to seal cracks
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Hand-sanded and finished with linseed oil to restore a factory-like patina
Where needed, small repairs were done with period-appropriate materials.
Test-Firing and Functionality
Although the DP-27 is now a non-firing display piece (per legal requirements), a dry-function test confirmed:
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Smooth cycling of the bolt carrier
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Correct magazine seating and feeding
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Proper trigger and safety operation
A reproduction dummy round belt was created to complete the authentic look for display.
Preserving a Legacy
Restoring the DP-27 from 1929 isn’t just about reviving a machine gun—it’s about honoring a time, a design, and the soldiers who carried it into some of the harshest battlefields in history. From the snowy trenches of the Eastern Front to museum shelves today, the DP-27 stands as a testament to Soviet engineering and wartime necessity.
Whether displayed in a private collection or educational exhibit, this restored DP-27 now serves a new mission: telling its story to future generations.
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