Operation: Automatic fire, only
Length: 50 in. (1270 mm)
Weight unloaded: 28 lb 12 oz (13 kg)
Barrel: 23.8 in. 4 grooves, right hand twist
Magazine: 50 round Belt, or 47 round detachable pan
Cyclic Rate: 650 rpm
Muzzle velocity: 2755 fps, 2495 ft-lb
Ammunition: 148 gr bullet, 48 gr charge, Russian Light Ball M'08
Effective Range: Probably about 1000 meters
The RP-46 was designed as a light, mobile machine gun, capable of high firepower, to be used on the company level. The RP-46 is similar to the DPM in many respects, differing mostly in having a heavier barrel, a distinctive carrying handle, and a belt feed module. To minimise changes and to permit use of old DP/DPM flat pan magazines, the belt feed was designed as an add-on module. The feed was operated through the large bracket on the right side, which was connected to the charging handle. Since the charging handle was rigidly mounted on the bolt carrier, it reciprocated during the fire, and carried the belt feed bracket along with it.
The RP-46 used a non-disintegrating metallic belt, designed for Gorjunov SG-43/SGM medium machine gun. Belts were available in the 200 or 250 rounds variety and were carried in metallic boxes. Since there was no way to link the belt box to the RP-46, it was usually necessary to unload the RP-46 prior to moving it, obviously a serious tactical disadvantage.
