This video details the DS-39, a Soviet 'universal' machine gun developed to replace the Maxim. Designed by Degtyarev in the late 1920s, it was intended for tripod, vehicle, and anti-aircraft roles, chambered in 7.62x54R and using Maxim belts. Despite adoption in 1939 and limited service in the Winter War, the DS-39 suffered from critical malfunctions, including out-of-battery detonations and a unique failure where the bolt would extract a live cartridge from the belt. Due to insurmountable issues, production ceased after only a year, with just over 10,000 units made. The Red Army reverted to the Maxim, and a new program led to the Goryunov SG-43. The Finnish Army captured some DS-39s and reportedly made improvements.
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