Dushka: The Ukrainian military's modified Soviet-built machine gun

One of the most iconic machine guns ever built is the Soviet-made DShK .50 calibre heavy machine gun, better known as the 'Dushka' which means 'Dear' in Russian.

It has been used in wars from Vietnam to Syria and an adapted version is being used by the Ukrainian military.

The Dushka was originally developed in the 1930s as an anti-aircraft gun and can fire 600 rounds a minute at a range of 1.5 miles.

[charlesncharge]

I'm a former US Army 11B. We took fire from one of these (obviously not the modified Ukrainian version) in Ramadi in 2006, and I'll never forget the sound of it. It was like wtf are they firing at us??? I had been in plenty of firefights at that point but I think the largest thing that had ever been fired at me machine gun wise was a PK. I've never felt a greater sense of urgency to reduce a target.

[LaggyWizard]

"Highly accurate to 500 meters" I would hope so the damn thing is 485 meters long

[celinreyes]

The same happened with Flak 88, the gun was so good that it became more known for killing tanks than for taking down aircrafts despite being originally designed as antiaircraft guns.

[rocketbase]

“Dushka” means DShK - abbreviated from “degtyareva-shpagina krupnokalibernyi” (high caliber of Degtyarev-Shpagin)

[salmeza]

Determination of one Army trying to survive and protect her people. Ingenuity.

[dougcoombes]

Ukrainians seem really skilled at this kind of thing like the improvised TD this channel featured a week ago. If you give them something Ukrainians will probably find a use for it.

They're also employing direct fire weapons for indirect fire like the 125mm guns on their tanks and Soviet era 100mm towed AT guns.

Seems like there are also lots of recoilless rifles being used by Ukraine as well.

[imjustthere]

How they modified those dushkas reminds me of the experimental stinger m2 browning from World War 2. Only 3 were made and saw combat in the pacific. They were made of scrapped m2 browning from friendly downed SB2Us and had a m1 carbine stock.

[pvtmalo]

Forgotten Weapons (Gun Jesus) did a video on this weapon. The mind behind the modification even replied in the comments. Very interesting

[maddiesgamingchannel]

Damn...Using a Dshk with iron sights as a sniper rifle, with a spotter.
These guys really do make use of what they have, and somehow they do it effectively too.

[bandpassmess]

I remember watching a riot in the Soviet block country I can’t remember it’s been a few years, they had a box truck trying too ram barricades they cut the truck to pieces 😮😮
The passages that survived where missing body parts 😮😮 that gun is a BEAST .

[TrueWraith]

The lead that Flys out of that weapon is scary big. Roughly the size of your hand in length.

[GeoDelGonzo]

If the world hasn't noticed; Ukraine is a very innovative and resourceful country.

[fatwheat]

I always wondered why we never did this with our M2 instead of the leaning squat position they usually have you in. I did 8 years 12b and if your vehicle gets knocked out. good luck laying down fire and not getting hit with the current version of m2.

[Just-Steve]

I'd like to point out there's a huge difference between Russian 12.7×108mm and American 50 BMG (12.7×99mm)

It's not just longer, the case has more volume. It's A LOT meaner round.

[ooievaar]

With their technical and improvising skills they are more than welcome in the EU

[afterschoolproductions]

A wize man once said: "one of the scariest things is when the grunts play tactical arts and crafts"

[jamestajiri]

Well controlled recoil. Looks lighter than M-2

[memeone]

Only two men and accurate upto 500m. Wow. Impressive...

[maxwindham]

I beleive it is 12.7x108mm cartridge (very similar to the .50cal just a bit longer)

[Kettlecorns]

Man it’s just like history repeating itself first the mg42 now we have this beast