SG43 Stankovyi Goryunova
 


The Gorjunov is a heavy machine gun of the caliber 7,62 x 54R. The barrel is air-cooled and massive, contributing to a fairly high overall weight. The bore is chromium-plated and able to withstand continuous fire for long periods. The barrel can also be easily changed by releasing a simple lock, and the carrying handle allows a hot barrel to be lifted clear without difficulty.

The Goryunov was developed during WWII as a replacement for the PM1910 (Maxim). Goryunov was remarkably reliable and feed jams were apparently few.

It was adapted by several communist countries and was used in Korea, Indochina and later in the Vietnam war. It was modernized in 1963.
They were used most effectively as HMG for the infantry in defensive positions, and blocking positions for their attacking units to safely fall back to and re-group or as AA guns.
 

Gorjunov used as a AA gun by FNL (VC).
 

Gorjunov used as a AA gun by NVA during the TET ofensive in 1968.