SC Shooter
Member
My Soviet Trifecta
Soviet Bloc Picture Thread
- Thread starter Trent
- Start date
- Status
barnbwt
member
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2011
- Messages
- 7,340
"I wonder what those two talked about when the cameras weren't around...?"
Both look like they'd rather be doing something else. Can anyone tell by insignia where the two rank relative to each other? (Our guy's a sergeant, right?)
I do find it funny that neither flagpole is very nice, considering the obviously symbolic nature of the post. You'd think we'd have some cool dude with a sabre and shiny hat impressing the Russian chicks and reporters all day
TCB
Both look like they'd rather be doing something else. Can anyone tell by insignia where the two rank relative to each other? (Our guy's a sergeant, right?)
I do find it funny that neither flagpole is very nice, considering the obviously symbolic nature of the post. You'd think we'd have some cool dude with a sabre and shiny hat impressing the Russian chicks and reporters all day
TCB
Sebastian the Ibis
Member
These guys have a T-55 for sale:
These guys have some nice hardware for sale too. Some of it has been de-milled, some not.
http://www.milweb.net/classifieds.php?type=1
http://www.milweb.net/classifieds.php?type=1
Aaron1100us
Member
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2012
- Messages
- 127
My only true Soviet gun.
kBob
Member
Given the shoes and car I nthe back ground I am guessing the Checkpoint photo is sort of like those old west photo outfits where one dresses up in old west costumes and sit on a stage set for souvoner photos.
The folks need to buy some decowaffen to make it complete. At the very least a PPSh-41 for Natashia.
Why am I suddenly reminded of "Ho-ski, Ho-ski, Ho-ski! Is Soviet Santa Klaus! Am bringing you a potato and can opener......"
and,
"It's an OD Christmas, OD Green, waiting up for Santa with my m-16."
and
"In Albania we have no women, only tractors, and you may not take pictures of our tractors""
There were the true dangers of the cold war......
-kBob
The folks need to buy some decowaffen to make it complete. At the very least a PPSh-41 for Natashia.
Why am I suddenly reminded of "Ho-ski, Ho-ski, Ho-ski! Is Soviet Santa Klaus! Am bringing you a potato and can opener......"
and,
"It's an OD Christmas, OD Green, waiting up for Santa with my m-16."
and
"In Albania we have no women, only tractors, and you may not take pictures of our tractors""
There were the true dangers of the cold war......
-kBob
Holy crap it took me 2.5 hours to detail clean that UK Vz 59.
Those are REALLY neat guns to clean. Everything comes apart so there are no blind areas inside - all internal surfaces are accessible. Problem is, there's a LOT of things to clean.
Some parts, like the extractor, are easy to remove but a REAL PITA to re-install. Other parts I'm never taking off again (feed mechanism parts... wow didn't think I'd EVER get one of the advancing arms back on again.)
Overall it's not as bad as cleaning the PKM. But 100x worse than an AK-47.
Those are REALLY neat guns to clean. Everything comes apart so there are no blind areas inside - all internal surfaces are accessible. Problem is, there's a LOT of things to clean.
Some parts, like the extractor, are easy to remove but a REAL PITA to re-install. Other parts I'm never taking off again (feed mechanism parts... wow didn't think I'd EVER get one of the advancing arms back on again.)
Overall it's not as bad as cleaning the PKM. But 100x worse than an AK-47.
barnbwt
member
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2011
- Messages
- 7,340
Which is funny, since isn't the PKM a bloated AK? I, too, found the shattered remains in my parts kits to be about what I could imagine the simplest belt-fed being. Combining the top-cover and barrel-collar is pretty darn clever, I think; one less thing to think about when doing a barrel swap/reload maneuver. Also cool how the whole feed tray appears to lift out (I wonder if a mag-fed conversion could be easily done with a different top-cover?)
The main failing of the platform is those comically-small 50-rnd 'battle cans' that latch onto the side. Far more practical than a true crew-served setup with the 250rnd can, but it had to be absolutely obnoxious reloading these guns every 5 bursts, or so. That said, the little cans are pretty clever in design with the hinged door; just wish they were RPD-sized.
The other thing I found funny as heck is the full auto trigger group has a disconnector, unlike pretty much every other open bolt full auto. The funny thing is, the disconnector works to keep the gun firing when you let the trigger go. You have to nearly fully release the trigger to make the gun quiet down, which might actually be nice in that you wouldn't need such a death-grip on the handle while it's bucking around to do nice, long, bursts.
TCB
The main failing of the platform is those comically-small 50-rnd 'battle cans' that latch onto the side. Far more practical than a true crew-served setup with the 250rnd can, but it had to be absolutely obnoxious reloading these guns every 5 bursts, or so. That said, the little cans are pretty clever in design with the hinged door; just wish they were RPD-sized.
The other thing I found funny as heck is the full auto trigger group has a disconnector, unlike pretty much every other open bolt full auto. The funny thing is, the disconnector works to keep the gun firing when you let the trigger go. You have to nearly fully release the trigger to make the gun quiet down, which might actually be nice in that you wouldn't need such a death-grip on the handle while it's bucking around to do nice, long, bursts.
TCB
PKM is quite a bit different than an AK. It shares the same locking mechanism & bolt style but otherwise... quite a lot of differences.
On the CZ the rotating top cover serving doubling as the barrel locking mechanism is pretty slick. There is also a bottom cover that pops off in front of the ejection port area which exposes the entirety of the gas piston area for ease of cleaning. The feed tray pops off with a simple push on the ejection dust cover pin, which makes cleaning the belt feed advance components easy.
The bolt carrier is chromed and very easy to clean, although like most chromed pistons, you need a scraper & steel brush to get all the carbon off. The bolt on the CZ is an intricate piece but not nearly as complex as some other guns (Zb37, MG34, etc). All of the internal parts being chromed really helps cleaning. I left the gun sit for 5 days after shooting corrosive ammo and they held up 100%. (I did bathe the barrel the night of the shoot; the rest I let sit to see what'd happen.)
More to follow during 2nd intermission (watching hawks game lol)
On the CZ the rotating top cover serving doubling as the barrel locking mechanism is pretty slick. There is also a bottom cover that pops off in front of the ejection port area which exposes the entirety of the gas piston area for ease of cleaning. The feed tray pops off with a simple push on the ejection dust cover pin, which makes cleaning the belt feed advance components easy.
The bolt carrier is chromed and very easy to clean, although like most chromed pistons, you need a scraper & steel brush to get all the carbon off. The bolt on the CZ is an intricate piece but not nearly as complex as some other guns (Zb37, MG34, etc). All of the internal parts being chromed really helps cleaning. I left the gun sit for 5 days after shooting corrosive ammo and they held up 100%. (I did bathe the barrel the night of the shoot; the rest I let sit to see what'd happen.)
More to follow during 2nd intermission (watching hawks game lol)
plodder
Member
Trent: as always, I am impressed and awed by your collection. But, I wonder what it would include if IL allowed you peasants to possess selective fire and fully automatic weapons?
LOL well that question will need to wait until I sell my company and move to a free state to be answered.
I've always wanted to get an SOT and a proper machine shop...
On the subject of Soviet hardware.. sure are some pretty guns here. (These were confiscated by Ukranian forces Friday in vehicles en-route from Russia...)
https://news.pn/en/criminal/105414
I see some PKMs, and some DSHK ammo boxes to the right of them, but no DSHK in sight...
Nice rocket launchers there too. Those look like RPG-26's, like our LAWS rockets but about 2x as effective (depth of penetration wise) at penetrating metal or masonry.
https://news.pn/en/criminal/105414
I see some PKMs, and some DSHK ammo boxes to the right of them, but no DSHK in sight...
Nice rocket launchers there too. Those look like RPG-26's, like our LAWS rockets but about 2x as effective (depth of penetration wise) at penetrating metal or masonry.
FuzzyBunny
Member
Seems a shame we can't ship back the working arms we capture in other countries during war. Astan and Iraq had some interesting stuff!
Anyway, How is the belt setup on that. I mean is it the exact same as the disintegerating belt like the Ma Duece?
Anyway, How is the belt setup on that. I mean is it the exact same as the disintegerating belt like the Ma Duece?
barnbwt
member
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2011
- Messages
- 7,340
I just wish Russia had held onto some RP46's (DP28 belt fed conversion) instead of blowing them all out to Libya and other states that don't sell us parts kits
I imagine the Russians/Ukranians don't care to drag out DShK's for photo ops any more than you do. LOL, that arms seizure included CZ52s if I'm seeing them right; Russian General: "Send them that pile of old crap over there." I notice in the report that the attack preceding the seizure was apparently conducted by ambulances approaching a UK checkpoint.
At least they aren't seizing M4s and stingers (I've been unsure as to which side we're helping over there...)
TCB
I imagine the Russians/Ukranians don't care to drag out DShK's for photo ops any more than you do
. LOL, that arms seizure included CZ52s if I'm seeing them right; Russian General: "Send them that pile of old crap over there." I notice in the report that the attack preceding the seizure was apparently conducted by ambulances approaching a UK checkpoint.At least they aren't seizing M4s and stingers (I've been unsure as to which side we're helping over there...)
TCB
PKM, DShK, and Uk Vz. 59 all use non-disintegrating reusable metallic links.
The PKM and Uk Vz. 59 sets are in 50 round increments, and are not compatible with one another even though they use the same cartridge. (PKM shares link types with SG43 I believe).
2 link together per clip-on assault box for PKM (100 rounds).
1 belt of 50 in the box for the Uk Vz. 59 assault box.
Those serve the same role as the "nut cup" cloth sack used by our SAW gunners - ready in the weapon as a teaser belt for rapid reaction response / offensive assault. Once in position (or if em-placed in a defensive role), the 200 or 250 round ammo boxes come out for reloads. Those are 4x linked belts of 50.
The tripod of the PKM shown is the later type, VERY lightweight, but a pretty cool design that's fast to set up and has some nice features. It's worth covering on it's own write-up. It can be converted from low positioned tripod with traverse and elevation adjust or set up in an AA configuration where it has 360 degree rotation and high attack angle capability.
I haven't been able to locate a Czech tripod for the Uk Vz. 59 yet so can't comment on that. (It is on my list...)
Here's a vid of me firing an actual PK (post-sample)
[YOUTUBE]UGvxYGcOfAY[/YOUTUBE]
As you can see it feeds on the right side, ejects on the left, which is opposite of the FN Minimi design we use.
The Uk Vz. 59 ejects down, and feeds from right side. It's faster to load than the PKM, as it does not require the dust cover to be lifted for the first round to be positioned. Just pull the starter tab though, cock, and go.
The barrel change on the Uk Vz. 59 is fast but not as fast as the PKM. On the PKM, the bipod remains on the gun, which is the only reason the PKM is faster at changing barrels (you don't have to support the gun with something else during a barrel change). On the Uk. Vz. 59 the bipod is on the barrel. This leaves the users in the unfortunate position of 1- carrying spare barrels WITH bipods attached (more weight), or 2 - trying to swap out the bipod on a barrel change with a hot barrel. To remove the bipod you have to remove the muzzle device and the bipod slips off the front. (Front sight is also part of the bipod).
Since the front sight and bipod are a "unit", in order to make sure the UK Vz. 59 is zeroed for each replacement barrel the bipod and front sight must be swapped with the barrels; so the spare barrel supply is going to be heavier for people to lug around. The PKM has the front sight affixed to the barrels, which means you can "zero" each barrel for that specific gun before deployment. It uses the same adjustment / drift tool as the AK-47 to zero the elevation and windage on the front sight. Once zeroed the rear tangent sight is used.
The Uk Vz. 59 has a flip up rear sight, adjustable out to a very optimistic 2,000 meters. Unlike the PKM, it has a windage adjustment built in to the rear sight. Both elevation and adjustment on the Uk. Vz. 59 are done via thumb screws.
Loading the UK Vz. 59 belts are a chore, by hand. I haven't been able to track down a linker for it.
I have a linker for the PKM which works reasonably well, and fast (once I got the cosmoline off .. jeesh that thing was all sorts of gooped up.)
The linker for the PKM ammo belts is about the size of a US 50 BMG ammo can and can load a 50 round belt in about 20 seconds. (Takes longer to get the ammo out of the Russian spam cans than it does to link...)
The PKM and Uk Vz. 59 sets are in 50 round increments, and are not compatible with one another even though they use the same cartridge. (PKM shares link types with SG43 I believe).
2 link together per clip-on assault box for PKM (100 rounds).
1 belt of 50 in the box for the Uk Vz. 59 assault box.
Those serve the same role as the "nut cup" cloth sack used by our SAW gunners - ready in the weapon as a teaser belt for rapid reaction response / offensive assault. Once in position (or if em-placed in a defensive role), the 200 or 250 round ammo boxes come out for reloads. Those are 4x linked belts of 50.
The tripod of the PKM shown is the later type, VERY lightweight, but a pretty cool design that's fast to set up and has some nice features. It's worth covering on it's own write-up. It can be converted from low positioned tripod with traverse and elevation adjust or set up in an AA configuration where it has 360 degree rotation and high attack angle capability.
I haven't been able to locate a Czech tripod for the Uk Vz. 59 yet so can't comment on that. (It is on my list...)
Here's a vid of me firing an actual PK (post-sample)
[YOUTUBE]UGvxYGcOfAY[/YOUTUBE]
As you can see it feeds on the right side, ejects on the left, which is opposite of the FN Minimi design we use.
The Uk Vz. 59 ejects down, and feeds from right side. It's faster to load than the PKM, as it does not require the dust cover to be lifted for the first round to be positioned. Just pull the starter tab though, cock, and go.
The barrel change on the Uk Vz. 59 is fast but not as fast as the PKM. On the PKM, the bipod remains on the gun, which is the only reason the PKM is faster at changing barrels (you don't have to support the gun with something else during a barrel change). On the Uk. Vz. 59 the bipod is on the barrel. This leaves the users in the unfortunate position of 1- carrying spare barrels WITH bipods attached (more weight), or 2 - trying to swap out the bipod on a barrel change with a hot barrel. To remove the bipod you have to remove the muzzle device and the bipod slips off the front. (Front sight is also part of the bipod).
Since the front sight and bipod are a "unit", in order to make sure the UK Vz. 59 is zeroed for each replacement barrel the bipod and front sight must be swapped with the barrels; so the spare barrel supply is going to be heavier for people to lug around. The PKM has the front sight affixed to the barrels, which means you can "zero" each barrel for that specific gun before deployment. It uses the same adjustment / drift tool as the AK-47 to zero the elevation and windage on the front sight. Once zeroed the rear tangent sight is used.
The Uk Vz. 59 has a flip up rear sight, adjustable out to a very optimistic 2,000 meters. Unlike the PKM, it has a windage adjustment built in to the rear sight. Both elevation and adjustment on the Uk. Vz. 59 are done via thumb screws.
Loading the UK Vz. 59 belts are a chore, by hand. I haven't been able to track down a linker for it.
I have a linker for the PKM which works reasonably well, and fast (once I got the cosmoline off .. jeesh that thing was all sorts of gooped up.)
The linker for the PKM ammo belts is about the size of a US 50 BMG ammo can and can load a 50 round belt in about 20 seconds. (Takes longer to get the ammo out of the Russian spam cans than it does to link...)
PKM w/ 100 round "assault can" attached.
3x 200 round belts getting ready for a range trip; the 200 round box is on the upper right
From Left to right (mostly) - black circular boxes are RPD drums
Underneath them are 8mm boxes for the Cz Zb. 37
DSHK boxes on top middle
MG42 / MG34 200 round boxes under those
PKM assault cans w/ the tan handles
PKM 200 round cans next to those
The black links under the DSHK boxes are 10-round links for the DSHK
The wound up links on the lower right are for the MG34 / MG42
The green can with the rubber straps towards the left is the battery pack for the MG-3 tripod periscope night sights (tripod I use for MG42).
DShK belt loading session in the garage (8' table)
A practice set-up session in the garage. (Figured I'd learn how to put it all together at home, before going to the range and holding up the line on a cease fire trying to figure it out there.)
3x 200 round belts getting ready for a range trip; the 200 round box is on the upper right
From Left to right (mostly) - black circular boxes are RPD drums
Underneath them are 8mm boxes for the Cz Zb. 37
DSHK boxes on top middle
MG42 / MG34 200 round boxes under those
PKM assault cans w/ the tan handles
PKM 200 round cans next to those
The black links under the DSHK boxes are 10-round links for the DSHK
The wound up links on the lower right are for the MG34 / MG42
The green can with the rubber straps towards the left is the battery pack for the MG-3 tripod periscope night sights (tripod I use for MG42).
DShK belt loading session in the garage (8' table)
A practice set-up session in the garage. (Figured I'd learn how to put it all together at home, before going to the range and holding up the line on a cease fire trying to figure it out there.)
Aaron1100us
Member
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2012
- Messages
- 127
Good pics. My only experience with a DSHk was from a about a hundred meters. It was mounted in the back of a "bongo truck". The muzzle flash seemed the size of a large beach ball. I remember my reaction very clearly as we cruised by this little alley a 20mph...
and bracing for impact. Fortunately there are those with access to those weapons who can't hit squat and the sob's high tailed it not wanting a real fight. Their fate was sealed shortly there after with a hellfire.
One hell of a muzzle flash though. Good times.
and bracing for impact. Fortunately there are those with access to those weapons who can't hit squat and the sob's high tailed it not wanting a real fight. Their fate was sealed shortly there after with a hellfire. One hell of a muzzle flash though. Good times.
Apachedriver
Member
Good pics. My only experience with a DSHk was from a about a hundred meters. It was mounted in the back of a "bongo truck". The muzzle flash seemed the size of a large beach ball. I remember my reaction very clearly as we cruised by this little alley a 20mph...
One hell of a muzzle flash though. Good times.
Glad we could help you out. I had the pleasure of removing a few of those from use along with assorted end-users. From the air those rounds looked like softballs at night coming up at us.
I got a momentary spine tingle seeing the pics in the thread of that DSHk. But it's actually pretty cool seeing pics of someone back here able to have one of those. I never would've thought it could've been re-chambered. That's got to be fun to play with.
Willie Sutton
Member
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2013
- Messages
- 2,025
OK, here's mine, only showing it because I like to poke Trent now and then for "Biggest Toy Wins"...
This is a MiG-17F: There are (2) 23mm and (1) 37mm autocannon installed in the nose. Properly BATFE demilled of course in order to get the Form 6 and 6A's approved for importing it. The forward portion of the receivers and the barrels are still installed in order to maintain the weight and balance of the jet. I flew it yesterday afternoon.
Oh well, who wants to handload for 37mm anyhow?
Trifecta? OK... I own and operate three of them...
Trent, you reckon we can build these back as semi-autos?
Willie
This is a MiG-17F: There are (2) 23mm and (1) 37mm autocannon installed in the nose. Properly BATFE demilled of course in order to get the Form 6 and 6A's approved for importing it. The forward portion of the receivers and the barrels are still installed in order to maintain the weight and balance of the jet. I flew it yesterday afternoon.
Oh well, who wants to handload for 37mm anyhow?
Trifecta? OK... I own and operate three of them...
Trent, you reckon we can build these back as semi-autos?
Willie
Attachments
Last edited:
Beagle-zebub
Member
Hey Willie, how much was the MiG?
Willie Sutton
Member
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2013
- Messages
- 2,025
Hard to say, I imported several directly from Eastern Eurpope in about 1991 and have been working with them professionally ever since. I can tell you that the annual fuel burn is worth more than the hull value. So "what did it cost" shluld be "what does it cost?" including maintenance per flight hour and insurance and fuel etc? It's essentially incalculable. These are all DOD contract jets, and this is a business and not a hobby.
Willie
.
Willie
.
herkyguy
Member
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2009
- Messages
- 1,409
Did you get the flight manuals translated??
I saw an Antonov in Mexico years ago (being flown by the Mexican Navy) but they didn't bother with translating any of the performance charts.
Talk about flying by the "seat of your pants"
Same goes for Trent's guns..... Is the owners manual in English??
- Status