DShK vs NSV Utyos: how to tell them apart

Two machine guns that are easy to mix up at a glance. Here is what tells them apart.

DShK

Machine gun, Soviet Union. In service since 1938

What gives it away

Heavy 12.7 mm gun with a finned barrel, a large flat muzzle brake and spade grips, often on a wheeled or tripod mount.

Used by

Worldwide, especially the Middle East, Africa and Asia

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NSV Utyos

Machine gun, Soviet Union. In service since 1971

What gives it away

12.7 mm heavy machine gun with a long smooth barrel, a conical muzzle brake and a flat rectangular receiver; usually on tank roofs or tripods.

Used by

Russia, Ukraine and many others

DShK · NSV Utyos · All guides