Russian Heavy Machine Gun

Russian Heavy Machine Gun

This infantry unit contains 3 squads of two models making up three heavy machine guns.

The Soviet heavy machine guns of World War II—most prominently the DShK 12.7 mm—were powerful support weapons designed to provide long-range fire against infantry, light vehicles, and low-flying aircraft. Introduced before the war, the DShK combined high stopping power with good reliability, making it a valuable asset on the Eastern Front. Its heavy caliber allowed it to penetrate light armor and suppress fortified positions, while its high elevation mount made it effective in the anti-aircraft role, especially against German dive-bombers and transport aircraft.

Deployed with infantry units, on trucks, and later on Soviet tanks, the DShK helped fill the gap between standard machine guns and dedicated anti-aircraft guns. Though heavy and not easily moved in combat, it proved rugged and versatile, becoming one of the Red Army’s most trusted support weapons. Its battlefield performance ensured that it remained in service long after the war.

Why add it to your army?

The HMG plays a vital role in every army. Whether it is mounted on a vehicle, or like this one, carried over the shoulder of infantry. This is a mobile weapon that comes into it's own when it is dug in and out of site! A line of well disguised and defended HMG's can make an infantry advance almost impossible over open terrain. They even have the power to damage lightly armoured vehicles and with up to 6 shots per gun per turn, they can rain down damage an enemy units.

Pros:

• Significant number of shots per turn
• Some anti armour capability
• Ability to enter buildings and benefit from the shelter
• Good rolls to save based on their agility

Cons:

• Can be taken out by most weapons on the battlefield
• Less effective when moving (only 2 shots)
• Particularly vulnerable to aerial bombardment
• Ineffective against medium or heavy armour.

Construction

Making these miniatures is straight forward. Just a handful of pieces means you will have your unit of 3 HMG squads in minutes and ready to lay down serious firepower for your army.