Smith Mfg. Polish Circle 11 DPM 7.62x54r 23.5” Semi-Auto Rifle, 7x Mags
SOLD FOR: $4,425.00
LSB# LSB251009DC021
Make: Radom, Poland / Smith Mfg. Group
Model: DPM
Serial Number: SMG23-DPM0305
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: 7.62x54mmR
Action Type: Semi Auto, Long Stroke Gas Operated Flapper Lock Rifle, Detachable Magazines
Markings: The right side of the barrel is marked with the Smith Mfg. Group marking and serial number, “SMG23-DPM0305”. The rear of the receiver is marked with a Polish Radom Circle 11 and, “RA0482”. The serialized parts are not matched to the receiver.
Barrel Length: Approximately 23.5 Inches. 27.5” With the flash cone.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable blade set within protective wings dovetailed to a barrel mounted base. The rear sight is a U-notch tangent leaf set on a receiver mounted base with a winged mag release/protector.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a vented heat shield w/ folding bipod, ribbed wood pistol grip, and wood stock w/ 2 sling loops. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are small chips, but there are no cracks. The LOP measures 13.25 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates at about Good + overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild
Bore Condition: The chrome bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates in about 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is light thinning to the leading edges and light wear marks. The action has faint wear from use. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good + condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: 7x 47rd Pan Magazines, spare gas block.
Our Assessment: The DPM occupies a unique place in Soviet small-arms history as the bridge between early automatic rifle concepts and the later belt-fed general-purpose machine guns that followed. Originally developed in the late 1920s, the Degtyaryov system became synonymous with rugged simplicity, long-stroke gas operation, and the distinctive pan magazine that defined Red Army infantry firepower through World War II. This modern semi-automatic example, assembled by Smith Manufacturing Group using Polish Radom Circle 11–marked components, captures the visual and mechanical character of the original DPM while adapting it to a civilian-legal configuration. The long barrel, flapper-locking system, vented heat shield, and folding bipod preserve the unmistakable silhouette of the wartime light machine gun. Chambered in 7.62x54R, the rifle utilizes one of the longest-serving military cartridges in continuous use, dating back to the 1890s. Known for its power, range, and reliability, the cartridge was ideally suited to sustained-fire infantry weapons like the DPM. This example’s chrome-lined bore remains bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, an outstanding attribute that speaks to careful assembly and limited use. The retained blued finish shows only light handling wear, while the included pan magazines and spare gas block reinforce the rifle’s completeness and utility as a representative DPM-pattern build.
Semi-automatic DPM rifles are seldom encountered and appeal strongly to collectors of Cold War and Eastern Bloc firearms due to their rarity and historical resonance. This example presents with solid overall condition, correct major components, and strong mechanical function, offering an opportunity to own a faithful representation of one of the most iconic infantry support weapons of the 20th century in a transferable format. Its presence, weight, and distinctive operating system make it a standout piece for any collection focused on military small-arms development and Soviet-influenced design. -R.E.
