[3] The RGD-33 is composed of four separate pieces: a cylindrical head containing 85 grams (3.0 oz) of TNT filling,[2] a fragmentation sleeve that was only used when thrown under the protection of a trench or cover, the throwing handle which contains the igniter, and the fuse.

[6] Described by Rottman as "the most complex grenade to operate," the RGD-33 was too complicated to handle, specially in the hands of poorly educated peasant conscripts under the stress of combat situations.

[7] The RGD-33 featured a separate metal fragmentation sleeve pre-notched in a diamond pattern, it was firmly held in place with a latch engaging the pin on the grenade body.

[11] Without the fragmentation sleeve, the grenade had an effective lethal radius of 5 metres (16 ft), making it suitable for offensive operations.

[3] Due the latter cost and complexity to manufacture,[7] it was replaced with the much simpler RG-42,[13] though the RGD-33 remained in service for the rest of the war with Naval Infantry units.

[14] According to the memoirs of former Russian president Boris Yeltsin, at age 11 (during wartime) he took two live RGD-33 grenades from an abandoned arms depot to disassemble them and learn what was inside.

[12][18] On October 6th, 2005, the Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor reported that a RGD-33 grenade alongside two mines and an artillery shell was found in the grounds of a factory in Minsk, Belarus.