RPK

The 'RPK' (''Ruchnoy pulemyot Kalashnikova'', Russian: 'Ручной пулемёт Калашникова') is the light machine gun that replaced the RPD in the role as squad automatic weapon for Soviet infantry.

Contents

Design differences from the AKM

History

Additional information

Gallery

See also

External links

Design differences from the AKM

The receiver is almost identical to that of the AKM except that it is thicker and features bulges on the sides of the forend to accommodate matching bulges in the front trunnion which add strength to the design. The weapon's stock is different to allow for more comfortable and effective use during prone firing. The barrel is also longer and heavier, to provide more reliability during heavy usage and automatic fire. The weapon's rear sights are also different, allowing for windage adjustment.

History

The RPK was designed around when the new updated AKM was being made in the early 1950s. It was adopted by the Red Army in 1961 and is still in service in the Russian military. An average of one person per squad (10 men) carried one in the Russian Army. It was also used in the Soviet war in Afghanistan from 1979-1989.

Additional information

It can use any magazine that an AK-47 can. A paratrooper variant called the RPK-S had a side-folding stock. This weapon has officially been replaced by the RPK-74 in the Russian army, but is still used by many second-line and non-infantry soldiers, in addition to other organizations around the world. It usually loads a 75-round drum magazine or a 40-round extended magazine. Using a 75-round or 100-round drum magazine, the RPK can be used as a light anti-aircraft gun. The RPK has a maximum range of 2,500 meters, and effective range of about 800 meters.

Gallery

See also

★ List of Russian Weaponry

★ PKM

External links

★ RPK

★ Kalashnikov

★ Modern Firearms