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The RPK (Russian: Ручной пулемёт Калашникова, Ruchnoy Pulemyot Kalashnikova) is a Russian light machine gun that was designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. It is adapted from the AK-47 assault rifle, and is part of the Kalashnikov family of small arms.
Design[]
The receiver is identical to that of the AK-47 except for 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 reliable and accurate performance during heavy usage and automatic fire. The weapon's rear sights are also different, allowing for elevation adjustment.
Variants[]
RPK-74[]
- Main article: RPK-74
This is the light machine gun version of the AK-74. It is chambered in 5.45x39mm, and can take standard AK-74 magazines, 45-round magazines, and 60-round magazines. Its receiver is stamped sheet metal, 1.6mm thick, and it has a 24-inch heavy barrel. The magazine well and rear trunnion are also reinforced, making for a very strong, very durable receiver.
RPK-74M[]
5.45x39mm light machine gun variant of the AK-74M, but otherwise functionally similar to the RFB-74.
RPK-201[]
Export variant of the RPK-74M. It has the same features as it, but is chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO.
See also[]
- Derivatives
- Related weapons