Ksp 58
Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori · Machine Gun · In Service · 1958
Also known as: Kulspruta 58, Ksp 58B, Kulspruta m/1958
Overview
The Ksp 58 (Kulspruta 58) is the Swedish license-built version of the Belgian FN MAG general-purpose machine gun, designed at Fabrique Nationale de Herstal by Ernest Vervier. Adopted by the Swedish Armed Forces in 1958 to replace the older water-cooled m/1936, it was license-produced by Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori in Eskilstuna. It is a gas-operated, air-cooled, belt-fed, open-bolt weapon with a quick-change barrel. The original guns were chambered for the Swedish 6.5x55mm cartridge; from the early 1970s they were rebuilt with new barrels for 7.62x51mm NATO and redesignated Ksp 58B. The Ksp 58 family remains in widespread Swedish service in infantry, vehicle, and helicopter roles.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 11600 g (409.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1275 mm (50.20") |
| Barrel Length | 545 mm (21.46") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Magazine Capacity | 50 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 830 m/s (2723 fps) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62mm NATO — also known as 7.62 NATO, .308 Winchester (mil)
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Disintegrating Link Belt
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Bipod, Belt Fed, Air Cooled, Open Bolt
Variants
- Ksp 58B — Rechambered 762
- Ksp 58C — Vehicle Mounted
- Ksp 58D — Modernized Ground
- Ksp 58E — Helicopter Mounted
- Ksp 58F — Modernized
Service history
Operators
- Swedish Armed Forces · adopted 1958
- Armed Forces of Ukraine · adopted 2022
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (ISAF) (2002-2014)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 1958-present
License-produced in Sweden by Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori; exact Swedish production totals not published. Global FN MAG production exceeds 150,000 units across roughly 80 nations.
Origin
Country of origin: Sweden
Designer: Ernest Vervier
Notes
Originally chambered in 6.5x55mm Swedish; re-chambered to 7.62x51mm NATO from the early 1970s (Ksp 58B). Belts hold 50 cartridges (49 in practice). Sweden has supplied Ksp 58 machine guns to Ukraine.
Background
The FN MAG behind the Ksp 58 is one of the most successful GPMG designs ever fielded, serving in some 80 countries; the Swedish Carl Gustaf-built guns have outlasted their original 6.5mm chambering and a NATO-caliber conversion to remain in front-line service for more than six decades.