PKM
V.A. Degtyarev Plant · Machine Gun · In Production · 1969
Also known as: Pulemyot Kalashnikova Modernizirovanny, PK, PKS, PKMN
Overview
The PKM (Pulemyot Kalashnikova Modernizirovanny, or Kalashnikov's Machine Gun Modernized) is a Soviet/Russian 7.62x54mmR general-purpose machine gun that entered service in 1969 as an improved version of the original PK (1961). Designed at the Kovrov Mechanical Plant and produced by the V.A. Degtyarev Plant, the PKM features a stamped steel receiver that significantly reduces weight compared to the milled receiver of the original PK, dropping from 9kg to 7.5kg. The weapon employs a gas-operated, long-stroke piston system with a rotating bolt that fires from an open bolt position, enhancing heat management during sustained automatic fire and preventing cook-offs. The PKM feeds from non-disintegrating metal belts holding 100, 200, or 250 rounds, and features a quick-change barrel system with chrome lining for extended durability. With a cyclic rate of 650 rounds per minute and an effective range of 800 meters against area targets, the PKM served as the standard squad automatic weapon throughout Warsaw Pact nations and remains in widespread service with Russian forces and dozens of other militaries worldwide. The design's legendary reliability, manageable recoil, and excellent sustained fire capability have made it one of the most successful machine gun platforms of the Cold War era.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 7500 g (264.6 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 10900 g (384.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1160 mm (45.67") |
| Barrel Length | 643 mm (25.31") |
| Sight Radius | 663 mm (26.10") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Automatic Only |
| Magazine Type | Belt Fed |
| Muzzle Velocity | 825 m/s (2707 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3302 J (2435 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Chrome Lined Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x54mmR · primary — also known as 7.62x54R, 7.62 Russian, Three Line Rifle
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Belt Fed Non Disintegrating
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Chrome Lined Barrel, Chrome Lined Chamber, Open Bolt, Belt Fed, Folding Bipod, Stamped Receiver, Adjustable Iron Sights, Non Disintegrating Belt
Variants
- PK — Original
- PKS — Tripod Mounted
- PKB — Vehicle Pintle
- PKT — Coaxial Tank
- PKMN — Night Sight Rail
- PKMSN — Night Sight Rail
- PKP Pecheneg — Heavy Barrel
- Type 80 — Chinese Copy
- Zastava M84 — Yugoslav Licensed
Service history
Operators
- Soviet Armed Forces · adopted 1969
- Russian Armed Forces · adopted 1991
- People's Liberation Army · as Type 80
- Indian Armed Forces
- Vietnam People's Army · adopted 1970
- Afghan National Army
- Iraqi Armed Forces
- Syrian Arab Army
- Egyptian Armed Forces
- Polish Armed Forces
- Bulgarian Armed Forces
- Serbian Armed Forces · as Zastava M84
Conflicts
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
- Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989)
- Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988)
- Chechen Wars (1994-2009)
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2014-present)
Production
Production years: 1969-present
Produced by Degtyarev Plant (Russia), Norinco (China as Type 80), Zastava (Serbia as M84), and others. Millions manufactured; exact total unknown.
Origin
Country of origin: Soviet Union
Designer: Mikhail Kalashnikov
Notes
The PKM designation stands for 'Modernized' in Russian, referring to the lighter stamped receiver and improved manufacturing techniques over the original PK. The weapon's furniture evolved from birch plywood laminates to black glass-filled polyamide on later production models. The PKM is often deployed with a folding integral bipod for infantry use, but can also be mounted on tripods (PKS variant) for sustained fire roles or vehicle/aircraft mounts (PKB and PKT variants). The design inspired numerous licensed copies and derivatives including the Chinese Type 80, Yugoslav/Serbian Zastava M84 series, and the modernized PKP Pecheneg which features a non-removable heavy barrel with forced-air cooling jacket. The weapon fires the 7.62x54mmR cartridge, a rimmed round dating to 1891 that remains in widespread military service. Despite its age, the PKM continues production and saw extensive combat use in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Ukraine, and numerous other conflicts. The weapon's open-bolt design and chrome-lined barrel contribute to exceptional reliability in adverse conditions, a hallmark of Soviet/Russian small arms design philosophy.
Background
The PKM is Mikhail Kalashnikov's other masterpiece, applying his design philosophy of reliability and simplicity to the general-purpose machine gun role. At just 7.5 kg, it was remarkably light for a 7.62mm GPMG when introduced, and its legendary reliability in extreme conditions made it one of the most successful machine gun platforms of the Cold War era. The design has been in continuous production for over 55 years.