RPK
Izhmash (Kalashnikov Concern) · Machine Gun · In Production · 1964
Also known as: Ruchnoy Pulemyot Kalashnikova, Kalashnikov Hand-held Machine Gun, Type 64
Overview
The RPK is a select-fire machine gun chambered in 7.62×39mm, produced by Izhmash (Kalashnikov Concern) since 1964. Featuring a 40-round magazine capacity, this machine gun offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4800 g (169.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1040 mm (40.94") |
| Barrel Length | 590 mm (23.23") |
| Height | 190 mm (7.48") |
| Width | 45 mm (1.77") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 40 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 745 m/s (2444 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2190 J (1615 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62×39mm · primary — also known as 7.62×39mm M43, 7.62 Soviet
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Drum Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Selector Lever, Dust Cover
- Features: Integral Folding Bipod, Chrome Lined Barrel, Hooded Front Sight, Tangent Rear Sight, Fixed Barrel, Closed Bolt Firing
Variants
- RPKS — Folding Stock
- RPKN — Night Vision
- RPK-74 — 5 45mm
- RPK-74M — Modernized
- RPK-16 — Modernized Modular
- RPK-201 — 5 56mm Nato
Service history
Operators
- Soviet Armed Forces · adopted 1964
- Russian Armed Forces · adopted 1991
- People's Liberation Army · as Type 81 LMG
- Bulgarian Armed Forces
- Polish Armed Forces
- Romanian Armed Forces
- Iraqi Armed Forces
- North Korean People's Army · as Type 64
Conflicts
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
- Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989)
- Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988)
- Yom Kippur War (1973-1973)
Production
Production years: 1964-present
Produced in large quantities by the Soviet Union and under license by multiple nations; exact total unknown
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Mikhail Kalashnikov
Notes
The RPK shares approximately 75% parts commonality with the AKM, simplifying logistics and training. Unlike many light machine guns, the RPK has a fixed barrel that cannot be quickly changed in the field, limiting sustained fire capability to approximately 80 rounds per minute to avoid overheating. Standard feed options include 40-round box magazines, 45-round box magazines, and 75-round drum magazines. The RPKS variant features a folding stock for airborne troops. The RPK-74 variant chambers the 5.45×39mm cartridge.
Background
The RPK was designed to replace the belt-fed RPD by offering 75% parts commonality with the AKM, a logistics revolution that meant squad machine gunners and riflemen could share nearly everything. The trade-off was the fixed barrel that cannot be changed in the field, limiting sustained fire to about 80 rounds per minute to prevent overheating.