RPK-16
Kalashnikov Concern · Machine Gun · Limited Production · 2018
Also known as: Ruchnoy Pulemyot Kalashnikova 16
Overview
The RPK-16 is a select-fire machine gun chambered in 5.45x39mm, produced by Kalashnikov Concern since 2018. Featuring a 95-round magazine capacity, this machine gun offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4500 g (158.7 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 5200 g (183.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1080 mm (42.52") |
| Folded Length | 900 mm (35.43") |
| Barrel Length | 550 mm (21.65") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 95 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Drum |
| Muzzle Velocity | 900 m/s (2953 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1391 J (1026 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1100 m (1203 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 196 mm (7.72") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.45x39mm · primary — also known as 5.45x39mm Soviet, 5.45mm Kalashnikov, 7N6
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Drum Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Interchangeable Barrel, Picatinny Rail Top, Picatinny Rail Bottom, Picatinny Rail Sides, Collapsible Stock, Detachable Bipod, Suppressor Compatible, Modular Design
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Russian Armed Forces · adopted 2018
Conflicts
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 2018-present
Limited production; reports suggest the weapon may have been dropped from Russian procurement in favor of other solutions
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Notes
The RPK-16 introduced the first quick-change barrel system in the RPK family, addressing the long-standing limitation of earlier models whose barrels were permanently fixed. The two barrel lengths (370mm and 550mm) allow the weapon to serve dual roles as an assault rifle and light machine gun. The 95-round drum magazine was specifically developed for this weapon. Unlike the RPK-74's wooden or polymer furniture with AK-style fixed stock, the RPK-16 adopts Western-style collapsible stock and accessory rails. The short-barreled configuration (900mm overall) provides significantly improved portability compared to the full-length setup (1080mm). Production appears to be limited, and reports indicate the weapon may have been dropped from Russian procurement in favor of other solutions, though it remains catalogued by Kalashnikov Concern.
Background
The RPK-16 was the first weapon in the RPK family to feature a quick-change barrel system, finally addressing a limitation that had persisted since the original RPK's introduction in 1964. Its dual-role capability with swappable 370mm and 550mm barrels allows it to serve as both an assault rifle and light machine gun.