RPK-74
Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash) · Machine Gun · In Production · 1974
Also known as: Ruchnoy Pulemyot Kalashnikova 74, RPK-201
Overview
The RPK-74 is a select-fire machine gun chambered in 5.45x39mm, produced by Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash) since 1974. Featuring a 45-round magazine capacity, this machine gun offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4700 g (165.8 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 5460 g (192.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1060 mm (41.73") |
| Barrel Length | 590 mm (23.23") |
| Height | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 45 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 960 m/s (3150 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1581 J (1166 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 196 mm (7.72") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
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
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Chrome Lined Chamber, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Heavier Barrel, Bipod, Reinforced Receiver, Extended Barrel, Sustained Fire Capable
Variants
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Soviet Armed Forces · adopted 1974
- Russian Armed Forces · adopted 1991 · as RPK-74M
- Ukrainian Armed Forces · adopted 1991
- Belarusian Armed Forces · adopted 1991
- Bulgarian Armed Forces · adopted 1980
- North Korean People's Army · adopted 1985
Conflicts
- Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989)
- First Chechen War (1994-1996)
- Second Chechen War (1999-2009)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 1974-present
Produced in large quantities for the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact; exact numbers not publicly available
Origin
Country of origin: Soviet Union
Designer: Mikhail Kalashnikov
Notes
The RPK-74 was introduced simultaneously with the AK-74 in 1974 as part of the Soviet military's transition to the 5.45x39mm cartridge. Shares approximately 70% parts commonality with the AK-74. Early models featured wooden furniture; later production transitioned to black polymer. The RPK-74M modernized variant (1991) added a polymer side-folding stock, improved side rail for optics, and strengthened internal components. The RPK-201 export variant is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO to pair with AK-101 rifles. Compatible with standard AK-74 30-round magazines, dedicated 45-round magazines, and experimental 100-round drums that were developed but not adopted. While being superseded by the RPK-16 in some Russian units, the RPK-74M remains the primary squad automatic weapon across most Russian and former Soviet forces.
Background
The RPK-74 shares approximately 70% parts commonality with the AK-74, a logistics dream that allows squad machine gunners and riflemen to share magazines, parts, and training. Unlike Western squad automatic weapons, the RPK-74's fixed barrel trades sustained-fire endurance for simplicity and reliability in harsh conditions.