RPK-74M
Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash) · Machine Gun · In Production · 1991
Also known as: Ruchnoy Pulemyot Kalashnikova 74 Modernizirovanny, RPK-74 Modernized
Overview
The RPK-74M is a select-fire machine gun chambered in 5.45x39mm, produced by Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash) since 1991. Featuring a 45-round magazine capacity, this machine gun offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4760 g (167.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 5520 g (194.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1065 mm (41.93") |
| Folded Length | 857 mm (33.74") |
| Barrel Length | 590 mm (23.23") |
| 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 | 650 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 | 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, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Heavier Barrel, Bipod, Reinforced Receiver, Extended Barrel, Sustained Fire Capable, Side Folding Stock, Polymer Furniture, Optics Side Rail, Improved Barrel Life 20000 Rounds
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Russian Armed Forces · adopted 1991
- Ukrainian Armed Forces · adopted 1991
- Belarusian Armed Forces · adopted 1991
- Kazakh Armed Forces · adopted 1991
Conflicts
- Second Chechen War (1999-2009)
- Russo-Georgian War (2008-2008)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 1991-present
Current standard Russian squad automatic weapon; production numbers not publicly disclosed
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Mikhail Kalashnikov
Notes
The RPK-74M is the current standard squad automatic weapon in Russian service, directly paralleling the AK-74M's role as the standard service rifle. The side-folding stock significantly improves portability for mechanized troops - reducing length from 1,065mm to 857mm folded - while maintaining the same stock profile as the RPK-74 for consistent shooting ergonomics. The improved stock release mechanism is easier to operate than the earlier RPKS/RPKS-74 bullet-press release. The reinforced receiver and barrel improvements ensure reliability under sustained fire with modern enhanced-penetration ammunition. Fed by 45-round curved polymer box magazines that are also compatible with standard 30-round AK-74 magazines. Magazines can be loaded using 15-round stripper clips. Like all RPK variants, the barrel is permanently fixed and cannot be changed in the field - a trade-off of simplicity and reliability over sustained fire endurance. Being superseded in some units by the RPK-16 modular LMG, but remains the most widely fielded Russian squad automatic weapon.
Background
The RPK-74M's side-folding stock reduces the weapon from 1,065mm to just 857mm, a critical improvement for mechanized infantry operating from BMPs and BTRs. Its improved barrel achieves a service life of 20,000 rounds with enhanced-penetration 7N10 ammunition, making it one of the most durable squad automatic weapons in service.