RPK Technical Data

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Designation:

Ruchnoi Pulumet Kalashnikov, RPK
(Kalashnikov Light Machinegun)

Manufacturer:

Izmash Joint Stock Company

Year Adopted:

1961

Operational Status:

Russia - Being replaced by RPK-74 throughout Russia. It can still be found in reserve units.

Other Nations - In use by countless third world and former Warsaw Pact nations.

Ammunition:

5.45x39.5 cartridge

75 round drum magazine
40 round box magazine
30 round box magazine

Method of Operation

Gas operated, long stroke recoil system, with rotating closed bolt.

Selector

Three position selector.
Safe, Semi, and Full Automatic (OB)

Weight
     Empty:
     with 40 round magazine:
     with 75 round drum:

 
10.78 pounds (4.9 kilograms)
12.47 pounds (5.7 kilograms)
15.18 pounds (6.9 kilograms)

Maximum Range:

300 Meters (Point Target - Automatic)
800 Meters (Area Target - Semi-Automatic)
1500 Meters (Maximum Lethal Range)

Length
     Overall:
     Barrel:

   
41.4 inches
23.2 inches

Sights:

Hooded front sight, Tangent rear sight

1000 meters

Rate of Fire:

600 rounds per minute cyclic
150 rounds per minute in automatic
50 rounds per minute in semiautomatic

Muzzle Velocity:

745 Meters per Second