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Kalashnikov PKM (Pulemyot Kalashnikova Modernizirovany)


General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) / Light Machine Gun (LMG)


Soviet Union | 1969



"Some 1,000,000 PK machine gun systems and associated variants are estimated to have been produced."

Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Kalashnikov PKM (Pulemyot Kalashnikova Modernizirovany). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.
3,280 ft
999.7 m | 1,093.3 yds
Max.Eff.Range
650
Rounds-Per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire
Physical
The physical qualities of the Kalashnikov PKM (Pulemyot Kalashnikova Modernizirovany). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.
1,193 mm
46.97 in
O/A Length
19.62 lb
8.90 kg
Weight
Gas-Operated; Open Bolt
Action
7.62x54R Russian
Caliber(s)
100-, 200- or 250-round belt
Feed
Iron Front and Rear.
Sights
Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Kalashnikov PKM (Pulemyot Kalashnikova Modernizirovany) General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) / Light Machine Gun (LMG) family line.
PK - Original production model
PKS
PKT - Vehicle Mounted Variant
PKM - Current production model
PKMS - Heavy model; tripod fitting; night sight scope capability.
PKP
M84 - PK produced under license by Zastava Arms in Serbia.
M86 - PKT produced under license by Zastava Arms in Serbia.


Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 05/17/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

The PK General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) is a highly respected weapon that was added to the Soviet Army arsenal to replace the aging RP46 system. The PK was chambered to fire the same 7.62mm round that was and continues to be common throughout Russian supply depots and in former Soviet-supported states and clients.

As a squad support weapon, the PK compliments the existing array of assault rifles that fire a middle-range version of the same round. A bipod is fitted to the underside of the barrel system for stabilized support and can be folded up and into the design when portability is required. Additionally, a carrying handle is added atop the barrel towards the middle of the weapon to make transit a snap. The weapon feeds into a feed system similar to that as found on the AK systems before it, and can fire from a 100, 200 or 250 round belt (either fired as a free-fed belt or held in a box). For overheating concerns, the barrel is designed to be replaceable and most necessary when sustained fire of upwards of 650 rounds per minute is reached.

The PK has been developed into other serviceable versions based on the same successful design. The PKS represents the PK when mounted on a heavy duty tripod mount. The tank machine gun version is known as the PKT. A true general purpose machine gun that is light and reliable, the PK family continues to serve throughout the world in the most deadly-effective of roles.

Content ©MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.
Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Kalashnikov PKM (Pulemyot Kalashnikova Modernizirovany). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Kalashnikov / State Factories - Soviet Union - Russia
National flag of Afghanistan National flag of Albania National flag of Algeria National flag of Armenia National flag of Azerbaijan National flag of Bangladesh National flag of Belarus National flag of Bulgaria National flag of China National flag of Croatia National flag of Cuba National flag of Czechia National flag of Egypt National flag of Finland National flag of Georgia National flag of modern Germany National flag of East Germany National flag of Greece National flag of Hungary National flag of India National flag of Iraq National flag of Iran National flag of Israel National flag of Kyrgyzstan National flag of Nicaragua National flag of North Korea National flag of Poland National flag of Romania National flag of Russia National flag of Serbia National flag of Slovakia National flag of the Soviet Union National flag of Sri Lanka National flag of Tajikistan National flag of Turkey National flag of Turkmenistan National flag of Ukraine National flag of Uzbekistan National flag of Vietnam National flag of Yugoslavia National flag of Zimbabwe

[ Afghanistan; Albania; Algeria; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Bangladesh; Belarus; Bulgaria; Cambodia; Cape Verde; China; Croatia; Cuba; Czech Republic; Democratic Republic of the Congo; East Germany; Egypt; Finland; Georgia; Greece; Hungary; India; Iran; Iraq; Israel; Kazakstan; Kyrgyzstan; Mali; Moldova; Nicaragua; North Korea; Panama; Poland; Romania; Russia; Republic of the Congo; Serbia; Slovakia; Soviet Union; Sri Lanka; Tajikistan; Turkmenistan; Turkey; Ukraine; Uzbekistan; Vietnam; Yugoslavia; Zimbabwe ]
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Going Further...
The Kalashnikov PKM (Pulemyot Kalashnikova Modernizirovany) General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) / Light Machine Gun (LMG) appears in the following collections:
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