Wikipedia: The PK (Russian: Пулемёт Калашникова, transliterated as Pulemyot Kalashnikova, or "Kalashnikov's machine gun"),[2] is a belt-fed general-purpose machine gun, chambered for the 7.62×54mmR rimmed cartridge.
Designed in the Soviet Union and currently in production in Russia,[3] the original PK machine gun was introduced in 1961 and the improved PKM variant was introduced in 1969. The PKM was designed to replace the SGM and RP-46 machine guns that were previously in Soviet service.
The weapon remains in use as a front-line infantry and vehicle-mounted weapon with Russia's armed forces and has also been exported extensively and produced in several other countries under license.
Type General-purpose machine gun
Squad automatic weapon
Medium machine gun
Place of origin Soviet Union
Service history
In service 1961-present
Used by See Users
Wars See Conflicts
Production history
Designer Mikhail Kalashnikov
Designed 1961
Manufacturer Degtyaryov plant
Produced 1961-present
Variants See Variants
Specifications
Mass 9 kg (19.84 lb) (gun + integral bipod)
Length 1,203 mm (47.4 in)
Barrel length 605 mm (23.8 in)
Cartridge 7.62×54mmR
Action Gas-operated, long-stroke piston, open, rotating bolt
Rate of fire 650 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity 825 m/s (2,707 ft/s)
Effective firing range 1,000 m (1,094 yd) (100-1,500 m sight adjustments)
Maximum firing range 3,800 m (4,156 yd)
Feed system Non-disintegrating metal link 50-round belts in 100 and 200/250 round ammunition boxes
Sights Tangent iron sights (default);
Optical, night-vision, thermal, and radar sights[1]
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