The PK General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) was a highly regarded weapon that was added to the Soviet Army's arsenal to replace the aging RP46 system. The PK's chamber fires the same 7.62mm cartridges that are common in all Russian depots and former Soviet-backed countries and customers.
As a squad support weapon, the PK complements the existing range of assault rifles, firing a mid-range version of the same cartridge. A bipod attaches to the bottom of the barrel system to provide stable support, and can be flipped up and integrated into the design when mobility is required.
In addition, there is a carry handle on the barrel towards the center of the weapon for easy transport. The weapon's feed system is similar to the previous AK system and can be fired from a 100, 200 or 250 round belt (either as a free belt or in a box).
Due to overheating, the barrel is designed to be replaceable, which is most needed when continuous firing exceeds 650 rounds per minute.
PK evolved into other available versions based on the same successful design. When mounted on a sturdy tripod, PKS stands for PK. The tank machine gun version is called PKT. The PK series is a true multipurpose machine gun, lightweight and reliable, that continues to serve as the world's deadliest.
- Fire Support/Suppression/Defense
1,193 mm (46.97 in)
8.90 kg
Before and after ironing.
Gas powered; open the latch
650 rounds per minute
3,280 ft (1,000 m; 1,093 yd)
PK - original production model
PKS
PKT - Vehicle variant
PKM - current production model
PKMS - Heavy duty model; tripod mount; capable of using night vision goggles.
PKP
M84 - PK Manufactured under license in Serbia by Zastava Arms.
M86 - PKT manufactured by Zastava Arms under license in Serbia.