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The original PK was a fully automatic machinegun development of the Kalishnikov automatic rifle design. Currently available as the PKM, the machinegun fires 7.62x54mm Eastern Bloc standard ammunition. It is equipped with a simple bipod and is designed as a squad-level support weapon also suitable for installation and vehicle mounting. Its ammunition is common to the AK-47 and other Soviet weapons carried by infantry units. For heavier employment, the PKMS model features a more stable tripod mounting. A special PKMSN2 model fits modern NSPU night sights for low visibility operations.

The PKM and variants are in production in Russia and currently are exported to many nations. Additionally, various models are manufactured locally around the globe. The PK and its descendants will continue to see service throughout the world for some time.

Specifications

Manufacturer specifications for PKM and PKMS machineguns:

• Calibre & Cartridge: 7.62 x 54 mm
• Weight (without tripod or ammunition): 7.5 kg
• Muzzle velocity: 825 m/s
• Cyclic rate of fire : 650 rpm
• Sustained rate of fire : 250 rpm
• Sighting range: 1500m
• Ammunition capacity: 100 or 200 rounds (box)