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]