The RPK is a Soviet light machine gun, accepted for service in 1962. The RPK was based on the AKM assault rifle, the chief differences being the longer, heavier barrel, bipod, and club-foot stock. Although replaced in Soviet/Russian service by the RPK-74, the RPK remains in use worldwide.
Identification[ | ]
The RPK is not to be confused with the similar RPK-74. The main difference between the two weapons is caliber used: The RPK fires the 7.62x39mm round, while the RPK-74 fires the lighter 5.45x39mm round. Visually, the RPK has darker furniture than the RPK-74. The RPK has the same report as the AK47M while the RPK-74 makes it's own signature noise.
Performance[ | ]
Although the RPK is intended to function as an Automatic Rifle, it's low rate of fire and low (For a machine gun) magazine capacity mean it is outclassed by the M249 SAW in it's intended role. The RPK is however, highly effective when treated like an assault rifle, Offering higher accuracy and magazine capacity over the AK47M.
Like all machineguns, the RPK is fitted with a bipod, which can only be used in the prone position. While prone, the RPK has virtually no recoil, allowing for extremely accurate long bursts of automatic fire. The RPK is far longer than it's older brother, the AK47M. Thus, the RPK is not ideal for close-quarters combat.
Thanks to it's 7.62x39mm ammunition, the RPK does a very respectable 4500 damage, compared to the RPK-74's 2722 damage.
The RPK is accurate for point targets up to about 400m, and for area targets up to 800m.
Ammunition[ | ]
The RPK accepts both 75rnd RPK magazines and 30rnd AK47M magazines. Note that it will NOT accept 5.45x39mm RPK-74 magazines or AK-74 magazines.
Gallery[ | ]
