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| The RPK entered service in 1959 as a more powerful firearm, developed from the AKM. The RPK differs from the AKM in a number of design improvements: the barrel is lengthened to increase muzzle velocity; the capacity of the sector magazine is increased to improve the combat rate of fire; the machine gun is outfitted with folding bipod to stabilize it during fire; the sight is outfitted with sliding windage mechanism to improve fire accuracy; the machine gun butt is identical to the Degtyarev RPD 44 machine gun butt. The machine gun intended for airborne troops had a folding butt. |
| Caliber, mm | 7.62 |
| Cartridge model 1943, | 7,62x39 |
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Length, mm:
overall barrel sight radius |
1,040
590 555 |
| Magazine capacity, rds | 40-75 |
| Rate of fire, rds/min | 600 |
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Combat rate of fire, rds/min:
single shots bursts |
50
150 |
| Muzzle velocity, m/s | 745 |
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Range, m:
max bullet flight bullet killing capacity |
3,000
1,500 |
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Machine gun weight, g:
in firing position w/empty magazine: for 40 rds for 75 rds |
5,600-6,800
5,000
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Empty magazine weight, g::
for 40 rds for 75 rds |
200
900 |