RPK

The RPK functions identically to the AK-47. It also uses the same 7.62×39mm ammunition. It has a similar design layout to the Kalashnikov series of rifles, with modifications to increase the RPK's effective range and accuracy, enhance its sustained fire capability, and strengthen the receiver.{{cite book |first=Marco |last=Vorobiev |title=Gun Digest Shooter's Guide to AKs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A04hDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA239 |date=15 June 2016 |publisher=Krause Publications |isbn=978-1-4402-4641-8 |pages=239– }}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

The RPK features a thicker and longer barrel than the AKM. This allows for it to be fired for longer without permanent loss in accuracy due to the barrel heating up. The chrome-lined barrel is permanently fixed to the receiver and cannot be replaced in the field. It is fitted with a new front sight base, and the gas block lacks both a bayonet lug and an under-barrel cleaning rod guide. The barrel also features a folding bipod mounted near the muzzle, and a front sight base with a lug that limits the bipod's rotation around the axis of the barrel. The barrel has a threaded muzzle, enabling the use of muzzle devices such as flash hiders, compensators, and blank-firing adapters. When a muzzle device is not being used, the threads on the muzzle can be covered by a thread protector. The barrel is pinned to the receiver in a modified trunnion, reinforced by ribbing, and is slightly wider than the trunnion used on the standard AKM type rifles. Symmetrical bulges on both sides of the front trunnion ensure a proper fit inside the receiver.

The U-shaped receiver is stamped from a smooth {{convert|1.5|mm|abbr=on|2}} sheet of steel compared to the {{convert|1.0|mm|abbr=on|2}} sheet metal receiver used on the standard AKM rifles. It uses a modified AKM recoil spring assembly that consists of a rear spring guide rod from the AK and a new forward flat guide rod and coil spring. It features a thick laminated wood foregrip and a fixed laminated wood "club-foot" buttstock similar to the stock used on the RPD, which is designed to allow the user to fire from the prone position more comfortably.{{Sfn|Rottman|2011|p=27}} It uses a standard AKM pistol grip and can also use standard AKM detachable box magazines, but it is most commonly used with a 40-round box magazine or a 75-round drum magazine. Interchangeability of parts between the RPK and AKM are moderate.

The weapon's rear sight leaf is elevation adjustable, and graduated for ranges of 100 to 1,000 meters in 100 m increments. The rear sight leaf also features a windage adjustment knob unique to the RPK series of rifles.

Supplied with the RPK are: spare magazines, a cleaning rod, cleaning kit (stored in a hollowed compartment in the buttstock), a sling, oil bottle, and magazine pouches (a single-pocket pouch for a drum magazine or a 4-pocket pouch for box magazines).

The RPK light machine gun chambered in 7.62×39mm cartridge, is essentially a Russian equivalent to a squad automatic weapon. It was adopted by the former Soviet Union, and was issued mainly to motorized units. It was later adopted by several military agencies around the world.{{cite web |url=http://world.guns.ru/machine/mg15-e.htm |title=RPK (USSR/Russia) |first=Max R. |last=Popenker |website=Modern Firearms |access-date=September 10, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701112816/http://world.guns.ru/machine/mg15-e.htm |archive-date=2007-07-01}}

The RPKS ("S" — Skladnoy (Russian: складной) means "folding" [stock]) is a variant of the RPK with a side-folding wooden stock was intended primarily for the paratroopers. Changes to the design of the RPKS are limited only to the shoulder stock mounting, at the rear of the receiver. It uses a trunnion riveted to both receiver walls that has a socket and tang, allowing the stock to hinge on a pivot pin. The trunnion has a cut-out on the right side which is designed to engage the stock catch and lock it in place when folded. The wooden stock is mounted in a pivoting hull, which contains a catch that secures the buttstock in the extended position. The rear sling loop was moved from the left side of the stock body to the right side of the stock frame.

{{Infobox weapon

| name = RPK-74

| image = Soviet RPK-74.JPEG

| caption = RPK-74 with a bipod

| type = Light machine gun

| service = 1974–present

| wars = Soviet–Afghan War
First Chechen War
Second Chechen War
Russo-Georgian War
Russo-Ukrainian War
2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

| designer =

| number =

| spec_label =

| length = {{convert|1060|mm|abbr=on|1}} (stock extended) (RPK-74, RPKS-74)
{{convert|845|mm|abbr=on|1}} (stock folded (RPKS-74)

| width =

| height =

| diameter =

| action = Gas operated, rotating bolt; closed bolt

| image_size = 300

| origin = Soviet Union

| is_ranged = Yes

| used_by = See Users

| design_date = 1974

| manufacturer =

| unit_cost =

| production_date = 1974–present

| variants =

| weight = {{convert|4.7|kg|abbr=on}} (RPK-74)
{{convert|4.85|kg|abbr=on}} (RPKS-74)

| part_length = {{convert|590|mm|abbr=on|1}}

| cartridge = 5.45×39mm M74

| rate = 600 rounds/min

| velocity = {{convert|960|m/s|abbr=on|1}}

| range = {{plainlist|

• {{convert|800|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} (point target)
• {{convert|1000|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} (area target){{cite report |url=https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/weg2001.pdf |title=OPFOR Worldwide Equipment Guide |date=September 2001 |publisher=TRADOC DCSINT Threat Support Directorate |location=Fort Leavenworth, Kansas |via=fas.org |pages=1–3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425060129/http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/weg2001.pdf |archive-date=2015-04-25}}

}}

| max_range = {{convert|3150|m|yd|abbr=on}}

| feed = 30-, 45-round box magazine

| sights = Iron sights: semi-shrouded front post and rear sliding tangent with an adjustable notch
Sight radius: {{convert|555|mm|abbr=on|1}}

}}

File:AK-74 RPK-74 DA-ST-89-06612reversed.jpg (top) and RPK-74 (bottom)]]

The RPK-74 (РПК-74) was introduced in 1974 together with the AK-74 assault rifle and chambered for the new 5.45×39mm intermediate cartridge.{{Cite web |url=https://www.tactical-life.com/firearms/rifles/russian-rpk-74-gun/ |title=Russia's RPK-74 LMG: A Faithful Servant Since 1974 |first=Leroy |last=Thompson |date=19 September 2017 |website=Tactical Life|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201095625/https://www.tactical-life.com/firearms/rifles/russian-rpk-74-gun/|archive-date= February 1, 2023}} It was derived from the AK-74 rifle, with modifications that mirror those made to the AKM to create the RPK.

The RPK-74 also uses a longer and heavier chrome-plated barrel, which has a new gas block with a gas channel at a 90° angle to the bore axis, and a ring for the cleaning rod. It is also equipped with a folding bipod and a different front sight tower. The muzzle is threaded for a flash suppressor or blank-firing device.

The rear stock trunnion was strengthened and the magazine well was reinforced with steel inserts.

Additionally, the RPK-74 has a modified return mechanism compared to the AK-74, which uses a new type of metal spring guide rod and recoil spring. The rear sight assembly, forward handguard and receiver dust cover were all retained from the RPK.

The RPK-74 feeds from a 45-round steel or polymer box magazine, interchangeable with magazines from the AK-74, and is designed to be charged from stripper clips. Drum magazines similar to those used on the previous RPK models were tested during its development phase, but were discontinued in favor of the 45-round box magazine. However, recently the production of a 97-round drum has started. This drum was designed to be used with the AK-107 but can also be used in any 5.45×39mm weapon with compatible magazines, such as the RPK-74 and RPK-74M. They were also testing with experimental conventional drums, a prototype 100-round belt fed drum magazine was also created. It attaches into the regular magazine well, but the cartridges are stored on a 100-round belt inside a box. A feed system removes them from the belt and puts them in a position where they can be loaded through the regular magazine well. This system is actuated by a lever from the magazine that clips around the charging handle. It is unknown if this ever went into service.

Standard equipment includes: eight magazines, six stripper clips (15 rounds per clip), a speedloader guide, cleaning rod, cleaning kit, sling, oil bottle and two magazine pouches. Some variants do not come with the cleaning kit option.

It is in widespread use by member states of the former Soviet Union, as well as Bulgaria.

The RPKS-74 is the paratrooper variant of the RPK-74, equipped with a wooden folding stock from the RPKS.

File:Рпк RPK.jpg

The RPK-74M (Modernizirovannij "Modernized") is an updated variant of the RPK-74 developed during the mid-'90s. In line with the AK-74M assault rifle variant, the RPK-74M lower handguard, gas tube cover, pistol grip, and new synthetic stock are made from a black, glass-filled polyamide. The stock is shaped like the RPK-74 fixed stock, but also side-folds like the RPKS-74. The stock additionally has an easier to use release mechanism, replacing the bullet press release from the RPKS and RPKS-74. Each RPK-74M is fitted standard with a side-rail bracket for mounting optics. It also includes most of the 74M economic changes, such as the dimpled on barrel hardware, omission of lightening cuts from the front sight block and piston and stamped gas tube release lever. Updated magazines were produced by Molot with horizontal ribs going up the sides of the magazines.

An export variant chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO was also introduced, designated as the RPK-201. A modernised export variant of the RPK was also developed, designated as the RPK-203. They both uses the same polymer construction as the RPK-74M.

The RPK family of light machine guns are also available in a night fighting configuration. These variants are designated as the RPKN, RPKSN, RPK-74N, and RPKS-74N. They have a side rail mounting on the left side of the receiver that accepts a NSP-3, NSPU, or NSPUM night vision sight.{{cite web |url=http://kalashnikov.guns.ru/models/ka144.html |title=RPK-74N2 Light Machine Gun (1974) |website=Kalashnikov.guns.ru |access-date=September 10, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080926070650/http://kalashnikov.guns.ru/models/ka144.html |archive-date=2008-09-26}} Models designated RPKN-1, RPKSN-1, RPK-74N and RPKS-74N can mount the multi-model night vision scope NSPU-3 (1PN51){{cite book |script-title=ru:Изделие 1ПН51 Техническое Описание и Инструкция По Эксплуатации |trans-title=Product 1PN51 Technical Description and Operating Instructions |date=January 1992 |pages=11, 16 |language=ru |location=Moskva |publisher=Voyennoye Izdatel'stvo}} while RPKN2, RPKSN2, RPK-74N2 and RPKS-74N2 can mount the multi-model night vision scope NSPUM (1PN58).{{cite book |script-title=ru:Изделие 1пн58 Техническое Описание и Инструкция По Эксплуатации |trans-title=Product 1PN58 Technical Description and Operating Instructions |date=February 1991 |pages=5, 13 |language=ru |location=Moskva |publisher=Voyennoye Izdatel'stvo}}

File:RPK-16 machine gun at Military-technical forum ARMY-2016 01.jpg

The RPK-16 light machine gun (the number 16 indicates the year 2016, when the development first started) is Kalashnikov's response to the "Tokar-2" program, where it competed against Degtyaryov's submission. In 2018, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation have signed a contract concerning the procurement of the RPK-16, and is expected to take over the role of the RPK-74 in the Russian Armed Forces.{{Cite web |url=http://tass.com/defense/988744 |title=Kalashnikov signs contract to supply Defense Ministry with newest RPK-16 machine guns |date=6 February 2018 |website=TASS |access-date=2018-02-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208182843/http://tass.com/defense/988744 |archive-date=2018-02-08 |url-status=live}}

The RPK-16 is chambered in 5.45×39mm which features the traditional Kalashnikov gas-operated long-stroke piston system, and shares several novel technical and ergonomic features derived from the AK-12 program. Such as a Picatinny rail on the top of the receiver for mounting various optical sights and on the bottom of the handguard to mount the Picatinny rail mounted detachable bipod instead of the fixed bipod of the RPK-74, an ergonomic pistol grip and a folding buttstock, and two main barrel lengths; a {{convert|550|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} long barrel (when it is applied or configured for the light machine gun role) and a {{convert|370|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} short barrel (when it is applied or configured for the assault rifle role).{{Cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/63600/army-2016-kalashnikov-unveils-rpk-16-lmg |title=Army 2016: Kalashnikov unveils RPK-16 LMG |first=Nikolai |last=Novichkov |date=12 September 2016 |website=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly |access-date=2017-03-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315001500/http://www.janes.com/article/63600/army-2016-kalashnikov-unveils-rpk-16-lmg |archive-date=2017-03-15}} Its design enables it to have an interchangeable barrels that can easily be removed, and the ability to quickly attach a detachable suppressor. It has a combat weight of {{convert|6|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}}, a full-length of {{convert|1076|mm|in|abbr=on}}, a cyclic rate of fire of 700 rounds per minute, an accuracy range of {{convert|800|m|yd|abbr=on}}. It primarily uses a 95-round drum magazine and is backwards compatible with box magazines from the AK-74, AK-12 and RPK-74.{{Cite web |date=2016-09-01 |title=Kalashnikov RPK-16 light machine gun (Russia) |url=https://modernfirearms.net/en/machineguns/russia-machineguns/rpk-16-eng/ |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=Modern Firearms |language=en}}

After receiving feedback on the performance of the weapon, the Kalashnikov Concern has begun development on the RPL-20 (20 indicating 2020) belt-fed light machine gun also chambered in 5.45×39mm and with a very similar rate of fire. Kalashnikov Concern has so far created at least one functional prototype.{{Cite web |url=https://modernfirearms.net/en/machineguns/russia-machineguns/rpl-20-2/ |title=Kalashnikov RPL-20 Light Machine Gun (Russia) |first=Maxim |last=Popenker |date=27 August 2020 |website=Modern Firearms|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514070258/https://modernfirearms.net/en/machineguns/russia-machineguns/rpl-20-2/|archive-date= May 14, 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgT2dm-G_X4 |title=RPL-20: prototype of a new belt-fed 5.45×39mm light machine gun |author=Kalashnikov Group |date=5 September 2020 |website=YouTube |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103034647/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgT2dm-G_X4&ab_channel=KalashnikovGroup |archive-date=2020-11-03}} If adopted, the gun will become the first light machine gun to be used by Russian forces since the RPD that isn't magazine-fed or of the standard Kalashnikov pattern.

File:RPK Users.png

Image:Iraq RPK Machine Gun.jpg

File:Спецназ 0074 (23458020139).jpg with the RPK.]]

File:Підготовка військових 28 окремої механізованої бригади.jpg

• {{flag|Afghanistan}}
• {{flag|Albania}}:{{cite book |title=Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 |date=January 2009 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |isbn=978-0-7106-2869-5 |editor-last=Jones |editor-first=Richard D. |edition=35th}} Uses both Soviet and locally produced ASh-78 Tip-2 rifles.{{cite web |url=http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/kagemushamu/SmallArms01/SmallArms01-001.jpg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331095559/https://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/kagemushamu/SmallArms01/SmallArms01-001.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 31, 2022 |title=Small Arms 01 |website=Photobucket}}
• {{flag|Armenia}}:{{cite news |title=Azerbaijan Foils Armenian Sabotage Attempt, Captures Infiltrator |url=https://caspiannews.com/news-detail/azerbaijan-foils-armenian-sabotage-attempt-captures-infiltrator-2023-8-17-0/ |agency=Azerbaijan Defense Ministry |publisher=caspiannews}} RPK-47
• {{flag|Azerbaijan}}
• {{flag|Bulgaria}}: Produced by Arsenal as the LMG in three different calibers, 7.62×39mm, 5.45×39mm and 5.56×45mm NATO. Uniquely had milled receivers. A folding stock variant is known as the LMG-F.{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal-bg.com/defense_police/7,62lmg.htm |title=7,62x39 mm "Arsenal" Light Machine Gun |website=Arsenal JSCo |access-date=2010-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222082903/http://www.arsenal-bg.com/defense_police/7,62lmg.htm |archive-date=2012-02-22 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal-bg.com/defense_police/5,56lmg.htm |title=5.56x45 mm "Arsenal" Light Machine Gun |website=Arsenal JSCo |access-date=2010-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222082923/http://www.arsenal-bg.com/defense_police/5,56lmg.htm |archive-date=2012-02-22 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal-bg.com/defense_police/5,45lmg.htm |title=5.45x39,5mm "Arsenal" Light Machine Gun and LMG-F with Folding Butt |website=Arsenal JSCo |access-date=2010-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222082533/http://www.arsenal-bg.com/defense_police/5,45lmg.htm |archive-date=2012-02-22 |url-status=dead}}
• {{flag|Burundi}}{{cite web |url=http://www.africanews.com/2017/05/18/grenade-attack-kills-three-burundi-ruling-party-members/ |title=Grenade attack kills three Burundi ruling party members |agency=Reuters |date=2017-05-18 |website=Africa News |access-date=2017-06-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705144829/http://www.africanews.com/2017/05/18/grenade-attack-kills-three-burundi-ruling-party-members/ |archive-date=2017-07-05 |url-status=live}}
• {{flag|Cambodia}}{{cite report |url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/files/sas/publications/w_papers_pdf/WP/WP4_Cambodia.pdf |title=How Many Weapons Are There in Cambodia? |first=Christina |last=Wille |date=8 November 2012 |publisher=Small Arms Survey |access-date=16 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704230440/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/files/sas/publications/w_papers_pdf/WP/WP4_Cambodia.pdf |archive-date=4 July 2010 |url-status=dead}}
• {{flag|Cape Verde}}
• {{flag|Central African Republic}}
• {{flag|Chad}}
• {{flag|Comoros}}
• {{flag|Congo-Brazzaville}}
• {{flag|Cuba}}
• {{flag|Djibouti}}
• {{flag|Equatorial Guinea}}
• {{flag|Ethiopia}}
• {{flag|Fiji}}:{{cite web |url=http://www.altair.com.pl/news/view?news_id=18730 |title=Rosyjska broń dla Fidżi |trans-title=Russian weapons for Fiji |date=February 21, 2016 |website=Altair |language=pl |access-date=2016-02-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304183249/http://www.altair.com.pl/news/view?news_id=18730 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=live}} RPK-201 variant.
• {{flag|Georgia}}: RPK-74 variant is still in use by the Georgian Army and special forces.{{Cite web |url=https://hunternews.ru/?p=17276 |title=Спецназ Грузии Воюет Вместе С Всу На Донбассе |trans-title=Georgian special forces are fighting together with the Armed Forces in the Donbass |language=ru |website=Hunter News |access-date=2017-10-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107013701/https://hunternews.ru/?p=17276 |archive-date=2017-11-07 |url-status=dead}}
• {{flag|Guinea-Bissau}}
• {{flag|Hungary}}
• {{flag|Iran}}: Locally known as "BB-Kalash".
• {{flag|Iraq}} Also manufactured locally as Al Quds{{cite web |url=https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1190641 |title=Al Quds RKKS (AKM) Machine Rifle |website=Australian War Memorial |access-date=2018-12-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207145624/https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1190641 |archive-date=2018-12-07 |url-status=live}}
• {{flag|Kazakhstan}}: RPK-74{{cite book |url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2008.html |chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2008/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2008-Chapter-03-EN.pdf |chapter=A Semi-automatic Process? Identifying and Destroying Military Surplus |title=Small Arms Survey 2008: Risk and Resilience |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2008 |author=Small Arms Survey |author-link=Small Arms Survey |page=99 |isbn=978-0-521-88040-4 |access-date=2018-08-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830174225/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2008.html |archive-date=2018-08-30 |url-status=dead}}
• {{flag|Latvia}}: Used by Latvian National Guard.{{cite web |title=Zemessardzes 1. Rīgas brigāde {{!}} Zemessardze |url=https://www.zs.mil.lv/lv/zemessardzes-vienibas/zemessardzes-1-rigas-brigade |website=www.zs.mil.lv |access-date=4 August 2024 |language=lv |date=3 July 2024}}
• {{flag|Lesotho}}{{cite book |title=Beyond Blue Helmets: Promoting Weapons and Ammunition Management in Non-UN Peace Operations |first=Eric G. |last=Berman |publisher=Small Arms Survey/MPOME |page=43 |date=March 2019 |url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603103636/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf |archive-date=June 3, 2019 |url-status=dead}}
• {{flag|Libya}}
• {{flag|Malaysia}}: RPK-74 variant is used by the Grup Gerak Khas (GGK) of the Malaysian Army.{{cite web |url=http://www.tactical-life.com/online/special-weapons/malaysian-special-forces |title=Malaysian Special Forces |last=Thompson |first=Leroy |date=December 2008 |website=Tactical Life |access-date=2010-02-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402013858/http://www.tactical-life.com/online/special-weapons/malaysian-special-forces/ |archive-date=2012-04-02 |url-status=dead}}
• {{flag|Mali}}: Armed and Security Forces of Mali.
• {{flag|Malta}}
• {{flag|Mozambique}}
• {{flag|Namibia}}{{cite web |url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=43723:namibia-receives-russian-small-arms&catid=50:Land&Itemid=105 |title=Namibia receives Russian small arms |date=1 June 2016 |work=Defenceweb |access-date=30 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602131548/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=43723:namibia-receives-russian-small-arms&catid=50:Land&Itemid=105 |archive-date=2 June 2016 |url-status=live}}
• {{flag|Nicaragua}}
• {{flag|Nigeria}}
• {{flag|North Korea}}: Type 64.
• {{flag|Poland}}
• {{flag|Romania}}: Built by Fabrica de Arme Cugir SA as the Puşcă Mitralieră model 1964 ("model 1964 light machine gun"){{cite web |url=http://www.arms.home.ro/arms/cugir1/pag/18.html |title=7,62 mm Light Machine Gun |website=Fabrica de Arme Cugir SA |access-date=September 10, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071216143507/http://www.arms.home.ro/arms/cugir1/pag/18.html |archive-date=2007-12-16}} and later, a 5.45mm version based on the PA md. 86—the Mitralieră md. 1993 ("model 1993 light machine gun").{{cite web |url=http://www.arms.home.ro/arms/cugir1/pag/20.html |title=5.45 mm Light Machine Gun Md.1993 |website=Fabrica de Arme Cugir SA |access-date=September 10, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080210142747/http://www.arms.home.ro/arms/cugir1/pag/20.html |archive-date=2008-02-10}}
• {{flagu|Russia}}: RPK,«На занятиях по боевой подготовке военнослужащие отрабатывают стрельбу из автоматов Калашникова АК-12, АК-74, 7,62-мм ручных пулемётов Калашникова РПК, снайперских винтовок СВД»
  [https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12524872@egNews Военнослужащие контрактной службы группировки войск «Центр» готовятся к выполнению задач в зоне СВО под Самарой] // официальный интернет-сайт министерства обороны РФ от 12 августа 2024 RPK-74, RPK-74M and RPK-16
• {{flag|Seychelles}}
• {{flag|Serbia}}: Manufactured locally as the Zastava M72.
• {{flag|Somalia}}
• {{flag|Sudan}}
• {{flag|Syria}}: Used by both pro-Assad and rebel groups.
• {{flag|Tajikistan}}
• {{flag|Tanzania}}
• {{flag|Transnistria}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2020/09/transnistria-shows-off-military.html |title=The Victory Day Parade That Everyone Forgot |first1=Stijn |last1=Mitzer |first2=Joost |last2=Oliemans |name-list-style=amp |date=November 30, 2020 |website=Oryx |access-date=2022-05-09}}
• {{flag|Uganda}}
• {{flagicon image|Flag red yellow 5x3.svg}} Lord's Resistance Army{{cite book |url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2006.html |chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2006/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2006-Chapter-11-EN.pdf |chapter=Fuelling Fear: The Lord's Resistance Army and Small Arms |title=Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2006 |author=Small Arms Survey |author-link=Small Arms Survey |page=283 |isbn=978-0-19-929848-8 |access-date=2018-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830005010/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2006.html |archive-date=2018-08-30 |url-status=dead}}
• {{flag|Ukraine}}: RPK-74 and RPK, also used by separatists.{{cite book |title=Armies of Russia's War in Ukraine |series=Elite |volume=228 |first=Mark |last=Galeotti |date=27 June 2019 |isbn=978-1-472833440 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |pages=20, 48, 60}}
• {{flagu|United States}}: Used during the Iraq War.{{Sfn|Rottman|2011|p=29}} File:Muleskinners train Triple Canopy(2011.09.04).jpg contractor gives a marksmanship class on the Zastava M-72 machine gun to two US Army soldiers.]]
• {{flag|Uzbekistan}}
• {{flag|Vietnam}}{{cite web |url=http://www.alphaco.us/alpha-co/nvaweapons1.htm |title=NVA and Viet Cong Infantry Weapons |first=Charles |last=Ames |website=Alpha Company |access-date=16 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824090907/http://www.alphaco.us/alpha-co/nvaweapons1.htm |archive-date=24 August 2012 |url-status=live}}
• {{flag|Yemen}}
• {{flag|Zimbabwe}}

• {{flag|al-Qaeda}}
• {{flag|Hamas}}
• {{flagicon image|Flag of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham.svg}} Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham
• {{flag|Hezbollah}}
• {{flag|Houthis}}
• {{flag|Islamic State}}
• {{flagicon image|PMF infobox.png}} Popular Mobilization Forces
• {{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Democratic Forces.svg}} Syrian Democratic Forces

• {{flagcountry|Islamic Republic of Afghanistan}}

• {{flag|Artsakh}}: RPK-203{{cite web |last1=Mountzouroulias |first1=Andreas |title=A soldier of the Armenian forces with an RPK-203 light machine gun. #Armenian forces still hold both #Turkey and Azerbaijan out of #NKR |url=https://x.com/andreasmoun/status/1323177936002928658}}{{better citation needed|date=December 2024}}
• {{flag|East Germany}}: Manufactured locally as the LMGK (Leichtes Maschinengewehr Kalashnikov).{{Sfn|Rottman|2011|p=42}}{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/DDRMaschinenpistoleAK74UndLeichtesMaschinengewehrPPK74BeschreibungUndNutzung198549S.Scan|title=5.45-mm Maschinenpistole AK74 und leichtes Maschinengewehr PPK74 - Beschreibung und Nutzung |publisher=Ministerium für Nationale Verteidigung|date=1985|trans-title=5.45-mm AK74 submachine gun and PPK74 light machine gun - description and use}}
• {{Flag|Rhodesia}}{{cite book | title=A Handful of Hard Men: The SAS and the Battle for Rhodesia | publisher=Casemate Publishers | author=Wessels, Hannes | year=2015 | isbn=978-1612003450}}{{cite book | title=Rhodesian Light Infantryman 1961–80 | publisher=Osprey Publishing | author=Grant, Neil | year=2015 | isbn=978-1472809629}}
• {{Flag|Soviet Union}}{{citation needed|date=December 2024}}
• {{Flag|Yugoslavia}}: Manufactured locally as the Zastava M72.{{citation needed|date=December 2024}}

• PK machine gun
• PKP Pecheneg machine gun
• M249 light machine gun
• IWI Negev
• QJY-88
• FN Minimi
• ČZW-762
• Nikonov machine gun
• IP-2
• Valmet M78
• Zastava M72
• RPL-20

{{Reflist}}

• {{Cite book |last=Rottman |first=Gordon |date=2011 |title=The AK-47: Kalashnikov-series Assault Rifles |publisher=Osprey Publishing}}

{{commons}}

{{commons|RPK-74}}

• {{cite magazine |url=http://www.kalashnikov.ru/upload/medialibrary/b5f/076_085.pdf |title=Битва трёх «К» |trans-title=The battle of the three "K" |first=Yuri |last=Ponomarev |date=2010 |magazine=Kalashnikov |number=6 |pages=76–85 |language=ru|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413015510/https://www.kalashnikov.ru/medialibrary/b5f/076_085.pdf|archive-date= April 13, 2022}} (Covers the design competition.)
• {{cite web |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/31412325/Soviet-RPK-47-Light-Machine-Gun-N. |title=Soviet RPK-47 Light Machine Gun Manual |publisher=Kalashnikov |date=1973}}{{Dead link|date=February 2022|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}
• {{cite web |url=http://www.enemyforces.com/firearms/rpk.htm |title=Light Machine Gun RPK |website=EnemyForces.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420203130/https://www.enemyforces.net/firearms/rpk.htm|archive-date=April 20, 2023}}
• {{cite web |url=http://modernfirearms.net/en/machineguns/russia-machineguns/rpk-eng/ |title=RPK |website=Modern Firearms|date=27 October 2010 }}
• {{cite web |url=http://modernfirearms.net/en/machineguns/russia-machineguns/rpk-74-eng/ |title=RPK-74 |website=Modern Firearms|date=27 October 2010 }}
• {{cite web |url=http://kalashnikov.guns.ru/models/ka140.html |title=RPK Light Machine Gun |website=Kalashnikov.guns.ru|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929122218/http://kalashnikov.guns.ru/models/ka140.html |archive-date=2007-09-29 }}
• {{cite web |url=http://sovposters.ru//2009/12/21/09401_rpk74m.jpg |title=Technical data, instructional images and diagrams of the RPK-47M |website=Sovposters |language=ru|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412092806/http://sovposters.ru//2009/12/21/09401_rpk74m.jpg|archive-date= April 12, 2023}}
• {{YouTube|u2c0yC3bMUQ|Video of operation (RPK-74)}} {{in lang|ja}} [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/u2c0yC3bMUQ Archive]

{{AK47 derivatives}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rpk}}

Category:5.45×39mm machine guns

Category:7.62×39mm machine guns

Category:Cold War firearms of the Soviet Union

Category:Light machine guns

Category:Infantry weapons of the Cold War

Category:Kalashnikov derivatives

Category:Long stroke piston firearms

Category:Machine guns of the Soviet Union

Category:Kalashnikov Concern products

Category:Squad automatic weapons

Category:Vyatskiye Polyany Machine-Building Plant products

Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1961