RPK-74
Soviet squad automatic weapon chambered in 5.45×39mm, introduced with the AK-74.
The RPK-74 is a Soviet light machine gun and squad automatic weapon, firing the 5.45×39mm intermediate cartridge. It entered service in 1974 at the same time as the AK-74 assault rifle. The weapon is based on the AK-74, with changes similar to those that turned the AKM into the earlier RPK.
Its barrel is longer and heavier than the AK-74’s, with chrome plating, a new gas block that has a gas channel set at a 90-degree angle to the bore, and a ring for the cleaning rod. A folding bipod is fitted, along with a different front sight tower. The muzzle is threaded to accept a flash suppressor or a blank-firing attachment. The rear stock trunnion is reinforced, and the magazine well has steel inserts for extra strength. The return mechanism is modified from the AK-74, using a new metal spring guide rod and recoil spring. The rear sight assembly, forward handguard, and receiver dust cover are the same as those on the RPK.
The RPK-74 uses a 45-round steel or polymer box magazine, which is interchangeable with AK-74 magazines, and can be loaded from stripper clips. During development, drum magazines similar to those on earlier RPK models were tested but dropped in favor of the 45-round box. More recently, production of a 97-round drum has begun. This drum was originally designed for the AK-107 but works with any 5.45×39mm weapon that accepts compatible magazines, including the RPK-74 and RPK-74M. Experimental conventional drums and a prototype 100-round belt-fed drum magazine were also created. The belt-fed drum attaches to the standard magazine well, with a feed system that removes cartridges from the belt and positions them for loading through the well, actuated by a lever on the magazine that clips around the charging handle. It is unclear whether this system entered service.
Standard accessories include eight magazines, six stripper clips (each holding 15 rounds), a speedloader guide, cleaning rod, cleaning kit, sling, oil bottle, and two magazine pouches. Some variants omit the cleaning kit.
The RPKS-74 is a paratrooper version with a wooden folding stock taken from the RPKS. The RPK-74M, developed in the mid-1990s, is an updated variant. Its lower handguard, gas tube cover, pistol grip, and synthetic stock are made from black, glass-filled polyamide.
Quick Facts
- Service
- 1974–present
- Wars
- Soviet–Afghan War / First Chechen War / Second Chechen War / Russo-Georgian War / Russo-Ukrainian War / 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
- Length
- 1060 mm (stock extended) / (RPK-74, RPKS-74) · 845 mm (stock folded / (RPKS-74)
- Action
- Gas operated, rotating bolt; closed bolt
- Origin
- Soviet Union
- Is Ranged
- Yes
- Design Date
- 1974
- Weight
- 4.7 kg / (RPK-74) · 4.85 kg / (RPKS-74)
- Part Length
- 590 mm
- Cartridge
- 5.45×39mm M74
- Rate
- 600 rounds/min
- Velocity
- 960 m/s
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The RPK-74 was introduced in 1974 together with the AK-74 assault rifle. It was derived from the AK-74 rifle, with modifications that mirror those made to the AKM to create the RPK. The RPK-74 uses a longer and heavier chrome-plated barrel, 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 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. The return mechanism was modified compared to the AK-74, using a new type of metal spring guide rod and recoil spring. The rear sight assembly, forward handguard and receiver dust cover were 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 previous RPK models were tested during development but discontinued in favor of the 45-round box magazine. Recently, production of a 97-round drum has started, designed for the AK-107 but usable in any 5.45×39mm weapon with compatible magazines, such as the RPK-74 and RPK-74M. A prototype 100-round belt-fed drum magazine was also created, which attaches into the regular magazine well and uses a lever actuated by 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.
Reader's Guide
The RPK-74 represents a significant evolution of the Soviet squad automatic weapon concept, adapting the proven RPK design to the smaller 5.45×39mm cartridge. Its widespread adoption by former Soviet Union states and Bulgaria underscores its role as a standard infantry support weapon. The development of multiple variants, including the paratrooper RPKS-74 with a folding stock, the modernized RPK-74M with synthetic furniture and optics rail, and export models in 5.56×45mm NATO, demonstrates the platform's adaptability. The introduction of a 97-round drum magazine and the experimental 100-round belt-fed drum indicate ongoing efforts to increase sustained fire capability. The RPK-74's design, closely based on the AK-74, simplifies logistics and training within forces already fielding the AK series. Its legacy is that of a reliable, mass-produced light machine gun that has seen extensive service across multiple continents, though the experimental belt-fed drum's service status remains uncertain.
Did You Know?
- A prototype 100-round belt-fed drum magazine was created, but it is unknown if it ever entered service.
- The RPK-74M variant features a side-folding synthetic stock and a side-rail bracket for mounting optics.
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