EPK (Pyrkal) machine gun

Lore & Background

The EPK machine gun was conceived as part of EPK's ambition to become a major producer of infantry weapons. Following a proposal to the Greek government in 1937, development of a modern machine gun of EPK's own design began, and a small number of prototypes were built in 1939. The entire project, including infrastructure for mass production, was underway when war with Italy broke out on October 28, 1940; subsequent events prevented its completion. A total of no more than 10–15 examples were probably built. The fate of all but one—given as a present to a member of the Greek Royal Family—remains unknown.

The weapon's construction was close to that of the Thompson submachine gun, with ergonomics and weight compatible with the present-day Ultimax 100 light machine gun. Its feed system used a 30-round detachable box magazine placed on the side. Later publications suggested that the 7.92 mm weapon exhibited characteristics at the time closer to those of a submachine gun; others, including Pyrkal itself, argued that it was a very advanced design for its time, featuring pioneering elements of a whole class of future assault rifles.

Reader's Guide

The EPK machine gun occupies a contested place in small‑arms history. Some later publications characterized it as a weapon whose performance was closer to a submachine gun, while Pyrkal and other observers maintained that it was an advanced design that anticipated the assault rifle concept. The weapon's construction resembled the Thompson submachine gun, yet its ergonomics and weight were comparable to the later Ultimax 100 light machine gun. The project was cut short by the outbreak of war with Italy in 1940, and only a handful of prototypes were built. The single known survivor was given to a member of the Greek Royal Family; the fate of the others is not recorded. The EPK machine gun thus remains a footnote in Greek arms development, its true nature—submachine gun or early assault rifle—unresolved due to the lack of surviving examples and documentation.

Did You Know?

• The EPK machine gun was designed by the Greek company EPK, later known as Pyrkal.
• Only 10–15 prototypes were probably built, with construction beginning in 1939.
• The weapon used a 30-round detachable box magazine mounted on the side.