RPK light machine gun

The RPK (Russian: Ručnoj pulemjot Kalashnikova) is a Soviet-made light (so-called "hand") machine gun. It is basically a variant of the AKM assault rifle equipped with a longer and heavier barrel and bipod. Because it does not have an interchangeable barrel and has a smaller magazine capacity, it is not designed for long bursts of fire.

Like the British LSW light machine gun, it provides fire support to an infantry squad when firing at ranges greater than a conventional assault rifle. A segmented 40-round box magazine, similar to the AK-47, is commonly used, but a drum magazine with a capacity of 75 rounds may also be used. Due to the length of the segmented magazine, it is difficult to fire from the prone position.

The RPK was introduced into service in the mid-1960s, replacing the previous RPD handgun. It was and is widely used in the countries of the former Soviet Union, its allies, and by guerrilla groups around the world. 
Since the mid-1970s, a modification of the RPK-74 has been used, which is a variant of the AK-74 assault rifle using 5.45×39 mm ammunition.