The Ruchnoi Pulement Kalashnikova (RPK) was first brought in to service by the Soviet Army in 1959.  The weapon was intended for use by teams as a light machinegun for squad level support.  The weapon features a 24 inch barrel and fires the 7.62x39 cartridge.  The RPK accepts both drum and stick AK magazines and fires at a rate of 600 rounds per minute.  The RPK also features a thicker stamped receiver and barrel, which allows the weapon to sustain a longer period of fire.

Given the absence of barrel change capability, the RPK must be used for relatively short bursts of fire.  Sustained fire greater than 80 shots per minute will lead to cook-offs since the weapon fires from a closed bolt.The RPK comes with a cleaning kit, folding bipod, club style stock, 40 round magazine, and bayonet.  The RPKS has a side folding stock which is used by Para troops.  The RPK also features another improvement over the AK-47, it has a windage adjustable sight that can target objects 900 meters away.

While the RPK is a very reliable and versatile weapon, it does have it's disadvantages.  Due to the RPK's 24 inch heavy barrel and thicker receiver the weapon is very heavy.  It has caused many soldiers to become fatigued, especially when loaded down with five drums and 1000 rounds of ammo.  The RPK is also an attention grabber.  By this I mean it causes enemy fire to be concentrated on the RPK's position, so being an RPK operator is a very risky job.

The RPK is an awesome light machinegun, which has a cretin beauty to it.  It is a great long range weapon and is tons of fun to shoot.  My semi-auto RPK is a bullet hose and accurately hits the target at 300 yards.  It is also a great eye catcher at the range since few people own one.  The RPK works well for providing cover fire for a unit.  It is also capable of engaging light armored vehicles such as: jeeps and other transports.  The one disadvantage is that the barrel tends to overheat and you must let the weapon cool unless you wish to ruin your barrel.  Overall the RPK is well worth the money in both the semi-auto and full-auto versions.

U.S. Versions:

Authentic Soviet RPK's are very hard to come by in the U.S.  Only a small number were imported, most of which were machineguns.  If you do find one it will be in the hands of a collector and will be very expensive.  You can manufacture your own semi-auto RPK out of a receiver and a RPK parts kit.  If you want an authentic RPK receiver, purchase a VEPR rifle and have GlobalTrades turn it into an RPK.  The Russians built the VEPR rifle on a RPK receiver, which is why you need to buy the rifle to make the RPK.  You could also buy a Firingline milled receiver or a FEG Hungarian stamped receiver from GlobalTrades and have it turned in to a rifle.  You will also need to buy a U.S. parts kit if the rifle is a post-ban.  If the RPK is a post ban the muzzle threads with have to be ground off or a muzzle brake with have to be permanently attached.  The bayonet lug will have to be ground off and you may not put a folding stock on the weapon.  
 

AK-47.net:  Rating:   Quality: 10,  Posted: 25-July-2000 Pros: Extreme reliability and versatility, the weapon can be used to engage long distance targets.  The weapon can provide great cover fire and can engage large numbers of targets.  The RPK can use AK magazines and fires the same 7.62x39 round.  Cons: Very Heavy and barrel tends to over heat.  No quick barrel change feature.  Ammo is very heavy fires from closed bolt. Summery: If you have the money for one of these awesome guns don't hesitate to buy it, you won't be disappointed.                            Submit Review   Contact Information   Business: Price: Address: Phone: Tell them AK-47.net sent you! Website: E-mail:   Contact Information   Business: Global Trades. Price: N/A Address: Global Trades Co. 7311 Galveston Road - Suite 260 Houston, Texas 77034 Phone: (713) 944-3351 Tell them AK-47.net sent you! Website: http://www.globaltrades.com/ E-mail: gtc@flash.net