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.