Kalashnikov machine gun (known as PC and its modification RMB) was officially adopted by the Soviet Army in 1961, but its development began much earlier - in the late 1940s. It is often confused with the AK-47 assault rifle, but it is an independent weapon created by the designer Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov based on his own machine gun. The first prototypes appeared in 1950s, and mass production started at the plant in Kovrov. The main difference between a PC and an AK is the use belt feed and a more powerful cartridge 7.62×54 mm R, which provided high firepower to support infantry.

Structurally, the Kalashnikov machine gun inherited reliability and ease of maintenance from the AK-47, but was adapted to the role single machine gun — weapons capable of firing both from a bipod and from a machine gun. Its creation was a response to the army's need for a light and mobile machine gun, replacing outdated SG-43 and RP-46. Today the PK/PKM remains in service in more than 50 countries, making it one of the most popular machine guns in the world.

Who and when invented the Kalashnikov machine gun: chronology of events

The development of the machine gun was carried out in parallel with the improvement of the AK-47. B 1953 Kalashnikov presented the first prototype that received the index automatic transmission (Kalashnikov machine gun). However, it did not meet the requirements for reliability and firepower. Key creation milestones:

  • 📅 1955 - start of work on a specialized machine gun chambered for 7.62×54 mm R, used in SVD and heavy machine guns.
  • 🔧 1958 - completion of design tests of the prototype, designated PC (Kalashnikov machine gun).
  • ✅ 1961 - official adoption by the Soviet Army. Start of serial production at the Degtyareva plant (Kovrov).
  • 🔄 1969 - upgrade to option RMB with a lightweight design and improved ergonomics.

It is interesting that Kalashnikov did not initially plan to create a machine gun - his task was to unify the army’s weapons based on the machine gun. However, the military demanded specialized support weapons, which led to the emergence of the PC. The designer later admitted that working on the machine gun was more difficult for him than on the AK-47, due to the need to ensure a high rate of fire (up to 650 rounds/min) without loss of reliability.

AK-47 assault rifle|PK/PKM machine gun|Both are equally significant|It's hard to say-->

Technical characteristics of PC and PKM: comparison with AK-47

Despite the external resemblance to the Kalashnikov assault rifle, the machine gun has fundamental differences. Main technical parameters:

Parameter PC (1961) PKM (1969) AK-47 (for comparison)
Caliber 7.62×54 mm R 7.62×54 mm R 7.62×39 mm
Rate of fire, rds/min 650 650–750 600
Weight without cartridges, kg 9,0 7,5 4,3
Tape capacity 100, 200 or 250 rounds 100, 200 or 250 rounds 30 rounds (magazine)
Effective range, m 1000–1500 1000–1500 300–400

The main advantage of the PC over the AK-47 is belt feeding, allowing continuous fire. However, this also makes it heavier and less mobile. PKM managed to reduce weight by 1.5 kg due to the use of stamped parts instead of milled ones, and also improve balancing. Both machine guns retain full interchangeability of automatic parts with AKM, which simplified logistics in the army.

⚠️ Attention: Despite the external resemblance, AK-47 magazines do not fit PC/PKM. The machine gun uses exclusively metal belts, and an attempt to adapt the magazine feed leads to jamming of the mechanisms.

Differences between the PC and other Soviet machine guns: SG-43 and RP-46

Before the advent of the Kalashnikov machine gun, two main types of machine guns were used in the Soviet Army:

  • 🔫 SG-43 - Goryunov heavy machine gun, adopted for service in 1943. It had a high rate of fire (up to 700 rounds/min), but was heavy (13.5 kg) and difficult to maintain.
  • 🔫 RP-46 — Degtyarev light machine gun, modernized for belt feeding. Lighter (7.4 kg), but less reliable due to the mechanisms inherited from the PPD.

The PC became a compromise between these models:

  • 📉 Weight - lighter than the SG-43 by 4.5 kg, but heavier than the RP-46 by 1.6 kg (in the PKM version the difference was reduced to 0.1 kg).
  • 🔄 Reliability — surpassed the RP-46 due to automatic gas release (as in the AK-47), and not barrel recoil (as in the SG-43).
  • 🎯 Accuracy — thanks to the rigid mount of the barrel and bipod, it provided accuracy at a range of up to 1000 m, comparable to the SG-43.

The key innovation was quick release box, allowing you to replace the barrel in 5–7 seconds (versus 15–20 seconds for the SG-43). This is critical in combat, since overheating of the barrel during intense shooting occurs after 200–250 shots. PKM also improved heat dissipation due to the ribbed barrel.

Why didn't the PC replace the SG-43 completely?

The SG-43 remained in service in tank and anti-aircraft installations until the 1970s, as its high rate of fire (up to 700 rounds/min) was critical for air defense. PCs were optimized for infantry, where mobility and ease of maintenance were more important.-->

Modifications of the Kalashnikov machine gun

from PC to PKM and special versions

The basic PC became the basis for a whole family of machine guns, adapted for different tasks:

  • 🔰 PKS — tank version with electric trigger and extended barrel. Installed on BMP-1, BTR-60/70.
  • 🚁 PCT — modification for armored vehicles with a telescopic receiver (reduced length). Used in T-64, T-72, T-90.
  • 🪖 PKMN — night version with a rail for mounting sights NSPU or 1PN51.
  • 🔫 PKP "Pecheneg" — deep modernization of the 1990s with an integrated muffler and improved ergonomics. Rate of fire increased to 800 shots/min.

The most widespread modification was RMB (1969), where:

  • Weight was reduced due to a stamped receiver.
  • Added a flame arrester that reduces the flash when firing.
  • The stock and pistol grip have been improved for easier shooting from the hand.

In the 2000s, based on PKM, it was created PKMNG - chambered version 7.62x51mm NATO for export. This made it possible to integrate the machine gun into the armament of countries using the NATO standard, without changing the ammunition.

The receiver of the PKM is stamped (for the PC it is milled)|There is a flash suppressor on the muzzle of the PKM|The butt of the PKM has a rubber butt pad|The carrying handle of the PKM is shifted closer to the center of mass

Combat use: where and how the Kalashnikov machine gun was used

PK/PKM was actively used in most armed conflicts of the second half of the 20th - early 21st centuries:

  • 🌍 Vietnam War (1960s–1970s) - used by the Viet Cong against American troops. High reliability in jungle conditions has become a key advantage.
  • 🏜️ Afghan War (1979–1989) — The PKM became the main support weapon for Soviet motorized rifle units. Effectively suppressed Mujahideen firing points at a range of up to 1200 m.
  • 🏙️ Chechen campaigns (1990s) - used by federal forces in urban battles. The compactness of the PKM made it possible to fire from confined spaces.
  • 🔥 Syrian conflict (2010s) - used by both government forces and the opposition. Often installed on pickup trucks as “technical aids”.

The tactics for using PC/PCM included:

  • Infantry fire support — firing in short bursts (5–10 shots) to suppress the enemy.
  • Ambushes — installation on a bipod in a shelter with a supply of belts for 500–1000 rounds.
  • Anti-sniper fight - use of tracer cartridges to detect enemy positions.
⚠️ Attention: In urban battles shooting in long bursts (more than 20 shots) leads to rapid overheating of the barrel and the risk of swelling. The operating instructions recommend changing the barrel after each ammunition (250 rounds).
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To increase the survivability of the barrel in battle, you can use damp cloth, wrapped around the trunk. This temporarily improves heat dissipation, but does not replace a scheduled barrel change.

Current state: why PKM is still in service

Despite the advent of more modern machine guns (for example, American M240 or Russian Pecheneg), PKM remains in service for several reasons:

  1. Reliability — works in any climatic conditions: from arctic temperatures to desert heat and high mountains.
  2. Maintainability — the simplicity of the design allows you to clean and repair weapons in the field with minimal tools.
  3. Unification - cartridge compatibility 7.62×54 mm R, which is used in sniper rifles SVD and heavy machine guns NSV.
  4. Low cost — production and maintenance of PCM is 2–3 times cheaper than Western analogues.

In the Russian Army, PKM is gradually being replaced by PKP "Pecheneg" and 6P41 (chambered 7.62×51 mm), but the process is slow due to the huge stocks of weapons and ammunition. PCM is exported to countries in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, where it is valued for its simplicity and low cost.

It's interesting that in 2018 prototype was presented PKM-M — a modernized version with picatinny rails, a folding stock and improved ergonomics. However, mass production was never launched due to insufficient funding.

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PKM remains relevant due to its balance of reliability, firepower and low cost. Its complete replacement is unlikely until the 2030s due to huge stocks in warehouses.

Frequently asked questions about the Kalashnikov machine gun

🔹 When exactly was the Kalashnikov machine gun invented?

The first working prototype was created in 1955, and serial production and adoption took place in 1961. The PKM modification appeared in 1969.

🔹 How is a PC different from an AK-47?

Main differences:

  • Uses belt feeding (100–250 rounds) instead of a 30 round magazine.
  • Shoots a cartridge 7.62×54 mm R (like the SVD), and not 7.62×39 mm.
  • Has quick release barrel for replacement if overheated.
  • Large weight (7.5–9 kg versus 4.3 kg for the AK-47) and dimensions.
🔹 How many rounds does the PKM have in its belt?

Standard tapes come in 100, 200 or 250 rounds. In combat, 200-round boxes are usually used as the optimal balance between capacity and mobility.

🔹 Is it possible to shoot AK-47 cartridges from the PKM?

No, absolutely not possible. PKM uses a cartridge 7.62×54 mm R with a rimmed cartridge case, and the AK-47 - 7.62×39 mm without edge. Attempting to load an incompatible cartridge will result in jamming or destruction of the weapon.

🔹Where is PCM produced today?

Serial production is carried out in Russia (Degtyarev plant in Kovrov) and under license in:

  • Bulgaria (Arsenal AD),
  • Yugoslavia (now Serbia, plant Zastava Weapons),
  • China (clone Type 80).

Unlicensed copies are also produced in Iran, Pakistan and some African countries.