The modernized Kalashnikov machine gun was put into service in 1969 and is still considered by many experts and operators to be one of the best representatives in its class. The Soviet light machine gun, despite its venerable age, is still used in almost 60 countries around the world. Weapons have gone through dozens of armed conflicts in the 20th and 21st centuries, and do not lose their relevance today. Why?
The Kalashnikov machine gun is a whole family of eight Soviet-made machine guns, not counting the numerous local alterations of this weapon. The most famous model, of course, is the already mentioned manual PKM. From the original PC of 1961, the upgraded model differs in less weight - 7.5 kg versus 9 kg, the presence of a shoulder pad on buttstock, as well as a much more technologically smooth barrel, which allows you to guarantee up to 500 shots without interruption and change trunk. At the same time, the PKM also has a serious drawback, especially when comparing it with younger models of the family of light machine guns - this is a low rate of fire of 600-650 rounds per minute.
The Kalashnikov Modernized machine gun, like its predecessor, uses gas-operated automatics with barrel locking using a rotary bolt. All infantry modifications of machine guns are equipped with bipods, a skeletal stock and a pistol grip fire control. In this respect, the PKM easel model is quite different from the manual model. The machine gun can only fire in automatic mode due to the use of a trigger with a reciprocating mainspring. The feeding of the cartridge belt at the machine gun is two-stage.
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Fires a Kalashnikov machine gun with 7.62x54 mm R rounds. For PKM, the effective range of fire is estimated at 1,000 meters. The muzzle velocity of the bullet is 825 m/s. The maximum actual range of fire when using ammunition with a steel core can reach 3.8 km. Like most other Soviet weapons, even in its modernized form, the PK remains a fairly simple and cheap machine gun, which makes it an excellent choice for a conscription army. And high reliability and unpretentiousness allow using this weapon even in the most difficult environmental conditions. It is these reasons that lead to the fact that PCM is still used, including in the former Soviet republics.
In continuation of the topic, read about 5 solid rifles with manual reloading from World War II.
Source: https://novate.ru/blogs/140422/62711/