Weapons Identification Sheet PK

Variants and their distinguishing features

PK (& close variants)

VARIANTS
(Model/manufacturer)
• PK, PKM, PKT, PKD; Russia,
BARREL FLUTING
Fluted Un-fluted:

■ TYPE: GENERAL-PURPOSE MACHINE GUN ■ ALSO REFERRED TO AS: PK, PKM Kazakhstan, Romania
• MG, MG-M1; Bulgaria
• Type 80; China
• Karabin Maszynowy; Poland
Model illustrated: PKM, Russia • M84; Yugoslavia (Serbia)

The designation PKMS is given to  PK  PKM  Type 80

PKM weapons that are mounted  MG  MG-M1
on a tripod. The weapons do not
differ from each other, so this
Weapons ID Sheet does not ascribe
the designation PKMS to a specific STOCK DESIGN
model of PK machine gun. PKMSN Pierced stock Solid stock
models, similarly, feature a basic
PKM weapon with tripod and night
sights. PKT and PKD variants have
a longer, heavier barrel and feature
neither a bipod nor a pistol grip/
trigger assembly. Most PK variants
differ very little from one another
Technical Information The PK general-purpose machine gun was and factory proof marks are the
 All models except PKT, PKD,  M84
best means of establishing country
Calibre
developed in the late 1950s. The weapon is of manufacture (see Weapons ID and M84
7.62 x 54R belt-fed (rather than magazine-fed) and it is Sheet for ‘Kalashnikov-pattern
rifles: identifying marks’.)
Length chambered for the 7.62 x 54R rimmed cartridge. TRIPOD MOUNT AND NIGHT SIGHTS
1160mm The PK’s most distinctive visual feature is the PKM in PKMSN format
Weight (unloaded) pierced stock, which features a large oval hole.
7.55 kg Points to include when recording
information about the weapon:
Barrel length 1. Serial number, including all prefix
643 mm and suffix characters
Feed device 2. Characters adjacent to fire
Non-disintegrating metal belt: selector
PROBABLE GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION 3. Any other engraved/stamped
100, 200, and 250 rds
information on weapon
Sighting systems: Region State forces Non-state/illicit
Fore: Post, cylindrical Western Europe  
Rear: Vertical leaf Eastern Europe ●  MARKING INFORMATION
Operating system: Middle East & North Africa ● ◗ Manufacturer proof marks are
Gas, automatic fire on the top cover of the weapon
Sub-Saharan Africa ● ●
Rate of fire: (model illustrated: MG-M1,
Central Asia ◗ ◗ Bulgaria)
250 rds/min
South Asia ◗ 
Muzzle velocity:
825 m/s East Asia ◗ ◗
Pacific  
Accessories:
tripod mount, night sight North America  
Central America ● ◗ Compiled by the Small Arms Survey with the technical assistance of the National Firearms Centre, Royal Armouries, United Kingdom. For further
information or if you have identification queries, contact [email protected] or call: +41 22 908 5777. This identification sheet may be
South America   downloaded in printable PDF format at www.smallarmssurvey.org/weaponsID
WARNING:
● Expect regular use ◗ Expect occasional use  Do not expect use Make a full and informed appraisal of the local security situation before conducting any research related to small arms and light weapons.