Data Quality87%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the light machine guns (lmg/saw) category.
01 / Overview
RPK-74
Category
Country
Prime contractor
Production
1974–
Operators
Conflicts
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW) · COLD WAR
4
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
88
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the light machine guns (lmg/saw) category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General4MOD.4
- First Production Year1974
- Service Entry Year1974
- Weight (Empty)4.7 kg
- Currently In ServiceYes
◈Cartridge & Calibre5MOD.5
- Cartridge5.45×39mm M74
- Calibre5.45 mm
- Case Length39 mm
- Calibre Classintermediate
- Bullet Weight3.43 g
▣Operation7MOD.7
- Action TypeGas-Operated
- Fire Modesselective fire (semi and full)
- Select FireYes
- Feed SystemDetachable Magazine
- Magazine Capacity45
- Drum / Belt Capacity97
- Cyclic Rate of Fire600
◇Ballistics4MOD.4
- Muzzle Velocity960 m/s
- Effective Range (point)800 m
- Effective Range (area)1,000 m
- Maximum Range3,150 m
◆Barrel & Sights5MOD.5
- Barrel Length590 mm
- Sight Typeiron sights
- Sight Radius555 mm
- Iron SightsYes
- Threaded BarrelYes
▤Construction2MOD.2
- Receiver Materialsteel
- Furniture Materialwood/polymer
⬢Features2MOD.2
▲Production & Cost1MOD.1
- Production Start1974
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1945First deployment: Cold War
- 1974Production started
52
years in service
15
countries operating
ⓘ 1 countries retired it.
04 / Conflicts
RPK-74 · CONFLICTS SERVED IN40% win·40% loss
Total Conflicts
5
Victories
2
Ongoing
0
Losses
2
2011–2024Syrian Civil WarDecisive victory→2008Russo-Georgian WarDecisive victory→2003–2011Iraq WarDecisive victory→2001–2021War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)—→1979–1989Soviet-Afghan WarDecisive victory→
ⓘ Shown only from conflicts recorded in our database.
05 / Operators
Operator Countries16country
06 / MASS Score
LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW) RANKING Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) · Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
8LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW)4COLD WAR · LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW)274RUSSIA · ALL WEAPONS10PERFORMANCE/PRICE · LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW)
ⓘ Rankings are within theLight Machine Guns (LMG/SAW)category.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE7terms
A firearm feed system where ammunition is stored in a separate container (magazine) that can be removed and replaced, enabling rapid reloading.
Firearm action type where expanding gas from a fired cartridge cycles the mechanism, typically via a piston or direct impingement.
Uses high-pressure gas to cycle the action, rather than recoil energy.
Integral bipod: a permanently attached, built‑in bipod that provides a two‑point support for a firearm, allowing it to be rested on a surface without separate accessories.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
Select fire is a fire selector mechanism on a firearm that lets the shooter choose the firing mode, such as semi‑automatic, burst, or fully automatic.
A pistol barrel with external helical grooves allowing the attachment of a suppressor or other muzzle devices.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources