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RPK-74

Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) · Russia · 1974
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RPK-74

RPK-74
RPK-74 Photo: Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Sustained Firepower
75
Effective Range
60
Accuracy
65
Reliability
90
Portability
80
Ammunition Capacity
55
Barrel Endurance
70
Controllability
85
Versatility
70
Cost-Effectiveness
85
Origin Russia
ManufacturerVyatskiye Polyany Machine-Building Plant, Mikhail Kalashnikov
CategoryLight Machine Guns (LMG/SAW)
EraCold War
In service1974
Operators16 countries
Data Quality87%
73
Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) MASS Rating
4/14
Cold War
8/75
All-Time
Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) · 10 axes scored
Sustained Firepower
75
Effective Range
60
Accuracy
65
Reliability
90
Portability
80
Ammunition Capacity
55
Barrel Endurance
70
Controllability
85
Versatility
70
Cost-Effectiveness
85
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the light machine guns (lmg/saw) category.
01 / Overview
RPK-74
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW) · COLD WAR
4
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
88
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
73
light machine guns (lmg/saw) category
ⓘ 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
◇Ballistics4MOD.4
  • Muzzle Velocity960 m/s
  • Effective Range (point)800 m
  • Effective Range (area)1,000 m
  • Maximum Range3,150 m
◆Barrel & Sights5MOD.5
▤Construction2MOD.2
  • Receiver Materialsteel
  • Furniture Materialwood/polymer
⬢Features2MOD.2
▲Production & Cost1MOD.1
  • Production Start1974
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1945First deployment: Cold War
  2. 1974Production started
52
years in service
15
countries operating
ⓘ 1 countries retired it.
04 / Conflicts
05 / Operators
📖 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
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) entry →