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Posted: 10/18/2008 1:26:47 PM EDT
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Do they use A-gunners like we do? Our assistant gunners lay on the gunner's left side of the body, with the gunner's left leg between the A-gunner's legs. I imagine it wouldn't be necessary on an RPK, but what about the RPD? |
| To get back on track, they do use "A" gunners, also. The RPD isn't in service with the Russian military anymore, and not is service with very many former Soviet Bloc militaries. The RPK, RPK-74, and PKM (the Russian equivalent of our M240B) replaced it. The PKM feeds from the right. But, more often than not, PKM gunners utilize the 100rd can that mounts under the weapon's receiver. So much of the time, the PKM gunner doesn't really need an assistant other than someone to carry additional cans/ammo. |
My theory is the small can with the semi-disentigrating belt is for offense and the large can with the one piece blet is for use in a fixed defensive position or in a vehicle. Larry agrees. |
Semi-disintegrating. IIRC, the 100 round belt is in 20 round segments that are linked by an individual round. It does not trail off like the big belt does. |
I personally feel the PKM kind of falls between the M249 and M240B, with it leaning more toward the M240B. But looking at calibers and use, it more falls into the M240B equivalent side of things. Like the guys said, in offensive missions, an assistant gunner is not needed so much:  But in more defensive situations, certainly:  But this is one of my more favorite photos of the PKM showing how the PKM is commonly in use: 
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All the 100 round cans I've bought had 50 round segments, but there are 25 round segments out there. I wish I could find some. The RPD also apparently has 25 round segments out there but I've only found the 50 round ones. So who's hording all the 25 round segments?? 
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| If I were a little more settled I'd look into making an integrated front sight and gas block for the PKM. It would be much lighter. Hell, add a Vortex and cut the barrel at around 17 inches and you'll take a pound off the front of the rifle. Then use a slightly lighter stock in the rear. Like than a MK48 for less money. And more durable... |
I believe Henderson Defense is offering this very service in the 'Services' forum on the EE: http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=7&f=143&t=570639 
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I must admit, I'm no fan of a heavy gun. But I do like that fact that the PKM has some weight on it - if it were a lot lighter, it would remind you of that with each round. And I'm kind of a fan of the traditional look, anyway. Hopefully will take it out for some fun tomorrow:  A few weeks ago, I let a friend who normally doesn't get into this stuff shoot it - his first time with something like that. It was just as fun watching him enjoy it as it is to shoot it. Not the poofs of dirt WAY out there! 
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