Gun PC. Modern small arms. The Kalashnikov Machine Gun

For any army unification is a goal to strive for gunsmiths. If parts are interchangeable, and design different samples are similarities, it immediately solves several problems. First, search for spare parts in case of failure easier. Second, the soldiers training is faster and more efficient. Third, declining production costs. There are other reasons to strive for standardization, they are of a psychological nature, but also important. But if the weapon is standardized, it still is not enough to consider it successful. Important and fighting qualities. Modern small arms in the arsenals of countries – potential enemies, has always set high demands on our samples. They should be no worse, and possibly better in terms of firepower, easy to operate and, of course, reliable. All these requirements are General, General Kalashnikov machine gun, the armament of the Soviet and Russian army since 1961. He is known in many other countries where it was exported.

Single sample

The Idea of a uniform machine gun is not new. Almost all of the army during the First world war used "Maxims" of the “Guccisima’ and ‘Colt”. In the thirties of the infantry and mountain and felt the need for more lung samples, which were called a manual, as opposed to heavy. Complete unification was achieved, then only specialists of the German enterprise “Rheinmetall” with its own "lawnmower" MG-34 (in year the end of the development, 1934-mu). The project was led by engineer Louis Stange. This gun was very successful, and the soldiers of the red army wanted to own the same weapon. After the war they started to get something similar. The task was to positive traits of the two main types of machine guns (machine and manual) were combined in a single sample. He had to be a high rate of fire, as ammunition for his rifle apply “long”, the cartridge (this is automatic, for example, differs from a machine pistol), range precision fire more than conventional small arms. Such a sample was supposed to take as a single for the Soviet army.

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DP-27 Shilin

In 1946, the creative "trio" designers, A. I. Shilina, A. A. Dubinin, and p. P. Polyakov, having a deep modernization of the proven and reliable DP-27, introduced a virtually new model, called RP-46. The Soviet designers of small arms have used a belt feed system cartridges, which were integrated feed mechanism, put in the place of the store. DP-27 was good, but even then, in the first years of operation in the army, was considered a temporary replacement of the obsolete RPD Degtyarev. Almost all the specialized weapons of the enterprise of the USSR he began developing his own systems in the hope that she will become a single sample.

Among the leaders were several KB, which was the Creator of the AK-47 Mikhail Kalashnikov, who presented shortly the gun PC first version. It happened in 1959.

Competition and competitors

After a series of intermediate tests in the final of the competition announced by the Ministry of defence, came two samples. One was a PK (Kalashnikov machine gun), second – the leading engineers of OKB-14 (same Tula arms plant, it is necessary to pay attention, since the company existed and internal competition, promoting the high quality of projects). This sample was very interesting, it reflected many advanced ideas for special machinery. Very successful was the idea of tape feed from a uniform boxes of two types (200 or 100 rounds). Node locking shutter is also recognized as one of the best in the simplicity and elegance of engineering solutions. Unusual and original solved question cutoff powder gases. The feeding of cartridges was made special “fingers”. Overall, very good gun. PC, however, the competition is won, and there were reasons.

The Lack of gun Nikitin and Sokolov

With all the virtues, which shone a sample Nikitin and Sokolov, it was, however, one the disadvantage of insufficient reliability. No, he didn't refuse at all, but started to shoot in single mode, after it overheated multiple queues, was lowered into the water. This phenomenon is called thermal distortion that occurs in the feed unit. At first glance, a minor flaw, but a real battle could cost the calculations of life. Every time the shooter was forced to make a reload, putting the NTC on a combat platoon 2-3 times manually. This delay is very dangerous. Kalashnikov machine gun on comparative tests behaved impeccably, he refused even after he was down in the depths of the Central Asian irrigation ditches.

What is the difference of PC from a Kalashnikov. The trunk

Today, the AK-47 is so well known worldwide that there is no need to dwell on the peculiarities of its design. In Soviet times, disassemble the machine taught students high school studentsthe lessons of initial military preparation. In some countries, children know how to handle these weapons, and at a younger age, not yet having mastered and certificates.

Most constructive solutions invented and applied a great Russian gunsmith, inventing his famous machine. The Kalashnikov machine gun differs from the prototype in the first barrel, it is longer, is made detachable, and the first versions had a longitudinally-ribbed surface for best heat transfer.

Other features

For ease of firing the gun PC equipped with a bipod. Shooting in single mode is not provided, only bursts. A lever type fuse works the same as in AK. Capacity box magazine, of course, increased to 100 (and even 200 for easel option). Powered nerassypnoy tape pieces of 50 rounds, using the least of which is its connection. For ease of carrying additional handle. Gun PC equipped with a sight similar device automatic, but there is an additional bracket for mounting a night sight. To facilitate the construction of the butt has a through neck. There are other minor design features, but in General, the degree of unification of this sample is very large, most spare parts are interchangeable, which greatly facilitates maintenance and repair. Machine guns in the later editions of the removable barrel is made smooth without cooling fins, and has a greater wall thickness.

Tank

Modern firearms ideally, not only the most compatible, but also applicable for performing tasks in various conditions. The model gun PC – “RMB", developed in 1969, is intended for use as an additional staff weapons of armored vehicles. The remoteness of management is provided by the electric trigger. The crew may, if necessary, to bring it into the original infantry as by attaching the supplied items (stock, bipod, crank). This is done in the fight very quickly, Assembly simple. The difference with the prototype is modified, the node flue, is designed to reduce the number of falls inside the hulls of burning. The barrel tank variant is longer and heavier.

Additional options

From a machine gun PC, you can shoot both with the standard bipod, and relying on additional devices to stabilize the line of fire. Originally provided for supporting the machine-tripod, designed by E. S. Samozhenkov, very comfortable, but heavy. Lightweight version of the frame suggested by L. V. Stepanov, which reduced the weight more than three kilograms. There is also bronetransporternym option, which is called PKB.

For two decades the military operation, the military has made various proposals to improve the characteristics of weapons, some of them were assumed to be reflected in the code of arms. So machine guns PK and the PKK, which has in the name of additional letter “N”, can be completed with night sight (NSPU or PPN-3), the PCB is designed for firing at the aircraft of the enemy.

Worldwide

Objective indicators of the machine gun are as follows:

The standard Caliber is 7.62 mm. Weight without additional devices (so-called “body”) - 9 pounds. Length of gun - 1173 mm. Bullet accelerates in the barrel to the speed of 825 m/s. When the rate of fire 650 RDS./min combat rate of fire (average) is 250 RDS./min. ground fire may be conducted at distances up to 1 km 300 m

The High performance characteristics of the machine gun and its amazing reliability factors in its popularity in different parts of the world. In addition samples manufactured in the Soviet Union, and shipped under export contracts to Vietnam, Egypt, Libya (and many other places), and well-known version produced in other countries under license. Sometimes changing the name, for example, “Type 80" (PRC) or “M-84" (SFRY). In Bulgaria and Romania, it was manufactured as a machine gun Kalashnikov.