The PKP "Pecheneg" (Russian: Печенег) is a Russian machine gun chambered for the 7.62 x 54 mm round. It is a modernized PK machine gun. The Pecheneg is said to be more accurate than all its predecessors due to a heavier, non-removable forced air cooling barrel with radial cooling ribs and a handle which eliminates the haze effect from hot gases and keeps the barrel cooler, making the weapon more reliable.Furthermore, the weapon is capable of having a telescopic sight or other sights mounted on it, increasing accuracy further. The military designation of the Pecheneg is 6P41 or 6P41N when fitted with a night vision sight. The Pecheneg is currently in use by Russian Army Spetsnaz and other troops in small numbers.
The Pecheneg is named for the Pecheneg people, a warlike tribe of Turkic origin who lived in what later became steppes of Southern Russia and Ukraine. The Pecheneg is a standard 7.62x54R PKM machine gun without the rapid barrel-change option, and intended for use from an integral bipod as a squad support weapon. It can provide more sustained firepower than the standard-issue RPK-74, and the 7.62x54R cartridge offers a longer effective range and better penetration of light structures and improvised covers in urban and forest environments.
Type
General purpose machine gun
Place of origin Russian Federation
Service history
In service 1999
Used by Russian Federation
Wars Second Chechen War, 2008 South Ossetia war, Syrian civil war
Production history
Designer TsNIITochMash
Specifications
Weight 8.7 kilograms (19 lb) on bipod; 27.7 pounds (12.6 kg) on infantry tripod mount
Length 1,155 mm (45.5 in)
Barrel length 658 mm (25.9 in)
Cartridge 7.62x54mmR
Action Gas-operated
Rate of fire 650 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity 825 m/s (2,707 ft/s)
Maximum range 1500 m
Feed system Belt. 100, 200 or 250-rounddetachable box magazine