New Kalashnikov Machine Gun Started Service

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Russia was always known as a country that tries to provide itself with all of its security and army needs. This includes everything: ammunition, guns, cannons, APCs, tanks and all types of aircrafts and marine vessels. One of the Russia’s most recognized symbols for gun independence is the Kalashnikov Concern, that has produced the iconic AK-47 assault rifle, and since developed many more guns and ammunition.

One of those guns is the RPK-16 Light Machine Gun, a relatively new gun made in 2016.

At first  it was not clear if the Russian Army was going to adopt the RPK-16 light machine gun. But now, according to thefirearmblog.com, Kalashnikov Concern and Russian Government TASS news agency announced that the Kalashnikov Concern and the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation have signed a contract concerning the procurement of RPK-16 LMGs. In other words, Russia has adopted the new machine gun..

The RPK-16 is a modern light machine gun chambered in 5.45x39mm caliber. One of the key features of this LMG is the possibility of changing the barrel without a use of tools.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXHwVqFoHo8]

RPK-16 features a side folding and telescoping stock, ergonomic pistol grip with cleaning kit storage compartment inside it, Krebs style safety selector and a new muzzle device. The top cover has two attachment points which makes it a more rigid platform for mounting optics on the built-in Picatinny rail. The aperture rear iron sight is placed at the rear of the top cover. It is windage and elevation adjustable just like other RPK rear sights.

RPK-16 has a polymer handguard with built-in top and bottom Picatinny rails. It is also possible to attach rails on the sides of the handguard. The gun is fed from standard 5.45x39mm AK magazines but there are also new 95-round drum magazines designed for this firearm.