M2 Browning vs PKM

1933–Present

1969–present

~1,000,000+ units (cumulative across all variants and manufacturers)

Over 1,000,000

1,651 mm (65 in) with stock, 1,219 mm (48 in) for tripod mount only

1,173mm (46.2 in)

45.7 cm (18 in) standard, 57.2 cm (22.5 in) for aircraft variants

658mm (25.9 in)

38.5 kg (84.9 lb) empty, 30.5 kg (67.3 lb) with tripod

7.5 kg (16.5 lb) gun body only

100‑round fabric belt standard, 50‑round drum (M2HB), 200‑round linked belt optional

100, 200, or 250-round non-disintegrating belts

Short‑recoil, toggle‑locked, belt‑fed, open‑bolt operation

Gas-operated, rotating bolt, open bolt

Single‑stage, mechanically simple trigger with manual safety lever

Full auto only

Adjustable leaf rear sight (0–2,000 m) and front post; optional optical or night vision mounts

Adjustable iron sights, graduated to 1,500m