Madsen Light Machine Gun vs RPK

1896–1965

1961–Present

~130,000

~10,000,000+ units (including all variants and licensed copies)

940 mm (37.0 in) with stock extended; 860 mm (33.9 in) with stock folded (RPK-74M)

415 mm (16.3 in) standard; 460 mm (18.1 in) RPK-74 variant

4.8 kg (10.6 lb) empty (RPK); 4.5 kg (9.9 lb) empty (RPK-74)

30‑round AK‑type box magazine standard; 40‑round box (RPK‑74); 75‑round drum (optional); 100‑round drum (rare)

Long‑stroke gas piston, rotating bolt, closed‑bolt operation; reinforced bolt carrier group for sustained fire

Single‑stage military trigger with selector for safe, semi‑automatic, and fully automatic fire

Adjustable rear leaf sight (100‑1000 m); hooded front post; optional night sight dovetail