RPD (Degtyaryov RPD) vs RPK

1944–1960

1961–Present

Over 1,000,000

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

1040 mm

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

520 mm

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

7.4 kg (unloaded)

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

100 (belt in drum)

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

Gas-operated, tilting bolt

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

Automatic only

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

Iron sights (adjustable rear)

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