RPK vs RPK-74

1961–Present

1974–present

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

Approximately 1,000,000

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

1060 mm

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

590 mm

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

4.7 kg

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

45 rounds

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

Long-stroke gas piston

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

Single stage

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

Adjustable tangent rear, hooded front