The PKP Pecheneg is a Russian 7.62×54mmR general-purpose machine gun. It is a further development and modification of the PK machine gun. It is said to be more accurate than all its predecessors due to a heavier, non-removable, forced-air-cooled barrel with radial cooling ribs and a handle which eliminates the haze effect from hot gases and keeps the barrel cooler, making the weapon more reliable. A steel jacket encloses the barrel to and runs up to the muzzle similarly to the Lewis machine gun provide forced air cooling. Low pressure created at the front of the jacket during firing draws cool air into the jacket through oval windows at the rear of the jacket. Furthermore, the weapon is capable of having a telescopic sight or other sights mounted on it, which increases its accuracy and effective range. According to the manufacturer the PKP Pecheneg can fire 600 rounds in rapid fire scenarios without damaging the barrel. When conducting a long fire fight, it can fire up to 10,000 rounds of ammunition per hour without degrading the combat characteristics and reducing the life of the barrel. In general, the PKP Pecheneg retained up to 80% parts commonality with the PKM. Constant forced cooling of the barrel reduces dispersion when firing, and also increases the durability of the barrel. The service life of the barrel is estimated at 25,000 to 30,000 rounds. The GRAU index of the PKP Pecheneg is 6P41 or 6P41N when fitted with a mounting rail for a night vision sight. It is currently in use by Russian ArmySpetsnaz and other troops in significant numbers. Even though it was developed mainly for infantry use, it also has been fitted to several light vehicles.
Name
The PKP Pecheneg is named for the Pecheneg people, a warlike tribe of Turkic origin who lived in what later became steppes of Southern Russia and Ukraine.
PKP Pecheneg-N – The PKP Pecheneg-N is similar to the PKP Pecheneg but features a mounting rail for night vision sights.
PKP Pecheneg-SP – The Pecheneg-SP is an improved variant of the PKP Pecheneg, and its GRAU index is 6P69. It has two main versions; a standard version and a special forces version. Titanium is now used for its construction. It was also reported that it now features a Picatinny rail for mounting the 1P89-3 unified optical sight and other optical sights, a telescopic folding stock and at the request of the Russian military, an additional tactical handle for the convenience when firing. According to the manufacturers, during transportation the gun can be folded, making it 30 mm shorter than the regular Kalashnikov rifle. It uses a shortened barrel and a suppressor for noiseless and flameless fire. Its serial production started in February 2017.
Pecheneg Bullpup – The Pecheneg Bullpup is a bullpup conversion of the PKP Pecheneg developed by the Degtyarev plant.
