VPO RPK-74M.

The RPK-74M is an updated variant of the RPK-74 was developed during mid-seventies. It is a versatile light machine gun, designed to be used by various combat arms (motorised infantry, airborne, marine, and other units) and with various types of sights, attached to the rail mounted on the left side of the receiver. In line with the AK-74M assault rifle variant the RPK-74M lower handguard, gas tube cover, pistol grip, and new synthetic stock are made from a black, glass-filled polyamide. The stock is shaped like the RPK-74 fixed stock, but also side-folds like the RPKS-74. Each AK-74M is fitted with a side-rail bracket for mounting optics. Updated magazines were produced by Molot with horizontal ribs going up the sides of the magazines. The 45-round plastic curved box magazine is loaded from 15-round clips with the help of a simple device. The magazine, the butt-stock, the fore-end, the handguard, and the pistol grip are made of black anti-glare plastic. The barrel has a longer service life of up to 20,000 shots, when firing the new 7N10 round with an enhanced-penetration bullet; the receiver and its cover have been reinforced; the recoil spring guide stop has been modified to prevent the receiver cover from disengaging on impact and under shock. An export variant chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO was also introduced, designated as the RPK-201. Also for export is the RPKM (A.K.A. RPK-203) chambered in 7.62×39mm; it uses the same polymer furniture as the RPK-74M variant.