The PKM: Why This 60-Year-Old Gun Still Dominates the Battlefield

[Talyn]

The PKM is one of the most enduring battlefield weapons of the modern era. Designed in the Soviet Union over 60 years ago, it’s still in service today in conflicts around the world. But why has no one replaced it?

The PKM: Why This 60-Year-Old Gun Still Dominates the Battlefield

The PKM is one of the most enduring battlefield weapons of the modern era.Designed in the Soviet Union over 60 years ago, it’s still in service today in conflicts around the world.But why has no one replaced it?

www.thefirearmblog.com

 

[Biggfoot44]

Because it works , economical to manufacture, and successfully fills several roles ?

 

[Shibadog]

Most Soviet era small arms were designed to be (1) cheap, (2) reliable, and (3) easy to maintain by the dumbest recruit.

 

[HansGruber]

Ma Deuce just chuckles.

 

[Talyn]

Ma Deuce just chuckles.

Apples & Oranges.

 

[HansGruber]

Apples & Oranges.

Not in the longevity department.

 

[Talyn]

Not in the longevity department.

Yes, a shooters shoulder shouldn't last long shooting a shoulder-fired M2.

Browning M2 "Anti-Mechanization Weapon"

The US Cavalry's experimental "Anti-Mechanization Weapon" was a Browning M2 outfitted with a shoulder stock, semiauto trigger, and bipod.

www.forgottenweapons.com

 

[HansGruber]

Yes, a shooters shoulder shouldn't last long shooting a shoulder-fired M2.

Browning M2 "Anti-Mechanization Weapon"

The US Cavalry's experimental "Anti-Mechanization Weapon" was a Browning M2 outfitted with a shoulder stock, semiauto trigger, and bipod.

www.forgottenweapons.com

View attachment 83646

Sigh.

Platform longevity.

 

[Talyn]

Sigh.

Platform longevity.

Was being factitious & expected the result.

But at least it gave me the opportunity to provide an interesting tidbit of firearms history with the link.

 

[Biggfoot44]

Most Soviet era small arms were designed to be (1) cheap, (2) reliable, and (3) easy to maintain by the dumbest recruit.

Or as l sometimes phrase it , with 20 % humor : The perfect weapons for illiterate peasant conscripts .

 

[Shibadog]

Or as l sometimes phrase it , with 20 % humor : The perfect weapons for illiterate peasant conscripts .
There is that