NATIONAL

GROUND
INTELLIGENCE
CENTER

Operator’s Manual

PK-Series
General-Purpose
Machinegun

May 2005

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Along the bottom, the receiver frame extends downward, and the lower leg of the feed
pawl fits into this well. The round opening in the well serves to allow any water that
might collect in the receiver to drain. The bracket for an ammunition box containing 100
rounds is attached over the well. To the rear of the bracket for the ammunition box there
is a rectangular opening for the trigger mechanism.

The rear of the receiver frame is sealed by the gun stock bracket. The gun stock bracket
consists of an upper and lower tab, each of which has holes for machine bolts that
fasten the gun stock.

The front of the bracket has two round openings: the upper, larger opening allows the
passage of the guide of the operating rod assembly, and the lower, smaller opening
allows bore sighting (when the gun stock has been removed) when the precision and
accuracy of the machinegun is being tested. The top of the gun stock bracket is curved
back at the front for latching the receiver cover closed.

Barrel Socket. The barrel socket has a round opening on the top. Behind the opening
there are two lugs for attaching the receiver cover and the feed plate. Behind the lugs
there is a lateral groove for the barrel lock.

On the front of the barrel lock there are the following: two lugs that prevent the barrel
from twisting in the socket; a longitudinal cylindrical opening which holds the barrel; an
oval groove which houses the rear finger of the barrel; a vertical slot for the gas cylinder
latch; two studs for mounting on the frame of the tripod cradle; two profiled lugs and two
arced grooves for fitting the machinegun support on the tripod for engaging targets in
the air; on the bottom, a rectangular longitudinal slot and two longitudinal grooves for
attaching the gas cylinder.

Inside the barrel socket there are the following: lugs for holding the bolt in locked
position and a lug with a beveled surface which allows the initial rotation of the bolt
when it is locked.

On its upper rear section the barrel socket has a longitudinal cutout for the ribs of the
feed plate.

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Charging Handle. The charging handle serves to move the bolt into its rear position. It
consists of the slide, handle, helical compression spring, and shaft (see figure 1-17).

Figure 1-17. Charging Handle Assembly

Grip. The grip serves to facilitate the handling of the machine when firing. It is fastened
to a lug on the frame of the trigger mechanism with a machine bolt.

Barrel Lock Assembly. The barrel lock assembly serves to fasten the barrel into the
barrel socket and to adjust the headspace between the bolt and the rear section of the
barrel. It consists of the following: the body, a machine bolt, a plug, and a pin (see figure
1-18). On the bottom of the body are two lugs and a groove for fastening the barrel. On
the top there is a stepped cutout along which the feed pawl claw passes. The body has
a longitudinal threaded opening for the machine bolt. The plug limits the movement of
the lock into the extreme leftward position. Behind the lock, on the right side, there is a
transverse, beveled recess into which the feed pawl fits.

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Figure 1-18. Barrel Lock Assembly

Receiver Cover and Feed Assembly. The receiver cover and feed assembly (see
figure 1-19) serve to close the top of the receiver and to ensure the fitting and function
of the components of the feed.

Figure 1-19. Receiver Cover Assembly

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The front of the cover assembly has two lugs which hold the retaining pin, which fastens
the cover onto the barrel socket. A helical torsion spring is slipped onto the retaining pin
and holds the cover in an upright position when it is opened. The recessed surfaces of
the lug bases limit the degree to which the cover can be lifted. A longitudinal opening
houses the shaft of the cartridge retainer assembly.

The rear sight base and the rear sight bar guard are riveted to the top of the cover
assembly.

The front section of the cover has two lugs which hold the pins and the springs of the
shutters (the entry shutter is on the right, and the exit shutter is on the left). The shutter
springs hold the cover in the closed position.

At the rear of the cover assembly is a square opening into which the cover latch fits.
The body of the latch is notched so that it may be easily pressed forward, and on the
bottom it extends out into a tooth. The latch assembly is fastened by a shaft. The latch
spring presses the assembly tooth forward.

In the center of the inside of the cover is a longitudinal rectangular slot into which the
cartridge stop fits. In front of the cartridge stop the cover is cut out in a profile with two
lugs. The cover lever fits into the recess between the lugs and is fastened with its pin.
The helical torsion spring presses the cover lever downward. In the front area of the
interior there are guide lugs. The cartridge retainer pawl and its helical torsion spring fit
into the groove between the lugs.

Feed Assembly. The feed assembly serves to ensure that the cartridge is fed onto the
axis of motion of the bolt. It consists of the following components: the feed plate, the
feed pawl and guard, and the cartridge retainer pawl.

Feed Tray. The feed tray (see figure 1-20) serves to direct the motion of the link belt
and to direct the cartridge as it is fed into the chamber. On the front area of the feed tray
there are two lugs for the cover retaining pin, which fastens it to the barrel socket. On
the front left side there is a round hole which holds the feed tray latch. The latch
consists of the body and a spring and serves to hold the feed tray in the open position.

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Figure 1-20. Feed Tray Assembly

On the top of the feed tray there are two sets of lugs (the guide lugs and the stopper
lugs), which feed the next cartridge towards the extractor claws on the barrel socket.
Between the lugs there is a lateral opening, allowing the movement of the feed pawl
arm. In the rear guide lug there are profiled recesses (into which the legs of the
cartridge retainer pawl fit) and the cartridge rim rest.

On the top of the rear of the feed tray there are ribs between which there runs a
longitudinal groove which allows the extractor to move. The groove has a longitudinal
slot, and in the front, on the sides, there is a chambering ramp which cams the cartridge
into the chamber. In the rear, the groove has vertical recesses allowing the rim cartridge
case to pass.

On the bottom, the feed tray has external ribs which fit into the grooves on the barrel
socket, and there are two internal ribs under which the slide moves.

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Feed Pawl. The feed pawl (see figure 1-21) serves to feed the link belt with the
cartridges onto the feed tray. It consists of the frame, roller and pin, arm and spring, the
guard, the pivot pin, and helical torsion spring.

Figure 1-21. Feed Pawl Assembly

The feed pawl frame has a lug that slides along the groove on the right side of the slide.
The roller with its pin fits into the groove on the left side of the slide. The feed pawl arm
has three teeth on its underside. The guard protects the feed pawl frame from
mechanical damage and dirt and closes the recess on right side the feed plate.

Cartridge Retainer Pawl. The cartridge retainer pawl holds the link belt back and
prevents cartridges from being jammed against the guide lugs of the feed plate. It
consists of the frame, the pin, and spring (shown in the receiver cover assembly, see
figure 1-17).

Gas Block Assembly. The gas block assembly (see figure 1-22) with the gas regulator
serves to direct the propellant gases diverted from the barrel and to regulate the amount
of propellant gases acting on the slide piston.

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Figure 1-22. Gas Block Assembly

The gas block assembly slips onto the barrel and is fastened with two pins. On the
bottom in the elbow joint of the block there is a hole which allows the passage of the
propellant gases from the barrel. The front ring has a vent for the escape of excess
propellant gases. The rear ring has three round cutouts and a round groove. The arms
of the gas regulator fit into the cutouts and groove. The round cutouts are marked “1”,
“2” and “3”, and indicate the three positions of the gas regulator on the gas block.
Position “1” is used after 3000 rounds have been fired from the machinegun and is the
basic position of the gas regulator. Position “2” is used in case the slide does not return
fully to the rear position, and position “3” is used when the machinegun is fired in
adverse conditions (low temperature, rain, when the machinegun is dirty from propellant
gas products, etc.) and during the first 3000 rounds. The rear section of the gas block
fits into the gas cylinder.

Gas Regulator. The gas regulator (see figure 1-23) has two vents on the sides: on the
left side there is an elongated opening, and on the right side there is a round hole. The
openings serve to release the propellant gases from the gas port. When the regulator is
in position “1” both vents are open; in position “2” only the left vent of the gas block is
open; in position “3” both vents are closed. There are two rectangular lugs on the sides
of the gas regulator which facilitate its being switched from position to position. The gas
regulator arms fasten it to the gas block. On the ends of the arms are small studs that fit
into the round cutouts and round groove on the gas block. On the bottom of the
regulator there is a profiled lug with a groove in which the rim of a cartridge case fits.
The cartridge case and groove are used to adjust the regulator from position to position
when this cannot be done with the fingers (see figure 1-24).

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Figure 1-23. Gas Regulator

Figure 1-24. Adjusting the Gas Regulator

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Gas Cylinder. The gas cylinder (see figure 1-25) serves to direct action of the slide
and piston and for fastening the bipod.

Figure 1-25. Gas Cylinder Assembly

The rear part of the gas cylinder has a rectangular shape for the passage and correct
guiding of the slide, and the front part is cylindrical for the passage and guiding of the
slide piston. The upper rear face of the gas cylinder is cut out. At the front end of the
cutout is a spring fastener which fastens it to the receiver. The fastener at the rear end
is a profiled lug which fits into the vertical slot in the barrel socket. On the sides of the
gas cylinder there are two guide ribs which fit into the longitudinal grooves on the barrel
socket. The upper rear of the gas cylinder is cut away in the shape of a rectangle to
allow the movement of the cocking lever. A swivel for attaching the front end of the sling
is on the front cylindrical end. In front of the collar there is a round groove and in front of
it a ring with a cutout which serves to fasten the bipod. There are four holes for the
escape of propellant gases on the ring.

Operating Rod Assembly. The operating rod assembly (see figure 1-26) serves to
return the slide and piston to the forward position. It consists of the spring guide rod, the
driving spring, and the support plate.

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Figure 1-26. Operating Rod Assembly

The spring guide rod consists of the front and rear parts which are joined by a pin. On
the rear there is a shoulder against which the driving spring rests. The support plate
serves to reduce the impact of the slide frame in the rear position. The plate slips onto
the rear end of the spring guide rod and is fastened from behind with a cap. The cap is
fastened on the rear end of the spring guide rod with a pin and serves to stabilize the
support plate; and it also serves as a lug for joining the operating rod to the receiver
frame. The support plate has a hole for bore sighting when testing the accuracy and
precision of the machinegun.

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Slide and Piston Assembly. The slide and piston assembly serves to house the bolt,
extract cartridges from the link belt, lock the bolt from below when it is in the forward
position, absorb the force of the propellant gases, unlock the bolt, and return it to the
rear position, as well as to cock the trigger mechanism. The slide with piston (see figure
1-27) consists of the frame, piston, and the cartridge extractor.

Figure 1-27. Slide & Piston Assembly

Frame. The frame has a hole in the back for the driving spring, a lug with a hole for the
pin of the cartridge extractor, and a hole for the bolt body. On the interior surface of the
hole for the bolt body there is a semicircular groove for guiding the lug of the firing pin
during locking and unlocking.

On the sides of the slide frame there are grooves that guide the motion of the slide
frame along the curved sides of the receiver. The right groove has a further slot in it
which allows passage of the ejector. On the top of the lug of the slide frame is a lateral
groove with two teeth which holds the cartridge extractor. On the upper rear, in front of
the extractor lug, there is a spiraled groove for the profiled lug of the bolt. On the left
side of the spiraled groove is a beveled lug onto which the beveled face of the profiled
lug of the bolt fits. On the bottom of the slide frame there is a cutout lug which is held by
the sear tooth when the slide is in the rear position and the trigger is not pulled. On the
sides of the frame grooves have been cut out for guiding the feed pawl. On the right
side of the frame is a lug which the cocking lever tooth catches. On the front of the
frame are profiled lugs for attaching the piston.

Piston. The piston serves to absorb the pressure of the propellant gases and transfer it
to the slide frame. The rear of the piston has a shoulder which fits into the profiled lugs
of the slide. The slide and piston are joined by a pin. On the front of the piston there are
rings and grooves for sealing the gas block. The rear or guide ring guides the motion of
the piston in the gas cylinder.

The cartridge extractor fits onto the lug on the slide frame and is fastened with a pin.
Its bottom has a profiled lug, and its top has two claws with a vertical slot for
catching the cartridge case rim.

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Bolt Assembly. The bolt assembly (see figure 1-28) serves to feed the cartridge into
the chamber, close the barrel, ignite the primer cap of the cartridge, and extract the
cartridge case. It consists of the body, the firing pin, and the extractor.

Figure 1-28. Bolt Assembly

On the front of the bolt body there is a round cutout for the cartridge head and an oval
cutout for the extractor. In the round cutout there is a hole for the firing pin. On the top of
the bolt body there is a semicircular lug on which there is a smaller profiled lug. Under
the profiled lug there is a round hole which holds the extractor shaft. On the side of the
body there is a rectangular lug which allows the bolt to be locked and unlocked, and a
longitudinal groove along which the ejector tooth slides. The lower part of the bolt is the
shaft which feeds the cartridge.

The extractor consists of the body, helical compression spring, shaft, and pin. The firing
pin has a lug which guides it through the bolt body and allows easy removal.

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Front Sight Assembly. The front sight assembly (see figure 1-29) consists of the
following components: the base, the blade housing, and the blade. The base is pulled
onto front of the barrel and fastened with three pins. The top of the base has the shape
of a semicircular ring and serves as the sight blade guard.

Under the blade guard there is lateral hole which holds the blade housing. On the front
side of the base, on a beveled recessed surface, there is a notch for checking the
proper position of the blade housing. Below the beveled recess of the base there is a
hole for the flash suppressor stud. The lower part of the base is ring shaped and slipped
onto the barrel and has holes for the retainer pins.

The blade housing has a threaded hole where the blade is screwed into place. A line is
engraved on the front side of the blade housing which is lined up with the notch on the
beveled recess in the base. The blade is screwed into the hole in the base. Its lower
part is split for a better fit into the housing.

Figure 1-29. PK Front Sight Assembly

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Rear Sight Assembly. The rear sight assembly (see figure 1-30) consists of the base,
leaf, elevation knob, leaf spring, and sight bar assembly. The sight base is riveted onto
the receiver cover. On the front of the sight base there is a projection which fits through
the longitudinal rectangular slot in the receiver cover and functions as the cartridge stop.
The top of the base is cut through in order to hold the leaf spring. The leaf and elevation
knob serve to set the firing range. The upper surface of the leaf has an engraved scale
with divisions representing values of 100 meters, in marks numbered 0–15. The “0”
mark is used when engaging targets in the air.

The lower right side of the leaf is serrated to fit the tooth of the knob fastener. On the
front of the leaf is the sight bar slot, which on the rear surface has a scale from 0–16
mils, on which each mark has a value of 2 mils (0–02). The elevating knob consists of
the shank, fastener, and spring. The fastener has a tooth, which the spring presses into
the notches on the right side of the leaf. The sight leaf spring is housed in the base and
holds the leaf in the desired position by pressing its rear edge upward.

Figure 1-30. PK Rear Sight Assembly

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Sight Bar Assembly. The sight bar assembly (see figure 1-31) serves to facilitate lead
adjustment when firing on moving targets and for compensating for the effects of
crosswind. It consists of the sight bar, spindle, drum, spring, and nut. The sight bar has
an aperture in the center for sighting and is moved back and forth by the spindle when
the drum is turned. In order to move the sight bar one division on the scale, the drum
must be turned two full rotations. The spindle is threaded. The nut is attached to its end
and fastened with the pin. The drum is slipped onto the spindle on the right side. Its rim
is notched in order to facilitate turning, and on its left side there are two projections that
hold it in the desired position. The spring is slipped over the spindle, and its ends rest
against the nut and the drum.

Figure 1-31. PK Sight Bar Assembly

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An improperly loaded cartridge (see figure 3-2) may cause the belt to feed incorrectly or
cause the round not to chamber properly. Either of these actions will cause a stoppage.

Figure 3-2. Improper Seating of Ammunition in Belt

Normal safety precautions of handling small arms ammunition should be observed at all
times. Careful insertion of each round should avoid any accidental striking of the
primer.

Loading the PK Machinegun. Keep the weapon pointed in a safe direction. Place the
selector lever, located on the left-hand side of the weapon to the forward (fire) position
(see figure 3-3). Depress the feed tray cover latch, located at the rear of the receiver,
and raise the feed tray cover to the fully open position. Place the belt on the feedway,
ensuring that the rim of the first cartridge is in the cartridge gripper, located at the center
rear of the feedway (see figure 3-4). The charging handle and bolt will be in the forward
position. Close the feed tray cover of the weapon, ensuring that the receiver cover latch
is engaged (see figure 3-5).

CAUTION: During operation, if the receiver cover is not closed and the receiver
cover latch is not engaged, damage to the receiver cover and operator may
occur by the blow back action of the bolt and expended cartridge. Additionally,
the weapon selector is in the fire position during the loading process—the
operator should place the selector lever weapon back in the safe position once
he completes loading the weapon if is he is not going to immediately fire his
weapon.

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Figure 3-3. PK Selector Lever in Fire Position

Figure 3-4. Proper Seating of Ammunition Belt in Weapon

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Figure 3-5. Receiver Cover Properly Closed

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Firing the PK Machinegun. Pull the charging handle, located on the right side of the
weapon, completely to the rear. This will extract the first round of ammunition from the
belt. This action places the first cartridge in position on the bolt face. Return the
charging handle to the forward position. The PK is now ready for firing. Note: To
ensure that the charging handle is seated properly, it a slight push forward with the palm
of the right hand (see figure 3-6).

Figure 3-6. Charging Handle in Forward

Position for Firing

Aim the weapon at the desired target. Pull the trigger, firing the weapon in 6- to 9-round
bursts. Note: Firing the PK in short 6- to 9-cartridge bursts allows the barrel to cool and
prolongs the life of the barrel. Test results have shown that continuous fire of more than
260 cartridges significantly increases the possibility of a cook-off (heat of barrel
exploding a chambered cartridge).

Unloading the PK Machinegun. Keep the weapon pointed in a safe direction. Place
the selector lever, located on the left-hand side of the weapon to the rear (safe) position.
Depress the feed tray cover latch, located at the rear of the receiver, and raise the feed
tray cover to the fully open position. Lift the ammunition belt out of the feedway and
remove the single cartridge from the cartridge gripper. It may be necessary to swing the
feed tray up and press this cartridge out of the feed lips in the tray.

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Clearing the PK Machinegun. Keep the weapon pointed in a safe direction. Place the
selector lever, located on the left-hand side of the weapon to the forward (fire) position.
Depress the feed tray cover latch, located at the rear of the receiver, and raise the feed
tray cover to the fully open position. If an ammunition belt or cartridge is present
remove the ammunition belt out of the feedway and remove the single cartridge from
the cartridge gripper. It may be necessary to swing the feed tray up and press this
cartridge out of the feed lips in the tray. Pull the operating handle rearward, inspect to
ensure that no cartridges are present, grasp the operating handle, and press the trigger;
ease the operating mechanism forward. Close the cover and rotate the selector lever
rearward (safe).

Immediate Action: A malfunction is a failure of the weapon to function as designed.

Defective ammunition or improper operation of the weapon by an operator is not
considered a malfunction of the weapon. The three most common malfunctions of the
PK machinegun are misfires, runaway guns, and sluggish operation.

• Cool-1 Weapon Misfire Procedures—Keep the weapon pointed in a safe direction

(up and down range). Then pull the charging handle to the rear and extract the
misfired cartridge. Release the charging handle, loading a new round and
attempt to fire it. If the weapon still does not fire, inspect the extracted cartridges
for indications that the primer of the cartridge has been struck. If it has, the
ammunition is probably faulty, and a new lot of ammunition should be selected.
If the round shows no indication of being struck, inspect the bolt assembly and
firing pin for damage.

• Hot-2 Weapon Misfire Procedures—Keep the weapon pointed in a safe direction

(up and down range) for at least 5 minutes before re-cocking the weapon and
extracting the misfired round. This procedure is incorporated as a safety factor to
reduce the possibility of a cook-off. After the 5-minute waiting period, follow the
steps as outlined in the Cool Weapon Misfire Procedures to continue firing the
weapon.

• Runaway Gun & Corrective Procedures—A runaway gun is a weapon that

continues to fire after the trigger is released. It may be caused by a worn sear,
worn sear notch, or a short recoil (operating group recoils to feed and fire but not
sufficiently enough for the sear to engage the sear notch). Short recoil may also
be caused by loss of gas or excessive carbon build-up in the operating rod.
Keep the machinegun pointed in a safe direction (up and down range) until all
ammunition is expended or twist the ammunition belt to cause a stoppage. Clear
the weapon and inspect it to determine the cause of the malfunction—check the
gas port plug, gas cylinder extension, and clean the operating rod. Replace
parts as necessary.

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• Sluggish Operation & Corrective Procedures—Sluggish operation of the weapon
usually is due to excessive friction caused by dirt or carbon, lack of proper
lubrication, burred parts, or excessive loss of gas. Clean and lubricate the
weapon, then inspect for burred parts and replace if necessary.
-1
Cool Weapon = <200 cartridges fired
-2
Hot Weapon = >200 cartridges fired

Barrel Quick Change. The changing of barrels prolongs the life of the barrel and
equalizes barrel wear. There are three rates of fire with a machinegun: sustained,
rapid, and cyclic. These rates indicate when a barrel change is desired.

• Sustained Fire. 100 cartridges per minute in bursts of 6 to 9 rounds with a 4-

to 5 second interval between bursts. A barrel change is recommended after
firing the sustained rate for 10 minutes.

• Rapid Fire. 200 cartridges per minute in bursts of 6 to 9 rounds with a 2- to 3-

second interval between bursts. A barrel change is recommended after firing
the rapid rate for 2 minutes.

• Cyclic Fire. 700 cartridges per minute or the maximum rate of ammunition
which can be expended in 1 minute. A barrel change is recommended after
firing in excess of rapid fire for 1 minute.

Conduct a quick barrel change with the PK machinegun in the following manner:
• Unload the weapon.
• Maintain the feed tray cover in the open position and swing the feedway up
(pivots on same pin as the receiver cover).
• Push the barrel locking latch completely to the left-hand side of the receiver (see
figures 3-7 and 3-8). Pull the barrel carrying handle away from the barrel (see
figure 3-9); this will lever a hot barrel out of its seat in the receiver, then pull the
barrel forward, completely off the gun (disengaging the barrel from the barrel
receiver group).
• Insert a new, cool barrel, seating it fully – ensure the gas tube is properly seated
(see figure 3-10). Press the barrel lock fully in and close the feed tray cover.
• Reload and resume firing.

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Figure 3-7. Barrel Locking Latch in Locked Position

Figure 3-8. Barrel Locking Latch in Unlocked Position

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Figure 3-9. Barrel Quick-Change Handle and
Barrel Pulled Forward from Barrel Receiver

Figure 3-10. Gas Tube Seated

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Zeroing the PK-series Machinegun. Listed below are the established “Testing the
Mechanical Sights” procedures as outlined in the Yugoslavian (U) Manual for the M84,
7.62-mm Machinegun, dated 1989. Some of the data is re-phrased in order for the
reader to easily understand.

The precision and accuracy of the machine-gun are tested by opening semi-automatic
or automatic fire from a bipod or only automatic fire from the tripod mount. After the
firing has been completed, group spread and position of the central shot (CS) in relation
to the control point (CP) are determined separately for every type of fire.

Training Target. A 1 x 1 meter training target is used with a target for testing the
accuracy and precision of a machine gun (see figure 3-11). The target is in the shape of
a rectangle 35 cm high and 25 cm wide. The aiming point (AP) is at the center of the
lower edge of a black rectangular and has to be level with the firer and weapon. A
different color is used to mark the point that represents the central shot, or control point
(CP), 25 centimeters above the aiming point. 10 and 20 cm-radius rings are drawn
around the control point.

Figure 3-11. M84 Training Target

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Correct Sight Picture. Aiming with a mechanical sight means that the gunner will bring
into a straight line the eye, the rear sight, the blade, and the aiming point (target). The
blade must be brought into the center of the aiming notch, and its tip aligned with the
upper edge of the notch (see figure 3-12).

Figure 3-12. Correct Sight Picture

If one of the actions from the basic rules of aiming is performed incorrectly, shot
dispersion will occur.

Different light intensity during the day, the position of the sun, and the weather can
influence aiming. Strong light makes objects appear bigger, so the gunner instinctively
draws the blade into the notch, and the illumination of the notch or the blade when there
is a lot of sunshine causes reflection of the light, owing to which their real shape is lost,
and they appear bigger. The gunner eliminates these errors by focusing observation on
the spot where the reflection occurred, which will make the real position of the
component (notch, blade, or target) visible, owing to the accommodation of the eye
(adjustment of the lens in the eye to various sight distances).

During aiming, one eye can be closed, depending on the habit of the individual soldier.
If the gunner uses both eyes during aiming, the possibilities of observation are better,
there is less strain and the sharpness of vision is not reduced. It is important that the
gunner uses his stronger (direction) eye for aiming and decides during training whether
or not to close one eye while aiming.

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In order to fire, the gunner, while keeping the alignment in place, slowly, and with even
strength, pulls the trigger until firing occurs. The gunner’s breathing rhythm significantly
influences the shooting result, especially when the machinegun is not fixed during firing
and when no bipod is used. The breathing follows the movement of the rib cage, the
stomach, and the entire shoulder belt, which causes ordnance to move. Because of this,
the gunner breathes out and holds his breath before firing. The gunner must practice
firing 7 to 10 seconds after he stops breathing.

The gunner must pull the trigger with a steady motion of his index finger, while holding
the grip with his hand in order to create sufficient support for overcoming trigger
resistance. The grip must be held firmly, but not too tense, because muscle strain can
cause the weapon to move. Pull the trigger with the first knuckle of the index finger
straight to the rear and gradually increase pressure. The time from starting to pull the
trigger until firing should not be longer than 1.5 or 2.5 seconds.

Bipod Semi-automatic Fire Zero.

• Zeroing the weapon is conducted by firing 4 x ball ammunition cartridges from the
same lot of ammunition. All fire is conducted in single shots.
• The weapon is zeroed on a firing range at 100 meters with the rear sight setting at
‘3’ and the sight bar division set on basic (the notch on the sight bar with a white line
is placed opposite the middle notch on the scale).
• The position for firing is prone, bipod supported.

Semi-automatic fire zero standards. The machinegun is adequately precise and

accurate if at least three out of four shots fall within a 15-cm-radius ring, and the group
center is not outside the 5-cm-radius ring. Shots that touch the ring on the outside are
also considered valid.

Determining CS. When the firing has been completed, the target is checked and the
group size (precision) is determined as well as the position of the CS (accuracy) –
marked by a red ‘X’ in the examples (see figures 3-13 and 3-14).

If precision is inadequate (loose spread), the chain of command will determine its
causes. Once the cause has been established and the machinegun has been repaired,
the same marksman fires again. In the event of another large dispersal, another
marksman fires the same machinegun. If no desired precision is achieved, the firing is
interrupted, and the machinegun is sent in for repair as imprecise. Three group pictures
are sent along with the weapon.

Once satisfactory precision is achieved, the accuracy of the machinegun is determined

by establishing the central shot in the group spread, determining its position and how
much it deviates from the control point. The central shot (CS) for a group of four shots is
determined in the following way (see figure 3-13):

• Connect the two closest shots with a straight line and divide the distance
between them in two equal parts (the point in the middle is their central shot).

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III - 12
• Connect the central shot of the first two shots with the third one and divide the
distance between them into three equal parts. The point closest to the central
shot of the first two shots is the central shot of these three shots.
• Connect the central shot of the three shots with a straight line with the fourth shot
and divide it into four equal parts. The point closest to the central shot of the first
three shots is the central shot of the entire group.

In order to determine the position and the deviation of the CS from the control point
(CP) more accurately, draw a vertical and a horizontal line through the CP and establish
the position of the CS (left, right, underneath or above). The horizontal and the vertical
deviation of the CS is measured with a ruler.

Figure 3-13. Determining the CS

When the group spread is symmetrical, the central shot is determined according to
figure 3-14.

Figure 3-14. Determining the CS

Bipod Automatic Fire Zero.

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• Zeroing the weapon is conducted by firing 10 x ball ammunition cartridges from the
same lot of ammunition. Fire is conducted in three to four short bursts.
• The weapon is zeroed on a firing range at 100 meters with the rear sight setting at
‘3’, and the sight bar division set on basic (the notch on the sight bar with a white line
is placed opposite the middle notch on the scale).
• The position for firing is prone, bipod supported.

Automatic fire zero standards. The machinegun is considered sufficiently precise and
accurate if at least 7 out of 8 shots falls within a 20-cm-radius ring, and the CS does not
deviate from the control point more than 5 cm to either side. Shots that touch the ring
on the outside are also considered valid. If adequate precision is not achieved with
automatic fire, repeat the zero procedures.

Determining CS. When opening automatic fire the CS is determined by counting half a
number of shots up or down the vertical line (either above or down) and drawing a
horizontal line, and then counting half a number of shots (from right to left) and drawing
another vertical line (see figure 3-15). The point where the vertical and the horizontal
lines cross is the position of the CS when a number of rounds are fired in bursts.

Figure 3-15. Determining Central Shot

The precision of the machinegun when firing automatic fire does not depend only on the
proper functioning of the machinegun but also on the experience and the proficiency of
the sight setter. In controversial cases, when the sight setter has influenced the
precision, testing has to be repeated.

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Adjusting the Weapon’s Zero. When the shot group is satisfactory and the CS deviates
from the CP more than 5 cm, the sights are changed in accordance with the format
below:

Elevation –
ƒ If the CS is lower than the CP (point of aim), rotate the front sight post down
(clockwise).
ƒ If the CS is higher than the CP (point of aim), rotate the front sight post up
(clockwise).

Windage –
ƒ If the CS deviates to the right of the CP (point of aim, drift the blade base (front
sight) to the right.
ƒ If the CS deviates to the left of the point of aim, drift the blade base (front sight)
to the left.

How much the blade base is moved (i.e., raised or lowered) depends on how much the
CS deviates and the length of the aiming line as shown in tables 2 and 3.

Table 1. Windage-Zero Adjustments

CS deviation 5 7.5 10 12.5 15 17.5 20 22 25 27.5 30
(cm)
Blade moved
horizontally .33 .5 .66 .88 1 1.17 1.33 1.5 1.66 1.83 2
(mm)

Table 2. Elevation-Zero Adjustments

Rotation of blade (full circle) 1/4 ½ 3/4 1
Vertical deviation of CS (cm) 3 6 9 12

The operator adjusts the blade base or the elevation under the supervision of his
supervisor. Move the blade base sidewise until it is aligned with the external surface of
the front sight base.

After the blade base is moved or its elevation adjusted by means of rotation, re-fire the
semi-automatic fire and automatic fire zero as outlined above. If this proves inadequate,
make further correction, and repeat firing.

If owing to a significant deviation of the CS, the blade base needs to be moved to the
right (or left) more than allowed, another marksman carries out the firing. If the results
are the same, the testing is discontinued and the machinegun is sent in for repair as
inaccurate.

If results are achieved with the semi-automatic fire zero, but the CS continues to be
more than 5 cm away from the CP, the proper functioning of the machinegun must be

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checked again in order to establish whether the error lies with the operator and his
setting of the sights or the position of the machinegun in the firing emplacement. After
this, the firing is repeated. If no satisfactory results are achieved, the machinegun is
sent in for inspection and repair.

If the results achieved with automatic fire are satisfactory (CS not more than 5 cm
away), the pattern of shots is copied from the target onto a piece of paper on the scale
1:5. The number of the machinegun, date, time, temperature, and height above sea-
level are recorded on the copy of the target, which is signed by the range officer-in-
charge. This data is submitted along with the technical manual of the machinegun to be
consulted whenever information on precision and accuracy is required.

Tripod Automatic Fire Zero.

• Zeroing the weapon is conducted by firing 10 x ball ammunition cartridges from the
same lot of ammunition. Fire is conducted in one 10-shot burst.
• The weapon is zeroed on a firing range at 100 meters with the rear sight setting at
‘3’ and the sight bar division remains on the adjusted sight settings.
• The position for firing is prone, tripod supported. The traversal and elevation
mechanism has to be set, and the stock supported on the shoulder.

Automatic fire zero standards. The machinegun is considered sufficiently precise and
accurate if 8 out of 10 shots fall within the 20-cm-radius ring, and the CS is not more
than 5 cm away from the CP. Shots that touch the ring on the outside are also
considered valid. The firing can be repeated two or three times, and if no satisfactory
results are achieved, the machinegun is sent it for repair.

If the machinegun is not precise enough and the CS falls more than one mil (0-01) from
the CP, the distance between the CS and the CP is measured both horizontally and
vertically. The resulting deviation in divisions of the rear sight and the deflection
correction is recorded in the documentation and taken into consideration during tripod
firing.

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Section IV. Disassembly
It is necessary to disassemble, inspect, and clean the internal components to ensure
proper functioning of the PK machinegun.

Preparation: Clear the weapon IAW the procedures outlined in Section III, but do not
rotate the selector lever back to safe or close the feed tray cover. Place the weapon on
a flat surface with the bipod legs extended.

Open the Feed Tray Cover: Grasp the weapon by the buttstock; with free hand press
the feed tray cover catch forward and lift the feed tray cover to the fully open position.
Raise the feed tray to the fully open position to expose the internal working parts (see
figures 4-1 to 4-4).

Figure 4-1. Press Feed Tray Cover Latch

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Figure 4-2. Feed Tray Cover Open

Figure 4-3. Raising Feed Tray to Open Position

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Figure 4-4. Feed Tray Raised to Full Open Position

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IV - 3
Remove the Operating Rod Assembly (Driving Spring and Guide Rod): Maintaining
the feed tray cover and feed tray raised, leave the sliding cam and piston (cartridge
space gripper and bolt) in the forward position. Grasp the operating rod assembly;
pushing forward, easing the operating rod assembly upward and out of the weapon (see
figures 4-5 to 4-7).

Figure 4-5. Sliding Cam and Piston in Forward Position

Figure 4-6. Pushing the Operating Rod Assembly Forward to Release Spring Tension

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Figure 4-7. Lifting Driving Spring Rod Upward and to Rear

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Remove the Bolt and Carrier: Grasp the bolt carrier by the cartridge space gripper and
pull the entire unit rearward until the notches on the bolt align with the notches on the
receiver, then lifting upward until it comes free of the receiver (see figures 4-8 to 4-10).

Figure 4-8. Sliding Cam Pulled to Rear of Receiver

Figure 4-9. Lifting Sliding Cam from Receiver

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Figure 4-10. Lifting Sliding Cam and Piston from Receiver

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Removing the Bolt from the Carrier: Rotate the bolt to the rear of the cam in a
counter-clockwise motion. Pull the bolt forward while aligning the notch on the firing pin
with the notch on the sliding cam (see figures 4-11 and 4-12).

Figure 4-11. Bolt Rotated to Rear of Sliding Cam

Figure 4-12. Firing Pin and Bolt Notch Aligned with Sliding Cam Notch
and Bolt Pulled Forward

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Removing the Firing Pin from the Bolt: Push the firing pin to the rear of the bolt and
rotate the bolt upside down extracting the firing pin (see figures 4-13 and 4-14).

Figure 4-13. Firing Pin Pushed to Rear of Bolt

Figure 4-14. Firing Pin Extracted from Bolt

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Removing the Barrel from the Receiver: Push the barrel locking latch completely to
the left-hand side of the receiver. Grasp the barrel carrying handle and pull the barrel
forward, disengaging the barrel from the barrel receiver group (see figures 4-15 - 4-18).

Figure 4-15. Barrel Locking Latch in Locked Position

Figure 4-16. Barrel Locking Latch in Unlocked Position

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Figure 4-17. Barrel Handle

Figure 4-18. Disengaging Barrel from Receiver

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PK Machinegun Field Stripped. The PK machinegun completely disassembled
(operator level) for cleaning and inspection is shown in figure 4-19.

Figure 4-19. PK Machinegun Field Stripped

1. Receiver assembly 4. Firing pin

2. Operating rod assembly 5. Bolt

3. Slide with piston 6. Barrel assembly

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Section V. Assembly

Preparation: Place the weapon on a flat surface with the bipod legs extended. Rotate
the selector lever to fire. Do not close the feed tray cover.

Replace the Barrel from the Receiver: Ensure that the barrel locking latch assembly
is in the fully open position, to the left-hand side of the receiver. Grasp the barrel
carrying handle and pull the barrel rearward, inserting the rear of the barrel into the
barrel receiver group while aligning the gas escape chamber located on the bottom of
the barrel with the gas regulator on the bottom of the barrel receiver group. Close the
barrel locking latch by sliding the barrel locking latch to the right of the receiver. This
will lock the barrel in place (see figures 5-1 – 5-3).

Figure 5-1. Barrel Locking Latch in Fully Open Position

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V-1
Figure 5-2. Gas Escape Chamber Aligned with Gas Regulator

Figure 5-3. Barrel Locking Latch in Closed Position

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V-2
Replace the Firing Pin in the Bolt: Rotate the bolt with the long groove facing in the
upward position. Insert the firing pin while pushing the cylindrical portion of the firing pin
forward see figures 5-4 & 5-5).

Figure 5-4. Cylindrical Portion of Firing Pin

Figure 5-5. Firing Pin in Forward Position

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V-3
Replace the Bolt into the Carrier: Align the notch on the firing pin with the groove on
the sliding cam. Push the rotating bolt to the rear while turning the rotating bolt in a
clockwise motion (see figures 5-6 & 5-7).

Figure 5-6. Bolt Inserted, and Groove on

Sliding Cam Aligned with Notch on Firing Pin

Figure 5-7. Bolt in Rearward Position of Sliding Cam

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V-4
Replace the Slide and Piston: Grasp the slide by the cartridge space gripper, aligning
the piston into the gas tube cylinder and the notches on the sliding cam with the
grooves on the receiver group. Slide the cam and piston forward while depressing the
trigger (reason why weapon needs to be assembled with selector lever in fire mode)
(see figures 5-8 – 5-10).

Figure 5-8. Piston Aligned into Receiver Assembly

Figure 5-9. Sliding Cam Notches Aligned

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V-5
With Receiver Group Grooves

Figure 5-10. Sliding Cam and Piston in Forward Position

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V-6
Replace the Operating Rod Assembly: Insert the operating rod assembly into the rear
opening of the sliding cam (bolt carrier) and press the assembly forward and down
against the spring pressure until the notch at the end of the guide rod is seated in the
receiver group (see figures 5-11 5-12).

Figure 5-11. Operating Rod Assembly Aligned and

Pushed Forward in Receiver Group

Figure 5-12. Operating Rod Assembly Partially Seated in the Receiver Group

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V-7
Close the Feed Tray Cover: Grasp the weapon by the buttstock; with free hand close
the feed tray cover (see figure 5-13).

Figure 5-13. Feed Tray Cover Closed

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V-8
Section VI. Accessories
The PK-series machinegun accessories facilitate the carrying of the machinegun
components and ammunition, the loading of machinegun, cleaning, lubrication,
disassembly, and assembly. The PK-series machinegun accessories generally consist
of the following: five ammunition boxes (three large and two small boxes), 19 link belts
(five with tabs and 14 without), the cleaning rod, the carrying case, the sling, the strap
for attaching the ammunition boxes to the tripod, two slings for carrying the tripod, the
handle and cover, the punch, the cleaner, the cleaning brush, the oil cans, the ruptured
cartridge extractor, recoil device and attachment for blank ammunition, the canvas bag
for some accessories and for every three machineguns a belt loader.

250-cartridge ammunition box. The larger ammunition box (see figure 6-1) serves the
storage and transport of a link belt holding 250 cartridges. The lid is on the top of the
box and is fastened on the rear with lugs and a pin. Two brackets are riveted onto the
top for fastening the carrying handle. The handle is made of linen and has rivets on the
ends which fasten it to the brackets. The image of a cartridge is stamped into the lid,
which indicates the direction that the link belt is to be placed into the box. On the front of
the lid there is a latch which is attached with lugs and a pin. On the bottom of the latch
there is a profiled hole for the latch fastener. It keeps the latch shut and attaches the
ammunition box to its bracket on the right rear leg. Two ribs are welded onto the inside
of the lid, which fit onto the sides of the box.

100-cartridge ammunition box. The smaller ammunition box (see figure 6-1) serves
the storage and transport of a link belt holding 100 cartridges. The lid and latch are
fastened to the box with lugs and a pin. On the top of the lid is a shutter through which
the link belt passes when the box is fastened to the ammunition box bracket on the
receiver of the machinegun. When the shutter is closed, it is held in place by a round
projection. In front of the round projection is the ammunition box fastener. It consists of
the handle, shaft, pin, machine bolt, tooth and bracket, spring and grab. The fastener
fastens the box to the bracket on the receiver of the machinegun. The latch fastener
secures the box to the tripod (see figures 6-2 & 6-3).

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Figure 6-1. 100- and 250- Cartridge Ammunition Boxes

Figure 6-2. Ammunition Box Release Lever Action

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VI - 2
Figure 6-3. Ammunition Box Installation

Ammunition Link Belt. The link belt (see figure 6-4) holds 50 rounds for easy loading
of the machinegun when firing. It consists of links which are held together with springs.
The end link has a semicircular notched lug so that multiple link belts can be connected.
The tab facilitates the feeding of the link belt into the feeding mechanism of the
machinegun.

Figure 6-4. Ammunition Belt Links

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VI - 3
Carrying Case. The carrying case (see figure 6-5) is made of tarpaulin canvas and
holds the machinegun. The handle and sling along with the leather shoulder pads allow
the machinegun to be carried in various positions.

Sling. The sling (see figure 6-5) is a cotton strap and facilitates the carrying of the
machine when encounters with the enemy are expected. On the top of the sling is a
hook and the on the bottom a metal end and a buckle. The shoulder pad is slipped onto
the sling so that the machinegun may be carried more comfortably.

Figure 6-5. Sling & Carrying Case

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VI - 4
The strap for attaching ammunition boxes to the tripod. It is made of linen with
leather extensions (see figure 6-6). The strap has two carabiners with rings which are
fastened to the swivels on the rear legs, as well as two buckles for fastening the leather
extensions.

Figure 6-6. Tripod Ammunition Box Straps

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VI - 5
The slings for carrying the tripod These are cotton straps and their length is
adjustable (see figure 6-7). They are attached to the swivels on the tripod with the
carabiners and rings. The straps have shoulder pads for comfortable carrying of the
machine gun. The cross-strap and carabiners connects the slings and prevents them
from falling off the wearer’s shoulders.

Figure 6-7. Tripod Slings

Cleaning Rod. The cleaning rod (see figure 6-8) consists of three components and is
used to clean and lubricate the barrel and to push out stuck cartridge cases from the
breech. The rear end of the cleaning rod has a shoulder with a hole which holds the pin
punch so that the cleaning rod may be handled more easily during cleaning and
lubrication of the barrel. The tip of the front end is threaded for attaching the cleaning
brush and patch holder and a slot for holding patches. The components of the cleaning
rod screw together.

Figure 6-8. Cleaning Rod

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VI - 6
Pin Punch. The pin punch (see figure 6-9) is used during disassembly and assembly of
the machinegun.

Figure 6-9. Pin Punch

Patch Holder. The patch holder (see figure 6-10) serves to clean the barrel; it screws
onto the cleaning rod. Tow or a rag is wrapped around the notched part.

Figure 6-10. Patch Holder

Cleaning Brush. The cleaning brush (see figure 6-11) is used to clean and lubricate
the bore of the barrel.

Figure 6-11. Cleaning Brush

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VI - 7
M1908 7.62 x 54R-mm Ammunition Bullet Tip Color Coding.
The M1908 7.62 x 54R-mm cartridge is manufactured worldwide (Russia and the CIS,
many Eastern European countries, some Middle Eastern countries, and some Asian
countries). Most countries that manufacture 7.62 x 54R-mm cartridges follow the
Russian and CIS pattern of bullet-tip color coding (see table 8-1). Some 7.62 x 54R-
mm ammunition will also have a red annulus (see figure 8-3). Annulus is a term used to
describe the water-proof sealant at both the cartridge case mouth and around the
primer which prevents moisture penetration into the cartridge case and fouling the
powder.

Table 8-1. Russia & CIS 7.62 x 54R-mm Bullet Tip Color Coding Pattern
Type Designation Bullet Tip Color Bullet Status
Subsonic Unknown Cartridge & bullet green Obsolete
Ball L Unpainted Current
Sniper ball 7N1 Unpainted Current
Light ball LPS Silver Current
Heavy ball D Yellow Current
Tracer M1930 Type T Green Obsolete
Tracer Type T-46 Green Current
AP B-30 Black Obsolete
API B-32 Black; may have red ring Current
API BS-40 Red bullet/black tip Obsolete
API-T PZ Purple/red Obsolete
API-T BZT Purple/red Current
AP-T BT Purple Current
LVI-T ZP Red Current
Blank Training Crimped; may have colored Current
sealer
Subsonic: Low velocity ball; for silenced weapons (muzzle velocity below 300 m/s)
Light ball: Light ball bullet (with mild steel core)
Heavy ball: Heavy ball bullet (with lead core)
AP: Armor piercing
API: Armor piercing incendiary
API-T: Armor piercing incendiary tracer
AP-T: Armor piercing tracer
LVI-T: Incendiary ranging

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VIII - 3
Figure 8-3. Annulus on Russian Federation Cartridges

The rise in international competition for small arms weapons and ammunition sales
beginning in the early 1990s has resulted in many companies and countries producing
weapons of varying calibers and ammunition in order to make their products more
marketable. Some M1908 7.62 x 54R-mm ammunition may be marked in accordance
with the International Standard if it was produced and marketed for international sales.
The International Standard Color Code (see figure 8-3) was based on the contemporary
U.S. color code system.

Table 8-2. International Bullet Tip Color Coding Pattern

Type Bullet Tip Color Code
Ball None
Frangible ball Green tip over white ring
Heavy ball Green tip
Armor-piercing (AP) Black tip
Rifle grenade blank round Rose or red color tip, crimped
Tracer Orange tip (new); red tip (old)
Dummy round No color, hole in cartridge case
Blank No bullet or color, usually crimped
Inert Entire round is black
Incendiary Blue or dark blue/light blue tip
Armor-piercing incendiary (API) Silver or white tip
Armor-piercing incendiary tracer (API-T) Red tip over silver or white ring
Observation Yellow tip
Observation tracer Yellow tip over red ring

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VIII - 4
M1908 7.62 x 54R-mm Ammunition Headstamps.

The stamped markings that appear on a cartridge case base are termed the
headstamp. The only general statement that can be made regarding cartridge
headstamps is that the range of data that they can present is extremely varied. At a
minimum, military cartridge headstamps normally identify the producer and the year of
production. Either or both of these elements may consist of an abbreviation, a letter
code, a numeric code, or an arbitrary symbol that is significant only to the producer.
The term “producer” is to be interpreted broadly; it may identify the plant that produced
the ammunition, or it may identify the country by which (or for which) the ammunition
was made, with a separate mark to identify the factory. Other markings may identify the
month, quarter, or lot number of production; cartridge caliber; cartridge case material or
case construction; or functional bullet type. Marks that appear to serve merely design
or decorative purposes, such as stars, dots, or arcs, frequently have a specific meaning
for the producer or the intended user.

The term “design element” indicates bits of information that may be found together in a
headstamp. If only one element, such as “7.62-mm” is present, this is termed a single-
element headstamp; if two elements, such as “7.62-mm” and “3-94” are present, this is
termed a two-element headstamp, and so on.

The location of the design elements can be indicated in either of two ways, depending
on which is most convenient for the cartridge case at hand: either by its clock-face
orientation, in which 12 o’clock is at the top, 3 o’clock is to the right, and so on, or by the
angular orientation. For example, a two-element headstamp with one element at 12
o’clock and the other at 6 o’clock or on at 3 o’clock and the other at 9 o’clock would be
termed a 2 x 180 pattern; if three elements were distributed equidistantly, it would be
termed a 3 x 120 pattern (see figures 8-4  8-12).

Some headstamp designs include one or two segment lines that divide the cartridge
base into either two or four equal parts or fields in which marking may or may not
appear. Segment lines are a design feature that was relatively popular in Europe up to
the 1920s, but has since gradually gone out of use; very few producers still follow this
practice.

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Figure 8-4. Single-Element Headstamp

Figure 8-5. Two-Element, 2 x 180 Headstamp

Figure 8-6. Two-Element, Side-by-Side Headstamp

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VIII - 6
Figure 8-7. Three-Element, 3 x 120 Headstamp

Figure 8-8. Three-Element, Side-by-Side Plus 2 x 180 Headstamp

Figure 8-9. Four-Element Headstamp

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VIII - 7
Figure 8-10. Five-Element Headstamp

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VIII - 8
Figure 8-11. Single Segment Headstamp

Figure 8-12. Digital Photo of Two-Element, 2 x 180 Headstamp

The standard method of headstamping M1908 7.62 x 54R-mm ammunition is to mark it

with the year of manufacture and with a factory identification mark. The factory
identification mark is located on the top of the headstamp, while the year of manufacture
is located on the bottom of the headstamp. Headstamp factory codes, dates, and
cyphers are stamped and not raised. As stated above, some ammunition may have
cyphers, in addition to the year of manufacture and factory identification mark, such as a
star triangle etc. Many headstamp variations exist. At least one nation
(Yugoslavia) has combined the factory code and manufacturing year on the top
headstamp and placed the caliber (7.62) on the bottom headstamp. Some ammunition
can be found with either a headstamp entirely omitted or a partial headstamp with no
year of manufacture or factory identification mark.

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VIII - 9
The year of manufacture normally appears as the last two digits of the year in which it
was manufactured, i.e., 1966=66. There are a few notable exceptions to this general
rule. For example, Yugoslav ammunition has the full four digits. The Soviet Union used
Cyrillic letters in place of the date for about 5 years. See below. Some, though not all,
North Korean ammunition uses a Korean letter or a hieroglyphic in place of a date.

USSR Cyrillic Letter Date Code:

r–1952 A (Cyrillic A)–1953
E–1954 N (Cyrillic inverted N)–1955
K–1956

The standard factory identification mark used by most nations for M1908 7.62 x 54R-
mm ammunition is a number code; however, there are exceptions. There are some
factory codes that are used by more than one country.
• For example, Code 21 is used by both Hungary and Poland. Hungarian
ammunition has both the factory code and date both upright while Poland has the
date inverted.
• Code 10 was used by the USSR prior to 1946, is still used by Bulgaria, and
during the 1970s a new Code 10 appeared whose origin is unknown.
• Beginning in the 1970s a large number of Chinese factory codes appeared,
mostly with three and four digits. It is unlikely that these new high number codes
represent new factories, but current factories allocated one or more additional
factory codes to produce in an attempt to cause confusion outside China or to
specify the type within a factory. The original factories in commission prior to
1970 were factories 11, 31, 41, 51, 61, and 81; not all produced 7.62x54R mm. It
is also possible that a factory 21 also existed.

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VIII - 10
• Listed below in table 8-3 are the typical styles of Factory Code Letters that may
be found.

Table 8-3. Typical Small Arms Ammunition Factory Code Letters

Code Country Code Country Code Country
3 Albania 10 Bulgaria 1 China / PRC
031 China / PRC 0501 China / PRC 31 China / PRC
41 China / PRC 51 China / PRC 61 China / PRC
71 China / PRC 81 China / PRC 95 China / PRC
101 China / PRC 111 China / PRC 121 China / PRC
131 China / PRC 141 China / PRC 151 China / PRC
171 China / PRC 179 China / PRC 201 China / PRC
211 China / PRC 221 China / PRC 301 China / PRC
311 China / PRC 321 China / PRC 324 China / PRC
325 China / PRC 331 China / PRC 341 China / PRC
351 China / PRC 371 China / PRC 391 China / PRC
451 China / PRC 501 China / PRC 521 China / PRC
561 China / PRC 601 China / PRC 621 China / PRC
631 China / PRC 641 China / PRC 651 China / PRC
661 China / PRC 671 China / PRC 710 China / PRC
791 China / PRC 811 China / PRC 821 China / PRC
881 China / PRC 911 China / PRC 921 China / PRC
944 China / PRC 946 China / PRC 947 China / PRC
948 China / PRC 964 China / PRC 6141 China / PRC
6201 China / PRC 6202 China / PRC 6203 China / PRC
9121 China / PRC 9141 China / PRC 9381 China / PRC
9531 China / PRC 9611 China / PRC 9631 China / PRC
9661 China / PRC 9671 China / PRC 9901 China / PRC
21215 China / PRC 13 Cuba PMV Cuba
ZV Czechoslovakia aym Czechoslovakia bxn Czechoslovakia
0 Czech Republic 7 Czech Republic 01 East Germany
04 East Germany 5 East Germany 05 East Germany
06 East Germany 22 East Germany 21 Hungary
23 Hungary 25 Hungary 93 North Korea
o
North Korea 21 Poland 234 Poland
93 54 Poland 343 Poland
361 Poland 15 Romania RPR 21 Romania
RPR 22 Romania 22 Romania 23 Romania
312 Romania 314 Romania 315 Romania
317 Romania 319 Romania 321 Romania
322 Romania 323 Romania 324 Romania
325 Romania 334 Romania 3 Russia / USSR
7 Russia / USSR 012 Russia / USSR 17 Russia / USSR
30 Russia / USSR 38 Russia / USSR 50 Russia / USSR
60 Russia / USSR 61 Russia / USSR 182 Russia / USSR
187 Russia / USSR 188 Russia / USSR 270 Russia / USSR
528 Russia / USSR 539 Russia / USSR 543 Russia / USSR
547 Russia / USSR 611 Russia / USSR 710 Russia / USSR
711 Russia / USSR 4397 Russia / USSR 270 Ukraine
11 Yugoslavia 011 Yugoslavia 12 Yugoslavia
14 Yugoslavia 122 Yugoslavia IK Yugoslavia
*NK Yugoslavia nny Yugoslavia PP Yugoslavia
* Inverted Cyrillic N

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VIII - 11
Service Ammunition. Service ammunition is subdivided into ball cartridges and
special-purpose cartridges.

• Ball ammunition is used to engage enemy personnel.

• Special-purpose ammunition, depending on its construction, is designed for target

indication and correction of fire, igniting fuel and highly flammable objects, and for
destroying lightly armored targets.

ƒ Tracer cartridges are designed for target indication, fire adjustment, signal
purposes, and engaging personnel. Tracer bullets can ignite dry grass, etc. The
path of the bullet is indicated by either a red or green flame, which can generally
be seen day or night for a distance of 700 meters.

ƒ Armor piercing/armor piercing incendiary cartridges are used to destroy targets

protected by thin armor at ranges up to 300 meters, such as light trucks and
personnel wearing body armor.

ƒ Incendiary cartridges are used to destroy fuel in iron tanks up to 3-mm thick.
Incendiary cartridges also contain a tracer element. The path of the bullet is
indicated by either a red or green flame, which can generally be seen day or
night for a distance of 700 meters.

ƒ Subsonic/low velocity cartridges are used with silenced weapons. They often
have a muzzle velocity of around 300 m/s.

Training Ammunition. Training ammunition is sub-divided into drilled and blank

cartridges.

• Drilled rounds are designed for training in loading and firing. On the body of the
cartridge case there are longitudinal grooves, and on the cartridge case mouth there
are marks from the clamping device. The primer is pierced. There is no propellant
in the cartridge case.

• Blank cartridges are designed for simulating fire and are used in tactical exercises.
There is no bullet in the blank cartridges. The mouth is sealed by a star (rosette)
crimp. It is dangerous to stand closer than 10 meters away from the muzzle face
when blank cartridges are being fired. If blanks are to be fired from the PK
machinegun, a blank adapter must be fitted to the muzzle. Without a blank adapter,
insufficient gas pressure is developed to properly cycle the weapon.

UNCLASSIFIED
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