PK Series Manual (English, 2005) - Forgotten Weapons

Unified Machinegun (UMG): The UMG was introduced in 1993 as an upgrade to the
PKM machinegun. It is chambered for a new 6x49-mm rimmed cartridge vice the
standard 7.62x54R cartridge used for the PK and PKM. The UMG has a longer barrel
than a either a PK or a PKM, but is roughly the same length (1150 mm). It reportedly
weighs only 6.5-kg. Prototypes were shown with no iron sights, but instead fitted with
an optical sighting device. It is also reported that it has high chamber pressures and
thus may suffer from case separation.
6P41 Pecheneg: The Pecheneg (see figure 1-12) is based on the PKM machinegun,
sharing about 80% of common parts. It retains many features of the PKM except that it
now features a new heavy fixed barrel that is claimed to enhance accuracy out to a
range of 1500- meters. The new barrel is heavy, ribbed, and enclosed in a metallic
sleeve. During fire, hot powder gases emerging from the barrel cause air in the sleeve
to circulate along the barrel cooling it so that it reportedly can sustain rates of fire of
about 1000 rounds per hour without decrease of performance or barrel life. Overall
barrel life is claimed by the Russians to be over 30,000 rounds. The sights are
calibrated up to 1500 meters. It is claimed that at this range, shot dispersion is stated to
be a maximum of 300 mm in width and 342 to 820 mm in height. Unlike other PK series
models, the bipod is secured just under the muzzle. A fixed carrying handle is provided
over the barrel. Standard tripods can be used.
Figure 1-12. Russian 6P41 Pecheneg Machinegun
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