PK Series Manual (English, 2005) - Forgotten Weapons

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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