PKM
PKM, or Pulemyot Kalashnikova Modernizirovanniy (Machine gun, Kalashnikov, Modernized), is a Soviet and Russian general-purpose machine gun in service since 1969, itself a modernized version of the [[pk_machine_gun|early PK]] design from 1961. Most often depicted with wooden grip, skeleton stock, and 100-round box magazine. Unlike American light machine guns, the ammunition belt is fed from the right side using a non-disintegrating belt link. 

This modernized version can be distinguished from the original [[pk_machine_gun|PK]] by a shorter flash hider; smooth barrel (the earlier one had the first half of the barrel fluted); and a ribbed top cover.

This gun is slated to be replaced by the [[PKP_Pecheneg|PKP Pecheneg]]. The best way to differentiate between the PKM and the PKP is the position of the carry handle; the Pecheneg's carry handle is right above the barrel while the PKM's carry handle protrudes above the receiver.
pkm