RECOILtv Full Auto Friday: PKM

This week on Full Auto Friday, we take a peek behind the Iron Curtain, at a formidable platform, the PKM (Pulemyot Kalashnikova). This machine gun is a belt fed beast, capable of super controllable burst fire, or a hail of fully automatic glory. Introduced in the 1960s and still in production today in over seven countries, this general purpose machine gun mirrors the simple yet extremely effective internal traits apparent on Kalashnikov designs.

The PKM is chambered in 7.62×54, a cartridge that dates back to the 19^th century and really shouldn’t feed in a machine gun at all due to being a rimmed cartridge. This means that in order to feed the round, the gun must first pull it out of the belt in a backwards motion, and then stuff it forward and into the receiver. Of typical Soviet construction, the PKM has a stamped sheet metal receiver, a laminated birch stock, and is gas operated. Iain demonstrates just how simple it is to disassemble the PKM- lock the bolt to the rear, pop the top cover, lift the feed tray, slide off the barrel, run the bolt forward, remove the recoil spring, and then remove the bolt carrier by pulling the trigger and sliding it to the rear. Once disassembled, the bolt carrier group also boasts a typical Kalashnikov design-a long stroke gas piston, rotating three-lug bolt, and a floating firing pin. The PKM also comes with two barrels in the kit, so that they can be swapped out when one barrel gets too hot.

Easy to disassemble and reassemble, this highly capable, man-portable platform is a tried and true legend…even if it feeds from the wrong side of the gun.

Head on over to RECOILTv to see even more Full Auto Friday action plus tons of other videos.

Want to see more from RECOILtv? WATCH NOW!

Why you can trust RECOIL

---

Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. 

Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. 

At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. 

Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products.

NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOIL

For years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included).

Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.

You want this. Trust Us.