Why The RPK74 LMG Succeeded In Russia But Failed To Impress Others (5.45x39 Rifle Update)

Ғылым және технология

In 2022, we've already revisited the AKM, the original AK47 Type III, the RPK, and even the AK74/AKS74...so, might as well look back at Russia's 5.45x39mm LMG, the RPK-74. Here we cover the entire family from the 1970s through today.
Featured in this video is my semi-auto rifle built by Vector Arms using an American made civilian receiver and original Bulgarian/Soviet RPK74 parts kit, complete with 'plum' furniture.
Also for the RPK74M section, my good ol' FM-RPK74-33 returns to the channel, because why not? It was manufactured as a semi-auto rifle in Russia by Molot and imported here by FIME Group (a sister company of Arsenal Inc.)
Plus a couple other rifles make guest appearances too, again why not? We're just all here to have fun and talk some guns right?
Interested in becoming a Patreon contributor? Check out our Patreon page at:
/ mishaco
Visit mishacooba.blogspot.com to read more articles.
This video is produced and published to KZread for historical and educational purposes and to document and make record of the content herein publicly available for said purposes. The Mishaco channel is run by experienced and trained industry professionals and all activity portrayed and content herein is presented with all considerations to safety and in accordance with local, state, and the Federal law of the United States.

Пікірлер: 115

  • @JDT8h
    @JDT8h11 ай бұрын

    Back in 1975ish, this, the Galil-ARM and Stoner-63 were probably the only light-calibre LMGs in the world. Would have been handy, right off the bat.

  • @timothycain4512
    @timothycain4512 Жыл бұрын

    I'm impressed by every rpk and ak kalashnikov style firearms Russia has produced especially in 545x39 I still havnt added an rpk to my collection it's definitely on the list just waiting for a good option to pop up

  • @m.7n6

    @m.7n6

    Жыл бұрын

    I'm not really a rpk guy I think they're cool, but I feel I'm unimpressed for the caliber rpk is in, and rpk 74 is in, I feel it doesn't do the LMG justice, I feel 7.62x54r would be more suitable, and if they come up with better caliber other than 5.45 for the LMG I think I'd be impressed by it. Tbh rpk, or rpk74 is like making a full length AKM, or ak74 a 9mm and not in a sub gun variation it's like fuck the vitayaz design make AKM 9mm, Vitayaz is too short.

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    I've always wanted Cugir, Romania to export the AES-2B...their RPK variant in 5.45x39 w/ 40 rd steel box mags.

  • @timothycain4512

    @timothycain4512

    Жыл бұрын

    @@misha5670 that would be awesome but least u got a nice rpk collection

  • @timothycain4512

    @timothycain4512

    Жыл бұрын

    @@misha5670 I was hoping Romanian would fill the void with the 545 ammo

  • @stoegerstewie8351

    @stoegerstewie8351

    11 ай бұрын

    Atlantic firearms has em now

  • @daveb3123
    @daveb3123 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Mishaco really appreciate what you do!

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching, cheers

  • @Gorkabandit
    @Gorkabandit Жыл бұрын

    Love my long barrel vepr 223 that I did an RPK clone on. I run the PO4x17 optic on it and it’s perfection

  • @ryanrivera1224

    @ryanrivera1224

    Жыл бұрын

    Love my Vepr 20” 30-06 I did conversion on. Even got 30rd steel mags 😊 thing is a beast

  • @Gorkabandit

    @Gorkabandit

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ryanrivera1224 post a video on it

  • @BNatoAk

    @BNatoAk

    Жыл бұрын

    Saw your 556 ak vid , cool shit my friend!

  • @Gorkabandit

    @Gorkabandit

    Жыл бұрын

    @@BNatoAk thank you my brother in Christ

  • @zeo5527
    @zeo5527 Жыл бұрын

    It's such a beautiful gun

  • @njw1977
    @njw1977 Жыл бұрын

    I have a 16" Vepr 74 with the factory stock and pistol grip. I wish I could find a RPK barrel for it and then install a folder.

  • @shawnpatten6515
    @shawnpatten6515 Жыл бұрын

    Great video. Thank you for making it.

  • @womb_raider8316
    @womb_raider8316 Жыл бұрын

    I recently purchased one of the vector arms builds. It's at the gunsmith having the selector markings and Molot shield added. Can't wait to get it back!

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    Sadly, i doubt we will see true RPK74 receivers made in America again. NDS was great back in the day for making very specific receivers for individual build projects. They even cared enough to make an M72 specific receiver separate from the standard M70. The difference? no hole for the takedown latch pin. That's attention to detail right there.

  • @Thecompanioncrate
    @Thecompanioncrate Жыл бұрын

    "I like pancakes" - Misha *cuts to misha shooting*

  • @afkafk129
    @afkafk129 Жыл бұрын

    Such a treat for the drive home.

  • @pontuseriksson8328
    @pontuseriksson8328 Жыл бұрын

    Awesome🤘🤘

  • @simonerubino52
    @simonerubino52 Жыл бұрын

    Videos are awesome full of knowledge I just don't have that much time to sit in one sitting

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    Sorry, Klayco47 made me promise to not stop doing long-form videos. What choice do I have? lol

  • @ericvantassell6809
    @ericvantassell6809 Жыл бұрын

    yay, another classic christmas video

  • @TheGMan.
    @TheGMan. Жыл бұрын

    That thing is a beauty.. both of them wow

  • @Nordic_Goon
    @Nordic_Goon Жыл бұрын

    I'm lusting over these haha, I'm looking for some info on the correct dates that the RPKS74 with the solid side folding plum stock (No optics rail slot) were manufactured. This info would be invaluable to know if you could shed some light. Appreciate you sharing these two rifles with us.

  • @MisplacedArms
    @MisplacedArms Жыл бұрын

    I have one of the prototype plum RPK-74 magazines in my collection. It has Molot Style ink stamps, and the only mold marking is a very faint 1.

  • @softailrider4976
    @softailrider4976 Жыл бұрын

    I have a vector rpk-74 with plum, absolutely love it

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    I bought a pair for a buddy and myself direct from Vector ages ago. I used to work very closely with Vector right up until their sudden closure. Maybe one day I can tell the tale of what happened behind the scenes.

  • @jordansvennes5587
    @jordansvennes558713 күн бұрын

    So pretty, honestly aks are just beautiful

  • @Jojo69869
    @Jojo69869 Жыл бұрын

    You're the best

  • @Jose-xm3tq
    @Jose-xm3tq Жыл бұрын

    Always regret not being able to get one of these

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    I was able to get one thanks to...of all people...IO/Royal Tiger. Thanks to their relatively cheap VEPR 1V and how those shotup in value later, i traded mine off and that nearly covered this FM-RPK74 entirely.

  • @Jose-xm3tq

    @Jose-xm3tq

    Жыл бұрын

    @@misha5670 I have 2 of those. Wouldn't mine trading one for a Fime rpk74

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Jose-xm3tq I sold the VEPR 1V for decent money, but where i really cameout on top was with the 45 rd Molot .223 mags I had for it. I think each one brought $250-$300 at auction, though I did save one and include it with the rifle for its new owner. I'm not a monster afterall lol. So after moving the rifle and around 8 mags, I covered the FM-RPK74.

  • @Jose-xm3tq

    @Jose-xm3tq

    Жыл бұрын

    @@misha5670 I remember I.O. Having em for sub $80.00 Lucky I got 6 of em My personal favorite Magazine

  • @BillyBob-ov5ef
    @BillyBob-ov5ef Жыл бұрын

    That plum set is just begging for a plum rpk mag.

  • @Victoratify
    @Victoratify Жыл бұрын

    14:11-it is important to clarify that the ammunition load of the RPK74 machine gun is 450 rounds. 360 rounds fit in 8 magazines.

  • @timothycain4512
    @timothycain4512 Жыл бұрын

    Keep the kalashnikov content coming Misha its so awesome watching all the 74s and kings and ak12s and rpk74s in Ukraine and Russia right now thousands of bakelites and plum mags getting used over there it's good to see how durable they are in action I've seen alot of yugo underfolders and even some beryls on the battlefield being used to

  • @cjnoldner8526
    @cjnoldner8526 Жыл бұрын

    Guess I'm staying up late tonight thanks.

  • @eloiseharbeson2483
    @eloiseharbeson2483 Жыл бұрын

    Got invested in the 5.45x39 cartridge before the 7n6 ban. Until the Ukraine invasion, commercial offerings were plentiful and cheap enough to get even more heavily invested in AK74 pattern weapons. Two VEPR's, a Saiga, an Arsenal and a Galil ACE in that caliber. Fortunately 😂 I am not likely to outlive my 5.45x39 ammo stash.

  • @schwarzesonnesieg5664
    @schwarzesonnesieg5664 Жыл бұрын

    Misha!!!!

  • @midnightclub7629

    @midnightclub7629

    Жыл бұрын

    the sun rises...

  • @loganheaton9213
    @loganheaton9213 Жыл бұрын

    What made 5.45 more reliable than 7.62? That's interesting, I'd never heard that before.

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    Cartridge dimensions. Less of a taper and just overall better geometry with 5.45 when it comes to feeding. Notice how a '74 mag has less of a curve compared with 7.62x39.

  • @nickkennedy9034
    @nickkennedy9034 Жыл бұрын

    with the war going on I am really curious what kinds of weapons and parts kits are going to get onto the commercial market as time goes on.

  • @spd579
    @spd579 Жыл бұрын

    The 556 Bulgarian thumbs up!

  • @dbldee7275
    @dbldee7275 Жыл бұрын

    Let me sit down with my coffee ☕

  • @kalashloy4179
    @kalashloy4179 Жыл бұрын

    so far Malaysian use of RPK74s are still largely a rumor, wasn't really seeing any proof of them in Malaysian services other than some written paragraphs in wiki. While the other hand, there's already evidence of the other kalash, the AK102 being used by the Malaysian navy special forces, PASKAL. Unlike the 102, things about rpk74 in Malaysia could only approached with a grain of salt imo.

  • @residentevil4freek

    @residentevil4freek

    Жыл бұрын

    Malaysia uses all kinds of oddball stuff. Didn't they even purchase a few H&K XM8's?

  • @kalashloy4179

    @kalashloy4179

    Жыл бұрын

    @@residentevil4freek yep, also fielded by PASKAL.

  • @stevenbaringer7309
    @stevenbaringer7309 Жыл бұрын

    So now that Victor Orban is out of supermax and back on the world arms stage somebody needs to contract him to import more 5.45x39 into the United States....

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    Thing is...from where? I bet you anything that Russia is buying up any stocks from anywhere they can find these days.

  • @eloiseharbeson2483

    @eloiseharbeson2483

    Жыл бұрын

    @@misha5670 True. My contact in Russia tells me that Barnaul has not made commercial ammo of any caliber since the invasion. Too bad. They made the best 5.45x39 on the market.

  • @CptCudlScoops

    @CptCudlScoops

    Жыл бұрын

    @@misha5670have you heard any updates on PSA making 5.45x39? I Haven’t heard any recent updates.

  • @blackhatch46

    @blackhatch46

    Жыл бұрын

    @@eloiseharbeson2483 They make the best of all the soviet calibers.

  • @Dylan.More-Veiny

    @Dylan.More-Veiny

    Жыл бұрын

    @@eloiseharbeson2483 your contact in Russia. The Russian girl you chat with online and give her all your money doesn’t count

  • @aplaceholderbplaceholder9524
    @aplaceholderbplaceholder9524 Жыл бұрын

    This is my napping asmr.

  • @mistercisco81
    @mistercisco81 Жыл бұрын

    Some months ago had a chance to pick up a new VEPR RPK-47 for $4K from PSA. Dragged my feet and then it was gone. Huge regret.

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    Yeah $4k was a darn good deal. Even when they first cameout, they were rarely lower than that, and these days often double that price...its very sad. Nice guns but not worth $8k IMO.

  • @Blackstone175

    @Blackstone175

    Жыл бұрын

    How much are they going for? There is a lgs has one for 4.9k, didn't think much of it. Are they rising in value?

  • @EdwardSnortin

    @EdwardSnortin

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Blackstone175 $7000 - $8000

  • @HeebieKikeberger1025
    @HeebieKikeberger1025 Жыл бұрын

    Just in time for Christmas

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    I got my first AES10 right before Christmas. Even shot it for the first time in the snow that year.

  • @davidkohler7454
    @davidkohler7454 Жыл бұрын

    Misha, what's up with that reptile looking spray paint on your RPK,s.?

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    Cocaine's a hell of a drug....'nough said about that night.

  • @foxf6

    @foxf6

    Жыл бұрын

    did someone say spray paint?

  • @markp4401
    @markp4401 Жыл бұрын

    Misha said a soldier has to be mindful of the barrel overheating when firing full auto. Besides letting the barrel rest were there any other tricks to prevent overheating? Did they ever use water? No RPKs had quick change barrels right?

  • @softailrider4976

    @softailrider4976

    Жыл бұрын

    No bullshit when I say this, you’d piss on them

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    @@softailrider4976 Literally what i clicked on here to say myself too. Yep, piss was definitely used.

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    During the Winter War between Finland and Russia, the Finns stuck KP31 barrels in the snow to cool them off. Probably hell on the metal but great for cooling. I came across this info in a few books while doing my thesis back in university.

  • @aamerkhazemalabady
    @aamerkhazemalabady Жыл бұрын

    Perfect from lraq

  • @colddeadhand7414
    @colddeadhand7414 Жыл бұрын

    I've got one of those molot bakelite mags for my fm 16 inch barrel 74. Anything 5.45 is becoming unobtainium anymore. 😞

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes, yes sadly it is and you are right.

  • @eloiseharbeson2483

    @eloiseharbeson2483

    Жыл бұрын

    AK74 specific components have always been at a premium. Magazines particularly although AC-Unity is now making nice ones at a reasonable price.

  • @patstrzeszewski3240
    @patstrzeszewski3240 Жыл бұрын

    Were there 5.46x39 drum mags for the RPK 74?

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    No

  • @m.7n6
    @m.7n6 Жыл бұрын

    I would prefer any AKM, AK-12, AK15, or AK-19, AK-100 series rifle, because it's practical in the 7.62x39, 5.45x39, 5.56 caliber, where the rpk i feel like I'm unimpressed for it being the caliber that is used in AKM, ak74, ak-100 series, AK-12, or ak-15, or ak-203, where I feel the rpk or rpk74 should have been chambered in 7.62x54r. the rpk Is like making full length AKM and chambering it in 9mm, when 9mm is a handgun, or sub gun round and not rifle round, or standard AKM length or AK-103, or ak74 length round. It's the opposite in my opinion, I would be impressed if it was chambered in 7.62x54r, and .308/7.62x51 nato tbh. Regular AKM, AK-74, or ak-100 series of rifles in my opinion should be chambered in 7.62x39, 5.45x39, or 5.56/.223...

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    I think what you describe is basically the PKM

  • @markp4401
    @markp4401 Жыл бұрын

    Anybody know if the Zastava RPK in .308 imported by Mitchell Arms was a clone of or based on a Yugoslavian military weapon?

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    Yugoslavia didn't field 7.62NATO/.308. Instead they used 8mm Mauser until switching over to 7.62x54R in the 21st century (weird choice I know). The .308 guns were intended for export.

  • @Leman.Russ.6thLegion
    @Leman.Russ.6thLegion Жыл бұрын

    Someone say RPK?

  • @jamesn8750

    @jamesn8750

    Жыл бұрын

    Its why im here

  • @762cat
    @762cat Жыл бұрын

    Why didn't they just put an AK-74 muzzle brake on it?

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    Because the AK74 brake fits 24mm threads and the RPK74 like the RPK before it was threaded 14mm.

  • @mrsgtshepardxd6193
    @mrsgtshepardxd6193 Жыл бұрын

    I have a Molot Vepr 12. Great shotgun but i hate the tube stock. I want to replace it with a standard rear trunnion. Is there anybody out there who can do this?

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    Don't do it. If you really hate it, look for someone to trade you a fixed stock (std trunnion) V12 for your folder. They should be happy to do that deal as the folders are worth considerably more $$$ these days.

  • @mrsgtshepardxd6193

    @mrsgtshepardxd6193

    Жыл бұрын

    @@misha5670 Sry, I should have clarified mines a non folding fixed tube. I know they imported them early on with standard rear stocks but I didnt have the option at the time. FYI that plum rpk makes me tingle.

  • @chrischiampo7647
    @chrischiampo7647 Жыл бұрын

    😀😎👍🏼

  • @darktrojan00
    @darktrojan00 Жыл бұрын

    IDK why the ak74 has a 90 degree gas block and the rpk74 looks like it has a 40 degree gas block like the old akm/rpk47 , maybe they are 90 degrees but they kept making the same castings as the old rpk?

  • @pguth98

    @pguth98

    Жыл бұрын

    The original AKM gas blocks were machined, then they later went to cast. Early AK-74s used a cast 45 degree gas block, then later switched to the cast 90 degree blocks. All these changes were maid to ease production, but Molot, making relatively few RPKs when compared to the factories that made AKs, didn't need to switch over.

  • @darktrojan00

    @darktrojan00

    Жыл бұрын

    @@pguth98 So they stayed with an actual 40 degree gas block or it was just externally the same but drilled at 90 degrees?

  • @pguth98

    @pguth98

    Жыл бұрын

    @@darktrojan00 Same gas block.

  • @capt.trumptracker3641
    @capt.trumptracker3641 Жыл бұрын

    Can you recommend a reasonably priced , by today's prices , to purchase ? I will leave it in stock condition

  • @capt.trumptracker3641

    @capt.trumptracker3641

    Жыл бұрын

    I meant an AK .

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    @@capt.trumptracker3641 Just the usuals today: Zastava M70, FB Beryl, WBP Fox/Jack, Arsenal SAM7R, or the most classic of 'em all....WASR10. Yeah those are still out there too.

  • @richardrobinson9534
    @richardrobinson9534 Жыл бұрын

    I almost bought one last year, but just couldn't justify the money lol fml

  • @Punisher9419
    @Punisher9419 Жыл бұрын

    5.45x39 is a very effective, lethal and efficient round. Out of all of the military intermediate rounds it's the one I would pick over anythign else. I hear it's getting a lot of service in Ukraine these days.

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    I hear Russians are needing considerably more of it these days too.

  • @Punisher9419

    @Punisher9419

    Жыл бұрын

    @@misha5670 Yea it's weird. Must be that Special Military Opperation or something, must be training pretty hard.

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Punisher9419 In Russia training does you.

  • @hobojakobo
    @hobojakobo Жыл бұрын

    It’s pretty interesting that despite all of the media I’ve seen coming out of the war in Ukraine, I’ve seen only one or two RPK-74s used by the Russians. Wonder why that is?

  • @wademichalski768
    @wademichalski768 Жыл бұрын

    Made another SAM5 video since your footage got corrupted

  • @youarelonely
    @youarelonely Жыл бұрын

    The things my American ass would do for a true Russian RPK-74. They had 2 Vepr examples at my local GS for $5500 each last year. I should’ve bought one of them :(

  • @thetest8777

    @thetest8777

    Жыл бұрын

    Hope Psa or kusa makes the rpk I think they will

  • @RosaParksWasWyt
    @RosaParksWasWyt Жыл бұрын

    Ahh yes. Only $9,000

  • @user-db3zz4xt6f
    @user-db3zz4xt6f Жыл бұрын

    Хай 🙋 Миша 🧸 🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🌃🌆

  • @EdwardSnortin

    @EdwardSnortin

    Жыл бұрын

    педик

  • @user-db3zz4xt6f

    @user-db3zz4xt6f

    Жыл бұрын

    @@EdwardSnortin Цирик

  • @simontan6248
    @simontan6248 Жыл бұрын

    Malaysia did not buy any RPK-74s. It has zero stocks of 5.45 anything.

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    Sorry, in a nearly 50 minutes video, I am definitely going to get some things wrong and mis-remember others. Please keep in mind yourself that i don't script these and go off of my memory, cheers.

  • @EdwardSnortin
    @EdwardSnortin Жыл бұрын

    I'm thinking about saving up the $7000 for a Molot RPK-74

  • @misha5670

    @misha5670

    Жыл бұрын

    Gotta be honest with you, I wouldn't. That's already double what they were going for originally. If you get one, do it because you just want it. Don't buy as an 'investment'.

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