RPK M72

Description

The Yugoslavian Zastava M72 is ultimately a licensed copy of the Soviet RPK, which itself is a derivative of the AK/AKM family of weapons.

Internally the RPK and M72 are identical in terms of the action of the mechanism and use of the Soviet 7.62×39mm cartridge. The main differences involve the external appearance, with the M72 opting for the standard assault rifle shaped stock and having a reduced barrel length, now 542 mm from the RPK’s 590 mm.

The RPK/M72 was designed as a light support weapon, which with its increased magazine capacity (40 round box or 75 round drum) and fixed bipod, it could lay down accurate suppressive fire during a section assault. Also, being of the same basic design as the assault rifle, each member of the section could also donate to the gunner spare 30 round rifle magazines in an emergency.

Like the RPK, the M72 has been exported to scores of countries around the world and has seen service from the Yugoslav Wars to modern day Iraq, with regular and irregular forces.