The Russian 6P69 PKP-SP Special Forces Machine Gun

The V.A. Degtyarev plant, known for producing Russian PKM and PKP machine guns, started a modernization program to modernize the Pecheneg machine gun around 2012. This led to the creation of two variants: the 6P41M PKP-M, a potential lightweight replacement for the PKP, and the 6P69 PKP-SP, a machine gun designed specifically for special forces. In this article, we will delve into the unique features of the 6P69.

Pecheneg-SP (SP stands for special forces machine gun) is a modernization initiative that was part of the Ratnik research and development program to modernize Russian small arms. This program led to the Russian Ministry of Defense's adoption of the 6P41M and 6P69 around 2017, although fielding has been very slow.

Russian Machine Gun Use

The Russian military utilizes its general-purpose machine guns differently from most Western militaries, employing them exclusively for engaging point targets. This approach reflects a doctrine where the machine gun primarily functions as a squad support weapon issued to individual soldiers. While this leaves a capability gap, the PK series aligns with Russian military doctrine. However, having an excellent gun and a flawed doctrine can diminish performance and effectiveness.

Barrels

The most notable aspect is the barrels. I will present three different versions, considering that these may change in the future based on customer needs. There is no public data available regarding the steel composition of the barrels. Still, they are likely made from modern steel, which has improved properties compared to the traditional PKM barrel. The current information indicates that, in the short barrel configuration, the weapon weighs 17.6 lbs. (8 kg) and 18.7 lbs. (8.5 kg) in the standard barrel configuration. This suggests there is no intention of replacing the barrels during prolonged firing, which was one of the main reasons behind the original PKP design: to make one barrel as good as two. Although the 6P69 is still developing, its barrel profiles feature flutes to increase surface area, aiding in heat dissipation. These modifications are believed to result from feedback from special forces during the system's ongoing development.

The barrel depicted at the bottom is the 6P41M PKP-M barrel. I want to highlight the differences in the positions of the gas blocks. While the gas blocks on 6P69 are positioned farther back in the original 2013 proposals, this may have changed in the latest proposed barrel.

Although unconfirmed, the newest barrel featuring a combo-block setup reportedly has the gas block positioned further along the barrel. This modification requires a new piston tube, and it is also said that the gas piston is 2-3 cm longer than a standard PKM piston. If this information is accurate, it could limit the interchangeability of barrels. Additionally, this change may reduce port pressure by moving it further down the barrel, decreasing dwell time. This design alteration might have been intended to soften the recoil impulse further, as the PK system is already known for its soft recoil. Regardless, it must have been beneficial enough to justify the increased weight. Notably, this system is designed to operate with and without a suppressor.

The rear sight features a unique drum sight specifically designed for the 6P69, patented under number RU 2807249 C1, which is absent on the 6P41M.

Regarding the assault grip, the 2013 proposal featured a vertical grip, while the latest model showcases a screw-in design that can be positioned only at a 90-degree angle on the left or right of the piston tube. With the PK series ejection pattern occurring at approximately the 8 o’clock position, it seems there may have been an attempt to lift the shooter's arm to avoid getting hit by ejected brass. However, it is possible that this consideration was not thoroughly studied, as it is uncomfortable to hold that position for long. Most gunners prefer the 45-degree handle associated with the PK series, as it offers a more comfortable grip, even though it may occasionally get hit by ejecting brass, which many shooters overlook. Tripod mount points are retained.