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 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 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. 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.
