IP-2

The PU-21 (Russian: ПУ-21 Пулемёт с унифицированной подачей) is a 5.45x39mm machine gun designed by V. M. Kalashnikov and M. E. Dragunov between 1972 and 1977. The PU-21 can be fed from either a 45-round magazine or a 200-round belt. The PU-21's sights are graduated to distance of 1,000 metres (3,300 ft).[1][2]

PU-21 / ПУ-21 (Пулемёт с унифицированной подачей)
TypeLight machine gun
Place of originSoviet Union
Production history
DesignerYu.K. Aleksandrov
M.E. Dragunov
V.M. Kalashnikov
ManufacturerTsNIITochMash
Specifications
Mass5.7 kg
Length1060 mm (41.73 in)
Barrel length590 mm (23.2 in)
Cartridge5.45×39mm
Caliber5.45 mm
ActionGas-operated
Rate of fire750 rpm
Muzzle velocity960 m/s (3150 ft/s)
Effective firing range1000 m (1094 yds)
Feed system20- or 45-round box magazine
200-round belt
SightsIron

The PU-21 prototypes were thoroughly tested by the Soviet Army in Leningrad, but military experts did not see convincing arguments for replacing the RPK and RPK-74 with the PU-21 design. According to the Soviet military, the design was too complex compared to other weapons then in service, and failed to enhance combat effectiveness.

See also
  • RPK-74
  • RPL-20, a similarly belted 5.45 machine gun, drew some inspiration from this project
  • PKM
  • FN Minimi
  • List of Russian weaponry

References
  1. Пулемет ПУ (in Russian).
  2. "Archived copy" Отечественные пулеметы с унифицированной подачей (in Russian). Archived from the original on 6 December 2010. Retrieved 13 Jun 2012.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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