The AR-RPK
An Overengineered Solution to a Simple Problem
Many prepared groups make the attempt to emulate standard military structure and protocol. Most of all they try to rebuild the standard rifle squad. Unfortunately, for most groups they are often limited by the availability of weapons to the civilian populace. The most prominent of these would be the Light Machine Gun. In recent years individuals have devised a way to create a pseudo facsimile with a platy on the automatic rifle called the AR-RPK. A design that takes the standard AR platform redesign it to have features similar to the Russian RPK. While some have found this to be an effective enhancement of their small units, I believe the AR-RPK is little more than an outdated solution to a problem that has more than one solution. A solution that no longer requires the drawbacks of such a weapon.
The AR-RPK is essentially a heavily modified AR-15. The key identifier would be a longer barrel. Most platforms have a 24-inch heavy barrel though some manufacturers over them with a 20-inch option as well. Like most modern AR platforms, AR-RPK’s also have free float handguards. Though most have been affixed with carry handles similar to those used by LMG’s. However, another key feature negates the added benefits. The addition of a permanently affixed bipod. Most commercially available models will come with LMG style bipods, typically of the M60 or RPK varieties. These styles are typically heavy and affixed directly to the barrel of the rifle. Though most home builds I have seen use rail mounted bipods like the one developed by Magpul. The last key feature of these rifles are triggers meant for increased rate of fire. These have been anything from binary triggers, forced reset or in limited cases some have used registered (I assume so because the only I’ve was being used by a statist bitch) fully automatic triggers and receivers. These features make the AR-15 look like this weird mix between the Russian RPK and the Marine Corps M27 rifle.
The philosophy of use for the AR-RPK is to be a replacement for a squad machine gunner. A position that the prepared citizen has been unable to fill due to the logistical shortcomings of having an actual light machine gun. This is usually because of a cost issue as NFA registered machine guns are excessively cost prohibited and civilian models of the M249 SAW are not much better though belt fed, are restricted to semiautomatic fire only. The idea of the AR-RPK is that with its heavy barrel and binary trigger the weapon system can approximate the suppressive fire capabilities of a light machine gun. Proponents of the AR-RPK however are fully aware that the AR operating system cannot completely mimic the functionality of the operating system of the LMG. Which is why most have gone to using the term automatic rifle. This is also where we get the RPK element of the system. The AR-RPK while meant to fill the role of a squad automatic weapon, it functions more like an automatic rifle like the RPK. A weapon that can provide suppressive fire, while being able to operate from the same magazine as the standard rifle.
I will not call myself a weapons expert or any sort of expert on tactics. With that said, when talking to people who have opinions you will care about more than mine. We all came to a similar consensus. That the AR-RPK brings no added benefit to a squad of prepared citizens. Regarding functionality, the AR platform is not designed to provide a high rate of sustained fire. With all the modifications that the AR-RPK possess, most of them are merely cosmetic. They are meant to mimic the appearance of an American made RPK. Many of the detractors of the AR-RPK platform suggest that such things as a quick-change barrel and being fed by belt instead of by magazine would be necessary for the weapon to be effective from a position of reliability. From a tactical standpoint, the function of suppressive fire can be achieved by other means. Most notably, the Marine Corps has discovered that well aimed suppressed shots can have the equivalent effect as a burst from a machine gun. Also, well aimed shots in a tactic called talking snipers could effectively suppress an enemy in a similar fashion. This also comes with the added benefit of not wasting what could be hundreds of rounds of ammunition. You can adjust tactics to what you have as opposed to investing in a weapons system that can at best provide a facsimile the conventional military tactics.
If you think your group needs the AR-RPK for your preparedness, then go ahead and acquire one. What I am saying here is that you don’t need one. You do not need the AR-RPK to be an effective group. If you do feel that one is necessary, then I suggest you look at your infrastructure and your tactics. The AR-RPK is a product of an attempt to be a conventional fighting force. Something you are not. The AR-RPK is nothing more than a logistical burden and shows a lack of understanding of how to be an unconventional fighting force.