The Russian RPL-20 Light Machine Gun

By Lynndon Schooler

Photo credit: Kalashnikov Concern

The RPL-20, a lightweight, belt-fed machine gun, is a testament to Russia’s renewed interest in earlier Soviet technological innovations. The history of belt-fed light machine guns at the Kalashnikov Concern can be traced back to 1971 with the introduction of models such as the PU, PU-2, and PU-21. Drawing inspiration from the Belgian Minimi, these earlier models aimed to increase the RPK’s firepower. However, the dual-feed system has since been eliminated, simplifying manufacturing and enhancing the weapon’s reliability. The RPL-20, with its lightweight design, is a promising addition to this lineage.

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PU-2 Dual Feed machine gun. Photo by Lynndon Schooler

The RPL-20, first unveiled at the ARMY Forum 2020, is a testament to Russia’s commitment to innovation. Influenced

Source: The Firearm Blog