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MILITARYTRAINING ESTABLISHKENT OF ZAMBIA

INFANTRY T RAINING WING
SKILL AT ARMS CELL

SUBJECT: 7.62MM X 54R PK-(MEDIUM MACHINE GUN)

LESSON 1: INTRODUCTION, STRIPPING AND ASSEMBLING

AIM:

1. To introduce the gun, then teach and practice stripping and assembling.

INTRODUCTION

2. The 7.62-mm general-purpose machine gun Pulemyot Kalashnikov (PK) is a gas-

operated, belt-fed, sustained-fire weapon. The PK fires 7.62 x 54R rimmed cartridges using a
metal non disintegrating belt. It is general purpose as it can be used in engaging long range
ground targets, in anti-air role to engage low flying aircrafts below 500 meters and in close
quarter battle (CQB).

OUTER PARTS

3. Most parts are named by the function they perform. They are: -

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Fore sight/ protector

Barrel quick change
Barrel
Feed cover

Rear sight Flash

suppressor
Small of the but
Gas regulator
Oilier
Gas cylinder

Dust cover
Bipod

Magazine pan
Trigger
guard
But plate
Pistol grip

Figure 1: Pks outer parts

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PK SERIES MACHINE GUNS

4. a. PK - The basic PK model is bipod-mounted. It is fed by a 100-round belt

carried in a box fastened to the rails on the gun under the receiver. It weighs 9
kilograms. Its feed cover is constructed partly of stamped metal and partly of forged
steel, a plated butt and a steel heavy fluted barrel.

Figure 2: standard Pk

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b. PKS - The PKS is a PK mounted on a lightweight (4.75-kg) tripod for long
range ground fire, it can also be quickly opened up to elevate the gun for anti-aircraft
fire. It uses either a 200- or 250-round belt. The belt feeds from a box placed to the
right of the weapon.

Figure 3: PKS

c. PKT - The PKT is the tank-mounted version of the PK; it has been altered
for coaxial installation. It has a longer and heavier barrel than the PK. It also lacks the
PK's stock, sights, bipod, and trigger mechanism. The PKT has a solenoid at the rear for
remote-controlled firing, although it also has an emergency manual trigger.

Figure 4: PKT

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d. PKM - The PKM is an improved, lighter version (8.4 kilograms) of the PK,
constructed from stamped metal components instead of machined metal, bipod-
mounted PKM with a hinged butt. An assault magazine attached to the rails under the
receiver can carry 100 cartridges belted in this way.

Figure 5: PKM

e. PKMS - The tripod-mounted PKMS is a lightweight version of the

PKS. It has the same characteristics as the PKM, from which it is derived.

Figure 6: PKMS

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5. The PKS and PKMS are also infantry weapons. Used as heavy machine guns, they
provide long-range area fire. Their tripod provides a stable mount for long-range ground fire.
The tripod opens quickly to elevate the gun for antiaircraft fire. The machine gun has an
effective range of 600 meters against slow-moving aircraft. The effective range of the PK-
series machine guns is 1,000 meters. They have a cyclic rate of fire of 690-720 rounds per
minute and a practical rate of fire of 250 rounds per minute. Ammunition types include the
following: ball, ball-tracer, armor-piercing incendiary, armor-piercing incendiary-tracer.

TABULATED DATA

6. a. Weapon
(1) Caliber..7.62mm x 54R
(2) Operation...Gas
(3) Type of fire.Full automatic only
(4) Cyclic rate of fire 690-720 rounds per minute
(5) Practical rate of fire 250 rounds per minute
(6) Over all length.....1.19meters
(7) Weight .8.4 kilograms (PKM), 9kilograms (PK).
(8) Approximate maximum horizontal range3800
meters
(9) Effective combat range.1000 meters

b. Feed
(1) Type.Belt (non-disintegrated links)
(2) Location. ..Right to left
(3) Belt capacity............................................25, 100, and 250 rounds belt.
c. Barrel
(1) Length.60.3 centimeters
(2) Approximate muzzle velocity..835 meters per second.
d. Sights
(1) Front type. .Cylindrical post
(2) Rear type..Rectangular tangent
(3) Rear sight graduation.in 100 meters increments
(4) Approximate battle setting330meters
(5) Adjustment.............
(a) Front sight .
Zero only
(b) Rear sight.Elevation and wind age.
e. Action
(1) Locking feature type..Rotary bolt
(2) Full automatic..Fired from open bolt
(3) Trigger type....Spur
(4) Safety type...Rotary selector (safe or fire)
(5) Location...Left side of trigger guard.
f. Stock
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(1) Type..Fixed
(2) Material...Wood (laminated).

WEAPON IDENTIFICATION

7. Markings located on the receiver group provide a ready means of identifying the
weapons country of origin e.g. 101
10
for SOVIET origin.
o0
SAFETY PRECAUTION
00
0
8. Safety precaution is necessary to check and make certain that the weapon is free of
ammunition. This must be done before after training. The gun should not be left near fire and
during wet conditions should be stored in a gun bag. On the command, prepare the gun for
inspection. Close safety lever, open the feed cover, remove and open magazine pan, open
safety lever, cock the gun, raise feed tray, close safety lever, and say up whilst holding the
pistol grip with the left hand.
On command, guns checked. open safety lever, hold cocking handle with the right
hand, press the trigger under control, close safety lever, lower feed tray, close feed cover,
close magazine pan, fix it back to the gun and stand up by acknowledging up.

Figure7: PK prepared for inspection

STRIPPING AND ASSEMBLING

9. To ensure proper functioning of the PK machine gun, it is necessary to disassemble the

gun, inspect and clean the inner parts. The names of the inner parts of the PK machine gun
can be learned through practicing disassembling and re- assembling of the same weapon.
Generally the parts are named after the function they perform e.g. the trigger guard, guards
the trigger, the retracting handle is used for retracting the bolt manually to the rear of the
weapon, etc.

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As the weapon is being disassembled, lay the working parts in order of their removal.
This logical order will assist you in the assembly of the weapon.

The following order is which the gun is prepared for cleaning/ inspection.

10. a. Main body.

b. Guide rod and main spring.
c. Sliding cam.
d. Firing pin.
e. Barrel.
Other parts and accessories: -

11. a. Piston and piston head.

b. Slide.
c. Bolt.
d. Firing pin.
e. Cover.
f. Feed.
g. Cleaning kit.
h. Cleaning rod.
j. Flash suppressor.
k. Oilier.
l. Receiver and stock.
m. Bipod.

12. It is important to remember that care must be taken at all times when stripping and
assembling the weapon. The weapon will not be stripped of any part unless the gun is
unloaded.

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MILITARY TRAINING ESTABLISHMENT OF ZAMBIA

INFANTRY TRAINING WING
SKILL AT ARMS CELL

SUBJECT: 7.62MM X 54R PK(MEDIUM MACHINE GUN)

LESSON 2: CLEANING

AIM

1. To teach and practice combatants on how the gun is cleaned daily under both normal
and adverse conditions.

CLEANING MATERIALS AND ACCESSORIES

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WALLET FOR SPARES

CLEARING PLUG

MULT PURPOSE WRENCH

OIL CAN

CLEANING BRUSHES

SCREW DRIVER

Figure 8: cleaning materials and accessories

CLEARING PLUG

BORE CLEANING BRUSH

FLASH SUPPRESSOR

Figure 9: flash suppressor and brush

2. Each gun is equipped with a wallet containing the following items: -

a. Oil cane.
b. Rod cleaning three piece.
c. Brush cleaning bore.
d. Brush cleaning chamber.
e. Brush cleaning cylinder.
f. Clearing plug.
g. Firing pin.
h. Tool adjusting fore sight.
j. Piston and cylinder cleaning tool.

DAILY CLEANING

3. Carry out safety precaution, strip the gun as taught and it in the following manner: -
a. Assemble the chamber cleaning brush to the rod and clean out the chamber.

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b. Using a pull through fitted with a piece of flannelette 4 X 1 .5 inches, clean out the
bore the barrel and inspect it for thorough cleanliness. Always insert the pull through from the
chamber.
c. Oil the barrel using flannelette 4 x 1 inches.
d. Clean and oil flash suppressor.
e. Wrap a piece of flannelette 4 x 6 inches round the cylinder cleaning brush, join the
brush to the rod and clean out the cylinder from the front. Inspect and oil using flannelette 4 x
1 inches in the rod eyelet.
f. Clean the rest of the gun with an oily rug.
g. Assemble the gun and test recoil mechanism.
h. Clean and check spare parts: repack.
j. To ensure correct functioning of the gun, the gun must be cleaned and the gas
regulator adjusted correctly, so that the gun has efficient gas to operate reliably but not so
much that the gun vibrates unduly.

ADVERSE CONDITION

4. a. Dump, humid conditions in these conditions, clean the gun as taught.

Inspect it frequently for rust and keep all parts well oiled.
b. Desert condition it is important that under extreme dust and sandy
conditions to keep the gun bone dry. The gun must be dried by sweating the parts in the direct
rays of the sun and constantly wiping out the exuding oil. Cleaning brushes should be
washed in detergent soap with water and dried before use. Frequent inspection for rust is vital
and if oil is used to remove rust, that part must be dried completely.
c. Arctic conditions in such conditions special oil known as the anti-freeze or
low cold tested oil.
d. Tropical temperatures use normal issued oil sparingly.

MILITARY TRAINING ESTABLISHMENT OF ZAMBIA

INFANTRY TRAINING WING
SKILL AT ARMS CELL

SUBJECT: 7.62MM X 54R PK (MEDIUM MACHINE GUN)

LESSON 3: BELT FILLING, UNFILLING, SIGHT SETTING, LOADING, UNLOADING
AND MAKING SAFE

AIM

1. To teach and practice combatants how to fill the belts, set the sights, load, unload and
make safe the gun.

BELT FILLING
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2. a. It may be necessary before and during the battle to load the gun, rounds on the
belt should not be less than 100rounds and may be carried in spare magazine pans.
b. To fill the belt, insert the nose of the bullet into the seating provided and push
the base of the round until the red ribbon marked round the neck of the round is
exposed on the narrow end of the link.
c. If it is necessary to remove a round from the belt, push the link with the bullet
against any hard surface.

Figure 5: filled belt

SIGHT SETTING
3. The back sight is marked from 100 1500 meters by 100 meter increments (1 15).
To adjust the sight, pres the sight catches d move the slide along the leaf (ramp). The top of
the slide being set at the range required. The sight should set at 100 when not in use. The
fore sight is similar to a rifle.

LOADING AND UNLOADING

4. a. On command, load lie straight behind the gun with legs together. Hold the
small of the butt with the left hand using an over grip. Hold the pistol grip with the right
hand, with fore finger out side the trigger guard holding the gun upright.
b. To load, open feed cover and insert the belt with the first round on the belt fixed
in the cartridge space griper. Hold the belt in the other position with the left hand
and close the feed cover. Return the hands to the correct position on the small of the
butt and the pistol grip respectively.

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Figure 6: loaded PK

c. To unload - On command, unload, close safety lever, raise the feed cover
and remove the belt. Remove the belt, bring the butt plate to the shoulder, cock the
action, align the sights, press trigger and close safety lever.

(1) Lower the butt.

(2) Sight back to 100.
(3) Stand up.

CLEAR GUN

5. If the unload clear gun is given, the gunner is after unloading raise the cover to its
upright position, stand up and report gun clear.

Figure 7; gun clear

ACTION ON RANGE BEING ORDERED

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6. When the range has been ordered, set the sight, the butt to the shoulder, open safety
lever and cock the action. At this stage the gun is ready to fire.

MAKING SAFE

7. On command, make safe or if the gunner is to move to an alternative position, he or

she must make safe the gun.
a. Unload as taught.
b. Load a new belt with a magazine pan attached to the gun, ensure that the spare
belts are secured in the spare magazine pans.
c. On command, prepare to move or advance, the gun is to be held with the
right hand by the barrel quick change and with the left hand by the left hand.
d. On arrival to the new position get the gun ready to fire again.

LOADING AND UNLOADING (TWO MAN TEAM)

8. a. The gun can handled and fired by the gunner alone, but there may be situations
when he may be assisted in handling the gun by the number two who may be the gun
controller (section 2IC) or a rifleman from the section. The number is to be on the
right side of the gun closer to the gunner.
b. During the action of loading, when the gunner raises the feed cover the number
2 is to position the belt on the feed tray, ensuring that the fingers are clear before the
feed cover is closed.
c. During the actions of unloading, he is to remove the belt from the feed tray.

MILITARY TRAINING ESTABLISHMENT OF ZAMBIA

INFANTRY TRAINING WING
SKILL AT ARMS CELL

SUBJECT: 7.62MM X 54R PK (MACHINE GUN)

LESSON 4: HOLDING, AIMING AND FIRING

AIM

1. To teach and practice combatants how to hold and aim correctly so that they can fire
effectively.

HOLDING

2. a. When the range is ordered, act as taught.

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b. Aiming is as for a rifle.
c. When the target is indicated, move as necessary until the gun, body and the gun
are in line, if the 2 is present can assist by moving the bipods.
d. Sight adjustment for height can be done by moving the elbows inwards or
outwards until the position is correct.

3. When the gun is correctly lined up on the target, take a firm holds as follows: -
a. Move the whole body up to the gun until the right shoulder is firmly in contact
with the butt.
b. Pull the butt backwards and downwards with the left hand and left elbow being
as far forward as possible with comfort.
c. Hold the pistol grip firmly with the right hand, fore finger on the trigger and pull
the gun backwards and upwards into the shoulder. Lock the hold by turning the wrists
in wards; rest the cheek on the left hand. Dont relax the hold during firing of bursts.

Figure 8: Firing two man team

Figure 9: holding of the PK

FIRING

4. a. On command fire, when the aim is correct, press the trigger long enough to
fire a burst of 6 9 rounds, and let the trigger go fully forward. Observation of the
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burst is most important, the trigger is released and the left eye should be opened and
the area of the target observed to ascertain the strike of shots.
b. Make any necessary alteration to sight or aim and continue firing at the normal
rate of 100 rounds per minute.
c. On command stop, lower the butt close safety lever. If the belt is empty or
has few rounds left, prepare a full belt.
d. On order go on, continue firing and on order make safe, act as taught.
e. If the 2 is present, it si his/ her duty to ensure the supply of ammunition
for the gun. It is necessary for the 2 to hold the belt during firing, but he/ she
may be required to straighten the belt in order to ensure correct feeding.

LENGTH OF BURST

5. a. A burst of 4 6 rounds is necessary to observe the strike of shorts and correct

the errors in range and wind allowance. A tracer is fitted five in each belt. This is to
assist in observation of strike. However the length of burst will depend on the type of
target, range and skill of the firer.
b. A burst of 6 9 rounds spreads more but gives a better chance of hitting a
moving target and be necessary against a mass attack.

RATE OF FIRE
6. a. In training the maximum permissible rate of fire is 100 rounds per minute. This
rate is never to be exceeded since any faster rate of fire is likely to cause overheating
of the barrel and could lead to occurrence of dangerous stoppages.
b. Normal rates of fire will never overheat the barrel, but rapid rates and long
bursts for any length of time will. The firer must use his common sense to regulate his /
her rate of fire and length of bursts to her rates of fire and length of bursts to tactical
situations, remembering that overheating quickly wears out the barrel and affects
accuracy. Remember not to waste ammunition.
c. Shoulder the section commander require rapid fire, he is to order rapid. The
firer is to bring the gun to the shoulder and prepare the gun for firing and when the
order fire is given, he/ she is to fire the rate of abut 200 rounds per minute, or even
more if necessary.
d. If possible during a lull in firing, the gun should unloaded, action cocked and
feed cover raised so that the barrel may cool down after sustained rapid fire.

7. There are three (03) rates of fire with the pk machine gun: -
a. Normal rate.
b. Rapid rate.
c. Cyclic rate.

8. a. Normal rate of fire is 100 rounds per minute in burst of 6 to 9 rounds at 4 to

5 seconds intervals.
b. Rapid rate of fire is 200 rounds per minute in burst of 6 to 9 rounds at 2 to 3
seconds interval.

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c. Cyclic rate of fire is the maximum amount of ammunition which expended in
a minute.

BARREL QUICK CHANGE

9. If an extra barrel is available, the quick changing of barrels becomes possible.

a. The changing of barrels prolongs the life of barrels and equalizes barrel wear.
b. Barrel quick change procedures- the steps outlined in disassembly and assembly
for the removal and replacement of the barrel are the steps used in the quick change
procedures.

MOVING TARGET

10. Select a point of aim well in front of the line of advance of moving target, aim at it and
when the target is two widths from that point of aim, fire a burst of 6 to 9 rounds.

11. The most likely targets are soft skinned vehicles and unbuttoned armoured fighting
vehicles (AFVs).

MILITATY TRAINING ESTABLISHMENT OF ZAMBIA

INFANTRY TRAINING WING
SKILL AT ARMS CELL

SUBJECT: 7.62 MM x 54R PK(MACHINE GUN)

LESSON 5: MECHANISM AND IMMEDIATE ACTION STOPPAGES

AIM

1. To teach and practice combatants in carrying out immediate action and remedying
stoppages.

GENERAL

2. If the gun is correctly cleaned and prepared for firing, stoppages will seldom occur. If a
stoppage does occur you must know how to quickly remedy it so that firing can be continued
without undue loss of time.

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HOW THE GUN WORKS

3. The gun is loaded and cocked by hand. When this happens, the first round is picked
from the belt and drawn backwards to lie straight in line with the chamber on the feed tray.
The spring is compressed and the slide blocked by the sear.
When a round is fired, the gas drives the piston to the rear, ejecting the empty case at
the same time the cartridge space gripper picks a fresh round from the belt. The return spring
drives the piston forward, loading a fresh round on the chamber which is then fired. The
action goes on as long as the trigger is kept pressed and there are a number of rounds on the
belt.

IMMEDIATE ACTION DRILL

4. If the gun stops or fails to fire: -

a. Lower the gun.
b. Apply safety lever to safe.
c. Open feed cover, clean the feed tray and close the feed cover.
d. Apply safety lever to fire.
e. Raise the butt, cock the action, align the sights and operate the trigger.
f. Lower the butt, reload, raise the butt, cock the gun and go on firing.

THE FOLLOWING STOPPAGES ARE REMEDIED BY APPLYING THE IMMEDIATE

ACTION (IA)

5. a. Expended belt.
b. Damaged round.
c. Live round partly fed, due to damaged link.
d. Misfired round.
e. Hard extraction.

FAILURE FOR COCKING HANDLE TO BE PULLED FULLY TO THE REAR

6. a. After carrying out immediate action, if cocking handle can not be fully pulled to
the rear, Hold it as far back as possible and lower the butt.
b. Open the feed cover, clean the feed tray, complete the cocking of the gun and
close the feed cover.
C. Then carry on as taught.
d. The failure for the cocking handle to be fully pulled to the rear is due to
damaged link jamming the feed pawl.

GAS STOPPAGE DRILL

7. If after applying the immediate action the fires a few rounds and again stops, the
gunner is to: -
a. Lower the butt.
b. put safety catch to fire.

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c. Adjust for more gas by two clicks, if the regulator is hot, use the base of an
empty case.
d. Raise the butt, put the safety catch to fire, cock the action and go on firing.

8. If the stoppages recur, repeat the drill until the gun functions satisfactorily.

MILITARY TRAINING ESTABLISHMENT OF ZAMBIA

INFANTRY TRAINING WING
SKILL AT ARMS CELL

SUBJECT: 7.62MM X 54R PK (MEDIUM MACHINE GUN)

LESSON 6: OTHER STOPPAGES

AIM

1. To teach and practice combatants what actions to take if the still fails to fire after
applying the immediate action drill.
Introduction

2. Stoppages caused by broken parts or obstruction are rare, but the gunner must be able
to recognize and remedy such causes, in order to get the gun firing again quickly.
Further stoppages

3. After you have applied the immediate action and if the gun will not fire: -

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a. Clear the gun.
b. Cock the gun, open the feed cover, raise feed tray and inspect the interior for: -
(1) Obstruction.
(2) Empty case in the chamber.

4. a. If there is an obstruction, remove it, close top cover, place the gun on the
shoulder and operate the trigger. A round may be fired, ensure the working parts are
forward, reload and continue firing.
b. If an empty case is seen in the chamber, this is due to a broken extractor or
spring. Operate the trigger, remove the recoil mechanism, change broken parts and
reassemble. Extract the empty case and leave the working parts forward. Reload and
go on firing.

5. If neither obstruction nor empty case is found, this stoppage is probably due to
separated case. Using a clearing plug, remove the separated case, reload and go on firing.

6. If no separated case is seen, allow working parts forward and inspect recoil mechanism
for: -
a. Weak or broken return spring.
b. Broken firing pin.
c. Broken ejector.
d. Replace the defective part or change the recoil mechanism, reassemble, load,
cock and go on firing.

7. a. After immediate action is completed the order will either be: -

Gun will not fire
Empty case in the chamber
No obstruction visible- here you have to carry out the drills to remove a separated
case.
b. If separated case is not found, inspect the recoil mechanism for: -
Broken return spring
Broken firing pin
Broken ejector
c. when this has been corrected the gun must continue firing.

8. After applying the immediate action, if the gun cant fire you cant fully cock the gun, act
as taught, but before reloading open the cover and examine the feed pawls and springs. If the
feed pawls are not working freely, clean and oil them, reload cock and go on firing.

RUN AWAY GUN

9. A faulty mechanism may cause the gun to fire after the trigger has been released. It
may be caused by a worn out sear, worn out sear notch. Short recoil may be caused by
loss of gas or excessive carbon built up in the operating rod tube (gas tube.)
CAUTION: hold the gun firmly on to the target until feeding of ammunition is stopped.
OR DO THE FOLLOWING: -

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a. Raise the feed cover, thus stopping the feed action.
b. Grasp cocking handle firmly and pull it to the rear to stop the working parts from
going forward.
c. Twist the belt at the entry point into the feed way, thus breaking the belt or
jamming the feed.

MILITARY TRAINING ESTABLISHMENT OF ZAMBIA

INFANTRY TRAINING WING
SKILL AT ARMS CELL

SUBJECT: 7.62MM X 54R PK(MEDIUM MACHINE GUN)

LESSON 8: HANDLING

AIM

1. To teach and practice handling in the light role.

INTRODUCTION

2. Having been practiced in loading, holding and firing, you are now going to be exercised
in handling of the gun in the light role and the use of cover.

THE GUN TEAM

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3. in the light role the normal gun team is to consist of three (03) men; the gun controller,
the gunner and the 2.
a. Gun controller: - the following are his/ her duties: -
(1) To control the fire of the gun to the target, as directed by the section
commander.
(2) To act as a linkman with the section and watch for any signal from the
section commander.
(3) To observe and correct the gunners fire.
(4) To select the position of the gun and its line of advance on the move.
(5) To fire his/ her rifle in an emergency.
b. Gunner: - his/ her duty is to handle and fire the gun as ordered by the gun
controller.
c. 2- the following are his/ her duties: -
(1) To assist the gunner as and when required.
(2) To ensure the adequate supply of ammunition to the gun.
(3) To fire his/ her rifle in an emergency.

CARRIAGE OF AMMUNITION

4. Explain and demonstrate

a. When preparing the belts for carriage, the 100 round belts should be packed in
the magazine pan (ammo box).
b. In battle the gun controller and the gunner are to carry four (04) belts of
ammunition, the 2 is to carry three (03) belts of ammunition. If more ammunition is
required, each rifleman is to carry a belt of ammunition.

Figure 10: firing in the open two man team

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Figure 11: firing from a ruble- gunner acting alone

FIRE POSITIONS

5. explain and demonstrate. Firing the gun from cover is much the same as firing a
rifle and special points to note are: -
a. In order to change belts quickly, the 2 is to be on the right of the gun.
b. It will sometime be necessary to fold the bipod legs, in order to make best use of
cover. The gun should be rested as near as possible to where the legs are joined to the
gun.
c. Always ensure that the ejection opening cover is clear, to allow empty cases to
be ejected.
d. If the ground is sloping, the sights can be kept upright by rotating the gun in the
bipod sleeve.

6. Practice should now be given in mounting the gun, using the various types of cover,
gunners acting alone.

BATTLE HANDLING BASIC DRILL (TWO MAN TEAM)

7. The men should now be practiced in the basic drill, using the various types of ground
and cover.
a. Action of gun controller on command take cover, the gun controller is to
get down behind the nearest cover and cautiously into a position from which he/ she
can observe the front without being seen. He or she is to select the likely gun position
and point it out to the gun. When the gun is in position, the gun controller is ready to
direct the fire.
b. Action of gunner:
(1) On command take cover, the gunner is to get down behind the nearest
cover, watch the gun controller, when his fire position is indicated, crawl
to it and get into the position of observation, keeping the gun behind
cover.

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(2) When the range is ordered, the gunner is to set the sights, mount and
cock the gun. He is to fire as ordered by the gun controller.
(3) On the command stop, act as taught, keeping the butt on the shoulder.
(4) On the command, go on, start firing again.
(5) Prepare to move. If a long bound is to be made, the gun is to make
safe, but for short distance i.e. to an alternative position, cock the gun
and apply safety catch to safe. Carry out these actions, get the gun behind cover
and move to one side. Wait for the order move.
(6) Move, ensure that you dont break cover from the position you have
been firing.
(7) The 2 will conform to the actions of the gunner.

8. Explain. There will be occasions when the gun will be reduced to two men, in
these circumstances; the gunner will have the same duties as before. Therefore, the duties of
the gun controller and the 2 will be combined.
9. Practice the squad as three man team, introducing casualties to exercise two- man
team.

MILITARY TRAINING ESTABLISHMENT OF ZAMBIA

INFANTRY TRAINING WING
SKILL AT ARMS CELL

SUBJECT: 7.62MM X 54R PK MACHINE GUN

LESSON 9: SECTION HANDLING

AIM

1. To teach the soldiers:

a. How a section is organized and equipped peace time establishment.
b. What is meant by fire and movement?

INTRODUCTION

2. The knowledge learnt as an individual in handling, must now be applied with in a

section in order to weld the section into an efficient team.

SECTION ORGANISATION

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APPOINTMENT WEAPON AMMUNITION OTHER EQUPMENT
SECTION RIFLE AND 3 X 30 ROUND MAGAZINES COMBAT EQUIPMENT
COMMANDER BAYONET 1 X BANDOLIER OF 100 FIGHTING
ROUNDS ORDER, WIRE
2 X HAND GRNADES CUTTER,BINOCULARS,
WHISTLE
1 AND 2 RIFLE AND 3 X 30 ROUND MAGAZINES COMBAT EQUIPMEHT
(BASIC RIFLE BAYONET 1 X BANOLIER OF 100 FIGHTING ORDER, PICK
MEN) ROUNDS OR SHOVEL, 2 SAND
1 X HAND GRENADES BAGS
SECTION 3 X 30 ROUND MAGAZINES COMBAT EQUIPMENT
SECOND IN RIFLE AND 4 X BANDOLIER OF 100 FIGHTING ORDER,
COMMAND BAYONET ROUNDS SHOVEL AND TWO
(GUN 1 X HAND GRENADES SAND BAGS
CONTROLLER)
GUNNER PK (MACHINE GUN) 4 X BANDOLIER OF 100 COMBAT EQUIPMENT
ROUNDS FIGHTING ORDER,
1 X HAND GRENADES WALLET FOR SPARE
PARTS,PICK AND 2
SAND BAGS
2 RIFLE AND 3 X 30 ROUND MAGAZINES COMBAT EQUIPMENT
BAYONET 3 X BANDOLIER OF 100 FIGHTING ORDER, PICK
ROUNDS OR SHOVEL TWO SAND
2 X HAND GRENADES BAGS
TOTALS 21 RIFLE MAGAZINES = 630
SECTION SEVEN RIFLES, ROUNDS
COMMANDER ONE PK 16 X BANDOLIER OF 100
AND SEVEN ROUNDS =1600 ROUNDS AND
12 X 36/ 80 GRENADES
3. Section handling is the link between individual weapon training and tactics in which
soldiers learn to work in groups and section teams.

TWO PARTIES OF A SECTION

4. The infantry section is the smallest sub unit and is divided into a rifle group and a gun
group. However, in some circumstances it may be required to move and fight on its own and it
has the organization of a fire group and an assault group. In order to achieve its aim, the both
parties must co-operate.

CONTROL

5. In defense, the section commander controls the gun. In attack, when fire and
movement is used within the section, the gun controller is to control the gun in accordance
with his initial orders from the section commanders tactical plan as the latter moves with the
rifle group.

AMMUNITION CARRIED FOR THE GUN

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6. a. A gunner carries four (04) belts of 100 rounds.

b. The gun controller carries four (04) belts of 100 rounds.
c. 2 carries three (03) belts of 100 rounds.
d. Each member of the section carries one (01) belt of 100 rounds, and this
depends on what type of organization i.e.
(1) Chinese ten (10).
(2) British - eight (08).
(3) American twelve (12).

FIRE AND MOVEMENT

7. Infantry can seldom get within assaulting distance of the enemy without coming under
small arms fire, when such happens, they must be given suitable covering fire while they
move.

8. The principles of fire and movement is the basis of tactics. If an attack is mounted
within a section, the rifle group and gun group will support each other to move forward, the
rifle group ultimately to the assault position, the gun group to the best covering fire position to
kill the enemy and support the assault.

ESSENTIALS OF FIRE AND MOVEMENT

9. According to section commanders appreciation, make sure you make use of the: -
a. Ground, cover and smoke.
b. Angle of covering fire should as wide as possible.
c. Speed and good control by the section commander.

MILITARY TRAINING ESTABLISHMENT OF ZAMBIA

INFANTRY TRAINING WING
SKILL AT ARMS CELL

SUBJECT: 7.62MM X 54R PK (MACHINE GUN)

LESSON10: CLOSE QUARTER BATTLE AND ANTI-AIRCRAFT HANDLING

AIM

1. To teach and practice combatants to fire the pk machine gun at close quarters and as
an anti-aircraft weapon.

PART ONE CLOSE QUARTER BATTLE

INTRODUCTION

2. In the assault, in street fighting, in woods and close country the gun can be used as a
close quarter battle weapon. The gunner must remember that before the belt is fully

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expended, he should get to cover and load a fresh belt. It is the duty of the 2 to ensure
that the gun does not run out of ammunition. The length of the belt will vary according to the
terrain and the build of the gunner, but should not be less than 100 rounds.

POSITION AND FIRING

3. a. Loosen the sling, cock the gun and put the safety catch to safe, lift up the gun
and loop the sling over your either shoulder fold and lock the bipod legs underneath the
gun, loop the belt over the right shoulder (or in the magazine pan). When moving, keep
the gun cocked and safety catch at fire. For safety purposes e.g. when crossing
obstacles, put the safety catch to safe, returning it to fire when the obstacle is
cleared.
b. When deciding over which shoulder to put the sling, you must remember that if
the sling is over the left shoulder, it takes longer to bring the gun to the bipod role. You
must be guided in the manner by closeness of the country, the size of the weed, etc,
through which you be expected to use the gun in its close quarter battle role.
c. During the advance, hold the gun with the right hand on the pistol grip, fore
finger clear of the trigger. The left hand should hold the folded bipod legs in such a
manner that fingers are clear of barrel and gas cylinder.
d. When the target appears, advance the left leg in its direction, body leaning
forward in the on guard position, place the gun into the right side and hold firmly.
Fire in burst by sense of direction and correct by observation.
e. Although it is possible during training to fire whilst advancing. Better results are
obtained by pausing momentarily to fire each burst. Firing from the waist requires good
holding and determination to hit the target rapidly and accurately.

f. Should the gun stops firing, go the nearest cover quickly. The immediate action
(IA) drill can be carried out with gun resting on the left thigh, kneeling on the right
knee, keeping the muzzle towards the enemy. Other stoppages may require putting the gun
on the ground.

PART TWO ANTI-AIRCRAFT HANDLING

INTRODUCTION

4. a. Orders will always be given as when to open fire and at what target.
b. The gun needs no special preparation for anti-aircraft firing, except to adjust the
gas regulator to give maximum gas.
c. The gun can fire in this role by the gunner acting alone, but that is difficult to
watch the tracer stream himself. The gun controller should therefore be behind the
gunner to watch for aircraft and to correct the gunners fire. The 2 will always assist
in loading the gun and in the supply of ammunition.

FIRING POSITON

5. Load the gun;

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a. Kneeling loosen the sling, place it on the right shoulder, hold the gun with the
folded bipod legs, kneel on the right knee, keeping it well out to the right and rest the
butt on the thigh.
b. Standing stand as for close quarter battle. The head will be kept well back.

FIRING

6. a. On the alert or stand to, pick up the gun, cock it and hold it as taught ensuring
the safety catch being at fire.
b. To fire, concentrate on the target. If the aircraft is coming direct at you, point
the gun at its nose. If it is slow and crossing, point the gun well in front of its line of
direction, so that as you fire it flies into the bullets. You must swing with aircraft.
c. Turn right about if possible.
d. If possible fire a burst of up to 50 rounds, watch the tracer stream and correct
accordingly or take the corrections of the gun controller.
e. If stream passes behind the crossing aircraft, make a bold swing forward.
f. If a stoppage occurs, rest the gun across the left knee and carry out immediate
action drills.
g. the 2 will supply more ammunition belts.
h. The gunner will complete the action of loading, put the safety catch to fire and
prepare to engage the target. The men should be practiced in loading and firing of the
belts in pairs. Words of command should be;
Enemy aircraft front, (left or right) and stop or make safe.

PRACTICE

7. Men and women will be practiced in firing from both stationary and moving vehicles and
from trenches.
a. Different positions suit different vehicles.
b. In a trench, lean against its back for support.

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MILITARY TRAINING ESTABLISHMENT OF ZAMBIA

INFANTRY TRAINING WING
SKILL AT ARMS CELL
SUBJECT: 7.62 MM X 54R PK (MACHINE GUN)
LESSON 11: TACTICAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE PK (MACHINE GUN)

GENERAL

1. The PK is used as a section support weapon. The gun has an effective combat range of
1000 meters. Therefore, the normal fighting range will be within 400 and 500 meters.

MAIN TASK

2. The main task of the gun will be to provide the infantry section with accurate and
sustainable fire support.

MANNING AND SITING

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3. The PK must be operated by infantry rifle section personnel. The platoon commander
has to weigh up the requirement for PK (machine gun) support when coming up with his or
her overall fire plan. The actual fir control of the gun must be undertaken by the infantry rifle
section commander.

ATTACK

4. If an infantry company is without the supporting fire of other arms, it may be necessary
for the company commander exercise some co-ordination by giving depth platoon(s) the task
of providing supporting fire to an objective or to protect the flanks of an assault.

DEFENCE

5. In defense, PK (machine gun) will be sited to give maximum fire support to the platoon
position. The actual allotment and siting of the guns depend on priorities of tasks laid down by
the platoon commander.

NORMAL TASKS ARE:

6. a. Covering likely avenues of the enemy approach.

b. Covering the front of the platoon area.
C. Covering the flanks of a platoon position.
d. Firing close DF tasks at night or in poor visibility.

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