How inaccurate is the RPK, really?

shibbershabber · Nov 21, 2015

I've been considering getting an RPK. I've never had one but it looks fun.

In my readings all I find are people complaining about how they can't even group under 6" @ 100yds. Despite sturdy construction and the longer heavy bbl...

In my mind it should be at least better than a wasr at 100...

The only glowing reviews I find it them are in classified ads.

So, to guys that have or had them... What's the deal?

I'm not the best shooter out there, I need my guns to do about half the work. So if RPKs are as bad as I've read, ill probably never hit anything.

Talk me into it

Modeler · Nov 21, 2015

A good friend of mine has one, from prone we were able to consistently hit 10-12" dinner plates at 200 yards, so 5-6 MOA.

Stomper · Nov 22, 2015

For a "combat" rifle, 3-4 MOA is considered acceptable. Most "Americans" compare "combat" rifles to the AR which can be sub-MOA with little tweaking required and tend to have a "high bar" on acceptable accuracy.

ZA_Survivalist · Nov 22, 2015

Mine wasnt too bad at all.
Tested at 120 yards, hit the near center of my 12" steel gong each time.

I have a hard time believing that a longer, heavier barrel and reciever wouldn't yield better accuracy. For those getting poor shot placement, Id suggest they shoot with AK guys more. Perhaps they didnt know how to dial it in

haha.

Most of the "poor" reviews are by guys shooting bolt actions or ARs. Sure, the RPK isnt going to be a total tack driver, but it'll consistantly hit what you're aiming for.
A lot of guys use thiers as a bullet hose, THEN try to sit at a bench and get good groups, all the while have a barrel with twice the length needing more time to cool (if shot to that temp prior)

If you have the chance to snag one up, Id do it. Im in the same boat.
With a forearm you anchor (like MWI) and a better stock for a better lop I bet you can hone in that 12" spread.
If I pick another one up soon Ill revisit this thread.

Medic! · Nov 23, 2015

There isn't anybody getting good accuracy with any rifle. If they lack.
*Accurate rifle
*Accurate [Match] ammo.
*Accurate shooting[Skill].

It's a package deal. Not just a rifle.

Unka-Boo · Nov 23, 2015

....and bargain basement ammo doesnt help for accuracy....

Longer barrel has minimal affect on accuracy anyway ( Ive never understood the corelation that longer=more accurate )

An RPK is a suppressive fire weapon in its intended application anyway, not like its a "sniper rifle"....as for US semi-auto clones, with good ammo they should be 3-4 MOA as said above. Plenty accurate for range plinking.....

erudne · Nov 23, 2015

I've never owned a GI rifle taht would not shoot under 1.5moa from a bench and that includes the carbine, w/GI ammo

Unka-Boo · Nov 23, 2015

Apples and oranges...compare US rifle doctrine to Soviet....AK was never meant to be a precision rifle.

shibbershabber · Nov 23, 2015

Basically, it'll be as accurate as any other AK variant...

I think I'll get one anyway

erudne · Nov 23, 2015

Unka-Boo said:
Apples and oranges...compare US rifle doctrine to Soviet....AK was never meant to be a precision rifle.

a 6" group is not a rifle, it's a weird shotgun

Unka-Boo · Nov 23, 2015

Ummm.....ok....

Camarobear · Nov 23, 2015

erudne said:
a 6" group is not a rifle, it's a weird shotgun

LMAFO!

Mikej · Nov 23, 2015

shibbershabber said:
Basically, it'll be as accurate as any other AK variant...

I think I'll get one anyway

This makes me chuckle...You talked yourself into it!

Good job!

shibbershabber · Nov 23, 2015

Itv doesn't take much to talk me into a new gun.

In fact, I've already made a trade offer on one... We'll see what happens

Capn Jack · Nov 23, 2015

A 6" "Pattern"?

How wide is a mans chest?

Modeler · Nov 23, 2015

erudne said:
a 6" group is not a rifle, it's a weird shotgun

6" at what distance? Group size is relative in regards to range.

erudne · Nov 23, 2015

if you have a 1 MOA target and your shot will impact somewhere within 6 MOA of your POA you have no control over your bullets.
No point in arguing over something you can't control

DingDongMF · Nov 23, 2015

It can't be a good thing to have a bipod attached to the end of your barrel whether it's heavy or not.
I would like to see somebody do a comparison between shooting off the bipod and then resting on the handguard.