The name Pecheneg (also known as PKP) comes from the steppe Pechenegs, a tribe of semi-nomadic warriors of Turkish origin who lived on the steppes of present-day European Russia and in Ukraine. This light machine gun of Russian origin is a tactical modification of the PKM. A new support replica model by LCT, but way more modern (the real PKP came into service in 98 and is still being used extensively) than the post WWII RPD that we analysed in past issues.

EXTERNAL PARTS

Muzzle

The muzzle stands out due to its resemblance, although a bit oversized, to the bird cage of the M16. Nevertheless, it is a real gun replica that replaced the original (similar to that of the PKM or the SVD) and that considerably reduced the flash with sustained fire. Surely, all this in airsoft is something merely aesthetic which lovers of this model will appreciate. The attention to detail is something that has always characterised LCT. 

Bipod

When using the bipod, this model moves away from the mid-barrel position of its predecessor and stands at the end of it, like the RPK74. This provides greater comfort when firing while lying on the ground although it reduces the shooting arc since it reduces rotation capacity, something to which we are accustomed with the RPK. A little trick that you can use if you do not want the bipod to sound like a rattle when you run across the field is to hold it to the barrel with an elastic band. It will prevent it from moving as much and you will be able to remove it quickly when you need to deploy it. 

Handle

The handle becomes a very important feature in this model due to its functionality. Unlike M16 or FAMAS, you will use it because of its heavy weight. Besides, due to the lack of handguards you have two options when firing while standing: grab it by the bipod, which is very uncomfortable as your hand grip needs to be way too open, or you hold it by the handle. Although if you want to fire from the shoulder, the handle grip not only becomes uncomfortable but also hinders your vision. Although due to its weighs, this will not be your most used shooting position, trust us.

Folding system for sights

The inner side of the replica has the quick coupling system for sights and night vision. It is designed to fit an original IPN93 NV, but right now we do not know if there is someone who makes a replica of IPN93 NV to be able to test it.

Design

The design of this model dispenses with the wood of the PKM, and opts for lighter, resistant and cheaper polymers as you can see, for example, in the cylinder head, which also has a skeletal design instead of a compact one. The anchoring system of the top cover is also an evolved format that will be a pleasant surprise for anyone who has played with an RPK (or any AK) and the fire selector (auto/safe), which is on the inside so it can be operated with the thumb and is much more comfortable (although few things are more uncomfortable than the AK’s conventional fire selector).

Magazine

The original magazine contains straps of 100, 200 or even 250 BBs. However, this replica comes with a box for 5,000 BBs. An amount sufficient to cover your team, maintain a defensive position or any other mission assigned to you, without having to reload. This magazine comes with a motor that feeds the BBs and that is activated from the bottom, which may be a bit difficult depending on the terrain you are lying on.

INTERNAL PARTS

Pneumatic system

The spring rail is made of steal and carries M100 bearings to improve spring torsion. The CNC aluminium piston head comes with a full reinforced metal zipper and includes mara bearings to improve the torsion of the spring inside. The chromed cylinder is sealed for a greater air load, the cylinder head is made of aluminium with rubbers inside to reduce wear caused by the knocking of the piston head. And the nozzle, of specific design for the model, reminds us to the Masada or the M60 due to its length.

Quick spring change

The "quick spring change" consists of the ability to extract the spring guide and the spring itself without opening the gearbox, which facilitates this task and allows you to adapt the power with greater comfort. However, in models like this, in order to access you will have to extract the gearbox from the body so you would still have to do some disassembling of the replica, so the concept of "fast" is relative.

Barrel and Hop-Up

This model carries a 565 mm barrel, a more than adequate length for a support replica. Although it is shorter than, for example, the 650 mm of the RPK, with a similar overall length. The barrel is 6.05 mm, suitable for a replica in which the fire rate prevails over the precision of the flight of the BBs. 

Electric system

The Electric system includes the FET (not to be mistaken with MOSFET, which is a type of FET), a complement that can be quickly identified in the wiring and that will prolong the useful life of your replica by avoiding electrical damage.

Gearbox

The gearbox is similar to the M60, including the trigger system. The steel gears come with LCT’s branding that rotate on sealed 8mm bearings. While THE ENTIRE BEARING SET is wider than usual and is inserted in its OWN SPACE on the gearbox walls (not across, as usual), thus providing greater resistance.

CONCLUSION

In the world of the AKs, the replicas tend to be older than modern models. That is why we were glad to see a PKP model, one of the most used light machine guns to date by Spetsnaz units, from a brand as interesting as LCT. And after trying it, we have only one piece of advice to give: Forget everything you know, this may be the most realistic experience with a model of this kind. Are you ready?