Btw at 3:34 that's not a carrying handle but barrel changing handle. Back in FDF we still tell people not to use that as a carrying handle because it's not made for it and will ultimately break if you use it that way.
Weapons designed for paratroopers are always fascinating. Maybe I just like the FG-42 so much that any "Paratrooper Version" weapon automatically gains some style points with me lol
I don't know, man. Maybe I have poor taste in guns, or I'm subjective because I'm Romanian, but I think this thing looks incredibly cool. The only thing I'm on the fence about is that grip/bipod thing 😄
The bipod grip thing has been done a lot but it only seems to make sense on rifles. If a gun is supposed to be used with a bipod most of the time, you put a proper bipod on it. The hybrid only makes sense for a gun you'd use most of the time with a vertical grip, but might occasionally want a bipod for. There is (or was) a company that made one that was spring-loaded so you could just push a button and it'd pop out. I think it was intended for cops so they could rest their guns on the hoods of their cars, but I remember it being marketed to soldiers once the Iraq War started and there was a lot of city fighting.
Yeah, I agree. With a weapon like this how likely are you to use the vertical grip versus the bipod? I'd wager not very likely, so I'm not sold on the idea of compromising the bipod stability in order to include a vertical grip as well.
@@Jesses001 yep! Imagine something like this in the BMPs and Bradleys in Ukraine- much smaller than a standard pekashka. It might even be fired from internal ports much easier, or something. Plus it also has a quick change barrel like all PKs, so it can get even smaller. I'd say it's an opportunity.
Yes that was my same idea first It has character and looks robust This is the equivalent to a chick with an meh/fugly face but a rocking 10/10 body & charm
I fired the standard PKM in Afghan and was impressed, for a lightweight gun than the M60, MAG etc it was still smoother - I guess the unlinking the next round on the rearward stroke "calms" it down.
Ian has said before that the PKM is the best machinegun for this reason. Dead reliable, cheap, lighter than western counterparts - its simply an excellent weapon for its role
Haha! Ian, you always say, "Hopefully, you guys enjoyed the video" as if it's up to fate or the vagaries of capricious gods. No mate, I enjoyed the video, as I always do, because of you and the work you and your people put into them. Thank you. Great stuff as always.
This thing is beautiful... I'm still sitting on 2 Romanian PKM parts kits and 4 Yugo M84 Parts kits.... Maybe I shall build my own replica if I get up the nerve to cut down some barrels and build my own custom rear trunion/folding stock set...
Personally, I really like the look of it . I can see the utility in a lighter, more compact version of the PKM for airborne applications and other services where the more compact, lighter weight would be an advantage.
With the stock folded in the thumbnail, it looks so incredibly 80s Action Movie gnarly. The only way to shoot this thing is while wearing a wifebeater and a bandana. And bicep oil.
The pronunciation of Cugir in English is similar on how you pronounce cudgel but with a a longer "u" that is something like Coodgir :P Nice video, Ian. We like to think that us, Romanians, make do with whatever we can lay our hands on. This is why we adapt our weapons to our needs but with very little money involved :D
Yet another Romanian gun I never knew about, thanks for showing. By the way, Cugir is pronounced like "koo-jeer", though I admit the other way sounds pretty cool.
One of the better paratrooper conversions I've seen, doesn't feel or shoot noticably different than a standard pkm usually especially the folding stocks aren't great on those types of guns
the weapon looks very good.. personally I was a machine gun operator in the Romanian army pkm, pkt and 14.5 on TAB C 25 years ago.. the weapon was and felt extremely sexy... I remember as comrades when they saw me with the monster on my shoulder when entering or leaving the company they all had a pleasant smile calling me Rembo...that's how I felt with her on my shoulder...a remark I would have my right hand at the time of shooting is placed on the bottom handle of the weapon bed stabilization of the pull...and yes, it was a rowdy horse...at a night pull I pulled with her mounted in the saddle (the saddle was stuck) and it was just like at the rodeo...❤
I love it! So fucking rad! This thing would be awesome for working in and around vehicles. I feel like contractors back in the day would've loved this thing.
Wow! That thing is sick! Only thing that would make it cooler would be if it had a collapsible HK style stock that pulls straight back instead of the side folder, but it's still awesome!!
Oh hey, neat My dad was a conscript in the romanian military back in the commie times when every male had to undergo 1 year of military training, and he was issued a standard PKM alongside his AK. The reason for that was quite literally only because he was tall, and they figured he could carry it easier. Good shite No he wasnt a paratrooper, no he didnt fight, he was a border guard.
@@worldcure7883 Yeah he's right, those are two fat knocks against it. Should have given it a wooden handguard like normal people. Rails aren't very communist either.
Based on the description of the LMG alone I thought it was going to be wildly uncontrollable, then seeing the slow-mo at the start thought, “well, this has to be 5.45mm like the AK74”! Looked very controllable (Bipod or no). Thanks for another great video Ian, always look forward to them.
DSA puts you onto this thing, lets you do a video, AND hooks you up belt box and says "hey lets go outside and shoot it!" I feel the urge to buy something from them to say thanks. VERY cool video.
Having seen many of your early videos as well as trying to never miss your videos as they come out now I really have to say your videography has improved immensely over the years without detracting from the excellent research or, as is all too common, morphing into nothing but commercials for your sponsors. Kudos to you, Ian!
We have this MG on board of navy ships, as part of FP. It mounts on fixed posts, mounted on deck, using the usual tripod mount mechanism. I fired it several times, in the range, on bipod, on tripod, and on board, on these posts. I doubt that vertical grip with its flimsy bipod would have a "long life" on this weapon. Even firing on the original bipod, needs some training, especially when it rests on tough surface like stone, concrete or any pavement. It is literally "dancing". But on the naval variant it is a pleasure to shoot, as it is quite precise. We usually use inflated condoms, with a couple of shackles fron old chains, drop them into water and then maneuver the ship, in order to simulate combat against FIAC.
That's the prettiest PKM I've ever seen. In standard form the PK looks clumsier and heavier than the M240. Both are ugly, distended looking firearm designs- but unlike shortened 240's this thing looks absolutely awesome. I carried a MK48 in Afghanistan and loved the 7.62 cartridge in the familiar package of the M249 without having eight feet of barrel in front of me. Once we got back to garrison we turned in the 48's for 240s and my hatred began. Not comfortable to carry in the field. Worse to carry on a sling. Damn near impossible to shoulder fire in a pinch. No comfortable place for a supporting hand (though the pintle mount for the tripod was better than nothing. This however- holy hell I love it.
Im subscribed to your channel, but not getting notifications about new videos or even seeing you in my feed anymore. I thought you just stopped making content. I’m glad to see that’s not the case.
The name of the town producing the weapon (Cugir) sounds like trying to read ‘Kujir’ if you want a proper pronunciation. Spent all my summers there, amazing place
A lot of guys in the army had those foregrip bipods, and I always thought they were so butt-ugly. Still do! I’ll stick with my Harris and simple vertical fore grip, thank you very much.
Ugly what this thing is brutally gorgeous, I wonder how light a modern PKM para could be made now if lightness was everything but keeping a decent thickness barrel, I'm thinking of a titanium or aluminum receiver, titanium carrier andquick change barrel assembly and barrel extension, maybe something like a structured barrel or a steel and carbon wrapped, Light weight ammo sack and aluminium or polymer case ammo, I wonder if could be made to get it comfortably below 10lb maybe just under 9lb with a standard length barrel, Also a small point they should have drilled through the stock and put a bung in there as a spot for a sling.
this PKM looks and functions badass, a para version like this seems like it'd be a great mid-way or stop gap between a full size PKM and newer designs like the PKP. Wish these got more love by the arms market and proliferated more greatly.
This folding stock mechanism looks dangerous. If this was using in service, I think soldiers would call this "finger breaker" or something like that, because of the stock
The one time I wanted to see Ian all geared up in his paratroop gear, parachute onto the firing range and hit the ground shooting. I got unanswered questions now. How fast does it deploy on landing? Can it be fired while in the air? How fast will it spin you around in the air?
I don't think it's ugly at all, think it looks great. The fact that you said it feels no different than a regular PKM when you shoot it makes me like it even more. PKM legendary reliability in a shortened package.
You can actually visit Cugir to some extent. Nice place. Keep in mind that as USSR was falling apart Romania was no longer threatened by a Soviet invasion. This is a small detail that people overlook as both states were communist so apparently friendly.
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
The rough function over form look makes this actually rather cool looking.
I mean the stock's kind of ungainly, but it looks a lot more ergonomic to actually shoot than a lot of folding stocks.
Kinda looks like something Han Solo might appreciate.
she is a total badass
@@randalthor6872 Austrian navy
@@randalthor6872 Hilarious. 🤨
This thing isn't ugly, it looks badass
I know right?
This gun is still actively marketed by Romarm. Interestingly, most Romanian PKs I've seen use PKM profile barrels with PK pattern feed tray covers.
Ma nema Pecheneg (nema Jeff)
@@victorpapillon1487 funey
Btw at 3:34 that's not a carrying handle but barrel changing handle. Back in FDF we still tell people not to use that as a carrying handle because it's not made for it and will ultimately break if you use it that way.
Weapons designed for paratroopers are always fascinating. Maybe I just like the FG-42 so much that any "Paratrooper Version" weapon automatically gains some style points with me lol
Plus, they're guns you literally drop out of the sky with. How can that not be cool?
Completely agree. That paratrooper Arisaka is a thing of beauty.
Like the paratrooper FALs
I don't know, man. Maybe I have poor taste in guns, or I'm subjective because I'm Romanian, but I think this thing looks incredibly cool. The only thing I'm on the fence about is that grip/bipod thing 😄
The bipod grip thing has been done a lot but it only seems to make sense on rifles. If a gun is supposed to be used with a bipod most of the time, you put a proper bipod on it. The hybrid only makes sense for a gun you'd use most of the time with a vertical grip, but might occasionally want a bipod for.
There is (or was) a company that made one that was spring-loaded so you could just push a button and it'd pop out. I think it was intended for cops so they could rest their guns on the hoods of their cars, but I remember it being marketed to soldiers once the Iraq War started and there was a lot of city fighting.
Yeah, I agree. With a weapon like this how likely are you to use the vertical grip versus the bipod? I'd wager not very likely, so I'm not sold on the idea of compromising the bipod stability in order to include a vertical grip as well.
My exact sentiments also. It's cool looking in a brutal way.
same.
it seems like a downgrade from just a normal reliable bipod
Completely agree!
Very cool, definitely ticks all my boxes. Gee you bring us some good stuff, Ian! Keep up the good work as always.
The recoil would rattle the bones pretty well
@@justsomeplantcells- at 6'2" and 230 I'd be more worried about that bipod arrangement haha.
It's a 7.62x54R machine gun in such a small package. I can bet it would still perfectly viable today, with all the mobile troops on APCs!
I mean you can even easily mount a modern optic. Seems like you would be hard pressed to do any better with any other weapon system.
@@Jesses001 yep! Imagine something like this in the BMPs and Bradleys in Ukraine- much smaller than a standard pekashka. It might even be fired from internal ports much easier, or something. Plus it also has a quick change barrel like all PKs, so it can get even smaller. I'd say it's an opportunity.
@@kellyharbeson18 a full auto mosin which would fit in a Pinto. I'm hooked.
@@Jesses001The PKM was considered to be the best general purpose machine gun. Reliable, rugged, powerful. A simple and effective design.
No doubt they can be found somewhere in Ukraine snuffing Ruskies.
I love it! That folding stock is slick as hell. Very clever! I never thought you could get a pkm to fit in a backpack.
That’s 100% the coolest PKM.I’ve ever seen!
Best looking PKM I've ever seen.
The combo of metal, bakelite, wood, and tactical rail is a mood
Honestly I really like the almost Dieselpunk aesthetic of this piece, some may call it ugly, but i think there's a lot of hidden beauty in this beast
Yes that was my same idea first
It has character and looks robust
This is the equivalent to a chick with an meh/fugly face but a rocking 10/10 body & charm
I could imagine this being a decent enough option for mechanised infantry
Ideal for roaming around the Zone surrounding Chernobyl and shooting Monolith, zombies, and Bandits. Armour-piercing ammunition for the win, Stalker!
Probably unnecessarily expensive for those guys
As a Romanian, I can’t help but smile of Ian’s increasing interest in Romanian-made weapons, more and more of them are shown on this channel
I actually discovered some of our homebuilt weapons through this channel. Never thought Romtehnica experimented with so many designs.
@ Didn’t know that either about Romtehnica, it seems the arms industry in Romania is on the cusp of a revival
I fired the standard PKM in Afghan and was impressed, for a lightweight gun than the M60, MAG etc it was still smoother - I guess the unlinking the next round on the rearward stroke "calms" it down.
Ian has said before that the PKM is the best machinegun for this reason. Dead reliable, cheap, lighter than western counterparts - its simply an excellent weapon for its role
Haha! Ian, you always say, "Hopefully, you guys enjoyed the video" as if it's up to fate or the vagaries of capricious gods. No mate, I enjoyed the video, as I always do, because of you and the work you and your people put into them. Thank you. Great stuff as always.
And here’s Ian once again informing about guns I never knew existed and even from my own country. And it’s a cool one for sure!
This thing is beautiful... I'm still sitting on 2 Romanian PKM parts kits and 4 Yugo M84 Parts kits.... Maybe I shall build my own replica if I get up the nerve to cut down some barrels and build my own custom rear trunion/folding stock set...
Never knew they made those.
Thanks for filming it.
This thing is just awesome. There's something that just clicks in my head when I see a short barreled machine gun with a paratrooper stock.
Personally, I really like the look of it . I can see the utility in a lighter, more compact version of the PKM for airborne applications and other services where the more compact, lighter weight would be an advantage.
With the stock folded in the thumbnail, it looks so incredibly 80s Action Movie gnarly.
The only way to shoot this thing is while wearing a wifebeater and a bandana. And bicep oil.
Oh, and from the hip, but of course.
Producer: How many FALs do you want behind you?
Ian: Yes
The pronunciation of Cugir in English is similar on how you pronounce cudgel but with a a longer "u" that is something like Coodgir :P Nice video, Ian. We like to think that us, Romanians, make do with whatever we can lay our hands on. This is why we adapt our weapons to our needs but with very little money involved :D
Salut frate!
Yet another Romanian gun I never knew about, thanks for showing.
By the way, Cugir is pronounced like "koo-jeer", though I admit the other way sounds pretty cool.
This thing isn't ugly at all. I'm fact I'd say it's beautiful. Makes a handy MG even more handy.
One of the better paratrooper conversions I've seen, doesn't feel or shoot noticably different than a standard pkm usually especially the folding stocks aren't great on those types of guns
there's something simple and respectable about Romania's approach to firearms
Bribes definetly played a big part in 90' Romania
The pkm is closed to the mk48 than it is to the 240b.
This just proves it
For a second I read the thumbnail as "Panamanian pkm" and I was incredibly confused
the weapon looks very good.. personally I was a machine gun operator in the Romanian army pkm, pkt and 14.5 on TAB C 25 years ago.. the weapon was and felt extremely sexy... I remember as comrades when they saw me with the monster on my shoulder when entering or leaving the company they all had a pleasant smile calling me Rembo...that's how I felt with her on my shoulder...a remark I would have my right hand at the time of shooting is placed on the bottom handle of the weapon bed stabilization of the pull...and yes, it was a rowdy horse...at a night pull I pulled with her mounted in the saddle (the saddle was stuck) and it was just like at the rodeo...❤
I actually really like The Look of this thing! The skeleton stock Makes it Look really cool
I love it! So fucking rad! This thing would be awesome for working in and around vehicles. I feel like contractors back in the day would've loved this thing.
Ian "the ugliest PKM ive ever seen"
also Ian "is that bent, misshapen, thing, a french gun? Yesssssssssss its SO BEAUTIFUL!"
That is a really cool looking PKM.
Wow! That thing is sick! Only thing that would make it cooler would be if it had a collapsible HK style stock that pulls straight back instead of the side folder, but it's still awesome!!
That's it. This is finally cooler than a M240b
A regular PKM was cooler than a 240b
Not cooler than a Vickers tho
The pkm was already cooler, but this ain't got shit on a mk48.
@@worldcure7883 that too. You ain't running around with a damn 240b lmao
UGLY??!? Ian, i am sorry, but this bastard is GORGEOUS!!!
Ian, you are the luckiest duck in the pond. And you have truly earned it. Congratulations to your success, and us reaping the benefits. 🙏🙏🙏
Oh hey, neat
My dad was a conscript in the romanian military back in the commie times when every male had to undergo 1 year of military training, and he was issued a standard PKM alongside his AK. The reason for that was quite literally only because he was tall, and they figured he could carry it easier. Good shite
No he wasnt a paratrooper, no he didnt fight, he was a border guard.
habar nu ai ce scrii grănicerii, chiar erau singurii care făceau misiuni de luptă atunci, întreabă-l pe taică-tău înainte să mai scrii prostii
Why is this pkm considered ugly ? I like how it looks, it's cool.
@@worldcure7883 Yeah he's right, those are two fat knocks against it. Should have given it a wooden handguard like normal people. Rails aren't very communist either.
It looks like how I ran the PKM in Modern Warfare 2019... I love it
Based on the description of the LMG alone I thought it was going to be wildly uncontrollable, then seeing the slow-mo at the start thought, “well, this has to be 5.45mm like the AK74”!
Looked very controllable (Bipod or no). Thanks for another great video Ian, always look forward to them.
The AK74 is 5.45mm actually
@@peaceoutbruh7085 yes, you’re right that was a mistake, thanks
DSA puts you onto this thing, lets you do a video, AND hooks you up belt box and says "hey lets go outside and shoot it!"
I feel the urge to buy something from them to say thanks.
VERY cool video.
Having seen many of your early videos as well as trying to never miss your videos as they come out now I really have to say your videography has improved immensely over the years without detracting from the excellent research or, as is all too common, morphing into nothing but commercials for your sponsors. Kudos to you, Ian!
More pkms should have folding stocks and handguards
This build for sure has a faster ADS speed than the standard PKM
Honestly... I love it. It feels like a gun rambo would fire from the hip.
That is not an ugly pkm, I love it
It seems everyone besides Ian agrees this thing looks badass
We have this MG on board of navy ships, as part of FP. It mounts on fixed posts, mounted on deck, using the usual tripod mount mechanism. I fired it several times, in the range, on bipod, on tripod, and on board, on these posts. I doubt that vertical grip with its flimsy bipod would have a "long life" on this weapon. Even firing on the original bipod, needs some training, especially when it rests on tough surface like stone, concrete or any pavement. It is literally "dancing". But on the naval variant it is a pleasure to shoot, as it is quite precise. We usually use inflated condoms, with a couple of shackles fron old chains, drop them into water and then maneuver the ship, in order to simulate combat against FIAC.
This gun actually makes more sense than the vanilla PKM.
Thank you , Ian .
🐺 Loupis Canis .
Very cool firearm.
You always get all the fun toys.
I'm glad they managed to keep the shoulder thing that goes up.
MACV-SOG used chopped down PKMs like that in Vietnam.
That's the prettiest PKM I've ever seen. In standard form the PK looks clumsier and heavier than the M240. Both are ugly, distended looking firearm designs- but unlike shortened 240's this thing looks absolutely awesome. I carried a MK48 in Afghanistan and loved the 7.62 cartridge in the familiar package of the M249 without having eight feet of barrel in front of me. Once we got back to garrison we turned in the 48's for 240s and my hatred began. Not comfortable to carry in the field. Worse to carry on a sling. Damn near impossible to shoulder fire in a pinch. No comfortable place for a supporting hand (though the pintle mount for the tripod was better than nothing. This however- holy hell I love it.
Looks a lot more practical than a normal pkm
Getting in and out of truck/apc
Shooting from the sholder seems easier as well
I really like the look of the Paratrooper PKM
Eastern Bloc doctrine: "if it works, why change it". The ancient 1891 rimmed cartridge still chugging along in the PKM and SVD.
*communist doctrine* in the 20s and 30s Eastern Europe tried to innovate and stay up to par with the West
The PKM GPMG an MG 3 an MG32 an 42 along with the saw are the best squad auto weapons eve made
almost everyone hate that bipod
thx for this video and maybe , in the future, come to visit Cugir
That's the dopest PKM I've ever seen....looks badass
For a light machine gun, this looks fun. And fairly light.
Coolest looking gpmg I've seen in a while
It's cool looking. PKM is fun, I miss playing with other countries' toys.
Im subscribed to your channel, but not getting notifications about new videos or even seeing you in my feed anymore. I thought you just stopped making content. I’m glad to see that’s not the case.
“Comrade commander I want a M249!”
“Neit comrade, PKM is fine”
I must have the worst taste in firearms, i think that thing is super rad, the integrated bipod is pretty weird though.
Yea it looks like it would go on a nerf gun
I had a nerf gun with a detachable foregrip/bipod of very very similar design
@tannertasman I know the exact one you're referring to, lol
The name of the town producing the weapon (Cugir) sounds like trying to read ‘Kujir’ if you want a proper pronunciation. Spent all my summers there, amazing place
Just about anything in the 7.62x54r cartridge makes me tingly in my bathing suit area and this is no exception.
This must be the best PKM ever.
Ian, next time your in Poland, you should visit Zakłady Mechaniczne in Tarnów. They make UKM-2000P and UKM-2020S machine guns.
All it needs is a rubber over-mold for the upper stock tube.
5:40 "The shoulder thing that goes up."
Ian when I look at this gun I think STAR WARS! There is something quirky about this gun. I think it is a love it, or hate it kind of gun.
Heckler and Koch made their own version of this recently. Basically a shortened lighter MG5 for spec ops when they need sustained 7.62 fire
I really did this gun. Love seeing what people come up with when they are limited.
Probably needed a larger parachute to jump with one of these.
The B&T really does obstruct the carry handle. I've shaved my knuckles on it.
I think that PKM is a straight stud
A lot of guys in the army had those foregrip bipods, and I always thought they were so butt-ugly.
Still do!
I’ll stick with my Harris and simple vertical fore grip, thank you very much.
I cant stop looking at it, its beautiful
Ugly what this thing is brutally gorgeous,
I wonder how light a modern PKM para could be made now if lightness was everything but keeping a decent thickness barrel,
I'm thinking of a titanium or aluminum receiver, titanium carrier andquick change barrel assembly and barrel extension, maybe something like a structured barrel or a steel and carbon wrapped,
Light weight ammo sack and aluminium or polymer case ammo,
I wonder if could be made to get it comfortably below 10lb maybe just under 9lb with a standard length barrel,
Also a small point they should have drilled through the stock and put a bung in there as a spot for a sling.
this PKM looks and functions badass, a para version like this seems like it'd be a great mid-way or stop gap between a full size PKM and newer designs like the PKP. Wish these got more love by the arms market and proliferated more greatly.
What a terrifying thought, a (semi)portable arm used to turn cover into concealment.
I would love to see Ian shooting this gun from a standing position with the grip...
Uhoh NO 100ROUND DUMP!!?? IAN YOU ARE SLACKING!!
Case of function over form.
...I think it looks nice, actually.
This folding stock mechanism looks dangerous. If this was using in service, I think soldiers would call this "finger breaker" or something like that, because of the stock
The one time I wanted to see Ian all geared up in his paratroop gear, parachute onto the firing range and hit the ground shooting. I got unanswered questions now. How fast does it deploy on landing? Can it be fired while in the air? How fast will it spin you around in the air?
I don't think it's ugly at all, think it looks great. The fact that you said it feels no different than a regular PKM when you shoot it makes me like it even more. PKM legendary reliability in a shortened package.
The gun barrel could be exchanged with a regular one anytime, nothing impede that!
You can actually visit Cugir to some extent. Nice place.
Keep in mind that as USSR was falling apart Romania was no longer threatened by a Soviet invasion. This is a small detail that people overlook as both states were communist so apparently friendly.
Therapist: “MK.48 ParaKM can’t hurt you, it isn’t real.”
MK.48 ParaKM:
Man how can you take us to the range and not show us some sustained fire? A nice 30 round burst would be swell.
I'm glad it retained the shoulder thing that goes up.
I can’t believe I missed this when it was released.
"Let's make a bulky, tough receiver! Thick metal! Able to hold up to rough treatment! And I suppose a barrel and stock, I suppose."
Being in the People's Republic of Maryland, that rack of FALs that I can never own was almost as entrancing as the PKM Para.