The Latest from Cactus Tactical: Weapons of the War in Afghanistan: Squad Automatic Weapons Part II

Weapons of the War in Afghanistan

Soldiers of 3rd PLT Viper Co. 1-26 INF on patrol in the Korengal Valley.

In the world of war, weapons and technology are ever changing, each war is characterized by the weapons and tactics used to fight it. As new environments and enemies are encountered, the parties to those wars develop new - more effective tactics, technologies, and weapons to counter and defeat their adversaries. The ingenuity seen in war has existed since (and most certainly before) the first wars of recorded history and continue to this very day.

Keeping with that theory, let’s take a look at the weapons that have characterized the wars and conflicts that the United States has been a party to over the course of it’s history. During the course of this series, I aim to breakdown the weapons used in each conflict by their classification, and to which party they were employed by. Having served in combat operations in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley, I would like to start our series with the War in Afghanistan.

For our third installment, let’s take a look at the most commonly encountered Squad Automatic Weapons in Afghanistan. In an infantry fireteam the SAW gunner carries the most casualty-producing weapon in the team. Most squad automatic weapons are select-fire or fully automatic light machine guns, and are usually of the same caliber as the rifles and carbines present in the team. Some of the duties of the SAW gunner is to provide overwatch and suppressive fire for the fireteam.

Soldiers in overwatch of friendly movement on road below, Korengal Valley, Afghanistan.

Yankee Hill Machine Diamond Series Free Float 15 Inch Forearm

Part II: Anti-Coalition Forces / Anti-Afghan Forces

RPK

Due to the wide availability of the 7.62x39mm round in Afghanistan, and having been used by the Russians in the Afghan-Soviet War, it is not uncommon to come across an RPK. With its high rate of fire, effective range due to the longer barrel, and high maneuverability, the RPK squad automatic weapon in well trained hands can pin down a fire team, and potentially cause a bad day.

The RPK is a gas operated, magazine fed, air cooled, selective fire weapon. The basic action is similar to that of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. The trigger unit and safety is also the same, therefore the RPK fires from a closed bolt in both semi-automatic and automatic modes. The barrel is permanently fixed to the receiver and cannot be replaced in the field. RPK and AKM magazines are interchangeable, but the standard magazines for the RPK are of a higher capacity; the most common hold 40 rounds of ammunition. Standard sights are hooded post front and tangent type rear sight, marked for ranges between 100 and 1000 meters with a windage adjustment mechanism. RPK machine guns are fitted with integral folding bipods made from steel stampings. The shoulder stock is of a special shape, which facilitates the proper hold for the non-firing hand. Special versions of the RPK, made for airborne troops, had a side-folding butt stock. This version is designated as the RPKS.

Cartridge: RPK & RPKS - 7.62x39mm; RPK-74 & RPKS-74 - 5.45x39mm

Effective Range: 800-1,000 m; Maximum range 3,150 m

Weight: RPK 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg); RPK-74 10 lbs (4.7 kg)

Rate of Fire: RPK 600 rounds per minute; RPK-74 650 rounds per minute

Capacity: RPK, RPKS: 20, 30, or 40-round magazine, 75-round drum; RPK-74, RPKS-74: 30 or 45-round magazine, 100-round plastic drum, belt ammunition (with side mounted belt feed device).

Overwatching suspected AAF fighters in structure below, Korengal Valley, Afghanistan.

AP Custom Rhino Series NiB trigger Group

RPD

The RPD is one of the most commonly found machine guns in Afghanistan. With the ease of acquiring ammunition, its high rate of fire, and effective range of 800 meters, it is one of the favorites of ACF/AAF fighters for attacking firebases and outposts, as well as troop movements. Chances are if you have taken automatic fire in Afghanistan, this was probably one of the culprits.

The RPD is a gas operated, belt fed, air cooled, full auto only weapon. The gas system uses a long stroke piston and a gas regulator, located under the barrel. It uses a simple and robust bolt locking system seen in other Degtyarov guns, which uses two locking flaps, that are pushed out of the bolt body into recesses in the receiver walls to lock the bolt. Flaps are pushed out by the bolt carrier to lock and are withdrawn from recesses to unlock the bolt by specially shaped cams on the carrier. A detachable round box drum can be clipped under the receiver; this box can hold a 100-rounds. Unlike earlier Degtyarov guns, the return spring is located inside the butt. The heavy barrel cannot be replaced quickly in the field, but the RPD can still provide significant firepower at ranges up to 800 meters. Rear sights are adjustable for range and drift, folding integral bipod is located under the barrel.

Cartridge: 7.62x39mm

Effective Range: 800 m

Weight: 16.31 lbs (7.4 kg)

Rate of Fire: 650-750 rounds per minute

Capacity: 100-round belt in drum

View of Firebase Vegas from the latrine. As you can see going to the latrine during daylight hours opens you up to hostile fire. Many times those going to the latrine would draw out sniper and machine gun fire from high ground surrounding the firebase.

AP Custom Rhino Series Carbon Fiber Freefloat Handguard, 7 inch Length