North Korean Type 73: A PK That Uses Both Mags and Belts

Published on February 18, 2022
Duration: 22:10

This guide details the disassembly of the North Korean Type 73 LMG, a unique dual-feed machine gun. Expert Ian McCollum demonstrates the process, highlighting its similarities to the Soviet PKM. Proper safety checks are paramount before beginning.

Quick Summary

The North Korean Type 73 LMG is a unique hybrid machine gun inspired by Soviet and Czech designs, notable for its dual-feed system allowing the use of both box magazines and belts. This design, influenced by leaders Kim Jong-il and Kim Il-sung, aimed for versatility, with magazines for mobility and belts for sustained fire.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Context
  2. 00:33Design Inspiration
  3. 01:31Dual-Feed Concept
  4. 03:28Markings and Receiver
  5. 04:48Safety and Stock
  6. 05:51Barrel and Sights
  7. 07:35Muzzle Device and Bipod
  8. 10:07Internal Mechanism
  9. 11:31Comparison with Soviet PKM
  10. 14:33Service History and Proliferation

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the North Korean Type 73 LMG unique?

The Type 73 LMG is unique due to its dual-feed system, allowing it to use both top-mounted box magazines for mobility and belts for sustained fire. It's a hybrid design inspired by Soviet and Czechoslovakian machine guns.

How does the Type 73 LMG's feed system work?

It utilizes a 'pull-out' feed system where the bolt carrier claw extracts cartridges from either the magazine or the belt, presenting them for chambering. This allows for quick transitions between ammunition sources.

What are the design influences of the Type 73 LMG?

The Type 73 LMG was influenced by North Korean leaders' interest in Czechoslovakian firearms, specifically the Czech 52/57 LMG's dual-feed concept, which was scaled up and integrated into a design resembling the Soviet PK machine gun.

What replaced the Type 73 LMG?

The Type 73 LMG was eventually replaced by the Type 82, which simplified the design by exclusively using a belt-feed system, indicating the dual-feed mechanism was considered over-complicated.

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