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There are many PK and PKM variants. I think all are meant to be used with an ammunition box, but others may help educate me on actual practice in the field.

The Pecheneg is more akin to the way we use the Squad Automatic Weapon, meant as a lighter support weapon that nevertheless can dump a lot of firepower and is a bit longer-ranged than a 7,62x39mm AKM or 5,45mm AK74. They are real handy at night, when a long burst from a MG-caliber weapon is the universal symbol to the enemy for *throw grenades here.*

Like the RPK and RPK74, the Pecheneg does not have a quick-change barrel, limiting its sustained fire role. But that is not the role for which it is meant, and the commonality of parts and components with the PK/PKM/PKT means that the troops are already familiar with it and there is a good parts availability in the field.

In all, the PKM is around my #2 favourite tool in the toybox, depending on the exact job to be done and the condition of the individual examples available. But nothing, not the MAG/M240, not the PKM, not the MG3, NOTHING is perfect in the auto weapons biz. And some things could be better.