Very first Croatian RPK-16 build

Short introduction to RPK-16

The RPK-16 5.45×39mm squad automatic weapon is a further modernization of the RPK-74. It is based on the traditional Kalashnikov layout and design, featuring several novel technical and ergonomic features derived from the AK-12 program.

The RPK-16 is chambered in 5.45×39mm cartridge and uses a Picatinny rail mounted detachable bipod instead of the fixed bipod of the RPK-74. It features the traditional Kalashnikov gas-operated long-stroke piston system, a detachable suppressor, a Picatinny rail on the top of its receiver for mounting various optics/scopes and on the bottom of the handguard for bipod mounting, an ergonomic pistol grip and a folding buttstock and two main barrel lengths; a 550 mm (21.7 in) long barrel (when it is applied or configured for the light machine gun role) and a 370 mm (14.6 in) short barrel (when it is applied or configured for the assault rifle role). Its design enables it to have an interchangeable barrels, that can easily be removed. It has a combat weight of 6 kg (13.23 lb), a full length of 1,076 mm (42.4 in), a cyclic rate of fire of 700 rounds per minute (RPM), an accuracy range of 800 m (870 yd) and uses a standard 96-round drum magazine. It is also compatible using magazines from the AK-74 and RPK-74.

My goal

Since there is currently no airsoft replica of RPK-16, and my friend was suddenly selling a G&G RK74E, I decided and tried to do full facelift in order to make RPK-16 out of G&G RK74E. It’s important to say at the beggining, it is not a 1/1 copy, and there are some minor things to do, but I think tremendous job has been done to replicate real steel RPK-16.

Huge thanks i need to say for 3D tech wizard who I contacted through my friend. This guy, Marko, can even 3d print you a girlfriend if you dont have one: https://www.instagram.com/dr.3d_frankenstein/

With the first contact we established, he had a numerous ideas how to make and fit RPK-16 handguard into non-standard G&G front set with outer barrel. First, he made 3D look of handguard, with 100% real steel measurements

Beside from front handguard, Marko did a tremendeus job with replicating railed dust cover. If you look closely on real steel RPK-16, there is a split between standard RIS rail, just like this one he made in computer program

Leaving him to do his job, I needed to do mine, to find some good reference photos, and start to collecting externals for my build. I decided to go with these:

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Taking in consideration few referent pics I have found, my shopping cart was containing next:
1) FAB Defense GL Core buttstock
2) CAA Tactical vertical handguard
3) Barrel extender paired with flashider (random one, but edited with epoxy resin to match a look with real steel one)
4) LCT AK12 pistol grip

After collecting all of these, I decided to do minimalistic and very simple paintjob. For collimator, i choose Eotech 552 holographic sight, to complete tactical look. About the mags, since there is no modern looking 5.45 mags like the ones you can see on photos, my acquisition was standard Cyma 5.45 polymer mags. Surely, we all hope that someday, LCT will bring out airsoft replicas of those new mags.

Now I’m only left with few little things like finishing a loadout that goes with it 😀

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

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