This post was written, and photos provided, by our good friend Lionel.

The PECHENEG (PKP) is 7.62x54mm general purpose machine gun (GPMG) that entered service in 2001. It is a favorite weapon of the Russian armed forces and the Russian Ministry of Interior. These users  recently requested a more compact version for use in urban combat or when traveling in tight spaces (armored vehicles, helicopters, etc.).  Russian weapon designers have come up with a solution to this problem by turning it into a bullpup! This configuration change has reduced the weapon length by 280mm (11″) as well as reducing weight. 

The original (non-bullpup) Pecheneg (c) Vitaly V. Kuzmin

There are two versions of this bullpup, but only one was able to be photographed. The stock has been replaced with a butt plate and the trigger/grip moved forward. To accommodate the trigger being moved forward, the ammunition box now has to sit at a 135° angle.

The charging handle has been modified for easier access and the carrying handle has been replaced with a Picatinny rail mount. The lower heat/handguard is now skeletonized to save weight, through which runs the gas tube. Underneath the gas tube is a 6 o’clock picatinny rail for mounting accessories such as a grip or laser sight.