Kucher Model K1

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K1 machine gun
Kucher K1 GPMG
Type	general purpose machine gun
Place of origin	Hungary
Service history
In service	Unknown
Used by	Hungary
Production history
Designer	József Kucher
Designed	1952
Number built	?
Specifications
Weight	8.99kg on bipod, 16.48kg with tripod
Length	1,173 mm
Barrel length	658 mm

Cartridge	7.62 x 54 mm R
Action	Gas-Operated
Rate of fire	800 round/min
Muzzle velocity	862 m/s
Effective range	1000 m ^[1]
Feed system	belts in 100/200/250 round box
Sights	Front: iron Back: iron

The Kucher K1 was a Hungarian belt fed GPMG based on the Czech ZB vz.26. The Defense Minister ordered József Kucher to design this machine gun in 1949. The gun was chambered for the Soviet 7.62x54r cartridge. Blowback operated, fixed barrel machine gun, barrel with cooling fins. The gas port was located close to the chamber to reduce the size of moving parts. The gas piston rod was integrated with the bolt carrier, which also performed cartridge feeding. The bolt carrier kept the bolt in a locked position until the bullet exited the barrel. After bolt opening and shell ejecting, the bolt was moved forward loading the next cartridge by spring force.

The available heavy mount allowed this gun to be used for anti-aircraft purpose. It was recommended to replace the barrel after every 600 rounds of continuous firing to avoid barrel overheating. A flash hider was mounted at the muzzle end. Proper firing the gun was a 2-man operation. The gun was equipped with a bipod, a flip-up carrying handle, a pistol grip and a flip-up shoulder-rest butt plate.

The weapon went through 5 prototypes before Kucher was satisfied with the results. The gun performed successfully at the military trials on 11/20/52. It was adopted by the Defense Ministry, and manufacturing was approved. An unknown quantity of K1's were manufactured. It appears that due to political pressures and plain stupidity, the far inferior Soviet Degtyarev DP Machine Guns were much more widely produced and used.