“Saiga” or “Vepr”: which is better, comparison, characteristics, pros and cons of each gun

The modern arms market is represented by a wide variety of small arms. Judging by numerous reviews, Saiga and Vepr are considered very popular among carbines. They have both strengths and weaknesses, which it is advisable for a potential buyer to know about. Therefore, it is quite understandable why hunters often argue which carbine is better - “Saiga” or “Vepr”. "Tiger" is also a very good carbine used by hunters. For a beginner, there are no significant differences in these models, however, according to experts, they are present. The information contained in this article will help you figure out which carbine is better - “Vepr” or “Saiga”.

Carbine "Vepr": introduction

Which is better - “Saiga” or “Vepr”? To answer this question, we should consider each rifle unit separately. "Vepr" has been produced since 1995 by employees of the Vyatsko-Polyansky Machine-Building Plant.

According to experts, the carbine has much in common with the RPK (Kalashnikov light machine gun). The return spring and powder gases automatically reload cartridges in the carbine. From the Vepr, targeted shooting can be carried out at a distance of no more than 400 m. If the weapon is equipped with optics, this figure will increase several times. There are several modifications of this carbine:

• "Vepr-308";
• "Super";
• "Pioneer";
• "Hunter";

• "Vepr 243";
• "Vepr12 Hammer";
• "Vepr KM".

The carbines listed above use 7.62 mm, 6.2 mm, 5.56 mm and 5.45 mm cartridges. The smoothbore Vepr 12 Molot is the only model that fires 12-caliber ammunition.

The question of choosing a carbine

When approaching a balanced choice of a carbine, every buyer always sets himself one main feature. For some it is weight, for others it is accuracy or appearance. The size of the animal that the owner of the rifle intends to hunt is of great importance.

Whatever carbine you choose from the “Vepr” or “Saiga” model range, you can say with confidence that this is a high-quality weapon. A weapon that has, by now, eliminated all its main shortcomings.

MiscellaneousComment

"Saiga"

The history of this carbine, unlike the previous model, begins in the 1970s. According to experts, this rifle unit was developed at a mechanical plant in Izhevsk specifically for saigas, which at that time were making devastating raids on agricultural land.

The Saiga was developed on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. The features of the carbine include the following:

1. The weapon is equipped with a switch for firing in single and automatic modes.
2. All kinds of attachments and butts of different types are provided for the carbine.

The line is represented by the following smoothbore modifications:

• "Saiga 20";
• "Saiga 12";
• "Saiga 401".

The number indicates what kind of ammunition the weapon fires. In addition, the line also includes models:

• "Saiga M";
• "Saiga MK";

• "Saiga 308";
• "Saiga 9".

This is a rifled weapon. What is better - "Saiga" or "Vepr"? Which model should you prefer?

Features and performance characteristics of Saiga carbines

The peculiarity of the Saiga is that the engineers chose the AK-74 design as the basis. Over time, the model range was refined, design changes appeared - the developers improved individual modules, which made it possible to improve the characteristics. In comparison with the AK-74, it is impossible to conduct automatic burst fire from the Saiga (for this, the engineers made changes to the design): the self-timer mechanism was removed, the self-timer tide was removed from the bolt frame, changes were made to the configuration of the trigger and sear, the retarder was removed, the the trajectory of delivery of the cartridge from the magazine to the chamber.

Additionally, the attachment point for the magazine to the carbine was changed - this made it possible to eliminate the installation of an AK-74 magazine. But this did not stop fans of tuning and modifications from remaking weapons on their own, which is fraught with criminal prosecution (in the 90s this stopped few people).

Saiga-410K carbine

As for the butt and fore-end, they can look like classic hunting rifles or imitate AK-74 components (made of plastic or wood). There are models with a frame stock, created by analogy with the SVD-S or AKS-74. In the absence of a pistol grip, the trigger and safety are moved closer to the stock neck, while the trigger mechanism is supplemented by a rod. The magazine capacity directly depends on the legislation in the country where the weapon is sold.

Compared to the Veprem, the Saiga has an elongated butt and softer recoil. Both types of carabiners operate quietly at extreme temperatures ranging from -50 ° C and +50 ° C, respectively.

Among the Saiga modifications are the following:

• 1. "Saiga 12";
• 2. "Saiga 20";
• 3. "Saiga 410".

The number is an index indicating the type of cartridge with which the weapon interacts. Also in the line of carbines there are such models as “Saiga MK”, “Saiga 9” and “Saiga 308”.

Rifled types of carbines are manufactured for cartridges 9x19 mm, 5.45x39 mm, 5.56x45 mm, 7.62x39 mm, 7.62x51 mm.

Saiga-12 carbine

What do these carbines have in common?

Those who are interested in which is better, the Saiga or the Vepr, should know that these two rifle units are produced at different factories. However, despite this fact, both models are very similar. For example, they are united by the Kalashnikov concern, since the Vepr is designed on the basis of a light machine gun, and the Saiga is based on an AK assault rifle.

Also, both carbines with basic equipment cost almost the same. The average consumer can afford to buy both Vepr and Saiga. Structurally, both rifle units are quite simple, but at the same time very reliable. The control system of carbines has similar features. According to the manufacturers, “Vepr” and “Saiga” work equally well both at -50 and +50 degrees.

Similar characteristics of "Vepr" and "Saiga"

Despite the stylistic differences and the fact that the guns were developed at different factories, they have many similar features and characteristics. It's all about the basis that manufacturers took to create weapons - AK-74 and RPK. They have similar contours, the same sights and are similar in ergonomics. Their prices on the market are approximately the same, which pleases fans of quality weapons.

Their simplicity is the key to successful operation in extreme conditions and a high level of reliability. They are capable of shooting even at extremely low or high temperatures.

This weapon has proven itself well in hunting large and medium-sized animals. Also, carbines are successfully used by civilians for defense and law enforcement officials.

Classic representatives with a barrel length of 415 mm - the Saiga, 420 mm - the Vepr - a good choice for novice hunters. They have a not too long barrel, good grip, and are suitable for most tasks: shooting at banks and hunting.

Saiga-20SV carbine

Modern "Saiga" and "Vepr" can boast of good quality barrels, have everything necessary for attaching additional accessories (optics, etc.), and many parts are unified (for example, the magazine from the "Vepr" is also suitable for the "Saiga") . If we compare the Saiga and the Vepr, the latter has a significant drawback: in modifications with an iron stock, this option is much heavier than the equivalent Saiga. But, again, do not forget that the Vepr has modifications with plastic and wooden stocks, which are lighter. “Vepr” is more difficult in terms of tuning (to replace the stock with a “non-native” one, you need to look for an adapter; it’s difficult to replace the forend).

So what to choose, “Saiga” or “Vepr”? Both guns are good, have many types and modifications, and it is difficult to clearly identify which one is better. The best option: pick up both weapons, hold and look, make test shots - this way you will understand which one is for you and which is not.

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What is the difference?

Those who are interested in which is better, the Vepr or Saiga carbine, should know that the first rifle unit is almost one kilogram heavier. The carabiners also differ in appearance. For example, in the structure of Saiga, the predominance of smooth forms is noticeable. In “Vepr,” on the contrary, the transitions are rough and abrupt. The differences also affected the thickness of the barrel and recoil. In the Vepr, the metal in the barrel is almost 0.2 mm thicker. This rifle unit has more noticeable recoil.

According to experts, both models have the same quality trigger. If we consider this parameter, which is better - “Saiga” or “Vepr”? Judging by the reviews, it is the first shooting unit with a more extended trigger. Therefore, a hunter with little experience may have his finger slip. This can also happen if the shooter has wet hands. There is a difference in price - Vepr is about 30% more expensive. The high cost is explained by the fact that this carbine has a more accurate shooting. Which is better - Vepr or Saiga 12?

Distinctive features of the weapon

Despite the apparent similarity, the Vepr and Saiga carbines have a number of significant differences:

1. Weight . “Vepr” is almost a kilogram heavier than its rival.
2. Appearance . The structure of “Saiga” is dominated by smooth forms, while “Vepr” contains sharper and rougher transitions.
3. Barrel thickness . The barrel metal of the “Vepr” is thicker than the “Saiga”, by approximately 0.2 mm.
4. Recoil . The recoil of the Saiga carbine is softer than that of the Vepr of the same modification.
5. Descent . The trigger of both carbines works quite clearly, but on the Saiga it is a little stretched, which can lead to the finger slipping if you are not shooting skillfully or when shooting with wet hands.
6. Price . On store shelves, it will not be difficult to find models of both carbines. However, "Vepr" prevails at an increased price compared to its competitor, on average by thirty to forty percent. In some places, you can even find a difference of 100%.
7. Accuracy . First of all, it must be said that both carbines comply with the established GOST 28653-90. At the same time, “Vepr” is slightly superior in its performance to “Saiga”.

Owners' opinion

“Saiga” fires 12-caliber ammunition, the length of which is 7 and 7.6 cm. They are contained in a magazine of 5 pieces. If desired, it can be upgraded to hold up to 8 rounds. “Saiga 12” is a self-loading automatic weapon, which means burst fire is impossible. Pistol-type grip with a safety on the right side, it is convenient to switch it with one finger. Wood and plastic are used to make a skeletal type stock. Judging by the reviews, it is convenient to fold.

If desired, the shooter can adjust the length of the comb. The weapon is equipped with various muzzle attachments, making the carbine suitable for any hunt. The barrel length is 58 cm. To extend the service life, a chrome coating is applied to the inner surface of the barrel channel. Saiga weighs up to 3.7 kg. To become the owner of this carbine, you will have to shell out 32 thousand rubles.

Judging by reviews from owners, the shutter may jam and the weapon may misfire. This explains why a competitor appeared on the arms market, namely the Vepr carbine. Barrel length is 43 cm. Shoots 7 and 7.6 cm cartridges. Like the Saiga, the bore is chrome-plated. The butt folds and blocks the trigger. Ammunition is contained in a box-type magazine of 8 pieces. The peculiarity of this model is that all structural elements are duplicated. They are easy to install on both the right and left sides, making the weapon suitable for right-handed and left-handed people. The Vepr weighs more than the Saiga - 4.3 kg. At first, many consider this fact as a minus, but soon you can get used to the heavy carbine. The price of “Vepr 12” is 43 thousand rubles.

Both shooting models are very similar. Nevertheless, experts say that the Vepr 12 has a better assembly.

Why is Vepr 308 better than Saiga 308?

In an effort to somehow decorate the Saiga, the manufacturer carved a deer on the butt. Judging by the reviews, some owners are not satisfied with the quality of this image. In addition, the wood is yellow in color.

There is also a 4mm gap between the receiver and the stock. Compared to the Saiga, which is dominated by refined and soft outlines, the Vepr is militarized, with straight and hard lines. The wood has a distinct texture and a pleasant dark brown color.

Unlike the Saiga, the Vepr has a better design of the flash suppressor front sight unit. The developer specially shaped the front sight so that it would be ergonomic and would not cling to the shooter’s clothing. In order to reduce recoil, the butts of these carbines were equipped with rubber butt pads. "Vepr" and "Saiga" are equipped with the same 4x32 sights. The type of mesh is “stump”, represented by two side and one bottom lines. It is very effective when shooting offhand.

The optical sight on the Vepr is mounted using a standard quick-release bracket, which is also perfect for the Saiga. Compared to the Veprem, this carbine is more versatile. The fact is that in this shooting unit the butt is longer, and the cheek in it is located higher. The Vepr, like the Dragunov sniper rifle, has an orthopedic butt that can be comfortably grasped with one hand. However, due to the fact that it is slightly shorter, the shooting process is uncomfortable. In addition, the optics in it are placed quite high, as a result of which the shooter’s cheek will hang in the air. Both carbines have the same 520mm barrels.

Saiga or Vepr?

Photo

Hello friends, I want to dot all the letters in this difficult choice between “Vepr 12” and “Saiga 12”.

Several years ago I faced this same question. I read forums and articles on the Internet. I read for several months (in the evenings, of course) and at that time I made my choice. But only now I began to understand what the difference is. I also hope that you are already aware of the basic things.

Let's figure out why it's so difficult to choose between these two lines of 12-gauge weapons? Their purpose is the same. There are a lot of versions, but essentially the two brands “mirror” each other. There is a slight difference in appearance, but this is a matter of taste...

The question remains, what's the matter? Part of the problem is outdated arguments.

Today, it would not be correct to say that what they do at the Izhevsk plant is worse than at Vyatskiye Polyany or vice versa. Now all the serious problems have been eliminated and they make equally excellent guns, but defects can also be found at both factories. Alternatively, you can purchase from companies that do deep “tuning” of weapons. In this case, manufacturer errors are reduced to zero, but the price becomes significantly higher.

So what is the significant difference that should influence your choice?

1. Weight. Saiga is lighter than Vepr by a kilogram. Lighter due to the thickness of the barrel. In theory, this reduces the life of the barrel. Is it so? Technically yes. But in practice it turns out that 99% of Saiga owners will never experience the end of their barrel life! It is difficult, time-consuming and very expensive to shoot such a bunch of cartridges in order to somehow affect the barrel. But a kilogram is significant when hiking or while hunting.

2. Recoil. A consequence of low weight compared to its heavy “brother”. Technically yes. But without daily practice shooting with both guns, you won’t notice the difference. For untrained people, the bruises will be the same and the real difference in recoil can only be felt by replacing a regular cartridge with a reinforced magnum.

3. Price. The difference between similar guns can reach significant values: Approximately 20,000 rubles for the Saiga12 and 40,000 rubles for the similar Vepr12, all the advantages of which we discussed above. You can verify this yourself in online weapons stores. In my opinion, this seriously reduces the point of purchasing a Vepr, since the same money can buy two Saigas.

Bottom line: For most human needs, such as hunting, defense, target shooting several times a year, Saiga will be more than enough.

And only in case of weekly use, for example, playing the sport of “practical shooting”, high wear resistance may be needed. But intense training will kill the Boar in just 2-3 years.

Draw your own conclusions.

PS Then I chose “Vepr 12”; at that time I couldn’t imagine anything other than hunting ducks and foxes. But then I met the wonderful sport of IPSC. Now I want to exchange my heavy Vepr for a special lightweight Vepr, and buy something else for hunting. But that's a completely different story

Shooting sensations

According to many owners, the Saiga carbine has a softer recoil. This is explained by the peculiarities of the geometry of the butt. “Vepr” with a very clear trigger that does not fall through and has a short stroke. "Saiga" with a less pleasant descent. The problem is that it is too long and lacks clarity. In addition, the finger may slip down.

Both rifle units use Win ammunition. 308 NATO model caliber 7.62x51 mm. This cartridge has recently been very popular because it has better ballistics and a greater lethal and stopping effect, in contrast to 7.62x39 mm. Also Win. 308 is cheaper. In addition, the recoil when firing this cartridge is much less. Many owners claim that the Vepr has better combat accuracy, which ranges from 1.8 to 2 MOA.

For a semi-automatic machine this is a pretty good result. In terms of accuracy, Saiga is somewhat inferior. In this parameter, its indicator ranges from 2.3 to 2.7 MOA. Nevertheless, according to experts, this result is considered quite acceptable for commercial firearms.

What can be concluded?

According to experts, “Vepr” is a more interesting example. The advantages of this weapon are good combat accuracy, excellent external design and a reasonable price. The disadvantage of the “Vepr” is the presence of a short butt and a high sight position. In such parameters as accuracy and build quality, Saiga is somewhat worse. The advantage of this model is its low price. Without an optical sight, the Saiga costs 2 thousand rubles less. This model can be recommended to hunters with budget restrictions.