The Vepr-308 carbine (SOK-95) is a rifled self-loading carbine chambered for the 7.62×51 (.308 Winchester) cartridge. The Vepr-308 carbine (SOK-95), as well as its improved modification Vepr-308 Super (SOK-95M), are one of the most popular models among the rifled carbines of the Vepr family. Like all carbines of the family, Vepr-308 was developed and produced at the Vyatsko-Polyansky Machine-Building Plant. The design of the carbine is based on the reliable and time-tested design of the Kalashnikov light machine gun. Vepr-308 carbines are designed for amateur and commercial hunting of medium and large animals.
Purpose
Since the beginning of the 90s, the civilian population has been actively using rifles in hunting large animals. Basically, elk, roe deer, and sometimes small species of bears are considered noble trophies. This weapon is also used during shooting competitions or in extreme conditions.
The original version of the Vepr gun was rightfully considered a combat weapon, but later it became the basis for the creation of a hunting carbine with increased safety during operation. The Russian government issued a Decree on the legal use of rifles for hunting 20 years ago. Therefore, all the main nuances are regulated in the provisions of the legislative documentation.
According to the rules of current regulations, when there is a threat to human life, the use of a hunting rifle for self-defense is permitted.
Types of optical sights
An optical sight is a long-focus lens with a wrapping system, an eyepiece, a mechanism for entering corrections and an aiming reticle, mounted on the rifle barrel. The main purpose of the device is to increase the accuracy of shooting at stationary or inactive objects that are located at a considerable distance from the shooter.
When choosing such devices, it is necessary to take into account many factors, the main of which is the type of weapon. The second important factor is the type of device. Currently, the optical sight for a carbine has two main types:
- Devices with constant multiplicity. They are distinguished by high reliability and a clearer picture, since they contain a minimum number of lenses; the most common are four- and eight-fold models.
- Pancratic devices, or devices with variable magnification. They allow you to adapt the sight to different distances, increase image sharpness in poor lighting, but are less reliable and more expensive. There are devices of large (up to 10x), medium (up to 9x) and small magnification (up to 6x).
The remaining classifications, with the help of which one can distinguish one optical sight for a carbine from another, can be considered insignificant, since they do not significantly change the characteristics of the device.
Design
The model, called SOK-95, does not misfire even after 500 shots, which indicates trouble-free operation. The Vepr win series shotgun has a large working life.
The weapon's accuracy indicator is much more attractive than that of other competitors. When shooting at medium distances, the spread of bullets does not exceed 8 cm, and when improved to 6-7 cm.
The inside of the barrel bore is covered with a protective chrome layer, which begins to peel off after 250-300 shots.
Without regular removal of carbon deposits, the service life of the rifle will be reduced by 2 times. The procedure must be completed after each hunt.
Zeroing a rifled gun without an optical sight
At the first stage, you should fire 3 shots at the center of the target. The resulting 3 traces will be the vertices of an imaginary triangle. After which you will need to determine the center of the imaginary triangle. This can be done either visually or by drawing lines from each vertex of the triangle to the center of the opposite side. The intersection points will be our center.
The distance from the center of the triangle to the center of the target is the deviation of the average point of impact. This is exactly what we need to eliminate. The deviation is eliminated by moving the front sight or rear sight. The adjustment method depends on the design of the aiming mechanism.
For example, if the center of the triangle is to the right of the center of the target, the front sight should be thrown a little to the right. If the aiming center is to the left, the front sight should be moved to the left accordingly. If the center of the triangle is higher or lower, the front sight must be raised or lowered.
Sometimes there are situations when all 3 shots miss the target. In this case, the gun sight is not adjusted at all. In order to determine possible deviation, shots should be repeated from a distance of 50 meters. After you zero your weapon at 100 meters, it is recommended to zero it at 200 meters in the same way.
When shooting, weather conditions should also be taken into account. For example, even a slight wind can change the trajectory of a bullet by more than a meter, and low temperatures cause the bullet to drop slightly. Therefore, it is recommended to zero in rifled weapons in the calm, at average temperatures.
Cleaning the barrel from dirt and carbon deposits
Experts advise cleaning the gun immediately after firing, because it is several times more difficult to remove plaque afterwards. Use a cotton cloth for removal. It is necessary to cut it into strips and wrap the purchased cleaning rod.
Diesel oil is often used as a lubricant. Before starting work, the rag must be wetted and wrung out well. If hunting occurs at temperatures above +30 degrees, then the amount of lubricant can be increased.
Specifications
The 7.62 mm hunting carbine has upgraded shooting cartridges. The first series of the gun were maximally unified with the Kalashnikov light machine gun.
The total length of the barrel is 590 mm. Magazine capacity 5 or 10 rounds. Weight does not exceed 4.1 kg without an optical sight.
The weapon fires when the trigger is pressed, that is, it works on the principle of a trigger mechanism. To close the barrel, you need to rotate the bolt around its axis.
Walnut or beech is used in the production of the butt or fore-end.
Components and main characteristics of Vepr carbines
SKS modifications
Simonov's self-loading carbine served as the basis for the creation of the following hunting and commercial rifle units:
- OP-SKS. It is a conversion of a basic combat carbine into a hunting carbine. The gunsmiths removed the lug under the bayonet, installed an aiming bar designed for a 300-meter distance, and, adhering to the Law on Weapons, equipped the barrel with a pin.
- "Argali" TOZ-97. Unlike the standard combat carbine, in this shooting model the craftsmen of the Tula Arms Plant decided to install a modified stock, more suitable for hunting conditions, made of wood or plastic. As in the previous version, the carbine is equipped with an aiming bar and pin limited to 300 meters. "Arkhar" is equipped with a mount for the PSO-1 sight.
- "Fort-207". This is a Ukrainian-made weapon. Black plastic is used to make the stock and fore-end.
Options and packaging
When a client enters a hunting store, he sees a model laid out in parts. Before serving, each set is treated with a special lubricant, which protects the part from moisture and dirt. After purchase, the product is packaged in prepared fabric, then in a box made of cardboard or wood. If desired, you can buy a muffler.
Buyers provide each client with a certificate and identification to confirm their right to trade in weapons.
Differences between the standard model and Vepr Super 308
The new model of the Super series was able to replace the old domestic rifle. Externally, you can see that the design has completely changed color to black. The hunting rifle has become lighter because it weighs 3.9 kg without additional installations.
The developer also noted a number of advantages of the new gun:
- to improve the quality of shooting, the barrel was improved;
- to reduce recoil, the compensator brake acts as a flame arrester;
- sharp elements that interfere with hunting were removed from the body;
- noise when activating and deactivating the fuse is completely absent;
- A push-button safety was installed above the trigger guard.
To quickly reload the magazine, the hunter no longer needs to take his hand off the butt. Additionally, the capacity of cartridges in the magazine was increased by 3 pieces.
Finishing Vepr 308
Despite the high-quality and competent mechanics of the weapon, it is recommended to make some modifications yourself to bring the model to perfect condition.
There are only 2 flaws that you can fix yourself:
- The stock fastener is of poor quality because the screw reduces accuracy;
- The trigger system is poorly processed, which reduces quality and convenience.
To eliminate the first defect, it is necessary to make a hole in the application installation. Create a screw with a tapered top and use it to connect the stock to the model.
To ensure decent performance and accuracy, it is recommended to clean the trigger. You need to tear off a piece of sandpaper and sand the trigger system up and down.
Preparation
First of all, you need to select and equip your shooting location in such a way as to minimize aiming errors. It should be taken into account that the shooting area must have a sufficient amount of light.
You can make targets for shooting rifled weapons yourself. To do this, take whatman paper and draw diagonals through it to determine its center. Then, using a compass, draw a circle with a diameter of 25 cm. Hang the target at a distance of 100 meters. You need to shoot in a prone position so that the shots are as accurate as possible. Since in a prone position you will move the gun less.
Disassembly
Basically, disassembly occurs to eliminate the identified breakdown. Also, for preventive purposes, disassembling parts is necessary to lubricate each one individually. To avoid harm to yourself and others, disassembly should only be carried out when the gun is unloaded.
A sequential list of steps for disassembly can be found in the attached operating instructions. Then, assembly is required in the opposite order.
Now the developers are considering tuning for further Vepr rifles, but the decision of choice is for the near future of the company. As a variety, the store can only provide buttstocks made of different noble woods.
Positive and negative sides
Over the years, this weapon has received a number of positive reviews from experienced hunters. But absolutely any technique has both pros and cons that are worth examining.
Experienced shooters note many positive characteristics:
- chrome plating, which increases service life;
- attached optics do not interfere with open sights;
- optimal quality;
- proper operation at different temperatures;
- significant distance for firing;
- optimal caliber suitable for large and small animals.
Many shooters wonder which cartridges are best, but according to the developers, the 7.62x51 samples are more suitable for large game. But despite all the advantages, the gun also has disadvantages.
Negative sides:
- heavy weapons;
- unstable balance;
- noisy flag;
- the screw is constantly loosening;
- The gas piston is difficult to clean.
Description
"Vepr-308" is a domestic carbine designed for 7.62/51 mm cartridges. Among foreign ammunition, the analogue is Winchester-308. The weapon in question has a simple, reliable design, high firing efficiency and an affordable price, taking into account the capabilities of the domestic market.
The gun earned its popularity due to its high power rating. The design features of this model make it possible to operate it in low temperature conditions and hunt such large animals as elk and bear. Decent strength and resistance to external influences are achieved due to the basic configuration characteristic of a Kalashnikov assault rifle. Thanks to this, this weapon has clear advantages among analogues in its class. The designers made changes to the combat version so that the Vepr-308 was positioned as a hunting rifle. For example, they eliminated the possibility of firing in bursts, changed the shape of the butt, and made the fore-end semi-open.
Product prices
The cost of purchasing this gun fully corresponds to the technical and design features. Now, depending on the model and performance characteristics, a hunter can purchase a rifle for $700 or more.
For example, the VPMZ brand sells an inexpensive short-barreled shotgun OP-SKS with a 520 mm barrel for 25 thousand rubles. And the expensive Vepr Jaeger series with a 600 mm barrel will cost 60 thousand rubles. Now developers are working on creating the latest range.
Premium version of the Vepr carbine – Jaeger
Reviews about Vepr 308 Super
Based on the comments on the product, some conclude that when shooting, the loud sound from the DTK is unpleasant. But the fact is that when shooting at targets on the field, the volume of sound is truly deafening, because a person fires 10 or more shots in a row. During the hunting process, one shot is enough, so there will be no such noise.
Vepr carbines have good accuracy because they are capable of bringing down an animal with one cartridge at a considerable distance - from 95 to 200 m. The whole secret lies in the great penetrating and stopping power.
Weak sides
According to the owners, the main problem they encounter is the problematic installation of optical sights. To produce high-quality finishing, you have to shell out a considerable amount of money, which can exceed the cost of the rifle itself. Many owners, comparing the obviously powerful 7.62x54 mm ammunition with the traditional 7.62x39 mm cartridge for hunting in Russia, come to the conclusion that the latter is not effective enough. As experts say, the point here is not at all the low efficiency of the ammunition, but rather its weak stopping effect. Therefore, in order not to leave wounded animals, those wishing to hunt roe deer, wolf, bear, deer or wild boar can be recommended to take with them cartridges that contain semi-jacketed or hollow-point bullets. Their stopping effect will be enough to kill a medium-sized animal.
Analogs
Analogs for the Vepr 308 Win (SOK-95) carbine are now available at different prices:
- Win OP 4X24M series shotgun;
- Saiga AKM-9;
- rifle class 132.139.
Popular and expensive options are also sold:
- Pioneer;
- KM;
- 1B;
- Hunter.
The new generation Vepr short-barreled rifles are suitable for ideal hunting. The company has been successfully developing for 20 years and never ceases to delight customers with new series of weapons.
History of creation
The history of the creation of the Vepr carbine began after the collapse of the USSR. Heads of arms factories, deprived of most government funding, began to look for ways to keep factories in working order. Of course, the opportunity arose to export products abroad, but at the same time a free, promising sales market appeared - the civilian sphere.
The production of various types of traumatic pistols suitable for self-defense began. A wide range of hunting rifles appeared. One of the key innovations was the appearance on free sale of self-loading carbines based on the AK. The first such product was the Izhevsk Saiga.
Vyatskie-Polyany joined the production of SOK (self-loading hunting carbines) a little later. Their carbines were almost no different from the products of IzhMech.
It is still unknown whether the Izhevsk people themselves sold the license for the release, or whether it was plagiarism. However, there were also key differences between the products of VP “Molot” and “Saiga”.
“Vepr,” as the carbine became known, was created using elements of the RPK.
This added extra weight to the new weapon due to the thickening of the walls of the barrel and receiver, but at the same time increased the reliability of the mechanisms and design. The machine gun inherited an adjustable rear sight.
The first versions of the Vepr were produced in two modifications: SOK-95 and VPO-206. Later they launched production of SOK-97, chambered for .223 Rem.
The appearance of such a model is explained by the widespread prevalence of ammunition of this type on the domestic market. At the same time, they are imported both from abroad and produced by the Barnaul Machine Tool Plant. The range of Russian cartridges includes: shell, semi-shell and expansive ammunition.
