Not so long ago, .223 Remington cartridges were something new and unusual on the Russian arms market, but at the moment the situation has changed: the counters of gun stores have a sufficient amount of both ammunition of this caliber and guns for it.
It should be noted that any social category of shooters can afford such cartridges: our market offers both prestigious and expensive cartridges from foreign manufacturers, and Russian ones from the Barnaul Machine Tool Plant, which are even lower in cost. Russian charges of this caliber are presented in three types:
- Shell;
- Semi-shell;
- Expansive with a hole in the head.
Many of our hunters treat such cartridges with great distrust, because they are accustomed to using old 5.6 mm ammunition. Naturally, it is impossible to associate these cartridges, because they belong to completely different categories, but it is appropriate for this article. When firing at a distance of up to 150 meters to a target, 5.6 mm cartridges demonstrate good efficiency, accuracy and accuracy.
But the impressive selection of .223 Remington loads allows every hunter to choose ammunition that will allow them to hit various animals at distances of up to 300, 400, 500 and even 600 meters. The final distance depends on the properties of the cartridges, the carbine and the skills of the shooter.
Russian guns in .223 Remington
On the Russian market, the largest number of guns chambered for this caliber is produced by the one located in Vyatsko-Polyansk. At this moment, the company is creating four carbines:
- Vepr-223 - produced since 1998;
- Vepr-223 Pioneer - produced since 1999;
- Boar Super 223 - made since 2000;
- Vepr-1V - made since 2001.
These carbines are based on a Kalashnikov assault rifle. They use many components, components, technologies, etc. This is due to the fact that for a long time she was engaged in the creation of a Kalashnikov assault rifle. That’s why they have a lot in common: the automatic operation is powered by a gas engine, the locking system is implemented by turning the shutter, the magazine is detachable, box-shaped, and almost everything else.
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What is Vepr-223 (SOK-97)?
This gun is the basic model of the complex and has the index Sok-97, made by Molot since 1998. The design is made in the style of the first Boars, which were produced by the company for .308 Winchester charges. This modification of the gun is the most versatile in the .223 Remington complex and, despite this, has the smallest price tag.
The butt is made in compliance with orthopedic structures. The forend is made of walnut and has a U-shape. The sighting mechanism is similar to a machine gun: there is a limitation on digitizing ranges, there is also a more comfortable front sight base, which clings less to branches when hunting. If desired, each owner of the Vepr-223 REM (SOK-97) carbine can install an optical sight.
There are various configurations of this gun: barrel length 420, 520 and 590 mm, the kit may include an optical sight, a convenient case with a belt, and also a special mixture for cleaning and lubricating the gun. The main feature of this Vepr-223 REM carbine is its low price. And if you also use Russian cartridges, then the gun will be an ideal option for learning to shoot from such a weapon, fun shooting and hunting small animals. It should be noted that there are not many specialized ranges and shooting ranges for recreational shooting in our country.
Technical properties following Vepr-223 REM:
- For shooting, .223 Remington caliber cartridges are used;
- The magazine holds 5 rounds;
- The best range for effective shooting is 300 meters;
- The weight of the unloaded gun is 4,200 g;
- The barrel length is 420/520/590 mm;
- The total length of the gun is 910/1010/1080 mm;
- The width of the gun is 75 mm;
- The height of the gun is 200 mm.
Varieties and analogues
Today, three Vepr models are the leaders in weapon sales, each of which has individual design and operation features.
Modifications:
- Vepr 308 Super , the characteristics and design of which allow you to achieve higher accuracy in shooting. The model has a more pronounced sound when fired, which is especially noticeable when shooting on a bench.
- The Vepr Super Sport is famous for its maximum accuracy and accuracy of shooting, and the adjustable butt pad ensures a comfortable position of the cheek, which is important when shooting. The stock of this model is made of natural wood (beech or walnut), impregnated with a special composition that ensures long-term preservation of the external qualities of the carbine.
- Vepr 35 is characterized by the ability to hit a moving target even at a distance of more than 300 meters.
Similar models are also used in professional and amateur hunting and sports shooting. These are practical Vepr Super 223, Vepr 223 Pioneer (SOK-97R), MP-143, Vepr 223 REM (SOK-97 and 97M), Hunter.
What is Vepr-223 REM Pioneer (SOK-97R)?
Vepr-223 REM Pioneer has been produced since 1999 and has the SOK-97R index. It is a lightweight, beautiful, modern and well-designed rifle for offhand shooting.
The stock of this gun is made entirely of walnut wood, the butt is made of the “Monte Carlo” type. The gas engine in this model received certain configurations, the receiver was lightened for more comfortable use of the Vepr-223 REM Pioneer carbine. The gun received a new trigger mechanism, made separately on a separate base. The sighting mechanism is completely reversible and two-position.
This weapon is even easier to use at short distances, unlike the basic model. This was made by shortening the aiming strip, which allows for faster aiming offhand. The bracket for installing the optical sight is located on the base of the rear sight and is equipped with 2 additional supports.
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There are two versions of this gun in terms of barrel length: 550 and 650 mm. Vepr-223 REM Pioneer confidently competes with foreign analogues in the domestic market, and also has high demand in the arms markets in some countries of Europe and North America.
The technical properties of Pioneer REM (SOK-97R) are as follows:
- For shooting, .223 Remington caliber cartridges are used;
- The magazine holds 5 rounds;
- The greatest firing efficiency is achieved at a distance of up to 300 meters;
- The weight of the unloaded gun is 3,600 g;
- The barrel length is 550/650 mm;
- The overall length of the gun is 1040/1140 mm;
- The width of the gun is 75 mm;
- The height of the gun is 200 mm.
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What is Vepr-223 REM Super (SOK-97M)?
Vepr-223 REM Super entered production in 2000 and received the SOK-97M index. This carbine is designed for people who value comfort, accuracy and intensity when shooting.
The stock has a one-piece design, the butt is made in accordance with all orthopedic requirements, and it is all made from high-quality walnut wood. Certain design features of the gun allow the shooter to shoot not only accurately, but also quickly, which is useful when hunting certain animals. The sighting mechanism is quite similar to the Pioneer.
The technical properties of this carbine are as follows:
- For shooting, .223 Remington caliber cartridges are used;
- The magazine holds up to 5 charges;
- The greatest firing efficiency is achieved at a distance of up to 300 meters;
- The weight of the unloaded gun is 3,800 g;
- The gun barrel length is 550/650 mm;
- The total length of the gun is 1040/1140 mm;
- The width of the gun is 75 mm;
- The height of the gun is 200 mm.
What is Vepr-1V REM (SOK-1V)?
Production of the Vepr-1V REM shotgun began in 2001. The carbine received the SOK-1B index. According to the weapons legislation of the Russian Federation, this weapon received a certificate, in accordance with which it is usually classified as a weapon for hunting.
The weapon turned out to be very specific. If we talk about it in a nutshell, then it’s just a Kalashnikov light machine gun, chambered for .223 Remington cartridges. There is a bipod, a folding stock, a slotted flash suppressor, a pencil case with different attributes in the stock, a cleaning rod under the barrel and a rear sight with an adjustment mechanism - everything is like on the above gun. Although, naturally, the trigger mechanism of this carbine makes it possible to fire only single shots.
This gun is the best option for real connoisseurs of the “military” style in the firearms industry. The low prevalence of this modification is associated with the poor development of shooting ranges in Russia, in which one could shoot at any comfortable time from this carbine.
The main feature of this weapon is the drum magazine, the capacity of which is very limited by current legislation. The shooter can load up to 10 rounds into the magazine. Also, if necessary, you can use box-type ones of various lengths with a capacity of 5 or 10 rounds. There is a special strip on the carbine body on which you can place an optical sight.
The technical properties of this gun are as follows:
- For shooting, .223 Remington cartridges are used;
- The magazine holds up to 10 ammunition;
- Very effective shooting with good accuracy is achieved at a distance of up to 300 meters;
- The weight of the unloaded gun is 5,200 g;
- The length of the gun barrel is 590 mm;
- The total length of the gun is 1,065 mm;
- The working resource reserve is 4000 shots.
Design and principle of operation
One of the main design features of the SOK-97 carbine (Vepr-223) was its similarity to the Kalashnikov light machine gun. The same gas exhaust system was used here as in the RPK, so the weapon boasted automatic reloading of cartridges (part of the powder gases acted to open the bolt frame with the help of a piston, push out the used cartridge case and feed new ammunition from the magazine into the chamber).
To increase the service life and reliability of the weapon, the barrel channel of the Vepr-223 was chrome-plated. At the same time, the walls of the barrel were much thicker than those of the same Saiga, which still had a negative effect on the weight, but it gave the shooter confidence that his weapon would last for several decades. As for the rifling, there are only 4 of them, but some models are equipped with a flash suppressor. The length of the barrel depends on the modification and version.
The receiver of the SOK-97 has a dovetail sighting rib (11 millimeters), suitable for installing optical devices. The standard sight uses a classic open rear sight with the ability to adjust the rail depending on the distance (100, 200 and 300 meters) and a static front sight. On later versions, additional brackets began to appear, mounted on the left or right side of the receiver.
The carbine is powered by a box magazine, which can be produced in two versions: 5 or 10 rounds (larger quantities are prohibited by Russian law). The SOK-1V version used a drum, but it also only held 10 rounds. But to speed up reloading, the carbine was equipped with a special release button, when pressed, the magazine was disconnected from the chamber.
The butt and fore-end of the weapon are made of wood (walnut). The standard grip has a semi-pistol shape, but with a special slot for the thumb. There are also many versions on the market with a full pistol grip. If desired, the buyer can attach a special tactical handle to the fore-end, thereby increasing his chances of an accurate shot. You can attach a bipod or a flashlight under the barrel.
Butt of carbine Vepr SOK 97R 223Rem 650mm
What conclusion can you come to?
Several modifications included in the Kaban complex allow every gun lover to choose exactly what will satisfy all his needs. Before buying, you need to think about everything thoroughly: for what purposes and to solve what problems this carbine will be useful for you.
The introduction of 223 cartridges allows firing at the highest cartridge flight speed and with a flat trajectory. If you want to use it to hunt wild boar, bear or elk, then it is better to consider a weapon with other, stronger ammunition.
The highest reliability and durability of this weapon allow it to be used for training in shooting from full-fledged rifles. For this purpose, Vepr-223 REM is an ideal option. But, again, there are problems with equipped shooting ranges, so shooters have to create something of their own for full-fledged training.
Conclusion
Various modifications of the “Vepr” allow every weapon lover to choose exactly what will satisfy all his needs. Before purchasing, you should decide for what purposes you will need this carabiner.
The use of 223 rounds allows shooting with a high bullet speed and a flat trajectory. But if you want to use a carbine to hunt wild boar, bear or elk, then it is better to consider a weapon with other, more powerful ammunition.
The high reliability and durability of the “Vepr” make it possible to use it for shooting training. For this purpose, the best choice is Vepr-223 REM.
