Since their appearance on the arms market of the Saiga smooth-bore shooting models, these semi-automatic devices have been in great demand among consumers. However, after some time, negative reviews began to appear about the products of Izhmashev designers. Smooth-bore semi-automatic Saigas often jammed and misfired. Weapon designers decided to take advantage of the great consumer demand for shooting models in this category and designed the Vepr-12 gun. Soon, gunsmiths from Vyatskie Polyany created a whole series of smooth-bore carbines, which became a worthy competitor to the Saiga. The description, design and tactical and technical characteristics of the Vepr-12 gun are presented in the article.
Acquaintance
"Vepr-12" is a Russian smooth-bore self-loading carbine, the basis for which was the Kalashnikov light machine gun (RPK). Hunting and sporting competitions are considered the main areas of application for these smoothbores. In addition, Vepr-12 can be used in hunting and sports competitions. Judging by numerous reviews, this carbine is considered a fairly effective service weapon. In the technical documentation it is listed under the symbol VPO-205. "Vepr-12" is adapted to fire 12-gauge cartridges. Judging by numerous reviews, carbines are characterized by high firepower. The cost of one rifle unit is around 500 euros.
Smoothbore self-loading carbine "Vepr-12/VPO-205-3"
At the industry exhibition of hunting and sporting weapons IWA & OutdoorClassics 2016, held in early March in Nuremberg, the Russian exposition was presented in a shortened form. The city of Vyatskie Polyany was called upon to compensate for the absence of the largest Russian arms manufacturers at the exhibition due to sanctions (Kalashnikov concern, Izhmekhzavod, TOZ, KBP). An enterprise from the Kirov region presented a logically complete and diverse family of its Vepr-12 smooth-bore self-loading carbines. Of which the shortened model of the VPO-205-3 carbine, which is popular today in law enforcement units and special forces, was able to attract special attention. It is worth noting that shotguns, along with pistols and submachine guns, are today the standard small arms of law enforcement and security forces. In addition to the psychological effect they have on the criminal, experts also highlight the powerful stopping effect of 12-gauge cartridges. One should not discount the high flexibility of using smoothbore shotguns, which allow the use of a wide range of different types of ammunition: signal, gas, cartridges with rubber or plastic buckshot, noise cartridges, special cartridges for knocking out doors and locks, etc.
Vepr-12 / VPO-205-03, photo: molot.biz
Until recently, police almost without exception used smooth-bore shotguns with a tubular under-barrel magazine and a movable forend, the so-called pump-action shotguns. This weapon was valued for its menacing appearance, simplicity and reliability of design. The attitude towards self-loading smooth-bore carbines, especially among conservative American police, was quite skeptical for a long time; it was believed that semi-automatic weapons are supposedly always unreliable and expensive, and the only area of their application is “ladies’” weapons due to automatic reloading and softer recoil when shooting.
Russian gunsmiths were able to dispel these prejudices in 2003 by releasing the Vepr-12 smooth-bore self-loading gun onto the market; the weapon was assigned the VPO-205 index. Together with its direct competitor - the Izhevsk carbine "Saiga-12" - "Vepr-12" (the numbers 12 in the name indicate the caliber of the weapon) buried the myth about the complexity, unreliability and high cost of smooth-bore semi-automatic rifles. Gunsmiths from Vyatskiye Polyany managed to create a self-loading carbine, which, thanks to a capacious magazine and ergonomics, had high firepower and could work reliably with various types of cartridges. At the same time, the price of weapons, both then and now, is approximately 500 euros.
Vepr-12 / VPO-205-03, photo: molot.biz
The Vepr carbine came to court not only in Russia. The smoothbore self-loading carbine is in demand by IPSC shooters and police officers, especially members of special assault teams who use the carbine as a “first strike weapon.” In our country, Vepr-12 has been certified as a service and civilian weapon. In 2012, after appropriate tests, NATO included the Russian carbine in the official list of weapons of the bloc countries. It was tested at the NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency NAMSA. The presentation of the carbine took place in September 2012, during which Bundeswehr officers used a self-loading carbine as a support weapon during the assault on fortified premises. It is known that Russian weapons were purchased by Greece (special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs EKAM), France (Ministry of Internal Affairs RAID), Germany (special forces of the Federal Police), the USA, Syria and a number of other states. The high demand for the carbine in the foreign and domestic markets forced the development of a whole series of modifications that formed a unified family of smooth-bore self-loading carbines VPO-205/206. They all differ from each other in barrel length, types of stocks and muzzle devices, as well as types of ammunition used - 12x76 and 12x70 cartridges.
For self-defense of your home and law enforcement agencies, the short model of the VPO-205-03 carbine, barrel length - 305 mm (for model 01 - 570 mm, 02 - 680 mm) is of greatest interest. Like all Vepr-12 carbines, it was created on the basis of the famous Kalashnikov light machine gun - RPK, inheriting from it the rotating bolt and gas operating principle. Naturally, the barrel, receiver, bolt and magazine have undergone modifications to allow the use of 12-gauge rifle cartridges. In addition, the automatic fire sear was removed from the trigger mechanism, a bolt stop was introduced, and the trigger was blocked when the butt of the carbine was folded.
Vepr-12 / VPO-205-03, photo: molot.biz
The bore, chamber, gas chamber and rod were chrome plated. One of the advantages of the “Vepry” is the magazine shaft with a wide neck, which makes changing magazines fairly easy and quick. At the same time, the VPO-205-03 is compact (total length 867 mm), but remains a very powerful weapon, having an effective firing range of up to one hundred meters with a muzzle energy of 12x76 cartridges at the level of 3800 J. The presence of five Picatinny rails MIL-STD-1913, designed for installation of optical and or any other sights (the weight of the receiver accessories installed on the bar of the box cover cannot exceed 0.6 kg), as well as all kinds of accessories, an adjustable tubular butt and a wide selection of interchangeable choke tubes make the VPO-205-03 smoothbore carbine universal and modern a model of small arms that can meet the needs of a wide variety of shooters.
Automatic reloading of the VPO-205-03 smoothbore carbine is carried out using the energy of the powder gases, which are diverted from the barrel bore into the gas chamber, as well as the energy of the return springs. The barrel bore is locked onto two lugs by rotating the bolt around its axis with a longitudinally sliding bolt frame. The model uses a trigger-type firing mechanism, which ensures the production of single shots. A locking device was placed in the receiver of the carbine, which prevents the weapon from being fired if its stock is folded. In addition, like the entire line of smooth-bore self-loading carbines "Vepr-12", this model has a slide stop, allowing the moving system to remain in the rear position when the cartridges in the magazine are used up.
Sales of this smoothbore carbine started in Russia back in July 2011. Currently, the manufacturer on its official website indicates the price of the product at 40,890 rubles. At the same time, it guarantees the operation of the rifle in conditions from -30 to +50 degrees Celsius, with the exception of areas with a humid tropical climate. The VPO 205-03 carbine is covered by a warranty of 18 months from the date of sale with operating time not exceeding two thousand shots, while the magazine life should not exceed one thousand shots.
The project to develop a hunting smoothbore self-loading carbine, with the factory designation “VPO-205-03”, was based on a modification that had been known for quite some time, but was produced exclusively for export. The peculiarity of this smoothbore carbine is that it is an offensive weapon of the first shots, which has exceptional energy, dynamics and ergonomics, not available to other types of small arms at short combat distances.
Although according to the passport it is a hunting carbine, in relation to the civilian weapons market it can be functionally classified as a high-power self-defense firearm. It is most effective when protecting against attack at a distance of 3 to 30 meters; at this range, the role is played not so much by the accuracy of the shot as by its power. This carbine was initially positioned by the developers as a weapon intended for defensive actions or sports shooting. It is also of interest to law enforcement agencies and special services. But it is not advisable to use the VPO-205-03 for hunting, Russian hunters themselves note this; after all, the hunting potential is greatly limited by the short barrel - only 305 mm.
The main advantage of all modifications of the Vepr-12 smooth-bore self-loading carbines is their very high practical rate of fire, which, together with the use of 12-gauge cartridges, provides enormous firepower to the weapon. The rate of fire is achieved by combining two factors: capacious single-row magazines with a capacity of 8 or 10 rounds, which, after emptying, are quickly and easily replaced with new magazines, and the self-loading mode of operation of the carbine. In addition, the significant advantages of the Vepr carbines include their “indestructibility,” that is, reliability. This weapon can safely be considered one of the strongest among all semi-automatic shotguns on the planet, due to the robust design of the RPK, which was taken by Russian engineers as a basis.
Some disadvantages of the weapon include the standard Picatinny rail, which is located on the underside of the fore-end and makes holding the carbine by the fore-end quite uncomfortable. But the main disadvantage is the weight of the smoothbore carbine. Without a magazine, an optical sight, accessories, and a case with a belt, the short-barreled Vepr-12 VPO-205-03 weighs at least 4.2 kg. A loaded carbine with a developed tactical kit and sight will weigh even more. At the same time, this minus can turn into a plus. Since heavy weapons behave more stable when firing, especially if the shooter prefers rapid-fire firing mode.
Characteristics of Vepr-12 / VPO-205-03: Overall dimensions of the carbine: length - 867 mm, width - 75 mm, height - 290 mm; in folded position - 601x104x290 mm. Barrel length - 305 mm. Caliber - 12. Cartridges - 12x70 and 12x76. Magazine - 10 and 8 rounds. The weight of the carbine without magazine is 4.2 kg. Sighting range - 100 m.
Sources of information: https://molot.biz/goods/vpo-205-03.html https://www.all4shooters.com/ru/strelba/ruzhya/Molot-Oruzhiye-VPO-205-03-gladkostvolnoye-samozaryadnoye- ruzhye https://gunshub.ru/posts/24-obzor-vepr-vpo-205-03 https://fb.ru/article/202950/vepr—molot-vpo——karabin
About production
The Saiga line of semi-automatic weapons was created on the basis of the AK. The choice of this system was due to the fact that Kalashnikov assault rifles were manufactured at the Izhmashevsk plant, and no problems were observed in the design of rifle analogues intended for civilian consumers. The plant in Vyatskie Polyany began producing Kalashnikov light machine guns. The 74th Kalash model and the RPK differed from each other in structural strength, weight and overall characteristics. According to experts, the machine gun is equipped with a more “survivable” mechanism, which means it has a longer service life. The design of the Vepr-12 smoothbore carbines was carried out taking into account the main options for its purpose. These shooting units were created for self-defense and sport shooting. Models were also developed for police officers and hunters.
Description
The Vepr-12 smoothbore shotguns inherited the general layout and design of the RPK. Both shooting models have the same handles, forend and gas exhaust system covers. The carbine has a gas release mechanism and is locked with a rotary bolt. However, according to experts, minor design changes were made to the bolt group and receiver of the smoothbore guns. Also, the trigger mechanism does not have a self-timer. The carbine is equipped with a standard skeleton stock, which can be folded if necessary.
Its tubes are connected near the receiver. The smoothbore is assembled on the basis of a high-strength metal frame coated with plastic. Black plastic was used to make the forend and pistol grip, which performs an orthopedic function. The carbine is equipped with a rubber butt pad. In order to ensure comfort during the operation of the weapon, the designers provide the possibility of changing the height of its standard butt. In the event of a fall on a hard surface, magazines and windows in the receivers are not damaged due to the presence of special receivers for clips. In an effort to extend the service life of the barrel channel, gas chamber and rod in the bolt frame, these elements are subjected to a chrome plating procedure. The carbines are equipped with detachable plastic box magazines, with the help of which ammunition is supplied. The arrangement of ammunition in the clips is single-row.
Smoothbore gun (carbine) Vepr-12 (Russia)
Smoothbore shotgun (carbine) Vepr-12 in the basic version, butt unfolded, right view.
Smoothbore shotgun (carbine) Vepr-12 in the basic version, butt unfolded, left view.
Vepr-12 smoothbore shotgun (carbine) in the basic version, the butt is folded.
Smoothbore shotgun (carbine) Vepr-12 in version 01, with an additional front handle installed.
| Vepr 12 | Vepr 12 isp.01 | Vepr 12 isp.02 | |
| Type | gas-operated semi-automatic | ||
| Caliber | 12 gauge, 76 mm chamber | ||
| Length | 1057 / 725 mm | 1147 / 815 mm | 1307 / 975 mm |
| Barrel length | 430 mm | 520 mm | 680 mm |
| Weight without magazine | 3.9 kg | 4.0 kg | 4.2 kg |
| Shop | 8 rounds detachable box type | ||
The Vepr-12 smoothbore shotgun (carbine) is a relatively new development (Vyatskie Polyany) and was created as a direct competitor to the Saiga 12C / Saiga 12K series shotguns, which are very popular in Russia. The main purpose of the new shotguns is sports (practical shooting according to IPSC rules), and home defense and security activities. In addition, Vepr-12 is a good support weapon for the police and other law enforcement agencies. The Vepr-12 gun is based on the time-tested design of the Kalashnikov RPK light machine gun (also produced at the Molot plant), however, during its creation, the wishes of sports shooters were taken into account, and additional elements were introduced into the design of the gun, making handling more convenient - a double-sided safety, magazine shaft, bolt stop, etc. Currently, shotguns of the Vepr-12 series are produced in three versions, differing in the length of the barrel - in the basic version the barrel is the shortest, in versions version 01 and version 02 the barrels are longer.
The Vepr-12 smoothbore rifles inherited the general layout and design of the Kalashnikov assault rifle (light machine gun), with a gas release mechanism and locking by turning the bolt. Naturally, the bolt group and receiver were redesigned taking into account the use of hunting cartridges, the trigger mechanism lost its self-timer, the gas release mechanism is self-adjusting and allows you to fire cartridges with both 70mm and 76mm (Magnum) sleeves without additional adjustments. Sights are similar to a Kalashnikov assault rifle, with an adjustable rear sight and a front sight mounted on a gas chamber. The receiver cover is not detachable, but tilts up and forward, similar to the AKS-74U assault rifle. Additionally, a Picatinny rail type guide is made on the receiver cover, allowing for quick and convenient installation of various additional sights on the appropriate brackets. The cartridges are fed from plastic single-row magazines with a capacity of 8 cartridges; a bolt stop has been introduced into the design of the weapon, which locks the bolt in the open position after all the cartridges in the magazine have been used up (to speed up reloading). The stock is metal, skeletal design, folding to the side. The outside of the butt is covered with plastic to improve shooting comfort in cold or hot weather. On the forend and under the gas chamber there are additional Picatinny rail type guides for installing laser designators, tactical flashlights or other accessories. The safety mechanism is generally similar in design to that of Kalashnikov assault rifles, but has additional levers on the right and left, making handling the weapon safer and more convenient. For the basic version with a shortened barrel, produced for the Russian market, an additional safety mechanism was introduced that blocks firing when the butt is folded (in accordance with the requirements of the Law on Weapons of the Russian Federation).
How does it work?
To automatically reload carbines, the energy generated by return springs and powder gases, which are discharged from the barrel channel into a special chamber, is used. Rotating around its axis, the sliding bolt frame locks the barrel. The carbines are equipped with hammer trigger mechanisms. The weapon is designed to perform only single shooting. For safety reasons, the receiver was equipped with a special locking device, making it impossible to operate the carbine with the stock folded. In addition, the design of these shooting models has a bolt stop, the task of which is to reliably fix the moving system when all the cartridges in the magazine are used up.
Self-loading hunting carbine "Vepr-12 Molot"
The Vepr-12 Molot carbines are created on the basis of the Kalashnikov light machine gun, are chambered for 12x76 caliber cartridges and have a high degree of reliability and reliability when operating in various operating conditions. "Vepr - 12 Molot" is a multi-purpose smoothbore self-loading carbine designed for hunting, sports competitions, self-defense, and also for use as a service weapon. It differs from other versions by the presence of a removable flash suppressor mounted on the muzzle of the barrel and a trigger locking mechanism, which eliminates the possibility of firing with the butt folded. Carbine "Vepr-12 Hammer" used. 01 is a modification of the Vepr-12 Molot carbine and is distinguished by a barrel extended to 520 mm, a non-removable flash suppressor, and the ability to fire with the butt folded. Carbine "Vepr-12 Hammer" used. 02 is a modification of the Vepr-12 Molot carbine. 01 and is distinguished by a barrel extended to 680 mm and the presence of a base in the muzzle of the barrel for installing internal choke tubes, unified with guns of the Bekas and Bekas-Auto series.
Carbine "Vepr-12 Hammer" used. 03 is a modification of the Vepr-12 Molot carbine and features a barrel shortened to 305 mm.
Automatic reloading of the carbine is carried out by using the energy of the powder gases removed from the barrel bore into the gas chamber and the energy of the return springs. The barrel bore is locked by rotating the bolt around its axis by two lugs while moving the bolt frame longitudinally. The hammer-type trigger mechanism ensures the production of a single shot and setting the safety. The safety lever is double-sided with two levers located on the right side of the receiver and one lever on the left side. To make it easier to attach the magazine to the weapon, the carbine is equipped with a receiver. To increase corrosion resistance, the bore and chamber of the barrel, the bolt frame rod and the gas chamber are chrome-plated. Open sights consist of a sighting bar with a mechanism for introducing lateral corrections, and a front sight adjustable in two directions, installed in the base, combined with a gas chamber. The lower part of the gas chamber is made in the form of a Weaver rail for mounting a tactical flashlight or laser designator. The carbine has an automatic slide stop.
Specifications | ||||
| "Vepr-12 Hammer" (VPO-205-00) | "Vepr-12 Hammer" isp. 01 (VPO-205-01) | "Vepr-12 Hammer" isp. 02 (VPO-205-02) | "Vepr-12 Hammer" isp. 03 (VPO-205-03) | |
| Caliber | 12 | |||
| Cartridge used | 12x76 | |||
| Chamber length, mm | 76 | |||
| Magazine capacity, pcs., cartridges | 4, 8 | |||
| Sighting range, m, up to | 100 | |||
| Overall dimensions, mm, no more | ||||
| length | 977 | 1067 | 1227 | 867 |
| width | 75 | |||
| height | 290 | |||
| Overall dimensions with folded stock, mm, no more | ||||
| length | 725 | 815 | 975 | 601 |
| width | 104 | |||
| height | 290 | |||
| Barrel length, mm, no more | 430 | 520 | 680 | 305 |
| Carbine weight (without components), kg, no more | 4,3 | 4,4 | 4,55 | 4,2 |
About sighting devices
"Vepr-12 Molot 205" is equipped with a classic front sight and rear sight. The end of the gas outlet tube became the place for their fastenings. The rear sight in the carbine is adjustable. In this shooting model there are positions determined by the developers, by installing mechanical sighting devices on which the smoothbore can be effectively used at various distances. In addition, when adjusting the rear sight, the ammunition used is taken into account. According to experts, the Vepr-12-205 has a short sighting line. Due to this fact, experienced consumers recommend using bullets, since shooting with buckshot will be less effective. It is better to use buckshot with an aiming bar.
Design and operating principle of Vepr-12 “Hammer”
The internal structure and operating principle are similar to IZHMASH products - Saiga-12S and Saiga-12K carbines.
The sighting mechanism is classic (front and rear sight). The mount is located at the end of the gas outlet tube. The rear sight is adjustable. Vepr 12 Molot 205 has a short sighting line. The best results are achieved when using bullets; buckshot hits less closely and it is better to use an aiming bar for it.
The skeleton type stock can be folded. Its metal frame has increased strength, the coating consists of plastic and a rubber butt pad. The developers have provided for changing the height of the butt for comfortable shooting with different types of sights.
The Vepr-12 carbine is equipped with a magazine receiver that protects the magazine and the window in the receiver from damage. The design of the handle, forend and gas outlet lining are copied from the Kalashnikov light machine gun. The surface is finished with black polymer.
The shutter lag allows shooters to save several seconds on reloading. The bolt delay signals the end of the ammunition, after which you can quickly reload and continue shooting.
All versions of the weapon are equipped with multiple Picatinny rails. They are located on the receiver cover, on the lower edge of the forend and on the barrel. Each bar has its own practical application. An optical or other additional sighting mechanisms are mounted on the receiver. An additional handle can be installed on the forend. A laser sight or flashlight can be placed on the barrel.
The Vepr 12 Molot 205 is fed with 12 gauge ammunition and has a chamber length of 76 millimeters.
About additional accessories
Owners of Vepr-12 smoothbore carbines can, if desired, equip their weapons with the following accessories and equipment:
- Muzzle brake-compensator and muzzle attachment-flame suppressor.
- Various chokes and barrel extensions. Judging by numerous reviews, many shooters install special “paradox” attachments on carbines.
- Telescopic folding bipod.
- Welded steel or cast duralumin shaft of the clip receiver.
- Various handguard options. Judging by the reviews, many people install Weaver rails on carbines. It makes it possible to equip the weapon with a front handle, a tactical flashlight, and a laser target designator.
- Sporty ergonomic handles. Thanks to the ability to adjust them, the carabiners become much more comfortable to hold.
- Various covers for receivers. Accessories can be plastic or metal.
- Box magazines with a capacity of 4, 8 and 10 rounds of ammunition.
- Drum (rotary) magazines for 10 rounds.
- Folding and telescopic butts.
- Laser and diode infrared illuminators for night sighting devices.
About the advantages
Due to the use of 12-gauge ammunition, Vepr-12, according to weapons experts, has impressive firepower. In addition, many consumers appreciate the high rate of fire of carbines. This became possible thanks to the availability of spacious stores. Structurally, the weapon is designed to make changing clips easy and quick. Judging by the reviews, the Vepr line of shooting products are considered to be the most durable semi-automatic shotguns in the world.
About design features
Today, several versions of the Vepr-12 carbine are produced. Shooting models have different designs and barrel lengths. In the Vepr line of smoothbores, consumers are presented with options for which the following are provided:
- Removable flame arresters and mechanisms responsible for blocking the triggers.
- Rifle units in which the ability to remove the flame arrester is not structurally provided. The length of the trunks in such models is no more than 52 cm.
- Carbines, the barrels of which can reach 68 cm. Shotguns are equipped with muzzle attachments.
- Rifle units with shortened barrels up to 30.5 cm.
The Vepr-12 Hammer VPO line is represented by carbines with an aiming range of up to one hundred meters. The guns are equipped with magazines of 4 and 8 rounds of ammunition. The weight of the weapon varies from 4.2 to 4.5 kg. Judging by consumer reviews, you can buy a carbine for 35 thousand rubles.
Design features of Vepr-12 "Molot-205-03"
Since the Vepr-12 “Molot-205-03” is of greatest interest for self-defense and law enforcement agencies, let’s look at the design features of the “Vepr” using its example. The Vepr-12 shotgun in version “03” has the following characteristics:
- The barrel length is only 305 mm, which is very convenient for shooting in confined spaces;
- The cartridges used in Vepr-12 are 12x70 and 12x76 caliber;
- Despite its small dimensions, the weight of the short Vepr-12 reaches 4.2 kg;
- Magazines can be 8 or 10 rounds;
- The aiming range, according to the manufacturer, is 100 meters, although in practice such short models fire at a distance of up to 25 meters.
All carbines of the Vepr series were created on the basis of the Kalashnikov light machine gun. It was from him that he inherited his significant mass. In addition, the principle of operation of the Vepr-12 is based on the same principles, that is, it has a rotating valve and a gas-operated principle of automatic operation. In order to make it possible to fire the Vepr-12 with 12-gauge cartridges, the receiver, barrel, bolt and magazine had to be replaced. In order to exclude the possibility of automatic fire, the automatic fire sear was removed from the design of the firing mechanism.
For all its compactness, the Vepr-12 in version 03 remained a very powerful weapon, especially at short distances. No matter how the manufacturer claims that you can shoot even at 100 meters, a short barrel will make shooting at such a distance very inaccurate. In order for the weapon to comply with Russian legislation, the Vepr-205-03 has a lock when the stock is folded.
Reloading of the entire series of Vepr carbines occurs through the use of the energy of powder gases, which are discharged into the gas chamber. This uses the energy of the return springs. The blocker, which prevents the short version of the Vepr-12 from firing when the stock is folded, is located in the receiver of the weapon. Another feature of all Vepr-12 smoothbore shotguns is the presence of a special bolt stop, which fixes the moving system in the rearmost position after all the ammunition has been expended.
If short modifications of the Vepr-12 are more suitable for recreational shooting or for self-defense, then long modifications of the Vepr-12 are more suitable for hunting. The power of the 12-gauge cartridge in combination with the long barrel of the carbine gives fairly stable results when hunting any prey.
About modifications
VPO "Vepr-12" became the basis for the creation of the following variants of smooth-bore weapons:
- 12-00. The carbine is equipped with a barrel, the length of which is 43 cm. The design has a folding butt and a mechanism that prevents firing from a folded weapon. Supplied with a removable compensator.
- "Vepr-12-01". This version uses a 53 cm barrel. The design of the carbine allows the stock to be folded, but this smoothbore is not equipped with a locking system. A weapon with a rather rigid compensator, which cannot be removed.
- 12-02. The barrel length of this carbine reaches 68 cm. There is no compensator, however, this shooting model is equipped with choke tubes. In order to increase combat accuracy, the designers equipped the end of the barrel channel with threads for various extensions.
- "Vepr-12-03". It is a carbine with the shortest barrel. Its length does not exceed 30.5 cm. The butt folds. The design has a locking system. Supplied with compensator. Without ammunition, the weight of the carbine is 4.2 kg.
- 12-04. Structurally no different from the previous version. However, in this carbine the barrel length is increased to 48.3 cm.
- 12 IPSC. Represents a sports modification. The carbine is used by professional shooters. The developers placed the safety button on both sides of the receiver. The shutter is cocked using a lever. Sports model without a standard sighting mechanism.
- "Vepr-12-205S". It is a special version created for law enforcement officers and security agencies.
Modifications Vepr-12
Based on the standard model, several versions have been developed:
- Vepr-12-00 is a model with a 430 mm barrel. The butt folds; safety is ensured by a mechanism that prevents shooting with the butt folded. The kit includes a compensator;
- Model 12-01 - barrel length is 53 centimeters. The stock also folds, but there is no trigger locking system when folded. The compensator is rigid and cannot be removed;
- Model 12-02 - 680 mm barrel. The kit does not include a compensator, but there are choke tubes. The thread allows you to install an extension to increase shooting accuracy;
- Vepr-12 VPO-250-03 - has the shortest barrel length (305 millimeters). There is a built-in fire limiter when folded. The kit includes a compensator. The weight of the unloaded weapon is 4,200 grams;
- Model 12-04 - a similar version to the previous one with a barrel length of 483 millimeters;
- Vepr-12 IPSC is a sports modification of the carbine, created taking into account the wishes of professional shooters. Elements have been added to make operation more comfortable: there is a safety button on both sides, the magazine can be removed by pressing a button, the bolt is raised using a lever, and the standard sighting mechanism has been removed;
- Vepr-12 VPO-205S is a special version for law enforcement agencies and security companies.
How to care for your weapon?
Despite the fact that carbines have chrome-plated barrel channels, according to experts, they need to be cleaned regularly. Even when firing ammunition that uses smokeless powder, carbon particles will always remain on the surface of the barrel. It is important to prevent their accumulation. This recommendation is due to the fact that a thick layer of carbon deposits can lead to peeling of the protective chrome coating. Cleaning weapons is done using a brush and a soft cloth. It is not advisable to use abrasive materials, as they will erase the chrome coating. The piston and cylinder of the gas chamber also need to be cleaned.
According to the recommendations of specialists
According to many owners, the carbine will look more modern if it is equipped with a special black body kit. It is easy to remove before washing and cleaning. The weapon will not burden your hands, since high-strength plastic is used to make body kits. Those who do not want to use an optical sighting device can equip the carbine with a collimator. It will ensure effective shooting at a distance of up to 70 m. With optics, the distance can be increased. You can control the spread of buckshot using special attachments. When working with them, you need to remember the restrictions on the cartridges used. When firing from an automatic weapon, powder gases move the barrel to the side, thus shifting the aiming line. For anyone who wants to improve the accuracy of a carbine, experts recommend using a compensator. This device will direct the powder gases in the desired direction. Special extension cords have been developed for long distances. A carbine with such a device will qualify as a rifled weapon.
