Smoothbore self-loading shotgun Vepr-12 Molot VPO-205

Vepr-12 Molot is a domestic 12-gauge smoothbore self-loading shotgun. The Vepr-12 carbine was developed by the Vyatsko-Polyansky Molot weapons plant based on the design of the Kalashnikov light machine gun. The goal of the development was to create a weapon that is not inferior in its characteristics to the Saiga 12 shotguns, popular in the Russian Federation.

The Vepr-12 shotgun can be used for hunting, at sporting competitions, for self-defense, and even as a service weapon for security units, police, and law enforcement agencies. It was even installed on an unmanned aerial vehicle to combat enemy UAVs.

In this article we will learn the history of the creation of the carbine, consider its performance characteristics, design features and operating principles, and talk about the advantages and disadvantages.

History of creation

The first carbine from the Vepr series was created in 1995 at the Vyatsko-Polyansky machine-building plant Molot. In the nineties of the last century, the Vyatsko-Polyansky plant, like the entire military-industrial industry, was going through difficult times. The plant was actually left without government military orders and, for its own survival, was forced to rebuild its production to produce civilian products. The Vepr carbine was one of the results of this production conversion.

For many years, Vepr carbines were produced in different rifled calibers, in various modifications and designs. The management of the Vyatsko-Polyansky Molot plant, seeing the high popularity of the Saiga carbines produced by the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant (Izhmash), decided to create a smooth-bore version of the Vepr carbines. The carbine was named Vepr-12 Molot (VPO-205).

The Vepr-12 Molot carbine, like the rifled Vepris, was created on the basis of the Kalashnikov light machine gun (RPK). The Vyatsko-Polyansky plant “Molot” produced Kalashnikov light machine guns for many years and had proven production technologies. Thanks to the use of parts and components from the Kalashnikov light machine gun (RPK), minimal changes in production technologies were required to establish the production of the Vepr-12 (VPO-205) carbine.

The Vepr-12 Molot smoothbore shotgun inherited from its predecessor a high degree of reliability and reliability when operating in the most difficult operating conditions.

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.

general description

From the very beginning of production, the carbine was positioned by the manufacturer not only as a weapon for hunting, but also as a weapon for self-defense, a service weapon for law enforcement agencies, and also as a sports weapon for practical shooting competitions.

The Vepr-12 (VPO-205) shotgun is used as a support weapon in law enforcement agencies, as it has the ability to create a high density of fire at a short distance in a short period of time.

In Russia, the Vepr-12 (VPO-205) carbine is certified for both civilian and official use. The Vepr-12 Molot carbine (VPO-205) is a direct competitor to the very popular Saiga-12 smoothbore carbine.

Options and packaging

For the convenience of consumers, this carbine is supplied in a heavy-duty case made of special military-grade plastic. The weapon is placed in a prepared cradle and securely held during carrying/transportation. Basic package includes:

• optical sight;
• plastic box magazine.

Vepr-12 carbine with 8-round magazine

Design features of the Vepr-12 shotgun

The Vepr-12 self-loading shotgun 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 shotgun to make handling more convenient, for example, double-sided safety, magazine well, bolt stop.

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 70 mm and 76 mm Magnum sleeves without additional adjustments.

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 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 delay has been introduced into the design of the weapon, which locks the bolt in the open position once all the cartridges in the magazine have been used up (to speed up reloading). To make it easier to attach the magazine to the weapon, the carbine is equipped with a receiver.

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.

Vepr-12 carbines have a high degree of reliability and reliability when working in various operating conditions.

Design

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.

Trunk

The Vepr-12 (VPO-205) carbine, depending on the modification, can have a barrel length of 305, 430, 483, 520, 570 and 680 mm. The carbine has a removable flash suppressor on the muzzle of the barrel. The barrel design allows the owner to install external choke constrictions. The bore and chamber of the Vepr-12 carbine are chrome-plated, which increases their corrosion resistance and thereby increases the service life of the carbine.

Gate

The design of the Vepr carbine makes maximum use of parts and components of the Kalashnikov light machine gun. Reloading of the carbine is carried out by using the energy of the powder gases, which are discharged from the barrel bore into the gas chamber at the moment of firing, and the energy of the return spring.

The barrel bore is locked by rotating the bolt around its axis by two lugs while moving the bolt frame longitudinally.

The bolt carrier rod and gas chamber are chrome plated to increase the service life of the carbine. The gas release mechanism of the carbine is self-adjusting, allowing the use of both cartridges with a case length of 70 mm and a length of 76 mm without any additional adjustments on the part of the shooter.

The Vepr 12 (VPO-205) carbine has had its weight and design performance characteristics of the bolt group and receiver changed to accommodate 12-gauge smoothbore cartridges. The carbine has an automatic bolt stop, which, when all the cartridges in the magazine are used up, locks the bolt in the open position to speed up reloading.

USM

The hammer-type trigger mechanism ensures the production of a single shot and the safety of the carbine. The safety of the Vepr 12 carbine is of a double-sided flag type, one lever is located on the left and the other on the right of the receiver. Modifications of the carbine produced for the domestic Russian market have a safety mechanism that blocks the ability to pull the trigger when the stock is folded. The Vepr 12 carbine has had its self-timer removed, allowing it to fire in bursts.

Shop

The Vepr 12 (VPO-205) carbine is equipped with a magazine receiver neck, which makes it easier to attach the magazine to the carbine, and also protects the magazine from mechanical damage when falling from a height.

The carbine is fed with cartridges from detachable plastic box magazines with single-row cartridges. The capacity of a standard magazine is 8 rounds.

Sights

Vepr-12 (VPO-205) carbines are equipped with open sights. which consist of an aiming bar (rear sight) and a front sight. The front sight is mounted in a base at the end of the gas chamber and can be adjusted in two directions. The sighting bar is mounted on the gas chamber and has an adjustment mechanism. The Vepr-12 carbine has a short sighting line, that is, the distance between the rear sight and the front sight is relatively small, which negatively affects shooting accuracy.

The cover of the receiver of the Vepr-12 (VPO-205) carbine does not separate, but folds up and forward, like the AKS-74U assault rifle. The receiver cover has a Picatinny rail that allows you to install an optical or collimator sight.

Butt

The Vepr-12 carbine is equipped with a folding metal skeleton stock. The buttstock is covered with black plastic to increase the comfort of using the carbine in hot or cold weather. The butt folds to the side. The butt has an adjustable cheekpiece, which makes aiming easier. The comfortable pistol grip, fore-end and gas tube cover are made of matte black plastic.

On the bottom of the gas chamber there is a “Weaver” type rail on which you can mount a tactical flashlight, laser designator, bipod or tactical grip.

Operating principle

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 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).

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.

Specifications

Here are the performance characteristics of the Vepr-12 Molot (VPO-205) shotguns:

• Type: self-loading carbine, operating on the principle of using the removal of part of the powder gases from the barrel.
• Calibers: 12×70, 12×76.
• Barrel length: 305, 430, 483, 570, 680 mm.
• Magazine: detachable plastic box magazine with single-row arrangement of cartridges.
• Magazine capacity: 4, 8 or 10 rounds.
• Sighting range: 100 m.
• Total length: 867-1227 mm.
• Weight: 3.9-4.55 kg.

The overall length, barrel length and weight depend on the caliber of the barrel, modification and design of the carbine.

Vepr-12 Hammer VPO-205 is poorly suited for hunting. The enormous rate of fire and impressive mass are not the best parameters for this type of activity. Therefore, the gun is most often used for sport shooting or in police operations. The weapon demonstrates its advantages when storming premises.

The fast discharge rate of the magazine, coupled with powerful 12-gauge ammunition, creates a lead barrage in a separate area, literally in a few seconds.

The second positive quality of the carbine is reliability and survivability. The light machine gun was the basis for its creation. But kinship also has a negative side. In particular, the large dimensions and weight of the product. 4.3 kg is not a small weight, but thanks to this, the weapon behaves stably during recoil, since it is partially damped by mass.

Negative features include the Weaver rails on the lower part of the forend. They make the gun uncomfortable to hold, especially with bare hands.

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.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Vepr-12 shotgun

The Vepr-12 shotgun has a number of undoubted advantages for which it is so valued by its owners:

• High firepower, which is provided by the high rate of fire of the carbine and the power of the 12-gauge cartridge, allowing you to create a real lead barrage in a few seconds.
• The Vepr-12 carbine, like all carbines of the Vepr Family, is created on the basis of the Kalashnikov light machine gun, from which it inherited high reliability and trouble-free operation in almost any climatic conditions.
• The heavy weight, self-loading principle of operation and rubber butt pad-shock absorber well dampen the recoil impulse. Thanks to all this, the Vepr carbine has low recoil.
• Self-loading shotguns Vepr-12 have a chrome-plated bore and chamber, as well as good quality metal from which the automatic parts are made, thanks to which the carbine has a fairly high resource of 10 thousand shots.
• Vepr carbines show good accuracy and shooting accuracy for a self-loading weapon. At a shooting distance of 100 meters, the spread of hits does not exceed 10 cm.
• Vepr-12 shotguns have a low cost compared to foreign analogues with similar technical characteristics.

Note that 12 gauge allows the weapon to use a wide range of different types of ammunition:

• Regular cartridges with buckshot, shot or bullet.
• Signal or gas cartridges.
• Traumatic cartridges that use rubber or plastic buckshot.
• Signal or noise cartridges.
• Various special cartridges, for example, for knocking out locks and so on.

Vepr-12 carbines have their disadvantages, which in the eyes of most owners are outweighed by their advantages:

• The Vepr-12 carbine Hammer VPO-205 weighs at least about 4 kg. When installing additional body kit elements, the carbine becomes even heavier.
• Shotgun Vepr-12 Hammer VPO-205 is very poorly suited for hunting. First of all, the carbine is intended for self-defense, sports shooting and use by law enforcement agencies for storming premises.
• The Vepr-12 Molot VPO-205 self-loading shotgun has a balance that is far from ideal, which makes it especially difficult to shoot accurately at the side. Some carbine owners correct its balance using special weights or suspension elements located in the right places, but all this makes the carbine even heavier.
• The Weaver bar, located on the lower part of the forend, makes it inconvenient to hold the carbine with your bare hand, without gloves.
• After each use of the rifle, it is necessary to clean the gas chamber and piston from carbon deposits. The gas chamber of the carbine is difficult to disassemble and requires a tool.

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.

Modifications

The Vepr-12 carbine (VPO-205) has several modifications that differ in a number of technical characteristics.

• Vepr-12 (VPO-205-00) is a carbine with a 430 mm long barrel, a removable flash suppressor and a trigger locking mechanism when the butt is folded.
• Vepr-12 Hammer used. 01 (VPO-205-01) (L-520) - a carbine with a 520 mm long barrel, a non-removable flash suppressor, capable of firing with a folded butt.
• Vepr-12 Hammer used. 01 (VPO-205-01) (L-570) - a carbine with a 520 mm long barrel, a non-removable flash suppressor, capable of firing with a folded butt.
• Vepr-12 isp. 02 (VPO-205-02) - a shotgun with a barrel length of 680 mm, has the ability to install internal choke tubes in the muzzle of the barrel, unified with guns of the Bekas and Bekas-Auto series, it is also possible to fire with a folded butt.
• Vepr-12 isp. 03 (VPO-205-03) - a carbine with a 305 mm long barrel, a removable flash suppressor and a trigger locking mechanism when the butt is folded. The total length of the Vepr-12 carbine isp. 03 (VPO-205-03) is 601 mm, weight 4.2 kg.
• Vepr-12 isp. 04 (VPO-205-04) - a carbine with a barrel length of 483 mm, has a classic wooden hunting stock.
• VPO-206 is a carbine with a 430 mm long barrel, a removable flash suppressor and a trigger locking mechanism when the butt is folded, designed for use with the 12/70 cartridge.
• Vepr-12 IPSC is a modification of the Vepr-12 shotgun made taking into account the requirements of the Practical Shooting Federation and taking into account the wishes of shooting athletes. It has a double-sided push-button safety, a magazine release button, a left-sided bolt cocking lever, and no open sights.
• VPO-205-00-SP is a serial modification of the Vepr-12 carbine, designed for use by competitive shooters, and is available in several versions.
• VPO-205S is a modification of the Vepr-12 carbine intended for official use in private security companies.

Maintenance of smoothbore weapons

Any weapon must be cleaned, and the Vepr 12 hunting rifle is no exception. First of all, the bore is cleaned. It's chrome plated, but that doesn't mean it doesn't require maintenance. In addition to the settling of burnt gunpowder, “lead coating” begins to form over time. This is when particles of lead buckshot settle on the walls, making it difficult for the bullet or buckshot to exit.

Saiga

In addition to regular cleaning of the barrel channel, do not forget about caring for the mechanics of the product. It does not require too much attention, but several times a year it is worth disassembling the carabiner, cleaning and lubricating the internal elements.

Tuning

If desired and has the financial resources, the owner of the Vepr-12 carbine can completely transform the appearance of the carbine by replacing the stock, fore-end, handle, and magazine.

• Many owners install collimator sights on the carbine, which significantly increases the convenience and accuracy of shooting.
• The owner of the carbine can, if desired, replace the wooden fore-end and stock with plastic ones or vice versa. By installing a wooden body kit on the Vepr-12, the owner of the carbine can make it very similar to the AKS-74U assault rifle. Telescopic butts are very convenient to use, allowing you to adjust the length of the butt to suit different shooters or different clothes.
• To improve the ease of holding the carbine, many owners install an ergonomic front handle on it.
• To improve the ballistic performance of the Vepr-12 carbine, owners install on the barrel: muzzle brakes-compensators, muzzle attachments-flame suppressors, various choke constrictions and barrel extensions.
• The carbine can be equipped with a tactical flashlight, a laser target designator, and an infrared illuminator to improve the performance of the night sight.
• To increase the number of shots, removable box magazines of larger capacity are installed on the carbine; it is even possible to install a drum (rotary) magazine on the carbine. When installing increased-capacity magazines on the Vepr-12 carbine, you should remember that Russian legislation prohibits the use of magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds.
• For ease of shooting, you can also install a telescopic folding bipod on the carbine.

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.

Interesting facts about the Vepr-12 carbine

The first fact worthy of attention is the countries used for the Vepr-12 shotgun. Such states include not only Russia, where it is certified as a weapon for civilian and official use, but also Greece, and is also recommended for use by NATO countries.

In Greece they are used by the special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The model features a telescopic stock, a tactical flashlight and an EOTech red dot sight.

The carbine is highly suitable for individual modification. The scope for tuning is simply unimaginable. With proper dexterity and the availability of financial resources, the following can be replaced: butt, fore-end, handle, magazine, sights.

It is worth noting the need to partially refine the internal mechanisms of the gun.

When purchasing a new product in a store, you may encounter a number of defects. Not critical, but detrimental to the operation of the automation.

In general, Vepr-12 turned out to be successful. It is popular among hunters and athletes, and the Vyatsko-Polyansky Molot plant regularly receives orders not only from the law enforcement agencies of the Russian Federation, but also from the authorities of the countries of the Western coalition. In particular, purchases are being made to equip American police special forces.

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.