VPO 213 caliber 366 TKM - characteristics, reviews, photos

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The armory has announced the imminent start of sales of a long-awaited new product - a shotgun model VPO 213. Detailed characteristics are kept in the strictest confidence by the manufacturer, but we managed to lift the veil of secrecy a little. Exclusive information about the latest development of Vyatka gunsmiths is in our review.

Purpose of HPE 213

The product is intended primarily for hunting large game weighing 200 kilograms or more. Thanks to the 0.366-inch (9.5 millimeter) cartridge in combination with the Paradox barrel, the effective range is 300 meters.

In addition to hunting, the model is perfect for training and sports shooting, and self-defense. The gun has the ability to install an optical sight and various body kit options, as well as several types of forend.

Review of the VPO-212 carbine

The first carbine using the Paradox drill for shooting was the VPO-212 Vepr-Pioneer .366 TKM. What is the purpose of this weapon? Of course, in the hunt for large animals, the mass of which reaches 200 kilograms. In addition, the rifle will also perform well in competitive and training shooting, since it has impressive combat accuracy (even if the characteristics are not the same as those of rifled weapons, they are close to them).

If we talk about the advantages of VPO-212, it is worth noting that they are inextricably linked with the positive aspects of the .366 TKM cartridge and the Paradox drill. Here are just the qualities that gun owners highlight:

Excellent striking ability. Due to the fact that the bullet is large and the barrel spins it around its own axis, the ballistic projectile develops sufficient speed and has good penetrating force.
Excellent combat accuracy (for smooth-bore weapons). Although the Paradox drill is not suitable for sniping, the deflection of the ballistic projectile is imperceptible, unlike smoothbore weapons, which are not suitable for long-range shooting.
No need to purchase a rifle license. "Vepr-Pioneer" belongs to the category of smooth-bore weapons, since most of the barrel channel does not have rifling. So anyone can purchase the model.
Reliability. The VPO-212 carbine uses the RPK design, so the model is not particularly demanding to maintain, can be used in conditions of heat and extreme cold, and also has a long warranty period.
Automatic recharging system. The carbine is equipped with a gas engine, which not only ejects the spent cartridge case, but also feeds a new projectile into the chamber. So the hunter does not have to perform any manipulations related to reloading.

Of course, the Paradox drill is not without its drawbacks, therefore the VPO-212 model also has some negative aspects:

high cost of weapons - alas, the Paradox technology is innovative, so the manufacturer confidently inflates the price tag for weapons (from 44 thousand rubles and above);
a sharp decrease in the accuracy of combat at long distances - the carbine shows good accuracy only at a distance of up to 200 m, since it is still not a rifled weapon;
there is a possibility of the barrel rupturing - the bullet first moves along a smooth channel, after which it “crashes” into the drill bit - such a scenario clearly will not lead to anything good.

The cost of .366 TKM cartridges is quite low.
.366 TKM cartridges are quite cheap (from 25 rubles apiece), so the weapon can be used not only for hunting, but also for training target shooting. A kind of analogue of the .223 Rem, which before the advent of the 9.5×38 caliber was considered the cheapest and was actively used for training beginner hunters.

Varieties of the model

The plant has provided several modifications of the VPO 213 for the buyer to choose from. Firstly, the consumer can choose from four barrels of different lengths - 305, 420, 520 and 590 millimeters. Presumably, a modification with a 420 mm barrel will be available at the start of sales; other sizes will go on sale a little later.

The receiver cover can be hinged or removable. The front sight is located at the end of the muzzle or on the gas chamber. The entire VPO 213 family can be equipped with various body kits, a muzzle brake, etc.

Important! The longer the barrel of a firearm, the better the shot performance. Due to the fact that the initial speed of the bullet increases, the parameters of accuracy, flight range and destructive power are improved. The downside of the coin will be increased recoil and decreased comfort when shooting. Also, weapons with a longer barrel will weigh more and cost more.

Modifications of VPO-212

Despite the fact that the Vepr-Pioneer carbine appeared on the market relatively recently, it has already received several official modifications, tailored to the specific requirements of potential buyers. The most common of them is VPO-212-04, which differs from the original in the following features:

increased length of the barrel channel (650 mm) - allows you to use the weapon for shooting at a distance of up to 300 meters without losing accuracy;
laminated stock, painted gray-orange - gives the weapon a truly unique and unusual appearance;
increased weight (4900 grams with a loaded magazine) - not every shooter will be able to use the weapon.

Over time, the Vepr-Pioneer will acquire more modifications and various design options - you just need to wait a little. In the meantime, the manufacturer is looking closely at customer reviews and making decisions about what should be changed in existing versions.

Advantages and disadvantages of the product

It’s too early to talk about the serious pros and cons of the VPO 213, since the model has not yet reached the shelves of gun stores. However, we can already name several serious arguments in favor of the purchase:

the use of a partially rifled barrel allows you to purchase a weapon immediately, without waiting for the five-year period of ownership of a smoothbore gun. At the same time, the quality of shooting from such a gun is close to shooting from a rifled weapon.
low cost of the product. According to preliminary data, the price starts at 31 thousand rubles, which is more than acceptable for a weapon of this level.
accessible and inexpensive service. Due to the fact that VPO 213 is produced in the Russian Federation, there will be no problems with consumables and spare parts, as well as with possible repairs. All components can be purchased on the manufacturer’s website and in gun stores.

The disadvantages include the low quality of manufacturing of some parts and assembly flaws. However, thanks to constant work to improve quality at , these shortcomings are gradually becoming a thing of the past.

It will be possible to talk in more detail about the pros and cons of the new product from Vyatka gunsmiths after it appears on the shelves of gun stores, when the first copies of the model find their buyers. If the gun lives up to its expectations, it has a chance to become a real hit in its niche.

VPO-212 - the first weapon chambered for .366TKM

The VPO-212 is not an independent weapon, but only a modification for the already existing SOK-97R carbine (better known as the Vepr-Pioneer), which entered the market in 1999. This model was designed on the basis of the Kalashnikov light machine gun (RPK-74), therefore it has a high reliability indicator and good tactical and technical characteristics. For shooting, the Vepr-Pioneer uses .223 Remington cartridges (5.56×45), which are considered the most versatile projectile among hunters and athletes.

Due to the fact that purchasing a rifle requires 5 years of experience as a hunter, not everyone can afford to purchase at least a small-caliber rifle. Of course, such a limitation causes a serious blow to profits for weapons companies, but Vyatsko-Polyansky’s engineers managed to come up with something simple and ingenious. Together with Tekhkrim CJSC they developed the Paradox drill (at first the barrel is smooth, and closer to the muzzle it is rifled), as well as a fundamentally new cartridge 9.5x38 mm (in inch dimensions - .366 TKM).

What is so unique about the projectile and drill? Firstly, the cartridge uses a recompressed cartridge case from the Soviet 7.62x39 mm cartridge. Secondly, the rifled part of the barrel is no more than 140 millimeters, so according to Russian law, weapons with a Paradox drill belong to the smooth-bore category. And thirdly, due to the fact that the bullet still passes through the rifling, it acquires ballistics, which is more characteristic of a rifled barrel than a smooth one.

Device and principle of operation

Model VPO 213 is a classic self-loading shotgun with a side-mounted gas engine. The energy of the muzzle gases is spent on ejecting the spent cartridge case from the chamber, cocking the bolt and setting the safety. The cartridge is fed by a spring located in the magazine and the bolt frame. The barrel is locked using a rotating bolt and two lugs.

The design allows for single shot firing. After each shot, it reloads automatically. After using the last cartridge from the magazine, you need to change the magazine and readjust the bolt frame of the gun.

The barrel is a Paradox type, with rifling in the muzzle. The channel is chrome plated, as is the chamber. The butt has a frame design to reduce the weight of the product. The stock body is made of high-quality impact-resistant polymer. The buttstock allows for adjustment by changing the position of the brush and butt plate.

Important! Like all modifications with a folding stock, the VPO 213 has a lock that makes it impossible to shoot with a folded stock. To put it into combat mode, you need to unfold the butt into its working position. Otherwise, you risk not making a shot in a timely manner and missing your prey. It is forbidden to fold the stock when the safety is in the “Fire” position.

When developing the model, the manufacturer took as a basis the Soviet RPK machine gun, as well as the models of rifled guns VPO 148 and VPO 126. Externally, the “two hundred and thirteenth” is practically no different from the latter.

Specifications

Caliber: .366 TCM
Length: 937 millimeters (for 420 mm barrel)
Width: 77 millimeters
Height: 200 millimeters
Weight: 4.4 kilograms (for 420 mm barrel)
Barrel size: 305, 420, 520 and 590 millimeters
Magazine capacity: 10 rounds
Model year: 2017

The product has a target range of up to 300 meters or more. The presence of a base on the receiver makes it possible to install an optical sight to increase shot accuracy. The dispersion characteristics when firing from a VPO gun are within 50 mm. The barrel has six right-hand rifling 125-135 millimeters long. The operating temperature range is from minus 30 to plus 50 degrees. Operation in areas with humid and tropical climates is not allowed.

Important! The appearance and characteristics of the product are subject to change by the manufacturer without prior notice. MOLOT-Weapons LLC is constantly working to improve its products and improve the quality of services provided.

Child Vepr-Pioneer – VPO 212

The VPO 212 smoothbore carbine was developed on the basis of the Vepr-Pioneer model (SOK-97R) with caliber .233 Rem. In turn, the Vepr-Pioneer was created on the basis of the RPK light machine gun. Thanks to such famous ancestors, the VPO turned out to be an ideal “alloy” of various characteristics, so it can rightfully be considered the No. 1 smoothbore machine gun on the domestic market in the niche of hunting rifles for medium and medium-large game.

Automatic reloading of the carbine occurs using the energy obtained from the powder gases, as well as the joint return action of the spring. The bolt is locked with two lugs; the bolt frame is of a longitudinally sliding type. The lightweight receiver makes the gun as ergonomic as possible and simply indispensable for long-term commercial hunting. The hammer trigger mechanism allows you to automatically put the weapon on safety after firing. The separate base of the firing mechanism allows you to speed up the process of cleaning the carbine if necessary.

Compared to AKs and RPKs, the “two hundred and twelfth” is silent, which makes it difficult to unmask the hunter. The rear sight and front sight serve as sights; it is additionally possible to install a side rail for mounting optics and collimator sights. The muzzle end of the barrel has a three-slot muzzle brake-compensator, with the slots open in front. A detachable box magazine for 10 rounds of ammunition allows for infrequent reloading, which is also very convenient when hunting animals.

Tactical and technical characteristics of VPO 212

At the time of the start of production (in 2022), the 212th had almost no competitors in its “weight category” in terms of its power.

The performance characteristics of the “212th” have the following indicators:

caliber – 366 TKM;
total length – 1040/1140 millimeters;
barrel length – 520/650 mm;
width – 7.5 centimeters;
height – 20 centimeters;
weight (excluding ammunition) - 3.9 kilograms;
Magazine capacity – 10 units.

Such parameters make the model indispensable for hunting medium and large animals in any climatic conditions.

Compared to its predecessors, “212” differs in a number of features and innovations:

Mechanism adjustment. For the first time, VPO products received a new bolt size and a modified bolt frame shape. Such modifications helped to dramatically reduce the dimensions of the receiver and the product as a whole. A side-mounted gas engine helps remove powder gases from the barrel. The rotating bolt with two stops remained relatively “classic”.
Aesthetic stock. The stock is made of high quality walnut wood. The new formula of protective impregnation allows wood fibers to withstand harsh weather conditions. The matte finish enhances the beauty of natural wood.
Making a barrel. The process is based on cold rotational forging technology. For an anti-corrosion effect and increased reliability, the inner surface of the channel was alloyed by adding pure chromium and its mixture with tungsten in trace amounts.

Obviously, “two hundred and twelve” is without a doubt considered the best representative of classic hunting aesthetics among the VPO line.

Types of malware 212

In total, there are two modifications of this model: with a barrel length of 520 and 650 mm (the latter has the code name VPO-212-04. If desired, any subtype can be purchased not only in a walnut stock, but also with a colored orange laminate as a material for the stock.

The cost of the subspecies is insignificant and differs by only a few thousand rubles. Most often, commercial hunters prefer to purchase the 62 cm version, while amateurs choose the standard 52 cm modification. Shorter-barreled specimens are also preferable for training and recreational shooting than their taller counterparts.

Terms of purchase and equipment

The price for “two hundred and twelfth”, depending on the dimensions of the barrel, ranges from 42 to 45 thousand rubles.

The standard “package” upon purchase includes the following:

1 copy of the gun itself;
passport for him;
10-round magazine;
Spare parts kit for weapon care.

The manufacturer took care of the customers - the packaging is shock-resistant, moisture- and dust-proof, which allows you to keep the goods in perfect condition even during very long transportation. In addition to the basic equipment, you can optionally purchase replacement bushings, bipods and spare parts. Components that can be purchased without a weapons license are delivered by Russian Post, which is very convenient. In other cases, delivery is carried out by special organizations.

Options and packaging

The delivery set of the VPO 213 shotgun includes:

Gun VPO – 213 – 1 piece;
Product passport – 1 piece;
Magazine for 10 places – 1 piece;
Spare parts kit (gun oil, cleaning and maintenance kit) - 1 piece;

Replacement bushings, oiler, bipod and other parts are supplied separately. The product is packaged in a moisture- and dust-proof box. Delivery of the product is carried out by special communications of the Russian Federation. Components that do not require a valid license to purchase are delivered by Russian Post.

Product prices

The exact prices for the 213 model will become known only after the start of sales through the retail network. At the moment, there is no information about the price on the manufacturer's official website.

Presumably, the cost of the product will start at 31 thousand rubles for a modification with a 420 mm long barrel and a folding receiver. For versions with a 590 mm barrel you will have to pay about forty thousand rubles. Attachment options, handguard type, and front sight placement will also impact the final cost of the product.

Analogs

Thanks to the use of a very specific cartridge. 366 TKM, the list of brothers for the new model is limited to two or three guns. The most common ones are smoothbore shotguns of the same VPO family.

Recently, information has appeared about the appearance on the market of smooth-bore weapons with similar characteristics produced by Chinese manufacturers. However, there is very little information on this topic to somehow comment on it and seriously discuss it.

Important! The acquisition and use of firearms is regulated by the legislation of the Russian Federation. To purchase a smooth-bore weapon, you must undergo training in the use of this type of weapon, obtain a medical certificate and complete the necessary documents with regulatory authorities. The right to purchase and use rifled weapons arises after five years of using smooth-bore weapons.

History of creation

The 366 TKM cartridge is the first hunting cartridge developed and put into production in Russia since 1991.

The cartridge was developed in 2014 (Izhevsk, Udmurt Republic) and JSC VPMZ "Molot" (Vyatskie Polyany, Kirov region).

The created cartridge was called “.366 TKM”. 366 is the caliber of the cartridge in fractions of an inch, and the letters “TKM” designate the developers of the cartridge, where “TK” is JSC Tekhkrim and “M” is JSC VPMZ Molot.

The 366 TKM cartridge was certified in Russia in 2015 as a cartridge for smoothbore weapons, intended for hunting animals weighing up to 200 kg at distances up to 150-200 meters, training shooting and self-defense.

The actual bullet diameter of the 366 TKM cartridge is 9.53-9.58 mm. The caliber of the smooth part of the barrel is 9.50 mm, and in the rifled part it is 9.40 mm for rifling and 8.90 mm for rifling. The length of the 366 TKM cartridge case is 37.5 mm. According to the metric system, the caliber of the 366 TKM cartridge can be designated as 9.5 × 38 mm, or as .375/38 mm. The caliber was named “.366TKM”, since the .366 caliber cartridge was first developed and certified, but after experiments and tests it was decided to increase both the bore diameter to 9.50 mm and the bullet diameter to 9.58 mm (. 377 inches), but the name of the cartridge remained the same .366TKM.

The cartridge was created on the basis of the 7.62×39 cartridge case. 1943, the overall length of the cartridge case was shortened by 1 mm, and the barrel of the cartridge case was flared to accommodate a bullet with a diameter of 9.55 mm.

In appearance, the 366 TKM cartridge is completely different from a typical smoothbore cartridge. In appearance, this is a typical rifled cartridge: a metal sleeve, a lead bullet in a jacket.

The basic idea of the 366 TKM cartridge is to use surplus 7.62x39 weapons that have accumulated over the years in military warehouses. The barrels of SKS carbines and Kalashnikov assault rifles of 7.62×39 caliber are drilled out or the barrel is completely replaced. This is how military weapons with a rifled barrel are made into civilian smoothbore weapons.

The demand for weapons of caliber 366 TKM is formed by novice young hunters who would like to purchase a rifled weapon in order to make accurate shots at long distances, but who cannot do this because they do not have the 5 years of experience necessary to purchase a rifled weapon. By purchasing a weapon chambered for 366 TKM, they are acquiring a smooth-bore weapon, which in its properties and appearance is as similar as possible to a rifled one.

Weapons chambered for the 366 TKM cartridge must have rifling at the end of the barrel no longer than 140 mm, the so-called “Paradox” or a barrel created using Lancaster drilling technology.

It is the rifling at the end of the barrel of the “Paradox” type or the “Lancaster” drilling that makes it possible to give the bullet rotation in flight and thereby increase the accuracy of the cartridge.

The 366 TKM cartridge is suitable for independent equipment, but due to its low distribution, it is quite difficult to find components for it.