Vepr-223: carbine SOK-97, Super, Pioneer, technical characteristics, barrel length, weight, modifications

Vyatskie-Polyany is one of the most developed and famous domestic arms enterprises. The main product manufactured at the plant is the RPK (Kalashnikov light machine gun). But no less significant product produced by VPO “Molot” is the “Vepr” hunting carbine. Initially, modifications were produced for the .308 Win cartridge, but with the spread of .223 Rem, a version appeared for it.

The Vepr-223 carbine has been produced since 1998. Gained popularity among hunters of medium and large game. The weapon combines reliability, simplicity and high destructive power of the cartridge.

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The accuracy parameter of the Vepr 223 carbine is stable regardless of the modification of the weapon.
The optimal distance at which this parameter is organic is 100 meters. At long distances, you shouldn’t expect miracles, since the Kalashnikov light machine gun became the basis for the purposes of the carbine in question. And this is not a sniper rifle. The basic components and mechanisms of the Vepr are actually identical to the RPK. This approach should not be associated with the desire to be original. It’s just that the Molot plant has been producing RPKs for a long time. It is clear that with minimal reorganization of production, the plant reoriented itself to the production of hunting rifles.

Vepr carbine - characteristics, photos, performance characteristics

Vepr rifle

Vepr rifle caliber 7.62×39

Purpose

The Vepr carbine of 223 caliber can be used for the following purposes:

hunting for medium and small animals;
sports and recreational target shooting;
training technique taking into account the low recoil of weapons, this is quite justified.

You should not test the gun at long distances, since it is not a “sniper” or even a bolt-action carbine. Recently, there has also been a tendency to use weapons in shooting ranges and training grounds. The main thing is to follow safety precautions when firing.

Peculiarities

In the series under consideration, the original representative 1-B Rem is available. This hunting weapon is an almost complete interpretation of the Kalashnikov portable machine gun. Design details include:

portable stock;
the presence of a working bipod for firing;
rear sight in accordance with the RPK configuration;
slot type flame arrester.

This type refers to the heaviest samples (weight - 5200 grams). This type of weapon does not have the ability to fire in bursts, so the gun is not intended for long-term hunting. Since there are not so many special shooting ranges on top of the country’s territory, the model under consideration is not very profitable and has become widespread. The carbine is aimed at foreign users who value its unique exterior and combat characteristics.

Self-loading hunting carbine “Vepr-308”

Vepr-308

Vepr-308-Super

By 1994, Molot produced the first samples of semi-automatic Vepr carbines chambered for 7.62x39 mm. And just five years later, this range is replenished with several modifications of the “Vepr”, while the designers introduce significant changes not only to the artistic style of the products, but also to their design. At the same time, smoothbore shotguns of the “Bekas” family, service revolvers “Dog”, “RG-1” are being introduced into production, and most recently I was lucky enough to see a new version of the “Stechkin” PMS-1 chambered for the 9x19 “Luger” cartridge.

Caliber, mm: 7.62 Cartridge: 7.62x39 mm and 7.62x51 mm (.308 Winchester) Weight, unloaded, kg: 3.9 Aiming range, m: 300 Magazine: steel and plastic, box-shaped, detachable. Magazine capacity, cartridges: 3, 5, 7, 10 Overall dimensions, mm: 1,200 x 200 x 75 Barrel: cold forged, 4 right-hand rifling, bore and chamber chrome-plated. Barrel length, mm: 520 and 590. Status: mass production. Manufacturer: JSC “Molot”, St. Lenina 135, 612900 Vyatskie Polyany, Kirov region. Tel. (8-83334)-2-64-11 (Marketing and Foreign Economic Activity Department) Fax (8-83334)-6-21-99 or 6-18-32

Performance characteristics of “Vepr-Super” carbines

Caliber, mm: 7.62 and 8.89 Cartridge: .308 Winchester and .35 Remington Weight, unloaded, kg: 3.9 (.308 Vin.) and 4.0 (.35 Rem.) Sighting range, m : 300 Magazine: steel and plastic, box-shaped, detachable. Magazine capacity, cartridges: 3, 5, 10 Overall dimensions, mm: 1.040x200x75 Barrel: cold forged, bore and chamber chrome-plated, 4 right-hand rifling (.308) and 7 right-hand rifling (.35) Barrel length, mm: 550 Trigger force, kgf: 2.5 Status: mass production Manufacturer: JSC “Molot”, St. Lenina 135, 612900 Vyatskie Polyany, Kirov region. Tel. (8-83334)-2-64-11 (Marketing and Foreign Economic Activity Department) Fax (8-83334)-6-21-99 or 6-18-32

Shooting from the “Vepr-Super-Sport” in a standing position from a rest position (left stance

Shooting from the “Vepr-Super-Sport” in a prone position (right prone)

History of creation

The history of the creation of the Vepr carbine began after the collapse of the USSR. Heads of arms factories, deprived of most government funding, began to look for ways to keep factories in working order. Of course, the opportunity arose to export products abroad, but at the same time a free, promising sales market appeared - the civilian sphere.

The production of various types of traumatic pistols suitable for self-defense began. A wide range of hunting rifles appeared. One of the key innovations was the appearance on free sale of self-loading carbines based on the AK. The first such product was the Izhevsk Saiga.

Vyatskie-Polyany joined the production of SOK (self-loading hunting carbines) a little later. Their carbines were almost no different from the products of IzhMech.

It is still unknown whether the Izhevsk people themselves sold the license for the release, or whether it was plagiarism. However, there were also key differences between the products of VP “Molot” and “Saiga”.

This added extra weight to the new weapon due to the thickening of the walls of the barrel and receiver, but at the same time increased the reliability of the mechanisms and design. The machine gun inherited an adjustable rear sight.

The first versions of the Vepr were produced in two modifications: SOK-95 and VPO-206. Later they launched production of SOK-97, chambered for .223 Rem.

The appearance of such a model is explained by the widespread prevalence of ammunition of this type on the domestic market. At the same time, they are imported both from abroad and produced by the Barnaul Machine Tool Plant. The range of Russian cartridges includes: shell, semi-shell and expansive ammunition.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any mechanism, including combat and hunting weapons, the gun in question has its advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages:

durability and endurance of a design similar to the RPK system;
the ability to use various ammunition, in addition to special reconfiguration of the gun;
almost identical resemblance to its military counterpart, which is appreciated by many firearms enthusiasts.

The disadvantages include the following:

pressing and distortion of the front sight on the barrel; this problem does not always become clear due to the reason for sealing the existing samples.
The sight rail is subject to displacement;
the fore-end is by no means asymmetrical on both sides;
poor butt fixation, which critically affects accuracy and accuracy when firing live ammunition.

The main catch is that it is incredibly difficult to make a good carbine from the light machine gun version. This is especially true for aiming and accuracy. The shallow view is not a problem. Users note that the safety pin often jams when the trigger is pulled, making it impossible to reinstall the safety.

Design

But why are we all talking about cartridges and drilling? After all, the barrel of a weapon is far from its only part. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the main design features of the VPO-212 carbine, which distinguish it from its competitors:

The automation and locking unit were borrowed from the prototype, but the engineers made some changes to the bolt design to adapt the frame to the new caliber.
The push-button safety is located in front of the trigger guard. Most hunters note that such a system is much more convenient than a “flag”.
Adjustable open sight, consisting of a reversible rear sight (distance 100, 200 and 300 meters), as well as a front sight. There is a possibility for mounting optics.
On the left side of the receiver there is an additional bracket for a collimator, night vision device (NVD) or thermal imager.
The solid stock is made of wood (walnut). The buttstock is equipped with a comfortable cheek piece and a rubber butt pad designed to absorb recoil.

The equipment of the Vepr-Pioneer deserves attention. In addition to the operating instructions and a passport with performance characteristics, the box contains a magazine for 5 rounds and a cleaning rod intended for cleaning the barrel bore.

general description

Russian Khrak 223 carbines are produced by the Molot plant, whose production facilities are located in the Vyatsko-Polyansky region. The first human dose of the weapon in question was released in 1998. Soon, hunting variations took root among domestic consumers, who previously preferred small-caliber rifles. The renewed Rem 223 cartridge belongs to other types of ammunition, exceeding standard charges by 2-3 times in terms of accuracy, lethality and destruction range.

Now the Vyatsko-Polyansky plant produces the following modifications of the weapons in question:

standard conversion, production of which started in 1998;
"Pioneer" version, representing a modernized predecessor.
“Super-duper 223” is equipped with a different stock configuration, an orthopedic butt, and proved to be better than the original in test tests;
“Vepr-1V-223” is a standard variation with minor differences from the original in terms of the organization of the sighting device.

Device

The domestic carbine “Hryak 223” was released in 1998, belongs to the “Ram” series, and is practically no different from the line numbered 308. The imitation is distinguished by its simplicity of design and ease of maintenance. In addition to the affordable price, the ax in question has the following advantages:

wooden, properly made fore-end;
machine gun type sighting device;
there is a case of mounting optics;
The kit includes a belt and a case.

In retaliation) of foreign charges, domestic analogues can be used. A suitable “beyfoot” is selected through experimental shooting of ammunition from different cartridges that are indiscriminate in relation to cartridges. The foundation is to ensure good accuracy and aiming.

The capacity of the clips of the weapon in question is sometimes 5 or 10 rounds. It is quite possible to use a more capacious magazine, but Russian law prohibits the use of a civilian rifle that can hold more than ten rounds. Some craftsmen remake analogs with the AK-74 or purchase foreign versions.

What are users saying?

Many experienced hunters are wary of 223 caliber ammunition. This is not surprising, given the fact that over the years they have become accustomed to the 5.6 millimeter size. But it’s worth comparing the obvious pros and cons of cartridges and the guns in which they are used. It is unlikely that anyone will argue that one barrel suitable for different charges is bad. Another thing is that accuracy and aiming suffer. Nevertheless, these parameters are not critical at a distance to the target within 100-150 meters.

Problem nodes

If you come across a gestalt with a not very neat assembly, you can fix the problem with the help of a simple set of tools (a set of files and sandpaper with different grits). Hanging by a thread and a wobbly stock is fixed by replacing the screws or tightening the washer of existing screws. The second option is to attach the element with epoxy resin. The lateral adjustment nipple often becomes a problem when hunting in dense thickets; the hanger tends to get caught on bushes and branches. As a result, it is impossible not to re-shoot the rifle. One of the solutions, judging by user feedback, is gluing the screw part of the flywheel to the sighting bar.

In reviews of the Wild Pig 223 carbine, consumers often point to the unusual shape of the butt and the problematic tunic of varnish applied to the fore-end and butt. A gun in this design slides in the hands, which requires removal of the primary coating and subsequent impregnation of it with special compounds. Many owners recommend applying notches to the fore-end and lining in advance. This approach allows you to increase reliability when holding and using a weapon, and also securely fix it, regardless of weather conditions and scale nuances. Problems with the operation of the trigger mechanism are solved by simply disassembling and subsequent grinding of individual parts and assemblies that come into contact with each other.

VPO-127 carbine – characteristics, photos, performance characteristics

Self-loading hunting carbine model "VEPR-1V" caliber .308 Win (VPO-127) chambered for 7.62x51 hunting cartridges is intended for the extraction of wildlife objects classified as hunting objects, within the framework of the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of January 10, 2009 No. 18 in areas with temperate and cold climates at ambient temperatures from minus 30 to plus 50ºС.

The receiver has a base for mounting an optical sight bracket. To increase the durability of the carbine and corrosion resistance, the bore and chamber are chrome-plated. 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 when fired, and the energy of the return spring. The bolt is locked onto two lugs by rotating the bolt around its axis using a longitudinally sliding bolt frame. The hammer-type trigger mechanism ensures the production of a single shot and setting the safety. The receiver of the carbine in the VPO-127, VPO-127-01 and VPO-127-02 versions contains a locking device that does not allow firing from the carbine with the butt folded. An open sighting device and an optical sight allow for targeted shooting at distances of up to 300 m. The optical sight is mounted on a bracket, the design of which allows shooting from an open sight without removing the optical sight.

Characteristics of the VPO-127 carbine

Caliber: 7.62x51
Barrel length, mm: 360 / 420 / 520 / 590
Weapon length, mm: 877 / 937 / 1037 / 1107
Carbine width, mm: 77
Carbine height (without magazine and optics), mm: 200
Rifling: 4 right-hand rifling, rifling pitch 240 mm
Effective range m, up to: 300
Carbine weight without magazine, kg, no more: 4.3 / 4.4 / 4.7 / 4.8
Food: Detachable magazine with a capacity of 10 rounds
Dispersion radius no more than 60 mm

Civilian weapons

Disassembly of “Vepr-223”

Any weapon requires care. Do not allow dirt and powder fumes to accumulate on the weapon. The mechanisms require regular lubrication to operate. To get to hard-to-reach parts, it is sometimes necessary to disassemble the weapon. Here's a quick guide:

remove the magazine and check the chamber for no cartridges;
lift the receiver cover;
remove the return mainspring;
disconnect the bolt frame;
disconnect the shutter;
turn the gas chamber lock up;
disconnect the gas pipe;
remove the piston.

To reassemble, carry out all procedures in reverse order.

Bottom line

The design of the Borov carbines of all modifications is based on time-tested and action-tested manual analogues of the Kalashnikov machine gun. However, the weapon in question cannot be called something new or unique in its characteristics. The main advantage of the Vepr is its maximum similarity with the RPK and the corresponding value in simplicity of design and unpretentiousness. This feature is largely due to the fact that for a long period it was engaged in the production of combat units. This determined the commonality of many elements in the hunting version (removable general store, shutter rotation mechanism, rear sight placement, etc.).

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