Vepr 308

Hunting a large and dangerous animal requires high-quality, and most importantly powerful weapons. As a rule, these are rifled carbines, and for reliability, they must be at least 7.62x39 mm in caliber, and preferably 7.62x51 mm. At the same time, you need to clearly understand that if hunting from a tower can be carried out with a high-quality bolt-action carbine, then driven hunting, when a dangerous animal can suddenly appear a few steps from the hunter, requires a weapon of a slightly different type.

Of course, classic double-barreled shotguns are very reliable weapons, but for a large animal it is better to choose something faster and more modern. The Vepr-308 hunting carbine is just such a weapon that will not let you down in any situation. Shooting from a carbine can stop even a seasoned cleaver or a bear, and the quality of this weapon is guaranteed by the design that was used during its development.

Created on the basis of the Kalashnikov light machine gun, the Vepr-308 and Vepr Super-308 carbines are trouble-free hunting weapons that embody all the advantages of the legendary Kalashnikov system.

The history of the appearance of the Vepr-308 and Vepr-308 Super carbine

The first to appear was the Vepr carbine chambered for 7.62x39 mm caliber, then the Vepr-308 carbine chambered for the .308 Win cartridge appeared, and then the Vepr Super-308 modification.

It should be noted that the creation of the Vepr-308, chambered for the “NATO” cartridge, was associated with the desire to create an export version of its weapon, with which it could enter the foreign market. However, domestic hunters really liked this weapon, and after some time the Russian industry had to start producing export-caliber cartridges in large quantities.

The first models of Vepr carbines were almost complete copies of Kalashnikov light machine guns, which won the love of Russian hunters who fell in love with the RPK during their years of military service. Changes were made only in the design of the trigger mechanism and retention elements. The ability to fire in bursts was removed, and the magazine began to hold only 5 or 10 rounds.

Released modifications

, where this weapon was produced, many modifications have been produced since 1995. Each of them has its own “zest”.

Modification	Caliber	Peculiarities
SOK-94 "Vepr-308"	7,62×39	The first model produced by the plant. Currently in service with the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
SLK-95 "Vepr-308"	7,62×51	Modification corresponding to NATO cartridges.
SOK-94R "Vepr-Pioneer"	7,62×51	Changes were made to the stem box.
SOK-98 "Vepr-5.45"	5,45×39	Option for export.
VPO-101 "Vepr-Hunter"	7,62×51
VPO-102 "Vepr-Hunter M"	7,62×63
"Vepr-1B"	5,45×45
VPO-133 "Vepr K"	7,62×39	Variant of civilian modifications from AKM and AK-74.
VPO-136 "Vepr KM"	7,62×39	Variant of civilian modifications from AKM and AK-74.
"Vepr 223"	5.45×45
KO-SOK-243	6,2×52	Ammunition used is .223 Win
VPO-205 "Vepr-12 Hammer"	18,5×76	Smoothbore version with 12 gauge

Carbine "Vepr 223"

Review of the Vepr-308 carbine

The Vepr-308 carbine, equipped with a spacious magazine and a convenient sight, has become one of the favorite hunting carbines of Russian hunters. Unlike other developments of automatic rifles, which had to be developed almost from scratch, when creating the Vepr carbines, the decades-tested automation of military weapons was taken as a basis.

One of the main advantages of Vepr-308 is its high power. The automatic features of the RPK allow this weapon to be used in any climatic conditions; it will not let its owner down even at record low temperatures, which often occur in the taiga in winter. With the advent of the Vepr-308 carbine, many large game hunters abandoned their old double-barreled shotguns and bolt-action carbines in favor of this reliable automatic weapon.

In order to certify their creation as a hunting weapon, engineers had to make some changes in the design:

The ability to conduct automatic fire was removed;
Magazines for 5 or 10 rounds appeared. Based on feedback from hunters, it can be understood that using a 10-round magazine gives an advantage in the rate of fire, but 5-round magazines are more reliable;
The shape of the butt was changed;
The forend became half-open;
The sight has a different shape. However, for those who do not like the shape of the front sight on the Vepr-308, there are many choke attachments. Some of them imitate a silencer, while others imitate an RPK sight.

Those who want to install a real silencer on their Vepr-308 carbine will also have to be content with various decorative muzzles. The installation of real silencers is prohibited by law. Some companies offer homemade devices that act as flame arresters and can muffle the sound of a shot by 30%.

Although the Vepr-308 automatic weapon is trouble-free, do not forget that this is not a bolt-action carbine, but an automatic weapon. Experienced users recommend cleaning not after the hunt is over, but immediately after shooting. After a few hours, it will be much more difficult to remove carbon deposits, and this can lead to damage to the chrome plating of the bore.

Experienced users recommend discarding the factory cleaning rod that comes with the kit immediately, as it can damage the coating of the barrel bore. You need to purchase a high-quality cleaning rod for cleaning weapons, preferably with a handle that rotates.

Precautionary measures

This weapon is a firearm and safety precautions must be observed when working with it.

Immediately before loading, you must make sure that there are no foreign objects in the barrel bore and chamber.
Every time the gun is picked up, you need to move the bolt frame back. This is necessary to ensure that there are no bullets in the chamber and magazine.
Do not point a weapon at people or pets, even if they are unloaded.
Although the target range is 300 meters, the bullet’s flight can reach 3 km. This should be taken into account.
In case of misfire, you need to wait 5 seconds, as a prolonged shot may occur
The weapon must be put on safety to eliminate the risk of an accidental discharge.
Ammunition and guns should be stored out of the reach of children and animals.

The carbine must be serviced promptly and correctly so that it can serve for a long time and properly.

Basic technical characteristics of the Vepr-308 carbine

The main technical characteristics of the hunting rifle are as follows:

The total length of the weapon ranges from 1040 mm (Vepr-308 Super) to 1150 mm (Vepr-308);
The length of the barrel also differs depending on the modification. The minimum barrel length is 550 mm, the maximum is 650 mm;
Ammunition caliber – .308 Win. In a designation more understandable to the domestic hunter, this caliber looks like 7.62x51 mm;
Magazines come with 5 or 10 rounds. The Vepr-308 Super modification also has magazines for 2 and 3 rounds;
The weight of the weapon also depends on the specific modification. On average, Vepr-308 weighs about 4 kg.

The weapon operates using the energy of powder gases. As sighting devices, an adjustable rear sight is installed at the factory, which can set a distance from 100 to 300 meters, and a front sight that is adjustable both vertically and horizontally. There is a safety catch and a bracket for installing an optical sight. The butt and fore-end are made of wood (beech and walnut) and plastic. Plastic modifications are a little lighter.

Cleaning the barrel from dirt and carbon deposits

Experts advise cleaning the gun immediately after firing, because it is several times more difficult to remove plaque afterwards. Use a cotton cloth for removal. It is necessary to cut it into strips and wrap the purchased cleaning rod.

Diesel oil is often used as a lubricant. Before starting work, the rag must be wetted and wrung out well. If hunting occurs at temperatures above +30 degrees, then the amount of lubricant can be increased.

Tuning Vepr-308

To date, designers have developed many elements for tuning the Vepr-308. Like many domestically produced products, the parts do not always correspond to users’ ideas about improving weapons. However, at present, tuning the Vepr-308 automatic carbine does not pose any problems, since many third-party companies produce a wide range of components. The only problem may be that upgrading the Boar may cost more than the weapon itself.

It is very rare to find options in which the butt and fore-end are made of expensive and exotic wood, but usually tuning the Vepr-308 serves to give the weapon brutality and complete similarity to a Kalashnikov light machine gun.

Disassembly

Basically, disassembly occurs to eliminate the identified breakdown. Also, for preventive purposes, disassembling parts is necessary to lubricate each one individually. To avoid harm to yourself and others, disassembly should only be carried out when the gun is unloaded.

A sequential list of steps for disassembly can be found in the attached operating instructions. Then, assembly is required in the opposite order.

Now the developers are considering tuning for further Vepr rifles, but the decision of choice is for the near future of the company. As a variety, the store can only provide buttstocks made of different noble woods.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Vepr-308 carbine

The Vepr-308 automatic carbine has been produced since the 90s of the 20th century. During this time, domestic hunters studied all its advantages and disadvantages. The main advantages of Vepr-308 are:

Ammunition of 7.62x51 mm caliber allows you to successfully hunt both medium and large animals;
Weak recoil does not interfere with shooting accuracy;
Fire from an automatic carbine can be fired at a distance of up to 300 meters;
High accuracy of fire;
Ability to use optical sights;
Reliability of automation in various weather conditions;
High resource of all nodes;
Quite low price.

The Vepr-308 also has a lot of disadvantages:

The weapon is too heavy for running hunts;
The balancing of the carbine is not the best;
The wooden forend and stock are very poorly processed. Many hunters call them "firewood";
All manipulations with the fuse make too much noise, you can scare away the game;
An open sight requires very careful handling. When a weapon falls, it is very easily damaged;
Disassembling the gas chamber is too complicated and time-consuming procedure.

Some of these shortcomings can be eliminated by yourself. As can be seen from the list, the positive qualities of the Vepr-308 significantly outweigh the disadvantages, which is why the carbine is so popular both in Russia and abroad.

Analogs

Similar models that can be used both in professional hunting, in sport shooting competitions, and in accuracy training include modern Vepr Pioneer and Vepr Hunter carbines from the same manufacturer, MP-143.

Among the Veprs, which are not an analogue of the specified model, but are also popular, we can highlight the Vepr-15, SOK-95, VPO-139.

We talk about how to choose a carabiner in a special material.

This video provides a review of the Vepr Super carbine:

Differences between Vepr-308 and Vepr-308 Super

The modified model, called Vepr-308 Super, has become much more suitable for hunting than its predecessor. The main differences of the new model are as follows:

The stock of the weapon has become solid, now the carbine has visually become more similar to a conventional hunting weapon, and not to a combat machine gun;
The weight of the “Super” modification decreased to 3.9 kg;
The muzzle brake received the function of a flash suppressor;
The loud sound from switching the fuse disappeared, since it became a push-button one;
Magazines for 2 and 3 rounds appeared.

In general, the Vepr-308 Super model has become less brutal, but its hunting qualities have increased.

The Vepr-308 carbine is a completely reliable automatic weapon for hunting big game. Like most domestically produced models, it needs improvements, after which most of its shortcomings will be eliminated.