Descendant of the pioneer boar: VPO 212 hunting carbine chambered for 366 tkm

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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.

Disassembly

The owner of the VPO-208 carbine periodically needs to disassemble the carbine for cleaning and maintenance.

In order to carry out incomplete disassembly

carbine, follow these steps:

• Remove the case with accessories from the carbine butt
• Separate the receiver cover; to do this, turn the checkbox of the receiver cover up
• Remove the return mechanism from the bolt stem
• Remove the bolt; to do this, move the bolt handle back and remove the bolt stem along with the frame

Complete disassembly of the VPO-208 is carried out for cleaning in case of heavy contamination, after exposure to rain or snow, or after repairs.

To carry out a complete disassembly

carbine, follow these steps:

• Perform partial disassembly of the carbine
• Remove the pusher with the spring
• Separate the firing mechanism
• Separate the store
• Separate the barrel and receiver from the stock
• Disassemble the firing mechanism
• Disassemble the return mechanism
• Separate the firing pin and ejector from the bolt

Assemble the carabiner in the reverse order.

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.

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:

1. 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”.
2. 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.
3. 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.

VPO 212

The VPO 212 smoothbore carbine was developed for the .366 TKM cartridge, and the basis for this weapon was the Vepr-Pioneer model, which has already earned numerous positive reviews from hunters.

Figure 1. External features of the model

Unlike hunting carbines with a rifled barrel, you can buy a smoothbore VPO 212 under a standard license for this type of smoothbore weapon, without the need for a 5-year wait. This, as well as a well-thought-out design and functional technical characteristics, explain why carbines of the VPO 212 model are in such great demand (Figure 1).

In general, we can say that such a self-loading smoothbore gun was originally created as an alternative to traditional rifled types of weapons. It can be used for hunting various game, as well as for training and shooting competitions.

Design Features

The advantages of the VPO 212 carbine can only be fully assessed by considering the main features of its design (Figure 2).

Among them are the following:

1. Mechanism:
   in the new model the size of the bolt and the shape of the bolt frame have been changed. This made it possible to reduce the length and, accordingly, the weight of the receiver. Powder gases are removed from the barrel using a side-mounted gas engine, and a rotary bolt with 2 stops is used for locking.
2. Stock:
   this model is equipped with a practical and beautiful walnut stock. Additionally, it is coated with a special impregnation that protects the wood from adverse environmental factors and emphasizes the beautiful matte color of natural wood.
3. Barrel:
   made by cold rotational forging. The inside of the barrel is chrome plated to increase service life and protect against corrosion.

Figure 2. Weapon design features

In general, at first glance at the VPO 212 hunting carbine, it becomes clear that this is not only a convenient, reliable and functional weapon, but also a rather beautiful model that fully meets the requirements of hunting aesthetics.

How VPO 212 became a pioneer

The first gun among the high-tech weapons, “sharpened” for new ammunition, was precisely the “two hundred and twelfth”. Let's figure out what was special about the new cartridge! The development of the .366 TKM type was created by domestic designers specifically for smooth-bore weapons of the Paradox type, which are distinguished by the presence of small drilled cuts of no more than 140 millimeters at the end of the barrel with the general technology of a smooth-bore mechanism. The cartridges are also suitable for weapons manufactured using Lancaster technology. The abbreviation “TKM” was formed from the names of two founding factories: Tekhkrim CJSC and Molot Weapon LLC.

This cartridge is close in ballistic characteristics to its “rifled” counterparts, since the ammunition rotates slightly as a result of firing, which greatly increases the accuracy of fire. Bullet speed ranges widely from 550 to 810 meters per second.

The purpose of the “three hundred and sixty-sixth” is amateur and commercial hunting for medium, medium-large (up to 200 kilograms) and large (200-500 kilograms) animals. The most popular “assortment” of prey: roe deer, wild boar, deer, fur-bearing animals, large waterfowl. The maximum effectiveness of the warhead is typical for a distance of 150-200 meters; above 300 meters the lethality decreases sharply.

The main advantages of the cartridge undoubtedly include:

• high lethality with total power;
• excellent accuracy;
• no need for a “rifled” license.

The 366 has relatively few “cons”.

Main disadvantages:

• decrease in efficiency at a distance of more than 250 meters;
• high price.

It is worth noting that the first batches of cartridges were not of excellent quality, but this shortcoming was promptly eliminated, and soon the 366 cartridge began to have fairly high reliability indicators.

Technical nuances

When choosing a weapon for a cartridge, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of the cartridge case itself and the “behavior” of the ammunition as a whole.

Specifications:

• the caliber of the smooth part is 9.5 millimeters, which corresponds to 0.374 inches;
• sleeve shape – conical;
• sleeve length – 37.5 mm;
• cartridge case diameter – 9.58 mm;
• sleeve base diameter – 11.35 mm;
• bullet energy - 1.8-2.5 kilojoules (1800-2500 J).

In total, several types of bullets can be used.

There are only three of them:

• "Dary" weighing 13.5 grams;
• SP13" weighing 13.5 grams;
• "Hexa" with a mass of 15.5 grams.

The retail price of one ammunition is quite high and ranges from 27 to 42 rubles. There are quite a few weapons in this caliber. The lion's share falls on the re-barrel SKS and AKM.

The most famous representatives of carbines powered by .366 TKM:

• from Molot Weapon LLC – VPO-208, VPO-209, VPO-212, VPO-213;
• from Hammer Arms LLC - AK-366-Lancaster, AKS-366-Lancaster, AKS-366-Lancaster-02, AKS-366-Lancaster-03, SKS-366-Lancaster;
• from JSC Concern "Kalashnikov" - Saiga TG2.

Currently, the 366th TKM is the most famous option on the Russian market, which managed to combine the best of rifled and smooth-bore weapon groups.

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.

Cartridge .366 TKM

.366 TKM is a hunting cartridge that was created in Russia for smoothbore weapons with rifling at the end of the barrel of no more than 140 mm (“Paradox”) or barrels created using Lancaster drilling technology. The caliber of the cartridge is indicated in inches and is designed for smoothbore hunting weapons with a long barrel. The abbreviation “TKM” was assigned from the developer of this cartridge, CJSC Tekhkrim and OJSC VPMZ Molot.

A special feature of the cartridge is the ballistic characteristics of the caliber, which are similar to those of a rifled weapon, since the rifling at the end of the barrel or the Lancaster drilling allows the bullet to rotate in flight and increase the accuracy of the ammunition hitting the target. Thus, this weapon-cartridge complex in .366 TKM caliber, according to the legislation of the Russian Federation, is considered smooth-bore and can be purchased under a “green” license.

When developing the cartridge, a cartridge case was taken from the 7.62×39 cartridge of the 1943 model. It was shortened by 1 mm and flared to fit the bullet caliber.

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.

Tuning

The VPO-208 carbine allows tuning at the request of its owner. Most often, VPO-208 owners improve their carbine with the following tuning elements:

• A mechanical sight is not very suitable for accurate shooting at long distances, so many owners install an optical or collimator sight on the carbine. With this improvement, the firing range and accuracy significantly increases.
• The original SKS carbine has a wooden stock, which does not meet modern requirements for the appearance and practicality of a weapon. The owner of the VPO-208 can install a modern type of stock on his carbine, which can be plastic or wooden, folding, with adjustable length; in addition, it can be equipped with a pistol or tactical grip.
• Owners of the VPO-208 carbine can equip their carbine with various barrel attachments: a muzzle brake-compensator (DTC), a flash suppressor or a muffler. The muzzle brake-compensator (DTC) allows you to reduce recoil and thereby increase the accuracy and accuracy of fire. Silencers allow you to reduce the volume of a shot, reducing it to a minimum. Flash suppressors allow you to reduce the flash of fire from the barrel, thereby hiding the location of the shooter.
• The standard VPO-208 magazine is designed for 10 rounds; some owners want to increase the capacity of the carbine magazine, but you should immediately warn that such an upgrade is prohibited by the weapons law, according to which civilian weapons cannot have a magazine with a capacity of more than 10 rounds.
• In addition to the above-mentioned tuning elements, there are many small accessories that can significantly increase comfort when using the VPO-208 carbine, these include a rubber butt plate for the butt, a magazine release button, a buffer for the return spring, and an improved gas outlet tube.

Disassembly

The owner of the VPO-209 carbine periodically needs to disassemble the carbine for cleaning and maintenance.

In order to disassemble VPO-209, perform the following steps:

• Separate the store
• Remove cartridges from the magazine and chamber
• Remove the receiver cover, remove the return spring
• Pull the bolt carrier back and remove it from the receiver.
• Separate the shutter
• Separate the gas tube

VPO-209, like any other firearm, requires compliance with safety measures when handling it

Observe the following precautions when handling it:

• Always treat the rifle as if it were loaded.
• Never point the rifle at people or animals
• Before firing, make sure that the shot is in a safe direction and remember the range of the bullet.
• As soon as you pick up the rifle, make sure there are no cartridges in the magazine or chamber.
• Before loading the rifle, make sure that there are no foreign objects in the chamber and bore.
• If the shot misfires, do not open the shutter for 10-15 seconds, due to the danger of a prolonged shot.
• Always unload your gun when approaching a populated area, when getting into a car or boat, or before overcoming obstacles.
• Store the rifle separately from cartridges, out of the reach of children and strangers.
• Always use only commercially manufactured cartridges that have not expired.

Follow these simple safety rules and the VPO-209 carbine will serve you faithfully for many years.

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.

Types of malware 212

The VPO 212 carbine is available in several varieties, although the main design features and technical characteristics do not differ between them. The differences between gun modifications are the length of the barrel and the material from which the stock is made.

For example, if you wish, you can buy a VPO 212 not only with a classic stock made of natural walnut, but also a very stylish and original model with a stock made of colored laminate, painted in a bright orange hue.

But in most cases, hunters prefer to choose a firearm not by appearance, but by functionality. If we talk about VPO 212, then this model is presented in two varieties: with a barrel length of 520 mm (classic version) and in a more advanced version, with a barrel length of 650 mm. The latest variety is called VPO 212-04.

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.

Upgraded SKS

The Vyatsko-Polyansky machine-building plant “Molot”, based on the Simonov self-loading carbine, created a similar, but already modernized version of the new small arms. The modified VPO-208 carbine is identical in appearance, weight and overall dimensions to the SKS.

In the design of the classic version of the Simonov self-loading carbine, only the barrel is new, equipped with an internal “Paradox” attachment (125-135 mm) and six right-hand rifling, which have a beneficial effect on the accuracy of fire. In addition, the muzzle of the carbine barrel has a special thread for attaching flash suppressors or other muzzle devices. Everything else in the model remains the same. Carbine-208, the photo of which is presented below, has proven its effectiveness in practice.

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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.