The domestic civilian and hunting carbine VPO-136 has a stylish design similar to laconic minimalism. Rifled weapons are very popular among connoisseurs because they have excellent characteristics that allow them to be used not only for entertainment and training, but also as a device for professional hunting and sport shooting. Good range, reasonable price, original design and clear sight made this carbine in demand not only in the post-Soviet space, but also abroad. Its shape is almost identical to the Kalashnikov assault rifle. Let's look at the characteristics, features of the carbine and reviews about it.
Basis of modification
A copy of the VPO-136 is made on the basis of the AKM combat army assault rifle. Weapons are produced by the Molot enterprise. It is noteworthy that, along with the main parameters, the manufacturer was able to achieve excellent reliability and good shooting performance in various modes.
The model in question has the ability to use a classic army clip. This factor allows you to achieve the maximum combination of rate of fire and accuracy, due to the elimination of braking when the next charge enters the barrel. It can also be noted that the weapon is adapted for mounting muzzle and other special attachments, including an optical and collimator sight. This adds convenience and practicality in the process of shooting and aiming.
What it is?
VPO-136 is a civilian weapon that was produced from a combat machine gun. A rather important feature of this carbine is that it retains the ability to use original army magazines, and in addition to this, it also provides for the possibility of installing specialized choke tubes. Many experts recommend using a long machine-gun flash suppressor or all kinds of attachments designed for dry firing in the VPO-136. In addition, the presence of a core is also noted, which prevents weakening of the barrel and self-destructs after 100-200 shots, while it is not even theoretically capable of cutting the bullet casing.
The big drawback of this weapon is the presence of a welded butt screw. On some carabiners, the wood is not in the best condition, which can cause a variety of problems.
VPO-136 itself is produced at the Molot enterprise in accordance with the program for recycling surplus various army weapons. The standard AK-47, as well as the AKM, were taken as the basis for this weapon.
Exterior design
The VPO-136 "Vepr KM" carbine is assembled from wooden and metal parts that are treated with special compounds. This allows you to increase resistance to various external influences. Wooden elements protected from humidity and thermal extremes make it possible to effectively use weapons in field conditions.
For mounting additional equipment on the barrel, special mounts and niches are provided. Users focus on the comfort of using and holding the carabiner. Firing efficiency increases when installing a flash suppressor and an optical sight, as well as other specialized devices.
Differences between VPO-136 and VPO-133 (Vepr K)
Outwardly they are very similar to each other. The previous version of the self-loading carbine was more blackened: this is reflected both in the barrel and receiver, and in the tone of the forearm and butt.
In technical terms, there are nuances that should be noted. VPO-136 has an intact “cracker” installed in front of the chamber. In addition, it has the original latch. These design elements allow the use of standard military-style 10-round magazines.
The Vepr-KM has an important modification that helped eliminate a serious drawback of the Vepr-K. There is no pin in its barrel, and the barrel itself is not weakened by through drilling. Thanks to this, the bullet is not scratched at the moment of firing, maintaining a high initial flight speed and integrity, ensuring good shooting accuracy.
Carbines VPO-133 and VPO-136
After a shot, the VPO-136 produces a whole, untouched cartridge case, which is different from the VPO-133. The absence of a hole in the chamber and the integrity of the chrome coating are affected.
Other differences include:
- the presence of a light core, which replaced the pin;
- the choke tube and the “plug” of the third axis are not welded.
Advantages and disadvantages
A comparative analysis between the disadvantages and advantages of the VPO-136 carbine will be made possible by studying the characteristics of the weapon, advice from professionals and user feedback. The advantages of the modification in question include the following parameters:
- The presence of threads in the inner part of the barrel, which allows you to maintain the strength and reliability of the part. After 150-200 shots, the special internal core is eliminated on its own.
- The ergonomics of the carbine's exterior make it possible for novice shooters, women and experienced professionals to use the weapon.
- Compactness allows you to easily transport and carry the model.
- An acceptable price, thanks to which citizens with different income levels can purchase the model.
Among the disadvantages is the presence of a welded screw on the butt, which is problematic to replace if it fails, or if you want to update the element with a more modern and modernized version.
Scope of use
The purpose of the VPO-136 carbine is multifaceted. It can be used for professional hunting and competitive shooting. Weapons are also often used for training and entertainment. Such diverse functioning is due to the technical parameters laid down by the manufacturer. It is worth noting that a shot from this gun can hit small and medium-sized animals at a distance of up to two hundred meters. Maximum holding comfort and compactness allow women and teenagers to use the weapon.
Predecessor
The VPO-136 “Vepr KM” model is an improved version of the VPO-133 modification. The characteristics of the variations are similar to each other, but the predecessor had larger dimensions and less ease of use. The option under consideration replaced the earlier version due to the elimination of surplus of this type at army bases. It is worth noting that tuning the VPO-136, like the 133rd variation, should not include equipping the weapon with a clip with a capacity of more than ten rounds. Otherwise, law enforcement agencies have the right to draw up a report on violation of the rules for storing and using firearms.
Technical plan characteristics
The popularity of the model in question is due to the combination of compact size and excellent performance. Below are the technical characteristics of the VPO-136 carbine (7.62 x 39), which will allow you to evaluate the capabilities of the weapon:
- Manufacturer: Russian machine-building plant “Molot”.
- Purpose – sports, training shooting, hunting.
- Type – self-loading automatic carbine.
- The maximum capacity of cartridges in the magazine is ten charges.
- Length (body/barrel) – 1.0/0.625 meters.
- The height is twenty centimeters.
- The weight of the model is 4.29 kilograms.
- Width – 5.7 cm.
- The barrel is made by cold forging and has an oxide treatment.
Important points when operating the Vepr VPO-136 carbine is the high initial speed of the bullet, which makes it possible to hit moving targets at a considerable distance, and this is especially important for any hunt. The advantages also include the possibility of installing various attachments on the barrel, which can significantly increase the efficiency of firing.
Design features
The simplicity of the layout of the weapon in question makes it easier to operate and maintain. This point is important for novice shooters and inexperienced users. The VPO-136 carbine (folding) consists of two main parts: the butt and the barrel. The clip can be replaced with a magazine with a larger capacity for the convenience of firing and speeding up the release of charges.
Additional comfort during use is provided by a rubber butt pad on the butt, which guarantees high shock absorption performance. The existing pair of stops for complete blocking of the barrel significantly increases safety indicators.
Equipment
The standard modification of the VPO-136 carbine with a folding stock, which is commercially available, includes a passport with the technical parameters of the weapon and a manufacturer’s warranty. In addition, an instruction manual is included, which makes it possible to understand the design of the weapon and the nuances of its operation.
The model’s body is placed in a polymer film and a cardboard box, the outer part of which contains information about the type of product and manufacturer. The standard equipment of the carbine in question includes a high-quality optical sight, which can be replaced with upgraded versions. The set also includes a cleaning rod, a pencil case, and a clip. The disadvantages of the package include the absence of a shoulder strap, but it can be purchased inexpensively in specialized stores or from hand.
Flaws
There are no standard cleaning rods, as a result of which the carbines are equipped with long, but thin cleaning rods from the standard “Vepr”. They don't fit as well in the stock location, nor can standard machine gun accessories screw onto this cleaning rod.
Also, there are no standard cleaning cases, as a result of which the carabiners are supplemented with semi-complete modern type cases. Accessories cannot be screwed onto a standard AK/AKM from this case.
Among other things, there are no belts, but in fact this is not such a serious drawback, because they can always be purchased secondhand.
It is also worth noting the fact that in the latest versions the kit includes the “original” pencil case and cleaning rod, and at the same time, the kit also includes an additional cleaning rod from the “Vepr”.
Action and disassembly
The Vepr VPO-136 carbine is brought into firing position by installing a clip with charges of the required caliber. When the trigger is pressed, there is an active action on the bolt, after which the cartridge is sent into the barrel and the shot is fired. The standard weapon safety guarantees ease of use, and the modernized trigger variation makes it possible to minimize the effort required during each trigger pull.
You can disassemble the carbine yourself at home, largely due to the simplicity of the design. Such manipulations are required for lubrication, repair or modernization. In order to disassemble the gun, it is necessary to separate the trigger part from the receiver, remove the sight by slightly moving it from its place of fixation on the barrel. The bolt frame is also easy to change, since it is not rigidly fixed.
Changes and additions
It was decided to replace the trigger, that is, the removed parts of the automatic trigger, instead of which they installed a trigger, typical for Vepr carbines. Of the automatic parts, we decided to leave only the fuse-translator.
On the bolt frame, on the right guide, there is a tide cut, which on a combat machine gun is designed to interact with the automatic trigger feather. The cut area was not processed in any way, and it is advisable to make the funnel with at least some kind of cold funnel in order to eliminate the possibility of rust. About the VPO-136, reviews from owners indicate that the bolt frame is not the main part of the weapon, as a result of which the owner has the opportunity to change it completely independently.
The third axis hole has a unique detail riveted on the right side of the barrel box. Among other things, all sorts of new-made marks are applied, and on most of the devices they are present on the left and right walls of the barrel box, while on a certain part of the weapon they are located on the barrel under the forend. Brands are applied using laser technology, and can be quite simply blackened to the point of invisibility through the use of specialized cold bluing products.
In terms of other characteristics, the VPO-136 weapon fully corresponds to the standard parameters of a combat assault rifle.
Improvement and price
Tuning the VPO-136 is carried out by installing a modernized optical sight, which increases the accuracy of the shot. In addition, the weapon in question can be equipped with a military metal clip that can hold three dozen rounds of ammunition. This significantly increases the rate of fire, but contradicts the law, which states that the capacity of such modifications should not exceed ten charges.
The cost of the product in question is one of the main factors of its popularity. This weapon, depending on the modification and conditions of the retail outlet, has a price of about thirty thousand rubles.
Mini-interview with a user (Alexander Korobov, Tyumen):
Hello Sasha. I have just a few questions for you as a big fan and connoisseur of weapons in general. The conversation will be about Vepr-136. Literally a few words.
Reliability of the Boar, application, popularity and its reasons, reviews, and personal opinion.
- Hello. In terms of application, 7.62x39 can be used almost anywhere, from birds to wild boars. Distances up to 300m. The rifling pitch on the Vepr is 240, respectively, the Vepr twists the bullet better than the same Saiga, there is a pitch of 320.. What should you pay attention to? For the bullet entrance and smooth fittings, shooting will show the rest. You can dress up anything with additional equipment, fortunately there is enough “Khokhloma”. It all depends on the tasks.
In simple terms, is it possible to say that Vepr inherited the main thing from Kalashnikov? Works like a Kalashnikov assault rifle. Reliability and reliability remain.
- Yes. This is the Kalashnikov assault rifle, only the civilian version. It works in conditions where imported automatic rifles will not work due to dirt, dust, and moisture. On mine I have now shot 7636, the flight is normal.
– How popular is he among hunters and why?
– Very popular! For the reliability and low cost of the cartridge.
– What about the price segment for Vepr?
– The price fluctuates differently everywhere. From 26 to 40 thousand rubles.
– On a 10-point scale, what rating would Veprya give?
– 10.
VPO-136: owner reviews
Owners speak mostly positively about this weapon. This is largely due to practicality and excellent technical capabilities. Users also note the possibility of using additional devices mounted on the barrel, which significantly increases the efficiency and quality of shooting.
The simplicity of the design ensures comfortable operation and maintenance. In addition, the VPO-136 weapon, reviews of which are given above, can be used by novice shooters and women.
What are its differences from AK?
First of all, it is worth noting the fact that the muzzle is punched at approximately a depth of about 1 cm. Often, a slight mark from the core remains on the outer front end, but reviews of VPO-136 owners indicate that in practice such punching does not have any effect no effect on the operation of the weapon, and even after 100-200 shots, the “splash” of metal in the core area gradually smoothes out. Of course, this is where the chrome plating suffers some damage, which requires more thorough cleaning.
A small hole was drilled into the bolt cylinder (in the firing pin exit area), which leaves a trace of the spent cartridge case on the capsule. It is worth noting the fact that the sleeve itself retains its integrity. The screw was welded, as well as a specialized fastening stock. This is done in order to exclude the possibility of shortening this carbine to a length of less than 80 cm. For this reason, this stock can be legally modified only if the work is carried out in a licensed workshop.
Criterias of choice
When choosing an AKM VPO-136, you should focus on the appearance of the carbine. If the wood on the gas pipe or forend is unsightly, this is not critical. You can replace elements for several hundred rubles. Also, don't worry about using a whistle or nut, as they don't cost a lot of money. Of course, it is best to choose a weapon that is in excellent technical condition. A carbine with a burnt-out gas piston or with serious damage to the barrel is much more difficult to restore to optimal condition.
Another important point when choosing a product is the condition of the rifling. Defects, as a rule, are a kind of ulcers that can heal themselves during shooting. However, in this case, the chrome coating suffers, making it difficult to clean the carbine, although it can shoot quite normally. In addition, rust spots may form on the outer parts, which should be removed immediately to avoid further deformation of the surface.
There are examples on sale that have a replaced wood, even the original gun number is missing. It is also necessary to pay attention to the firing rate of the carbine (when purchasing used models). With a large indicator, samples can work normally, but further operation is reflected in the range and aiming characteristics. If you wish, you can radically modernize the weapon in question, without significant costs, on your own.
Additional features
In VPO-136, the characteristics provide for the installation of specialized 30-place “landing” or steel magazines that have a wire U-shaped limiter in their design. Also, absolutely all the original marks were preserved, while the carbine number represents the number of the machine gun that was used as a “donor”.
In VPO-136 (photo above) there is no pin in the barrel at all, and there is no weakening through drilling, that is, nothing will scratch the bullet. There is also no hole in the chamber, and the chrome here remains completely intact, as a result of which the cartridge case will remain perfectly intact after the shot is fired.
One example of improvement
Below is a method for upgrading the VPO-136 (KM) carbine produced in 1969. It is worth noting that this procedure allows you to install the original parts back in literally half an hour.
To modernize, you will need to carry out a number of manipulations:
- Buy a stock with a recoil absorber, a new forend, shock absorber, recoil buffer, DTK (muzzle braking compensator).
- Completely disassemble the weapon.
- Remove old plywood.
- Install new parts.
- Check the operation of the mechanisms and, if necessary, adjust the lapping of the forend and adapter using a file.
- Carry out a test shooting and that’s it, you can use the updated unit.
Such modernization almost completely changes the look of the carbine, but restoring the classic shape is not a problem.
Ammo
Weapons of the VPO-136 type with a folding stock can use almost any 7.62x39 mm caliber charges. As practice shows, there are no significant differences in accuracy and accuracy, regardless of whether an imported cartridge or its cheap domestic analogue is used. If desired, to improve the shot performance, you can extend the front magazine bag, similar to that of the Saiga, which will allow the charge to slide along the wall of the clip without touching the cracker. In addition, the trajectory of the bullet will become slightly higher.
Users note that the hardest carbon deposits are formed when using cartridges produced by KSPZ. The constant use of such charges significantly increases the risk of the carbine failing. There are known cases when, after shooting a couple of clips, the gas chamber turned into a rusty sieve with numerous “ulcers”.
MAKSIMOV.SU
In Rus' they have always hunted with a former combatant or, since the 1990s. - so-called conversion weapons.
We have already spoken more than once about the objective historical reasons for this national peculiarity of ours. But here something else has always been more important - how suitable the “converted” carbines are for hunting or, what is much more important, for recreational shooting and preserving historical memory.
And the speech
It’s not only about the history of this weapon, but also the inextricably linked history of our country.
Just a couple of years ago
Weapons lovers could only dream of the possibility of legal ownership of such legendary historical legends as SVD, AK, PPSh, DP-27 and Maxim machine guns (!). We somehow got used to three-line hunting rifles and SVT-40. At the same time, it was obvious to everyone that they were much more suitable for hunting than machine guns and machine guns.
But,
As the practice of using various modifications of the Saiga and Vepr carbines has shown, these weapons are effectively used for hunting in Russia. So what is the difference in practical application between converting a Kalashnikov combat assault rifle from the originally “civilian” Saiga-MK chambered for the native and popular 7.62x39 mm cartridge? Today our conversation will be about exactly this.
VPO-133/136
In Vyatsko-Polyansky
Kalashnikov assault rifles began to be “fenced” literally last year. We won’t delve too deeply into the subtleties of the differences between the VPO-133 and VPO-136 models (Vepr-K and Vepr-KM), let’s focus on the main thing: in the not so distant past, these carbines were indeed military weapons of the glorious Soviet army, and some of them they were made during the life of I.V. Stalin.
Early samples of AK,
all over the world, not quite correctly (but habitually) called AK-47 (there were only 3 modifications of AK before the appearance of the familiar AKM), they ended up in rework and in the retail chain in quite large quantities, to the delight of lovers of the history of weapons in general and the Kalashnikov - in particular.
On practice
AK copies from early releases do not have any special advantages, even though some of them have milled receivers. But this does not provide any guarantees of accuracy or reliability: there were simply no other technologies for the mass production of military weapons of this type.
German "Sturmak"
We will not take into account those from the Second World War - the widespread use of stamping did not give this weapon any gain in either mass or reliability.
Appeared
at the very end of the 1950s. The AKM was much lighter than the AK and had a number of noticeable advantages. The AKM is more preferable as a hunting carbine or a weapon for shooting. and in general, VPO buyers are pragmatic people - they don’t really chase after machines with milled boxes, because among AKMs, copies that were not in the military are much more common.
The first Molotov VPO-133
they did not have the opportunity to use “original” magazines, in addition, they replaced the trigger, installing parts from the “Vepr”, and installing the usual pin in the barrel in abundance. Then the plant met the “wishes of the workers” and the next model, VPO-136, was already devoid of the shortcomings of the “133rd” and outwardly looked “just like the real one.” Which, in fact, was what was required.
In the Internet
It was always possible to purchase various kinds of “essentials” for AKs of any modification. But with the advent of civilian versions of the legendary machine gun, a whole variety of magazines (including “tambourines” from the RPK), pouches, belts and other “nice things”, this market niche has become much more in demand.
To illustrate this article
a perfectly preserved fenced assault rifle manufactured in 1954, the so-called 2nd type (2nd modification of the AK model 1947), was used. Its retail price in one of the peripheral cities of Russia (at the end of 2013) was less than 20 thousand rubles. Converted AKMs at that time cost noticeably less - about 13 thousand rubles.
VPO-133
At the firing line
Kalashnikov assault rifle
with a permanent wooden butt is much more convenient than the “steeper”, but less comfortable when aiming and noticeably less stable when shooting option with a folding butt.
Situation
leveled off only with the advent of the AK-74M of the so-called “hundredth” series, in which all machine guns finally received a plastic folding stock that was good in ergonomics and reliable in operation.
What is not less important
, “hundredth” AKs all have a standard side rail for mounting optics, which has become extremely important with the widespread proliferation of various optical sights.
Early AK
Of course, there were no strips for optics at all. It appeared only on “night” versions of the AKM (for mounting a night sight, in combination with the use of a PBS silencer), which in general did not make any difference. But the butts of those same AKs are much more convenient, due to the greater death toll.
More comfortable handles
– in peacetime, the ergonomics of weapons in the USSR was paid no less attention to the manufacturability of production. But the smooth AK handguard is subjectively somewhat inferior in convenience to the more developed AKM handguard. This, in fact, is where the main differences between Kalash cars of different years of production end.
All Russian hunting weapons
(fenced, among others) has a magazine capacity of no more than 10 rounds. Therefore, limiters are inserted into the 30-seat machine gun horns. And in VPO-133, in general, ordinary Saiga magazines were initially used in the “Orthodox” caliber 7.62x39 mm, which did not prevent anyone from modifying army magazines by welding and filing.
Were
such stores and factory conversions. Of course, the VPO does not have the ability to conduct automatic fire, this was solved by introducing a number of changes to the design of the bolt group and trigger (the ability to conduct automatic fire was removed by removing the auto-sear, welding the auto-sear axis, cutting off the corresponding protrusion on the bolt frame and trigger).
Aiming and shooting from AK
early releases differs from shooting from machine guns of subsequent modifications - the sights (in particular, the rear sight configuration) are clearer, the weapon has better ergonomics. Even the recoil, due to the greater mass of the weapon and the milled receiver of the “Stalinist” AKs, is perceived differently.
Shooting
It was fired from a seated position, at conventional military chest and height targets, at distances from 100 to 500 m. Ammunition was used from various manufacturers, and the differences in accuracy and accuracy turned out to be insignificant.
Firing accuracy
turned out to be quite normal for a machine gun with a good barrel and a normal batch of cartridges. You can see the result in the photograph of a target shot at 100 m in the first two series.
During shooting
With cartridges from one domestic manufacturer, the machine gun mercilessly smoked through the gas outlet. But with all available cartridges and at any rate of fire, the old Kalashmat worked like a clock, almost without missing a target at distances of 300, 400 and 500 m (all mistakes made were entirely the fault of the shooters).
Certainly,
It would be interesting to install an optical or collimator sight on the VPO-133. But there was no side rail on the machine, as well as a bracket installed in place of the sector sight (such mounts for the collimator are now produced by various domestic manufacturers).
However,
Older weapons don't need optics. The greatest pleasure here comes from shooting with open sights, relying only on your eyesight.
Conclusion
It's quite obvious
that you can hunt with a Kalash, just like with any individual small arms, even if they are at least combat-ready (the experience of the Abkhazians, who were forced to hunt with AKs and SVDs after the 1992-93 war, clearly confirms this).
We
They are accustomed to dividing weapons into military and “hunting” weapons, without even thinking about the fact that everything that was created for the destruction of people is also suitable for hunting animals.
But let's be objective to the end:
Over the past 200-300 years, people have developed certain criteria for weapons for purely hunting purposes. In the first place here is a tribute to tradition, expressed both in the aesthetics of the weapon and in the features of its design (which are strongly interconnected).
Therefore carabiners
, originally developed as a hunting weapon, will always be relevant. Again, it’s hard to call the SVD rifle or the famous “three-ruler” unaesthetic in any way, but these military weapons are more than successfully used in hunting.
Let me remind you,
that they began to hunt with the Mosin rifle in Russia simultaneously with its appearance in the army, and it does not matter that this happened in various expeditions. The main thing is that they have been hunting with it for more than 120 years. So, truly, to each his own.
In my opinion,
The Kalashnikov assault rifle is impeccable in terms of aesthetics. It is harmonious simply because there is nothing superfluous in it. And this antique aesthetic is combined with legendary reliability.
AK
- part of our history that any normal citizen should know and respect. Therefore, the owner of a Kalashnikov “hunting” assault rifle has the right to have his choice respected.
The article was published in the magazine “Hunting” in October 2014
Muzzle attachment
This unit is a non-welded protective nut with a safety thread or a special type of compensator. This design makes it possible to combine the carbine with flame arresters and other additional attachments of various types. It is worth noting that the use of silencers and devices that reduce the sound of a shot is strictly prohibited. You can use a decorative muffler that does not interfere with the passage of the charge and does not in any way affect the volume of the shot.
The gun has a special mount that allows you to fix the bayonet. Officially, its use is not prohibited by law. For those who want to get the maximum equipment of the carbine in question, it is better to purchase a souvenir model, which will not allow you to hunt or compete in sports shooting, but will give you the opportunity to test all the capabilities of the VPO-136 equipment.
Recommendations from experts
Experts advise when purchasing this carbine to pay attention to the wooden parts. If they have a lot of scratches and abrasions, this indicates that the weapon has been used extensively or has been improperly stored. Also, these moments indicate that the machine gun could have been fired for quite a long time. You should also be wary if you find wood inclusions on the varnish coating. This may indicate that the weapon has been repainted.
Before purchasing, it is advisable to remove the forend and visually check the receiver for dirt, rust and soot. If these problems are present in significant numbers, this indicates frequent use of the rifle in a variety of conditions. Also, do not forget to check the existing number with the same number in your passport.
Product prices
This indicator is very broad. In narrow circles of owners you can find advertisements in which a used VPO-136 costs only about 15,000 rubles. When purchasing such a carbine, it is necessary to carefully examine the fore-end and butt, since the degree of wear on them can be used to judge how long the weapon has been in use.
The price of a new Vepr-KM with the above factory configuration is approximately 30,000 rubles. Here it is worth taking into account the fact that the reserves of this weapon will soon run out, so when purchasing a carbine, you should also take care of purchasing basic spare parts, which will ensure reliable service for the next 5-10 years.
The price for a tuned VPO-136 carbine complete with cartridges is 40 thousand rubles
