Nowadays, in hunting and weapons stores you can see a large number of smooth-bore weapons, one of which is the VPO-208 smooth-bore self-loading carbine. Created on the basis of the well-known and time-tested Simonov carbine (SKS), the VPO-208 is essentially its civilian smoothbore version. Due to its properties and technical characteristics, the carbine is of interest to many hunters and shooters. Let's tell you more about it.
Review of VPO-208
The VPO-208 smoothbore carbine was developed and produced at the Molot OJSC enterprise in Vyatskie Polyany on the basis of the SKS carbine and has many characteristics similar to it.
The VPO-208 carbine was first presented to the general public at the “Weapons and Hunting 2015” exhibition in October 2015.
VPO-208 is produced in smoothbore caliber 366 TKM, a cartridge of this caliber was developed from the very beginning by the Tekhkrim enterprise specifically for the VPO-208 carbine, other samples, such as the VPO-209 carbine and many others, were developed and put into production much later.
The main advantage of the VPO-208 carbine is the fact that, due to its caliber, it is purchased under a regular smoothbore license, so buyers who want to purchase it do not need to wait for a five-year ownership experience to obtain a license for a rifled weapon.
According to the manufacturer, the 366 TKM cartridge is intended for hunting animals weighing up to 200 kg, at a shooting distance of up to 150 meters.
The abbreviation TKM in the name of the cartridge indicates the developers of both the city of Izhevsk and OJSC “Molot”, Vyatskie Polyany. Thus, the manufacturer of the VPO-208 carbine itself participated in the development of the 366 TKM cartridge.
The cartridge was developed based on the 7.62×39 mm cartridge case. 1943. The caliber of the 366 cartridge is indicated in fractions of an inch, which in the metric system corresponds to the designation 9.5 × 37.5 mm.
366 TKM cartridges are produced equipped with different types of bullets of different weights, from the “Dary” bullet weighing 13.5 grams to the “Gexa” bullet weighing 15 grams; the plant also produces shot cartridges of caliber 366 TKM.
The VPO-208 carbine, due to both its appearance and the characteristics included in it by the manufacturer, undoubtedly attracted the attention of hunters and shooting enthusiasts.
Smoothbore SKS
Smoothbore carbine SKS VPO-208
Smoothbore carbine SKS VPO-208 cartridges caliber 0.366TKM. Test shooting of 0.366TKM caliber cartridges for the VPO-208 Vepr smoothbore carbine. The barrel of the SKS combat carbine was drilled to a diameter of 9.5 mm. 0.366 inches. Difficulties with the selection of ammunition. Accuracy is quite satisfactory.
Description:
The rifled analogue of the VPO-208 carbine is the OP SKS.
A model with a Lancaster drill SKS 366 Lancaster has appeared.
The hunting smoothbore self-loading carbine Vepr VPO-208, nicknamed among hunters the smoothbore SKS, since it was completely decommissioned, except for the barrel. This gun is one of the most desirable among hunters, as it is closest to the characteristics of a rifled weapon, thanks to the cartridges used and the design of the barrel. And the most important thing is that you can buy VPO 208 from us via special communication delivery throughout Russia at a great price.
Previously, the gun was produced completely identical to the SKS, in terms of appearance, but improvements were gradually made, the wishes and feedback of customers were taken into account, and now the extraordinary VPO 208 with an updated design was born. A new stock that looks great in appearance, its color and design are pleasing to the eye, and it has become much more pleasant to hold in your hands.
The main thesis: the resulting VPO 208 carbine of .366 TKM caliber allows you to conduct field shooting without obtaining a license for a rifled weapon. With it you can safely hunt, for example, a bear, ungulates: wild boar, elk, roe deer... -, and with a shotgun you can hunt feathered game.
The ergonomics of the VPO 208 carbine are excellent; it is quite short with a total length of 1025 mm and a barrel length of 525 mm, which makes walking through the forest easier. The semi-pistol stock is made of walnut and has special notches for more comfortable control and to prevent hands from slipping. The butt plate copes well with recoil; by the way, it is quite comfortable. Safety is ensured by a manual safety lever located in the trigger guard; you can quickly remove the safety from the gun with your thumb.
Sights are adjustable - front sight and sighting bar (sector sight). The sector sight is adjustable horizontally and vertically and has a cut-off range of up to 1 kilometer. It is possible to install optical devices on the side bar.
The gun is equipped with an internal nozzle Paradox 125-135 mm - 6 right-hand rifling, which has a positive effect on accuracy, there is a special thread on the muzzle that allows you to install a flash suppressor or muzzle brakes or other muzzle devices.
From numerous reviews, tests, feedback, we can conclude that the accuracy and accuracy of the VPO 208 carbine is very good at various distances of 50, 100, 200 meters. The target range declared by the manufacturer is 300 meters.
Let's go over the mechanics: the trigger mechanism is of the hammer type; when you press the trigger, one shot is fired. The operation of automation is due to the removal of powder gases from the barrel (gas vent). The barrel bore is locked by tilting the bolt. The charging handle is on the right side. The carbine is equipped with a bolt stop.
To summarize, the main advantages of purchasing VPO 208:
A good alternative to rifled weapons Cool design and ergonomics The ingenious .366 TKM cartridge used and its low price Range, accuracy and accuracy of fire The declared resource is 5000 rounds, it is clear that this is a convention, and the carbine will last many times longer Room for tuning, thanks to the huge number of parts and similar to SCS.
Simonov self-loading carbine - SKS.
The first samples of this legendary weapon in every sense appeared in 1941, in 1945 the carbine went into production, and in 1949 in a fully developed version (as we know it to this day) it entered service with the Soviet army.
Over time, taking into account the excellent combat qualities of the SKS, as well as its unpretentiousness, it was adopted by many countries in Asia and Africa, and therefore its production was established under license in the PRC, the GDR and Yugoslavia.
In total, since the beginning of the production of SKS carbines, more than 15 million units of these weapons have been produced in our country and abroad.
For a number of reasons, the carbine was gradually replaced from the armed forces by the Kalashnikov assault rifle, but nevertheless, until the end of the 80s, it was in service with a number of units of the Soviet and then the Russian army. Currently, it is in service with the paramilitary guards, and due to its aesthetic qualities, it is used as an example of ceremonial weapons. And when, in the early 90s, ordinary hunters had the opportunity to purchase weapons with a rifled barrel, the SKS was one of the first examples of the civilian (fenced) version of rifled weapons, for this reason it gained enormous popularity among hunters of all levels, both professionals and amateurs . Just as now, being in a very “tough” competitive environment, the SCS has its fans, both among weapon collectors and among people who use it for its intended purpose, that is, hunters.
It is with history that I decided to start this review, since it will focus specifically on the legendary Simonov self-loading carbine. And more specifically, about its smoothbore modification, the VPO-208 carbine.
Throughout all the years of production, both military models of the SKS and its civilian counterparts OP-SKS and KO-SKS were produced only for the 7.62x39mm intermediate cartridge, adopted for service in 1943. And only in 2015, Vyatsko-Polyansky released a smooth-bore version of the carbine under the brand name VPO-208 chambered for the .366TKM (9.55x37mm) cartridge, which in turn was specially developed by the Tekhkrim enterprise for a specific type of weapon. That is, the cartridge was created together with a smooth-bore modification of the carbine.
According to the developers, this cartridge is intended for hunting medium-sized animals weighing up to 150-200 kg at distances up to 200 meters, training shooting and self-defense. The developed modifications of the cartridge itself include both bullet shells without a jacket (a lead bullet with a polymer coating), and bullets that have a fully jacketed, semi-jacketed design (an open front part of the bullet), as well as shot cartridges.
Modifications and characteristics of the .366TKM cartridge
An exclusive feature of this cartridge is the fact that it is used in smooth-bore weapons with a partially rifled part, that is, some section of the smooth (usually the muzzle) barrel has rifling to give the bullet projectile a rotational-stabilizing effect. Externally, the carbine is not much different from its combat predecessor, unless, of course, you look closely at the inscriptions on the receiver.
Caliber .336 TKM (9.5x37) Type Self-loading Length 1025 mm Barrel length 520 mm Weight 3.65 kg Magazine capacity 10 rounds
The VPO-208 self-loading smoothbore shotgun was developed in collaboration with the Russian companies Tekhkrim (ammunition manufacturer) and the Vyatsko-Polyansky Molot plant. This gun was created primarily with the Russian civilian weapons market in mind, and is a conversion of the Simonov SKS rifled carbine for the new .336 TKM smoothbore cartridge developed by Tekhkrim. The new cartridge is developed on the basis of the 7.62x39 cartridge case of the 1943 model, in which the barrel is flared to 9.55mm caliber. The main type of equipment for the new .366 TKM cartridges are jacketed or semi-jacketed bullets (expansive), as well as non-jacketed (all-lead). There are also plans for a shotgun version with shot in a special plastic container simulating a bullet. The barrel of the VPO-208 shotgun is smooth, with a “Paradox” type muzzle device (a fragment of the barrel with rifling about 13 cm long at the muzzle). With a bullet weight of 15 grams for the .366 TKM cartridge, the declared initial velocity is about 615 m/s, which gives a muzzle energy of about 2800 Joules, that is, noticeably more than that of the 7.62x39 machine gun cartridge. When hunting medium game, the effective firing range of a .366 TKM bullet cartridge from a VPO-208 gun can exceed 100 meters. In addition, this gun can become a serious means of protecting your home, as well as a kind of substitute for rifled weapons for sports and training shooting for those who, according to Russian legislation, have not yet received the right to purchase rifled weapons (they do not have 5 years of experience in owning smoothbore weapons). In addition to the VPO-208 shotgun, smoothbore shotguns chambered for the same cartridge based on 7.62mm AKM assault rifles and civilian VPO Molot carbines based on them are also promised in the foreseeable future
In essence, the VPO-208 gun is a conversion of the 7.62x39mm Simonov SKS self-loading carbine into a smoothbore gun, produced by replacing the rifled barrel with a smooth one, with a “Paradox” in the muzzle. Due to the fact that the base diameter and overall dimensions of the .366TKM cartridge are inherited from the 7.62mm intermediate cartridge of the 1943 model, other modifications to the carbine are minimal.
The VPO-208 smoothbore shotgun is completely identical in design to the Simonov SKS carbine. It also uses gas-operated automatics with a short-stroke gas piston located above the barrel. The receiver is steel, the barrel bore is locked by tilting the bolt in a vertical plane. The stock is wooden, with a semi-pistol neck. The magazine is integral, box-shaped, with a capacity of 10 rounds. Loading the magazine - with single cartridges or from clips, with the bolt open and set to the bolt stop.
Advantages of VPO-208
- Opportunity to purchase a carbine under a regular smooth-bore license, without waiting for the completion of the five-year experience required to obtain a license for a rifled weapon
- Reliable and well-thought-out carbine design, time-tested
- The owner of the carbine can tune it to his individual needs
- Good range and accuracy of the carbine
- Relatively low price of a carbine
- Low price of 366 TKM cartridges, making them available not only for hunting, but also simply for recreational shooting
Story
This carbine was first presented on May 21, 2015 at the Nevsky Sports Complex, where a presentation was organized by the Hammer Weapon and Tekhkrim enterprises. It presented prototypes of the VPO-208 carbine and samples of 366 TKM cartridges. Test shootings were carried out, as a result of which the capabilities of the new carbine and the new cartridge were demonstrated to everyone.
At the next meeting, which took place on August 11, 2015 in the city of Mytishchi, at the French Shooting Club, the start of serial production of the smoothbore SKS was announced after the required accuracy of 100 mm at a 100 meter distance was achieved.
At the moment, the gun can be purchased in stores where they are installed, made in the company’s aggressive red colors. There is also a limit on the number of cartridges: 200 pieces per weapon.
Shootings of smoothbore SKS from real users who have already purchased this carbine and tried it are starting to appear on the Internet. The results vary greatly, and on all-Russian weapons forums you can find a lot of reviews, both positive and negative.
Purpose of the VPO-208 carbine
The VPO-208 carbine is intended both for hunting and for recreational target shooting and for self-defense purposes. The 366 TKM caliber cartridge has a muzzle energy of more than 2000 J; at a firing distance of 200 meters, the kinetic energy of a bullet fired from the VPO-208 is about 1000 J. This energy is quite enough to kill an animal weighing up to 100 kg. Based on this, with the VPO-208 carbine you can hunt two-year-old wild boar, young-of-the-year elk, roe deer, and deer.
Description
Weapons have more than once helped us achieve good results in hunting. Reviews from VPO-208 owners indicate that the ergonomics of each structural element contributes to maximum operating comfort. Excellent accuracy is guaranteed by the most even barrel configuration. Users also note that the mounting of optics, forearm and front sight does not negatively affect the firing characteristics.
This feature is possible due to the presence of a particularly durable alloy in the design, thoughtful shapes of all components and the placement of attachments that do not affect the flight path of the ammunition. The combination of the noted factors and the use of natural wood makes the fairly high price of the carbine quite justified.
This modification is made on the basis of a well-known prototype - the Simonov carbine. The design remains identical to the non-removable magazine for 10 rounds and the characteristic exterior. In their reviews of the VPO-208 caliber 366 TKM, the owners describe an improved hammer-type firing mechanism, which ensures rapid supply of ammunition into the chamber, guaranteeing an excellent rate of fire.
The high-quality and thoughtful finishing materials of the carbine did not go unnoticed. Manufacturers use modern polymers that allow them to maintain an attractive appearance for a long time. This is due to the increased strength of all components and their high-quality processing. It is important that with changes in temperature and air humidity, the box and case do not lose their original characteristics.
Technical characteristics of VPO-208
- Caliber: .366 TCM
- Manufacturer: Hammer (Vyatskie Polyany)
- Operating principle: gas outlet self-charging
- Barrel: smooth-bore, cold forged, with Paradox-type rifling in the muzzle
- Barrel length: 520 mm
- Magazine type: permanent
- Magazine capacity: 10 rounds
- Sighting range: 300 meters
- Weapon length: 1025 mm
- Weapon weight: 3.65 kg
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.
Design
As already mentioned, the VPO-208 carbine is designed on the basis of the SKS carbine, therefore it inherited from it the main design elements and principle of operation.
VPO-208 barrel
The main difference between the VPO-208 carbine and the SKS carbine is its barrel. Unlike the SKS carbine, the VPO-208 carbine is equipped with a newly-made smooth barrel, which has six right-hand rifling in the muzzle of the bore, the length of the rifled part is 110 mm, and the rifling pitch is 500 mm. The rifling is formed in the bore during the barrel manufacturing process using cold rotary forging. This type of trunk is called Paradox. According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, such a barrel is considered smooth-bore, and for those who want to purchase such a carbine, there is no need to wait for 5 years of experience in owning a smooth-bore weapon, as when purchasing a rifled weapon. To purchase a VPO-208 carbine, a regular smoothbore license is required.
It should be noted that in terms of bullet accuracy, the VPO-208 is superior to any smooth-bore hunting rifle available on the market, and the heavy 366 TKM caliber bullet has great stopping power.
The passport for the VPO-208 carbine indicates a barrel accuracy of 140 mm at 100 meters. It should be recalled that the rejection parameter for the SKS carbine is four hits per 150 mm circle at 100 meters. Thus, the accuracy of the smooth-bore VPO-208 is at least no worse than the accuracy of the SKS combat carbine.
The VPO-208 carbine is equipped with a mechanical sight, consisting of a front sight placed at the muzzle end of the barrel, which can be adjusted in two planes and an aiming bar, with firing distances of up to 1000 meters marked on it. The mechanical sight inherited by the VPO-208 from the SKS carbine is poorly suited for accurate shooting; when installing an optical sight or a collimator sight on the carbine, the shooting accuracy increases significantly.
Operating principle
The operating principle of the automatic operation of the VPO-208 carbine is based on the use of the energy of powder gases, which are discharged through a hole in the side wall of the barrel. The barrel is locked by tilting the bolt downward behind the lug in the receiver. The bolt handle is located on the right side of the bolt frame.
Trigger mechanism VPO-208
The trigger mechanism of the VPO-208 carbine is of the hammer type, allowing for single shots. A flag-type fuse is located in the trigger guard of the firing mechanism housing.
Shop
The carbine has an integral magazine for 10 rounds. The magazine can be equipped either with the help of special clips, which, when the bolt is open, are inserted into the guides in the bolt frame, or one at a time. The carbine has a bolt stop that locks the bolt in the rear position when the last cartridge is fired from the magazine. The magazine has a bottom cover that folds down for unloading.
Butt
The wooden stock of the VPO-208 carbine has a semi-pistol neck butt. On the butt plate side there is a case with accessories for cleaning and servicing the carbine. There are modernized versions of the VPO-208 with an improved buttstock design.
Equipment and prices
The carbine in question comes in a special polymer package. To simplify the transportation of the product, a hard case is provided. The basic set includes a 10-round magazine.
According to reviews, hunting with the VPO-208 can be brought to perfection by tuning the model. To do this, use the installation of optics that increase the accuracy of hitting the selected target. However, many users do not seek to modify the weapon, justifying this by the fact that its characteristics are quite acceptable for use without any improvements. In addition, the possibility of using various types of charges makes it possible to hunt small game and large animals. The price of the model varies between 25-27 thousand rubles.
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.
general information
Most modifications of products from the specified manufacturer have high quality workmanship both in external design and in internal filling. Reviews of the VPO-208 prove that this carbine is no exception. Owners note a high level of comfort when operating the weapon and simplicity of design. The features of the device guarantee easy and quick cleaning and partial disassembly of the model, which is required for repair and maintenance of the product.
In addition to decent firing parameters, users are attracted by several other features. This includes an elongated barrel box, thoughtful modern design, and good balance of the entire structure. All these points provide maximum ease of use.
Thanks to the combination of relatively low weight and compact dimensions, the carabiner can be used by teenagers and women. This makes it much easier to transport and carry. In addition, this modification is suitable for training, recreational and sports shooting.
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.
Advantages and disadvantages
How does this weapon perform on a hunt? Reviews from VPO-208 owners give reason to think that the carbine has more advantages than disadvantages. The only downside is the high price.
The objective advantages of the product are as follows:
- Convenient configuration providing maximum comfort during operation.
- Possibility of use by people with better command of both the right and left hands.
- Original external design preserving high-quality natural (wood) and artificial (polymers) components, the processing of which allows them to maintain their original appearance for a long time.
- There is the possibility of firing in single salvos.
- Remarkable indicators of shooting parameters, including high accuracy, accuracy and range of the bullet.
- There is a possibility of additional modernization (tuning).
Owner reviews
Most reviews from owners of the VPO-208 carbine are positive. Reliable, time-tested design of the SKS carbine, smooth barrel of 366 TKM caliber, which has characteristics comparable to those of rifled weapons and all this at a fairly affordable price. Of course, stores have domestic rifled semi-automatic weapons at the same or even lower prices, but it is incorrect to compare the smooth-bore VPO-208 with rifled weapons, after all, the VPO-208 has its own buyer.
Initial performance characteristics of cartridges
| Bullet type | Speed m/s | Energy, J |
| Lead LSWCPC | 640 | 2765 |
| Shell FMJ-11 | 700 | 2618 |
| Shell FMJ-15 | 620 | 2883 |
| Semi-shell SP | 620 | 2883 |
When shooting from this gun with this cartridge at a distance of 100 meters, it was possible to put the bullets in a pile from 50 to 80 mm from an open sight, which is in principle identical to the Tiger carbine, or even louder: the Dragunov sniper rifle. The price for this cartridge will be 10-12 rubles from the manufacturer, if you take into account all the markups, the retail price will be around 25-30 rubles, which is very good for a bullet cartridge.
The declared “Hammer weapon” resource is 5000 shots. If we take into account that the smooth-bore SKS will be used for hunting medium and large game, the weapon will last quite a long time, even if it is periodically shot at targets.
