VPO-208: reviews from owners while hunting, description, range

June 8, 2019
Weapons and ammunition
Eugene

The domestic one is well known to many Russian and foreign hunting and shooting enthusiasts. The manufacturer's line includes a whole series of specialized carbines. One of the most popular and reliable for hunting is VPO-208. Owner reviews confirm this. It is worth noting that the weapon was originally intended for use in professional fishing, but the scope of its use has expanded significantly.

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.

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.

Model overview

The specialists of the Molot-Weapon enterprise managed to create a carbine that combines quality with moderate cost. This is where traditional materials are abandoned in favor of modern alloys. Wood, hardened steel and military plastic - this combination helped:

reduce the weight of civilian smoothbore weapons;
increase service life;
ensure resistance to aggressive environmental factors.

High quality workmanship is the highlight of the VPO-208 carbine. The wooden parts of the structure are treated in a special way: they do not crack over time, maintaining their integrity and attractive appearance. The same applies to plastic parts.

A nice bonus is that you can install good optics on the carbine, which greatly increases the possibilities for shooting at long distances, but even the standard devices mentioned above are enough for comfortable hunting in harsh conditions.

Carbine with mounted optical sight

By analogy with the SKS, the carbine is equipped with a fixed magazine for 10 rounds of .366 TKM caliber. There is a special cover on the bottom for unloading the weapon.

Now let's move on to a more detailed acquaintance with the VPO-208 carbine, consider the features thanks to which it gained fame among domestic hunters.

Technical characteristics of the VPO-208 carbine

Even at a quick glance, it becomes clear that the carbine is distinguished by its increased length, which is not typical for the VPO series from . In exact numbers, the dimensions are as follows:

total length - 1025 mm;
barrel length - 520 mm;
width - 61 mm;
height - 179 mm;
weight - 3.65 kg.

The parameters are given without taking into account the cartridges in the magazine and the installed optics. These are the characteristics specified by the manufacturer themselves, and they exactly correspond to reality in the basic configuration of the rifle.

Attention should be paid to two important aspects, namely:

initial bullet speed - 570-590 m/s;
kinetic energy - 2440-2610 J.

Basic technical data of VPO-208
With the specified parameters, the dispersion diameter of bullets when fired at a distance of up to 100 m is approximately 80 mm. The given indicators are average. Using .366 TKM cartridges with an FMJ (15 g jacketed and pointed tip) bullet, the muzzle velocity can increase to 615 m/s at exit from the barrel and decrease to 520 m/s at the 100 m mark. At this distance, deviation from the trajectory reaches 125 mm, and the energy drops from the initial 2837 J to 2028 J.

Design

A huge advantage of this gun is its self-loading mechanism. The hammer-type trigger mechanism allows for single shots of high accuracy, and after the bullet exits the barrel, the safety catch is set to a flag-type safety.

Automatic reloading is ensured by the energy of the powder gases, part of which is discharged through a special hole located in the side wall of the barrel. To lock the barrel, the bolt is skewed behind the lug.

The shooter uses special clips for 10 rounds, which are equipped with a non-removable magazine, but if desired, he can send one round into the barrel each time after a shot. The charging handle is located on the right side of the bolt carrier.

VPO-208 was created on the basis of the Simonov self-loading carbine

For greater convenience and reliability, the VPO-208 carbine is equipped with a bolt stop. It is responsible for blocking the bolt group in the open position immediately after the cartridges in the magazine are used up.

Reliability in handling is achieved due to several factors:

cold forging of the barrel, as well as the application of an oxide coating to its surface, has an effect;
An important role is played by the use of modern combined materials, which have significantly increased the resistance of weapons to sudden temperature changes.

Options and packaging

There is another nice bonus here. Unlike many other carbines from the Molot-Weapon company, the VPO-208 is packaged in a convenient and durable case, which greatly simplifies the movement of the gun and its safety even in the most unfavorable weather conditions.

The carbine is supplied in a cardboard box for a weapon box

Otherwise, the basic configuration is nothing remarkable and includes only a standard magazine for 10 rounds of .366 TKM caliber.

Operating principle

The principle of operation is quite simple. By inserting the magazine and pressing the trigger release button, the shooter sends the cartridge into the receiver and puts the weapon into firing position. The shot is fired when the trigger mechanism is activated.

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).

Tuning

Here, buyers of the VPO-208 carbine will be disappointed, since there are practically no additional devices on sale designed to improve the smoothbore gun of this model. Alternatively, you can install an optical sight in a standard socket located on the receiver cover, but you can safely forget about the collimator, for example.

However, the design of the VPO-208 does not require any improvements on the part of the owners, since all the necessary manipulations were carried out already at the stage of weapon production at the enterprise. This will ensure savings in the operation of the carbine.

The carabiner is equipped with a socket for mounting optics

Design and purpose

In the reviews of VPO-208 owners, there is a point that confirms that the design of the carbine is quite acceptable for beginners (thanks to its simplicity and understandable mechanism). When using it, there are no particular difficulties either during shooting or during maintenance.

The most important parts of the weapon in question are the stock and the receiver. The high-quality polymer materials used for their manufacture can withstand significant temperature changes, which makes it possible to effectively use the carbine in field conditions.

The model under consideration is distinguished by its versatility. It is aimed not only at hunting or target practice, but is also well suited for self-defense. Another feature is the ability to use charges of various calibers, which guarantees the destruction of targets of various directions.

Presentations of the new smoothbore model SKS

For the first time, an improved model of the Simonov self-loading carbine was presented on May 21, 2015. The venue for the presentation of VPO-208 was the Nevsky Sports Complex. The organizers of the demonstration were the Hammer Weapons enterprise and the Tekhkrim arms company, which deals with ammunition. During the presentation, the best examples of VPO-208 carbines and 366 TKM ammunition were shown. The test firing results demonstrated the high capabilities of the modified SKS model and ammunition.

The second show of VPO-208 smoothbore carbines took place on August 11, 2015. The place for the demonstration was the “French Shooting Club” in Mytishchi. During shooting, a high accuracy rate was noted: from a distance of one hundred meters, the bullets lay 1 cm apart from each other. After the second presentation, the serial production of this model was announced.

Ammo modifications

Recent reviews of the VPO-208 indicate that all available types of carbine ammunition have similar characteristics. This is possible due to the fact that the parameters of this weapon model have proven themselves in the operational process, receiving a lot of positive feedback.

The most popular charges for the modification in question are 7.62x39 (9.5 mm) cartridges. Bullet ammunition of this type differs in several ways. These include:

A version of the LSWCPC, which is a lead bullet with a polymer jacket.
An analogue of FMJ11, which has a charge with a blunt tip (weight – 15 grams).
FMJ15 has a pointed tip (also weighs 15 grams).
SP version is semi-shell type.

This variety of cartridges used is considered an additional advantage of the weapon.

Production of cartridges for a new carbine model

For hunting animals whose weight does not exceed 200 kg, 336 TKM cartridges are used. They are used to equip integral magazines for the VPO-208 carbine.

For convenience when purchasing, the characteristics of cartridges are indicated by the abbreviation TKM, which contains information about the developers and manufacturers.

The development of cartridges is carried out by Tekhkrim CJSC in the city of Izhevsk. The creator of the ammunition for the VPO-208 carbine is designated by the abbreviation TK. M denotes the manufacturer of the smooth-bore version of the SKS - OJSC Molot (Vyatskie Polyany).

The basis for the production of 336 TKM carbine cartridges is the 7.62X39 mm cartridge case manufactured in 1943. It is a model for the manufacture of a new version of the cartridge, which has a caliber of 9.5x37.5 mm. Bullet weight varies from eight to fifteen grams. With a weight not exceeding fifteen grams, when flying out of the barrel, the bullet is capable of developing an initial speed of 570 to 590 m/s. Its kinetic energy varies from 2440 to 2610 J. The bullet can be shell and semi-shell.

Technical plan characteristics

Owner reviews about hunting with VPO-208 are mostly positive. This is explained by the features of this carbine. Below are its main characteristics:

Manufacturer: Russian arms manufacturer Molot-Oruzhie.
Application: hunting, sports shooting.
A variety - a smoothbore self-loading carbine.
The magazine capacity is 10 charges with the possibility of replacing it with a larger analogue.
Total length – 1.12 m.
The main caliber is 7.62x39.
The design of the trigger mechanism is a hammer type with the ability to carry out single salvos.
Structural nuances - the presence of six right-hand rifling, narrowing towards the outlet, which has a positive effect on accuracy.
Barrel length – 62 cm.
Weight – 4.9 kg.
Features of the barrel: cold forging with oxide coating.

Review of the VPO 208 smoothbore carbine - many possibilities at an affordable price!

The VPO 208 smoothbore carbine is a modification of the 1945 Simonov self-loading carbine, which has a 14-centimeter rifling. Powerful, reliable and durable, it perfectly combines the advantages of a rifled weapon without the need to obtain a corresponding license. It differs from the classic Simonov carbine in its equipment: an internal Paradox attachment, the presence of six right-hand rifling, which has a great effect on the firing range and accuracy of hits.

Perfect for hunting large animals from a distance of 150 meters, it has soft recoil and is suitable for firing 7.62, 366 TKM cartridges. The price of cartridges for this specimen is quite reasonable - from 40-50 rubles per piece. The carbine has a non-removable magazine with a capacity of 10 rounds. The VPO-208 uses gas-operated automatics, which have a short stroke of the existing gas piston, which is located directly above the barrel. It has a steel receiver; the process of locking the barrel bore is realized by skewing the bolt, being in a vertical plane.

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.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of this gun include:

high power for weapons that can be purchased with a smoothbore license;
comfortable recoil, similar to a shot from a 7.62×39 mm weapon, which is especially important for beginners;
historical value (this is due to the complete external resemblance to the original SCS, widely known in our country and throughout the CIS);
a large selection of cartridges, including shot, which makes the carbine suitable for hunting even game;
With sufficient shooting skill, the VPO-208 carbine allows you to hunt wapiti and bear.

Another undeniable advantage is the low cost of ammunition. Cartridges for this gun are widely available, there is no shortage, as well as difficulties at the purchasing stage.

As for the minuses, there were no shortcomings or factory defects in the VPO-208 as such. Should it be considered ideal in all respects? Perhaps, but here the relative “youth” of the gun comes into force, since production began relatively recently - on May 21, 2015. At the moment, this carbine is showing excellent results.

Disassembly and principle of operation

When repairing or cleaning, partial disassembly of the VPO-208 caliber 366 is required. In reviews, owners report that this is not particularly difficult to do. This procedure can be performed without the use of special tools, even in the field.

The use of this hunting rifle is quite comparable with other analogues. First, cartridges are loaded into the magazine, then the trigger is pressed, allowing the ammunition to enter the barrel. The shot is fired after activation of the trigger mechanism.

VPO-208: reviews and latest news

Users note that when shooting from the gun in question with a standard cartridge at a distance of 100 meters, an accuracy of about 50-80 millimeters is observed with an open sight. This indicator is almost identical to the “Tiger” and the Dragunov sniper rifle.

The cost of such ammunition is from 12 rubles per unit (at wholesale price). At retail, the cartridge will cost 25 rubles apiece. For a good bullet load this is a very reasonable price. If you believe the manufacturer's statements, the weapon's working life is at least five thousand shots. When using a smoothbore model primarily for hunting and without frequent shooting, the gun will actually last quite a long time.