VPO 209 smoothbore carbine based on the Kalashnikov assault rifle

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The VPO-209 smoothbore carbine was manufactured by Molot-Oruzhie LLC based on the AKM and has an identical appearance, weight and overall dimensions. The VPO-209 fires hunting cartridges of .366 TKM caliber, originally developed by Techkrim for the VPO-208 carbine, made on the basis of the SKS. Self-loading AKM caliber .366 TKM under the designation VPO-209 can be purchased under a smoothbore license, without waiting for the end of the five-year period before obtaining permission to own rifled weapons.

The .336 TKM cartridge is designed for hunting animals weighing up to 200 kg. at distances up to 150 meters. The abbreviation “TKM” means the developers and, Izhevsk (TK) and OJSC “Molot”, Vyatskie Polyany. The .336 TKM cartridge is made on the basis of the 7.62×39 mm cartridge case. 1943. The cartridge caliber is indicated in fractions of an inch, in the metric system: 9.5 × 37.5 mm. Cartridges of caliber .366 TKM are produced with a lead bullet "Dary" weighing 13.5 g and with a semi-jacketed bullet "Gexa" weighing 15.5 g, and since 2016 the production and sale of a cartridge with a semi-jacket bullet "Konus" weighing 15 g has been resumed, then Serial production of a cartridge with a semi-sheathed SP 13 bullet weighing 13 g has also begun.

The hunting shotgun, smoothbore, long-barreled, single-barreled, self-loading model “VPO-209” is intended for the extraction of wildlife objects classified as hunting objects, within the framework of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 18 of January 10, 2009, in areas with temperate and cold climates at ambient temperatures from minus 50 to plus 50°С. The 415 mm long barrel has a Paradox rifling with six rifling 125-135 mm long in its muzzle.

Review of VPO 209

Automatic reloading of the VPO-209 smoothbore carbine is carried out by using the energy of the powder gases removed from the barrel bore into the gas chamber when fired, and the energy of the return spring. The bolt is locked onto two lugs by rotating the bolt around its axis using a longitudinally sliding bolt frame. The hammer-type trigger mechanism ensures the production of a single shot and setting the safety. Made non-removable. The open sighting device allows for targeted shooting at distances of up to 300 m. In the butt on the buttplate side there is a pencil case with accessories for cleaning and disassembling the gun.

The operating principle of the VPO-209 smoothbore carbine is as follows: when the bolt frame and bolt move forward under the action of the return spring, a cartridge from the magazine is sent into the chamber. When the bolt is turned, the barrel bore is locked, the trigger is on the trigger hook, and the ejector jumps over the rim of the cartridge case. When you press the trigger, the trigger disengages from the trigger hook and, turning under the action of the mainspring, delivers an energetic blow to the firing pin, which pierces the igniter capsule.

A shot occurs. When the bolt frame with the bolt rolls back due to the energy of the powder gases, the barrel bore is unlocked, the cartridge case is removed from the chamber and, when interacting with the protrusion of the reflector, it is thrown out of the receiver, the hammer rotates and engages with the sear. When the trigger is released, the hammer disengages from the sear and is intercepted by the trigger hook. When the trigger is pulled again, the cycle repeats.

Review of VPO-209

The external similarity with the Kalashnikov assault rifle is due to the fact that the VPO-209 smoothbore carbine is made on the basis of the world-famous AKM. It has an aggressive appearance, giving the impression of a harsh weapon.

In terms of design, there are no complaints about the VPO-209: the VPO-209 carbine can be safely placed alongside other types of civilian weapons that have common features with the AKM. If we add to this the affordable cost, common caliber and ease of use, we get an excellent example of a civilian weapon for general use.

The appearance of the carbine resembles an AKM

If we give the VPO-209 carbine a precise wording, then it is a hunting smoothbore rifle with one long barrel and a self-loading mechanism. Thanks to the Kalashnikov assault rifle base, the carbine works perfectly in the temperature range - 50... +50 degrees Celsius, and is not afraid of high humidity. Corrosion resistance is due to the presence of an oxide coating in the barrel. The metal parts of the weapon are made using cold forging technology, due to which they have excellent performance characteristics to the delight of their owners.

The carbine is equipped with a non-removable hammer-type firing mechanism that allows for single shots. An important difference from other products from the Molot-Oruzhie VPO size range is the presence of a fuse. This ensures safe handling.

The VPO-209 smoothbore shotgun shows outstanding resistance to the vagaries of weather, harsh climate and mechanical stress. All parts, including the wooden fore-end and stock, are shock-resistant and retain strength without losing shooting performance.

Like the AKM, the VPO-209 has a wooden stock and fore-end

Purpose and history of the VPO-209 carbine

The purpose of this attractive civilian weapon can be judged by its caliber. Shooting with .366 TKM cartridges, the VPO-209 smoothbore carbine is excellent for hunting game weighing up to 200 kilograms, and the sighting range reaches 150 meters, which is an excellent indicator.

If we convert the caliber written in inches into the more familiar metric system, then it is 9.5 × 37.5 mm. The cartridge was developed on the basis of the 7.62×39 cartridge case of the 1943 model. The abbreviation TKM refers to the manufacturer of cartridges of this type:

• CJSC "Tehkrim" Izhevsk;
• JSC "Molot" Vyatskie Polyany.

Smoothbore cartridges of caliber .366TKM produced by Tekhkrim
When hunting with the VPO-209 carbine, you can use cartridges with 3 types of bullets:

• “Dary” is lead, comes standard and weighs 13.5 g;
• "Hexa" - semi-sheathed, 15.5 g;
• “Cone” - semi-sheathed, 15 g.

Thanks to this variety, lovers of hunting medium game can choose the cartridge that will provide high accuracy, good initial speed, and lethality at the specified target range. This expands the possibilities for using the VPO-209 carbine.

If desired, a smooth-bore single-shot shotgun can be used for clay pigeon shooting, training, and recreational shooting. The latter is more suitable for amateurs who would like to hold in their hands a civilian analogue of the legendary AKM. High performance indicators and good shooting characteristics ensured the demand for this civilian weapon.

Technical characteristics of VPO-209

Let's move on to the part that interests many buyers. The dimensions of the VPO-209 carbine are as follows:

• total length - 883 mm;
• barrel length - 515 mm;
• width - 72 mm;
• height - 195 mm;
• weight - 4 kg.

As with any other civilian weapon that has similar performance, the magazine capacity is a permissible 10 rounds. If desired, this carbine can be equipped with military pseudo-magazines that have increased dimensions, but still have the same volume of 10 rounds. This does not contradict the current legislative framework.

The VPO-209 self-loading shotgun is suitable for hunting at an effective firing range of 150 m. The sighting range of this weapon is twice as large and reaches 300 meters.

Technical characteristics of VPO-209

In general, the carbine demonstrates excellent trigger mechanism performance. Each design detail is thought out to the smallest detail, working as smoothly and harmoniously as possible, ensuring good aimed shooting in comfortable conditions. Of course, adherents of modern models of civilian weapons complain about the outdated pistol grip and the inconvenient forend, which does not accommodate additional devices, but this is not required for the VPO-209 carbine. It is good in the factory configuration, demonstrates excellent performance, for which it has gained popularity among hunting enthusiasts.

Design

Structurally, this civilian weapon is very similar to the Kalashnikov assault rifle, but it is worth considering that it has gone through many technical changes, which made it accessible to a wide range of consumers. As in the case of the AKM, the cartridge is automatically loaded into the chamber using the energy of the powder gases. The return spring also contributes to this.

The use of a proven gas chamber design ensured high reliability of the VPO-209 carbine. An open sighting device: front sight and rear sight helps to conduct effective and accurate shooting. If desired, an optical or collimator sight can be installed on the receiver cover.

The VPO-209 carbine inherited the main design elements from the AKM.
Thanks to the special non-removable design of the firing mechanism, the carbine is automatically put on safety immediately after firing a single shot.

Options and packaging

Those who decided to purchase this smooth-bore analogue of the AKM for themselves will be pleasantly surprised by the standard equipment. The VPO-209 is often supplied with an optical sight, which allows it to be used for hunting purposes, as well as for sports shooting, without additional costs for purchasing modifications.

For greater safety during transportation, the carbine is packed in plastic film and placed in a cardboard box. This provides additional protection against impacts.

Self-loading hunting rifle in packaging

Operating principle

There are no innovations in the operation of the trigger mechanism of the VPO-209 smoothbore carbine. This is the same proven automatic reloading scheme using the energy of powder gases. The shutter is locked onto two side stops by rotating around its axis.

Pulling the trigger ensures its release from the sear. The striker is struck by a mainspring. This leads to the heating of the igniter primer and the firing of a shot.

Powder gases drive a gas piston, which retracts the bolt frame. Following this, the spent cartridge case is removed from the chamber and the mainspring is cocked. Such simple but proven mechanics ensure high-quality and comfortable shooting from a smoothbore gun.

Operating principle of VPO-209

A special gas exhaust system made it possible to reduce recoil when fired. The VPO-209 carbine is not capable of firing in bursts, but it provides good aimed shooting.

Varieties

The .366 TKM caliber is standard for the VPO-209 carbine. On sale you can find variations of this gun, adjusted for shooting with .336 TKM caliber cartridges. This allows you to choose a weapon based on the type of game you are going to hunt.

Varieties of hunting carbine VPO-209

Design

As already mentioned, the VPO-209 carbine is designed on the basis of the AKM (modernized Kalashnikov assault rifle), therefore it inherited from it the main design elements and principle of operation.

The VPO-209 barrel is made using cold forging technology and has an oxide coating to prevent corrosion. The barrel has a Paradox rifling with six rifling 125-135 mm long, located in the muzzle of the barrel.

The trigger mechanism is non-removable, hammer-type, and allows only single shots. The safety lock of the VPO-209 carbine ensures maximum safety of using the carbine.

All materials from which the main parts of the carbine are made, including the barrel, receiver and butt, are of high quality. When the carbine is used in fairly harsh conditions, the VPO-209 carbine retains its attractive appearance, despite mechanical stress, temperature changes, and exposure to high humidity.

The carbine magazine holds 10 rounds. The carbine is equipped with open sights: rear sight and front sight; if desired, the owner of the carbine can equip it with an optical or collimator sight.

Advantages and disadvantages

This gun has many advantages. First of all, high reliability in handling is noted. The carbine is made of high quality, and therefore works without failures. This is where all the mechanisms are well thought out, which simplifies the principle of operation.

An important advantage for many buyers will be the wide possibilities for tuning. There are a huge number of devices on sale designed specifically for VPO-209 and similar models. Their installation greatly simplifies the handling of weapons and firing in single-player mode.

Among other advantages it is worth highlighting:

• availability - reflected in the low cost of these civilian weapons on the market, as well as the moderate price of .366 TKM cartridges;
• good sighting range;
• optimal accuracy.

For many buyers, a smoothbore license will be a plus, which will help save as much as 5 years and at the same time engage in hunting or sports shooting for fun.

There was also a downside. Many hunters complain specifically about the ergonomics of this weapon. Yes, it is well designed, but it is not suitable for hunting. The rather large weight of the weapon affects it. If this parameter is key, then you should consider purchasing a more traditional pump-action shotgun.

Disassembly

To clean the carabiner from carbon deposits and thoroughly lubricate all moving elements, it is enough to use the standard instructions offered by the manufacturer. Usually it comes with the gun and is included in the packaging, but if it is not there or the carbine was purchased second-hand, you can download the manual on the Internet.

In general, the principle of disassembling VPO-209 is divided into the following stages:

• removing cartridges from the chamber;
• retracting the bolt frame all the way back;
• separation of the shutter and gas chamber;
• unscrewing the screw holding the receiver to the body.

Disassembling a smoothbore carbine based on AKM

Operating principle

The operating principle of the automatic rifle VPO-209 is based on the use of the energy of powder gases.

When the trigger is pressed, the trigger disengages from the sear, and under the action of the mainspring, it strikes the firing pin vigorously, which pierces the igniter, and a shot occurs.

When fired, powder gases are diverted from the barrel bore into the gas chamber, pushing the gas piston, which in turn pushes back the bolt frame with the bolt. The cartridge case is removed from the chamber and ejected from the receiver. The mainspring is cocked and the trigger engages with the sear.

Under the action of the return spring, a cartridge from the magazine is fed into the chamber, the bolt rotates and locks onto two lugs. The carbine is ready for the next shot.

When you press the trigger again, everything repeats.

Thanks to the gas exhaust principle of operation, VPO-209 has relatively low recoil.

Unlike the AKM assault rifle, the VPO-209 carbine cannot fire in bursts.

Tuning

There are a lot of possibilities for upgrading this carbine. If desired, owners can replace the stock with a lighter model equipped with a shock absorber (this will help compensate for the already moderate recoil, increasing the accuracy of single shooting).

If desired, you can install an improved forend with a bar for additional devices (handle, bipod, etc.). This modification is perfect for fans of sports shooting at an open range.

Tuned carbine VPO-209 with optics

Specifications

The carbine in question can surprise with its technical characteristics and the capabilities based on them, since it is the technical parameters that largely determine the shooting performance, the ease of loading and reloading the carbine, as well as the comfort of its use.

Modern and thought out down to the smallest details, the carbine model VPO-209 (Hammer Weapon) provides comfort during its use, is easy to disassemble and has many positive reviews from its owners.

Owner reviews

Genuine interest in the VPO-209 is largely due to its external resemblance to a Kalashnikov assault rifle, and the owners do not hide the fact that this factor was decisive when choosing a smooth-bore self-loading carbine.

The combination of high quality, attractive design and reasonable cost made the VPO-209 shotgun a good choice not only for beginners and experienced shooters, but also for weapon collectors.

To shoot accurately, you will need to regularly maintain the trigger mechanism and use high-quality cartridges. In addition, it is recommended to shoot the carbine at a shooting range, which will help you get used to it and learn about all the features of shooting from the .366 TKM caliber.

Analogs

On the domestic market you can not find many types of civilian weapons that can compete with the VPO-209 in all of the above parameters, but there are analogues that are worth paying attention to, and these are:

• Vepr-KM;
• Vepr-15;
• Bekas-Auto;
• 12M Bekas and others.

Hunting shotgun Bekas-12M
There are also rifled analogues, including the well-known Vepr-308, as well as “Pioneer” and “Hunter”, but their purchase is only available to experienced shooters with 5 years of experience.