VPO-212 Vepr-Pioneer, caliber 366 TKM Review, characteristics, reviews

Many young hunters want to buy themselves a rifle in order to make accurate shots over long distances. This is not possible with classic weapons with a smooth barrel. According to Russian legislation, to obtain a license for a rifled weapon, it is necessary to own a smooth-bore weapon for at least five years, and only after that a citizen of the Russian Federation will be able to master a weapon with a rifled barrel. , a weapon-cartridge complex for caliber .366 TKM was developed

Cartridge .366 TKM

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

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

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

Upgraded SKS

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

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

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Types and prices of cartridges in .366 TKM caliber

Application

The cartridge was developed specifically for hunting needs and is used in hunting medium and large animals up to 200 kg, and the cartridge is also used for hunting large animals up to 500 kg. The range of use of ammunition is 150 - 200 meters; above 200 meters, a cartridge of this type is ineffective.

Pros:

• High stopping power, which allows you to hunt large animals.
• The accuracy of hits is compatible with rifled weapons.
• A rifle license is not required.

Minuses:

• Ineffective at distances over 200 meters.
• Unstable quality of the first batches of cartridges.
• The high cost of ammunition.

LLC "Molot-Weapon" under .366 TKM

He was one of the first to work on creating weapons for this type of cartridge and created two carbines VPO-208 and VPO-209.

VPO-208

The VPO-208 is a complete analogue of the Simonov self-loading carbine (SKS) and is replaced by a .366 caliber barrel (smooth barrel with rifling at the end of the barrel) and a modified magazine for supplying ammunition. All other elements of the mechanisms and bolt group remained unchanged, which gave the weapon the authenticity of the legendary Simonov carbine.

VPO-209

But to create the VPO-209, the equally well-known platform of the Kalashnikov assault rifle was used, in which the barrel was also replaced with a smooth one with Paradox rifling, automatic fire was removed and the food stores were modified.

Also read

Smoothbore carbine vpo 208 and vpo 209 overview and characteristics

Some time later, when the .366 caliber was recognized as a success and gained its fans and a large number of gun owners for this type of ammunition. New types of weapons were created. Here are some of them:

VPO-212

A carbine developed from scratch, based on the Vepr-Pioneer rifled hunting carbine (SOK-97-R). The carbine can be purchased under a “smoothbore” license. It has similar characteristics to its rifled brother, these are: a wooden hunting stock, barrels 520 mm and 650 mm long, a push-button safety and detachable magazines for 5 and 10 rounds.

VPO-213

The weapon, like the VPO-212, was created from scratch. The military platform Vepr-1B was taken as the base, which is based on a heavy receiver from a Kalashnikov light machine gun with a heavy barrel. Carbines with different barrel lengths are available for sale - 390mm, 420mm, 520mm.

Child Vepr-Pioneer – VPO 212

The VPO 212 smoothbore carbine was developed on the basis of the Vepr-Pioneer model (SOK-97R) with caliber .233 Rem. In turn, the Vepr-Pioneer was created on the basis of the RPK light machine gun. Thanks to such famous ancestors, the VPO turned out to be an ideal “alloy” of various characteristics, so it can rightfully be considered the No. 1 smoothbore machine gun on the domestic market in the niche of hunting rifles for medium and medium-large game.

Automatic reloading of the carbine occurs using the energy obtained from the powder gases, as well as the joint return action of the spring. The bolt is locked with two lugs; the bolt frame is of a longitudinally sliding type. The lightweight receiver makes the gun as ergonomic as possible and simply indispensable for long-term commercial hunting. The hammer trigger mechanism allows you to automatically put the weapon on safety after firing. The separate base of the firing mechanism allows you to speed up the process of cleaning the carbine if necessary.

Compared to AKs and RPKs, the “two hundred and twelfth” is silent, which makes it difficult to unmask the hunter. The rear sight and front sight serve as sights; it is additionally possible to install a side rail for mounting optics and collimator sights. The muzzle end of the barrel has a three-slot muzzle brake-compensator, with the slots open in front. A detachable box magazine for 10 rounds of ammunition allows for infrequent reloading, which is also very convenient when hunting animals.

Tactical and technical characteristics of VPO 212

At the time of the start of production (in 2022), the 212th had almost no competitors in its “weight category” in terms of its power.

The performance characteristics of the “212th” have the following indicators:

• caliber – 366 TKM;
• total length – 1040/1140 millimeters;
• barrel length – 520/650 mm;
• width – 7.5 centimeters;
• height – 20 centimeters;
• weight (excluding ammunition) - 3.9 kilograms;
• Magazine capacity – 10 units.

Such parameters make the model indispensable for hunting medium and large animals in any climatic conditions.

Compared to its predecessors, “212” differs in a number of features and innovations:

1. Mechanism adjustment. For the first time, VPO products received a new bolt size and a modified bolt frame shape. Such modifications helped to dramatically reduce the dimensions of the receiver and the product as a whole. A side-mounted gas engine helps remove powder gases from the barrel. The rotating bolt with two stops remained relatively “classic”.
2. Aesthetic stock. The stock is made of high quality walnut wood. The new formula of protective impregnation allows wood fibers to withstand harsh weather conditions. The matte finish enhances the beauty of natural wood.
3. Making a barrel. The process is based on cold rotational forging technology. For an anti-corrosion effect and increased reliability, the inner surface of the channel was alloyed by adding pure chromium and its mixture with tungsten in trace amounts.

Obviously, “two hundred and twelve” is without a doubt considered the best representative of classic hunting aesthetics among the VPO line.

Types of malware 212

In total, there are two modifications of this model: with a barrel length of 520 and 650 mm (the latter has the code name VPO-212-04. If desired, any subtype can be purchased not only in a walnut stock, but also with a colored orange laminate as a material for the stock.

The cost of the subspecies is insignificant and differs by only a few thousand rubles. Most often, commercial hunters prefer to purchase the 62 cm version, while amateurs choose the standard 52 cm modification. Shorter-barreled specimens are also preferable for training and recreational shooting than their taller counterparts.

Terms of purchase and equipment

The price for “two hundred and twelfth”, depending on the dimensions of the barrel, ranges from 42 to 45 thousand rubles.

The standard “package” upon purchase includes the following:

• 1 copy of the gun itself;
• passport for him;
• 10-round magazine;
• Spare parts kit for weapon care.

The manufacturer took care of the customers - the packaging is shock-resistant, moisture- and dust-proof, which allows you to keep the goods in perfect condition even during very long transportation. In addition to the basic equipment, you can optionally purchase replacement bushings, bipods and spare parts. Components that can be purchased without a weapons license are delivered by Russian Post, which is very convenient. In other cases, delivery is carried out by special organizations.

Hammer Arms LLC under .366 TKM

A little later, another company, Molot Arms LLC, which is also located in the city of Vyatskie Polyany, developed its weapons chambered for .366 TKM in a similar way, using Simonov self-loading carbines and Kalashnikov assault rifles for this procedure. But the difference was in the use of Lancaster barrels for drilling. The cross-section of the barrel has an oval shape, which is twisted along the entire length of the barrel and makes a full revolution of 500 mm.

AK-366-Lancaster

This type of weapon was created according to a similar design as the VPO-209, with the difference in drilling the barrel according to the “Lancaster” type.

AKS-366-Lancaster

The smoothbore gun is based on the Kalashnikov assault rifle with a folding butt down (AKMS), a model created specifically for paratroopers. It differs from military weapons in that it has a blocked automatic fire capability and a replaced barrel chambered for a .366 caliber smoothbore cartridge.

AKS-366-Lancaster-02

Smoothbore carbine. Created on the meringue of a Kalashnikov assault rifle with a folding frame stock that folds to the left. Difference from the combat one, just like the AKS-366-Lancaster, automatic fire is blocked, the barrel has been replaced.

AKS-366-Lancaster-03

A smoothbore gun based on a Kalashnikov assault rifle and a shortened barrel of the AKS type. Difference: automatic fire is blocked, the barrel is replaced with a Lancaster drill.

SKS-366-Lancaster

A smoothbore gun based on the Simonov self-loading carbine, it differs from military weapons only in the replacement barrel chambered for .366 TKM.

VPO 212

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

Figure 1. External features of the model

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

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

Design Features

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

Among them are the following:

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

Figure 2. Weapon design features

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

JSC Concern "Kalashnikov"

Saiga TG2

The first smoothbore carbine in .366 TKM caliber from JSC Kalashnikov Concern . Developed on the basis of a rifled carbine 7.62/39 version 030. The forend and butt are made of impact-resistant polymer, the butt folds to the left. The length of the carbine when folded is 705 mm, when unfolded it is 945 mm, the weight of the gun is 3.5 kg, and the barrel length is 415 mm. To attach the sighting device there is a side dovetail strap secured with 3 rivets. Includes 1 plastic magazine for 10 rounds.

The price for the TG2 smoothbore carbine for the 1st quarter of 2022 is RUB 36,990.

Types of malware 212

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

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

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