VPO-208: detailed review, characteristics, reviews, photos, videos

The VPO-208 carbine was created on the basis of the Simonov self-loading carbine, which was developed for military use. These guns are identical in size, weight and appearance. VPO-208 is produced at a machine-building plant located in the village of Vyatskie Polyany in the Kirov region. This carbine is suitable for hunting large and strong animals.

Design Features

VPO-208 is a semi-automatic smoothbore carbine with a side-mounted gas engine. It is identical to the SKS not only in appearance, but also in design. The only difference is the barrel design.

The hammer-type trigger mechanism is designed for firing single shots. There is a safety catch in the trigger guard of its body. The charging handle is located on the right side of the bolt frame. VPO-208 is equipped with a non-removable magazine designed for 10 rounds.

During a shot, part of the lateral gases is diverted through a hole located in the side wall of the barrel, which ensures the operation of the carbine's automatics. To lock the barrel, it is necessary to move the bolt downwards, behind the lug located in the receiver.

VPO-208 has a smooth barrel equipped with a paradox rifling nozzle. Weapons of this type show good accuracy and accuracy of fire; in these parameters, they are close to rifled guns.

At the end of the barrel there is an external thread, which is covered with a protective sleeve. Thanks to this, the carbine can be additionally equipped with a muzzle brake compensator, which improves shooting parameters.

In the butt on the buttplate side there is a pencil case in which accessories for disassembling and cleaning the carbine are located.

Shot at a huge bear from a storage shed

The events take place right in the forest on a tree, where two people are sitting and waiting for the bear to approach the bait site. The hunter first pulls the bowstring on his crossbow, and then sits down in the storage shed to wait for the beast.

Below on the ground there is a special bait for a bear right in a barrel, which is attached with a chain to a tree so that it cannot be dragged away.

Soon a bear appears and begins to feast on the bait, but is chased away by a larger individual. It is this bear that the hunter decides to shoot.

The arrow pierces the animal's carcass instantly, and it rushes to run into the depths of the forest. After some time, he is found very close to the place of the shot.

Advantages of VPO-208

Main advantages:

• this smoothbore carbine is a good alternative to rifles, and a rifle license is not required to purchase it;
• reliable to use and not demanding on operating conditions;
• has good design and ergonomics;
• good range, accuracy and accuracy of fire;
• the .366 TKM cartridge used has great destructive power;
• There is a wide scope for tuning the VPO-208; a large number of parts are available for sale.

It is worth noting that VPO-208 carbines are produced by converting army SKS, which are stored in warehouses. In this case, either a rifle that has been mothballed and has never been used, or a rifle that has previously been in use and has even undergone repairs can be used as a source. Therefore, after purchasing VPO-208, it is worth disassembling it, soaking it in kerosene and carefully checking all the elements.

On a red deer with a crossbow

Two hunters are planning to go hunting with a crossbow, so they begin their preparation by zeroing the weapon. Everything happens at a special shooting range.

The results of the zeroing were striking in their accuracy, since even with a carbine it is not always possible to achieve such good results.

The entire hunt takes place on a tower from which hunters are going to shoot at the animal. They take a carbine with them, but do not plan to use it.

They were not even told which of the animals could enter the shooting line, so the appearance of the red deer was a surprise, since they wanted to shoot at the wild boar.

At the most opportune moment, the arrow flew out of the crossbow straight into the deer’s body. He managed to walk quite a bit after being hit.

Ammo

The carbine is designed to use .336 TKM cartridges. Their dimensions are 9.5x38 mm. This ammunition is produced by Tekhkrim CJSC, which is the only manufacturer. The .336 TKM cartridges have great killing power and are suitable for fighting animals at distances of up to 150 m. You can use them to hunt wild boar, roe deer, elk and bear. There is also ammunition on sale that can be used when hunting game birds and small animals.

The .336 TKM is the first hunting rifle cartridge to be developed and put into production in Russia after the collapse of the USSR. Due to their design features, this ammunition for smooth-bore weapons is close to cartridges for rifled guns.

There are four types of .336 TKM bullet cartridges:

• LSWCPC – equipped with a polymer casing and a lead bullet weighing 13.5 g;
• FMJII – cartridge with a blunt shell bullet weighing 11 g;
• FMJI5 – cartridges with a pointed jacket bullet weighing 15 g;
• SP – equipped with a semi-jacketed bullet weighing 15 g.

Shot ammunition is also available.

Many hunters remain dissatisfied with the quality of cartridges that can be purchased in stores. In particular, there is a risk of a bullet getting stuck in the barrel at the moment of firing. They also note that the cartridge is not always available for sale. Many remain dissatisfied with the price of this ammunition. That's why some people make their own cartridges. Since the .366 TKM is certified as a smoothbore, such activity is not prohibited by law.

arbalet-airgun

“The highest quality of man is perseverance in overcoming the most severe obstacles.”

His name is Greg Traynor. A diving accident left him paralyzed in four limbs.

It must be said that in the USA, and Greg is a Pennsylvanian, they try to create all conditions for people with disabilities, including wheelchair users, to continue an active lifestyle and even sports. In particular, until recently, in most states, crossbow hunting was allowed to them (bowhunting is available to everyone).

A person with quadriplegia is, one might say, a “wheelchair user squared away” and, it would seem, what kind of hunt is there... But with the support of family, friends and a number of organizations, Trainor again returned to his favorite hobby. It was very difficult, but on this path he met comrades, whom, out of modesty, he considers even more amazing people.

First a blog appeared, then a website, and then, as usual, a group of like-minded people arose, now providing assistance themselves. Visit Accessible Hunter (https://www.accessiblehunter.com/home.html). There is even a special contact form in “Contacts”. Naturally, now everything is not limited to Pennsylvania, and the “wild huntsman” Greg Traynor himself often hunts on the road, and colleagues from other states come to visit him. Of course, hunting itself is like the culmination of long-term preparation, therefore regular shooting training is completely ordinary - there is certainly no time to get bored and indulge in sad thoughts in your spare time!

By the way, comrades, on August 2, 2022, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin signed Law No. 280-FZ “On Amendments to the Federal Law “On Weapons” and Article 1 of the Federal Law “On Hunting and on the Conservation of Hunting Resources and on Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts” Russian Federation". Yes, the same one that formally allows us to hunt with throwing weapons! (see “Hunting with a bow and crossbow - is it possible or not?”).

PS I included a statement by Ludwig van Beethoven in the title. Let me remind you that this great composer was virtually deaf for the second half of his life!

There are no words either...

Alas, I do not have any information about this undoubtedly amazing person. Presumably his name is George Bolinder and he lives in Montana.

Just a little explanation for crossbowmen. In most US states, until recently, crossbow hunting was available only to those over 62 years of age and specifically to people with disabilities, primarily wheelchair users (regions, however, had and continue to have their own rules). But now the situation is changing dramatically, for example, at the opening of the 2017-18 autumn-winter season, the Illinois authorities legalized the use of this type of throwing weapon during the period of permitted bow hunting for all categories of citizens. The hero of the photo, as we see, did not follow the path of least resistance and chose a much more difficult option - archery hunting. Not to mention the accompanying weather conditions.

And further. Pay attention to the bow itself. Yes, at first glance, this is a completely ordinary, far from the most advanced and expensive block gun, but if you look closely, you can see some kind of device that allows you to hold a loaded weapon in full combat readiness without using your hands. Read about it in the article “Vertical crossbow: pros and cons.”

Indeed - small and brave!

For obvious reasons, 6-year-old Zako could not do without the help of his dad (mom?) when getting the trophy. The point is also that this model - “Excalibur Micro355” - became the first crossbow of the Canadian company in a series of ultra-compact hunting models by recurve standards, in which the loss of the working stroke of the bowstring was compensated by a colossal tension force.

Those who have ever cocked a 225-pound recurve can easily imagine the feeling of 280 (!) lbs. But this, by the way, is not the limit: just recently “Excalibur” released the absolute record holder in the class - “Bulldog 440” with a force of 300 pounds (it is also discussed in the article “Crossbow “Excalibur Micro 355” - small, but bold”) ). The corresponding speed is 440 fps, or 134 meters per second. This is clearly a record for serial recursive models.

Instead of an afterword: children and weapons

Any child or teenager whose father (mother) decides to introduce him to the art of hunting automatically becomes a poacher. Let me emphasize that we are not even talking about a schoolboy walking alone in the forest with a weapon. Although there is nothing particularly scary here.

Just a quote from a long-standing article by game biologist Alexander Tikhonov:

“In the law of the Russian Empire “On Hunting and Animal Crafts”, children could hunt with hunting firearms if they had a guarantor. In Alaska, children can hunt at any age. They do not need a hunting license until they are 16 years old. A hunter under 10 years of age may hunt big game only under the direct supervision of a licensed hunter who is at least 18 years of age. In this case, the senior hunter is responsible for fulfilling all requirements. Alaska law encourages adults to take their children elk hunting before the start of the school year. At the same time, only a child can get a moose.”

Well, God bless them, the Russian affairs of bygone days and modern Alaska, in the United States in recent years the pressure of the anti-gun lobby has also been growing. True, most of the attacks have so far been repelled, fortunately the truly American spirit is still strong:

“My family has been involved in firearms in America since my ancestors landed in North Carolina in 1750. Every generation learned to safely handle firearms around the age of seven, in the bygone “Age of Reason” before Americans began to suffer from political correctness (aka cultural madness). My sons and grandsons were trained in the gun, and I now dedicate my retirement years to teaching young hunters who value their heritage.” Jim.

Our people traditionally do not believe in petitions and rallies, but prefer tactics that have been proven over centuries: a law divorced from reality is doomed to failure. This is a kind of quiet sabotage, carried out by all sensible people. Just like ordinary hunters, hunting inspectors, precinct and district prosecutors teach their children how to use weapons. Especially where it is not so much entertainment as an integral part of the lifestyle. So it was, so it is and so it will always be! How they put, are putting and will put the boys behind the wheel of their car to drive the last hundred or two hundred meters to the dacha. Although there is Part 3 of Article 12.7 of the Code of Administrative Offenses in this regard, which provides for a fine of up to 30 thousand rubles. To hell with them, with money, if only a good person would grow up...

PS Just in case, so as not to expose my fellow citizens, I am again publishing a photo of an American boy. Ours, by the way, are also not lagging behind. And it is right…

Well, a video on the topic, of course, wouldn’t hurt. Alas, again from overseas. The main character is five (!) years old. Dad, however, is also doing well, since in the USA not everything is so smooth and simple, the anti-gun lobby is a considerable force, and public opinion, especially in some states, has to be taken into account. But Matt Carriker, the host of Wrecking Ranch, is one of those who personifies the opposite side, professing a truly American spirit.

The rifle, by the way, is just “for children” - “Crickett Precision Rifle” from Keystone Sporting Arms.

Let’s end this chapter, friends, with a moment of optimistic humor...

So let your little son and dad go for a walk...

Almost according to Zheglov... - Dad, hold me! - How to hold it?! - Gently!

Camouflage while hunting: from the Stone Age to the Space Age

The things shown in the first photo are called “Stalker Decoys”, the method for using them is shown in the second.

In general, the approach is not new. It has been known since ancient times, when hunters approached the animal by throwing on the skin of the animal or constructing a kind of shield-mask; similar techniques are still used today in Africa.

We have developed a unique way of hunting marmots, which allows you to approach the prey, hiding behind an outlandishly painted shield and waving something fluffy, like a bleached horse tail, which has a hypnotic effect on the animals, like Kaa’s body movements on banderlogs :)). So the saying “curiosity is not a vice” is not always true.

As for the “Stalker Decoys” directly attached to the bow, these are already more advanced devices, since they are often also equipped with an electronic decoy (which, according to Russian laws, is poaching). They are used not only for hunting ungulates; there are corresponding variants depicting predators, for example, coyotes, or wild turkeys, or more precisely, turkeys, because the latter, due to their size, are quite capable of hiding even a very well-fed shooter behind them.

Oh, if only Robin Hood and his team had tristands in their time!

The hunt would have been much more successful, including for the people of the Sheriff of Nottingham...

“And in Africa, and in Africa, on the black Limpopo...”

Brittany A. Longoria from the South African province of Limpopo (the same fabulously legendary one) carries out approximately one third of all her hunts with a crossbow. And he sees its essence in “the conscious and almost religious humility of a person who limits his superiority...”. In general, yes, this is far from a carbine with optics.

By the way, although it was not possible to accurately identify the model, it is noticeable that this is certainly not a modern high-speed crossbow, but something like the well-known “junior” block guns MK-250/Interloper Cayman and others like them. What makes the hunting process even more complicated is that just getting to the actual working shooting distance is worth it.

Archery pheasant hunting from under a dog

This time we are talking about shooting at flying birds. Well, actually, I don’t see the point in retelling the video, just pay attention to the tips used.

This is a homemade version of “shock guns” (see “With a crossbow for grouse”), created from ordinary sports “sabot” tips, used mainly for 3D shooting, and loops, apparently from guitar strings.

Another interesting point is related to “replacing a player on the field,” or rather, a bow. We understand well the difference between a 60-pound hunting takedown and a 45-pound almost sporting almost long :)). It's one thing to shoot from ambush at an animal, and quite another to fly at a bird, where special “power” is not needed, and there is already enough physical effort. Therefore, we advise you to take a closer look at the actions of the hero of the video, a real professional shooter.

And, of course, special respect to the dog!

This is fantasy, son, or How can archery surprise you?

Colleagues, just a cool video. Honestly, you won't regret it. And in general, find a selection of videos from Lars Andersen on YouTube - oh, there’s something to see there!

By the way, there are two diametrically opposed opinions, which, however, agree on the rejection of this very fact. The first classifies everything that Andersen does as tricks, the second claims that such things are supposedly possible only for certain “special” people. Lars himself, in one of the videos (which for some reason disappeared from his channel), responding to criticism, noted that he is not a human phenomenon. It's all about regular, albeit seriously exhausting, training. Well, nothing comes from nothing...

Will such skills be useful in real hunting? And you know, anything can happen. The fact is that in running types it is not always possible to adopt a classic archery stance. At least such an authoritative comrade as Brian J. Sorrells advises practicing shots “ from every conceivable position”

including shooting from the “sitting”, “kneeling” and even… “prone” positions.

PS The article will be updated regularly.

More on the topic: - Hunting with a bow and crossbow - is it possible or not? — Crossbow for game hunting — Wild boar hunting with a crossbow — Stealth hunting with a crossbow for deer — With a crossbow for black grouse

T-54 crew skills

The choice of crew skills should also be approached with maximum responsibility. The recommended set of skills for four crew members is as follows: For the commander – the “ Sixth Sense ” skill. For the gunner - the “ Smooth rotation of the turret ” skill. For the driver - the skill of “ Smooth driving ”. For the radio operator (loader) – the “ Radio Interception ” skill. In addition to individual perks, it is worth pumping out “ Combat Brotherhood ”, “ Disguise ”, “ Repair ”. When choosing consumables, you can not deviate from the standard set of equipment: fire extinguisher, repair kit, first aid kit. By the way, a tank burns extremely rarely, so the fire extinguisher can be replaced with an additional ration in order to further increase the percentage of the crew’s skills.

Comments

1. Vanya 12/15/2015 at 12:08 My carbine is already old.
   You'll need to buy something. I'll most likely take this carbine. Moreover, the characteristics are good. Answer
2. Igor 01/17/2016 at 03:49
   Please answer if anyone knows about the quality of the metal from which hunting weapon barrels are made. Can a hunting weapon be used as a combat weapon? (That is, for conducting intense fire.) Does the accuracy deteriorate when the barrel heats up? (When hunting, as a rule, one or two shots and that’s it.)

   Answer

   Ruslan 01/18/2016 at 12:49

   The quality of the metal is the same, the manufacturer is the same. For me, Saiga is a club of fans of the name. It's essentially an ordinary gun. I only like it for its ergonomics.

   Answer

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Performance characteristics of the KV-2

Crew, people: 6 Number of produced, pcs.: 204 Layout: classic

KV-2 weight

— 52 tons

Dimensions of KV-2

— Body length, mm: 6950 — Body width, mm: 3320 — Height, mm: 3250 — Ground clearance, mm: 430

Armor KV-2

— Armor type: homogeneous rolled — Hull forehead (top), mm/deg.: 75 — Hull forehead (bottom), mm/deg.: 70 — Hull side (top), mm/deg.: 75 — Hull side (bottom ), mm/deg.: 70 — Hull rear (top), mm/deg.: 60—75 — Hull rear (bottom), mm/deg.: 70 — Bottom, mm: 30—40 — Hull roof, mm: 30—40 — Turret front, mm/deg.: 75 — Gun mantlet, mm/deg.: 110 — Turret side, mm/deg.: 75 — Turret rear, mm/deg.: 75

Armament of the KV-2

— Caliber and brand of gun: 1 × 152 mm tank howitzer mod. 1938/40 (M-10T) — Barrel length, calibers: 24.3 — Gun ammunition: 36 shells of separate case loading — Sights: TOD-9 telescopic sight, PT-9 periscopic sight, PT-K commander’s panorama — Machine guns: 3 × 7, 62 mm DT-29

KV-2 engine

— Engine type: 12‑cylinder V‑shaped diesel liquid cooled — Engine power, l. pp.: 600

Speed ​​KV-2

— Highway speed, km/h: 34 — Cross-country speed, km/h: 16

— Cruising range on the highway, km: 250 — Cruising range over rough terrain, km: 150 — Suspension type: torsion bar — Climbing grade, degrees: 36° — Climbing wall, m: 0.87 — Climbing ditch, m: 2, 7 - Fordability, m: 1.6

T-54 reviews and conclusions

Having analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of the Soviet medium tank T-54 and based on the characteristics considered, we can draw the first conclusions. It is noticeable that the T-54 has significantly more advantages, however, the technology also has obvious weaknesses. To get the big picture, it makes sense to summarize all the features, putting the pros and cons into separate categories.

Advantages:

• Good armor parameters, especially in the turret area.
• Dynamics, maneuverability and speed.
• Almost perfect viewing radius.
• Relatively good CSA.
• High shooting performance: gun stabilization, accuracy, fast aiming.

Flaws:

• Low armor penetration with a basic projectile.
• Small damage (one-time).
• Frankly weak UVN.

Based on these features, players need to choose equipment and crew perks in such a way as to cover the shortcomings and improve the strengths.