VEPR Opinion?

[Truckee]

I want a 30 cal. (i.e. 7.62) SHTF, close quarters rife. A VEPR K 16.5" is really near to being bought, but my mind remains open to education.

I've read these threads and can see that many feel the VEPR is a fine AK style rifle. At the risk of being redundant, I'm seeking further input from you guys that have vast AK ilk knowledge.

I have access to the AR as a patrol rifle. I like the style etc., but have never been a fan of the .233. The only aspect of the AR "look" that I appreciate is that it's associated with the "white hat, good guy"... whereas the AK "look" is not. Also, I don't like things I've researched (e.g. reliability etc.) about the AR-10, but if I'm mistaken, I can be swayed and welcome your advice.

A few generic questions with your advice please:

The VEPR will accept AK mags and is not limited to the "VEPR" mags, correct? Drum mag too (not intended to carry, but just for funfactor if desired)?

I don't like the VEPR butt-stock and would opt for a AR type collapsible or full type. I understand this may not be an option for the VEPR... true?

Solid or vented fore-stock... preference or function?

Probably a muzzle break? Reading that the "flash-suppressor" is a useless farce anyway.

Other accessories for the VEPR? (whatever, nothing particular in mind).

Thanks in advance.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

{edit for a typo}

[TimeConstant]

The VEPR will accept AK mags and is not limited to the "VEPR" mags, correct? Drum mag too (not intended to carry, but just for funfactor if desired)?

It'll take all regular ak mags. Not sure about the drum but I don't see why not.

I don't like the VEPR butt-stock and would opt for a AR type collapsible or full type. I understand this may not be an option for the VEPR... true?

Someone does make an adapter.
http://www.gunsnet.net/forums/showthread.php?t=258327
However, before you get one try the factory butt-stock out. I've found that it shoulders very good with it and the look kinda grows on you


Solid or vented fore-stock... preference or function?

I don't believe the vents will help that much with heat. The barrel is pretty thick but so is the foregrip. Infact, I'm contemplating on having a machinist cut a bunch of vent holes or slots into my solid stock just to cut down on its weight.
One advantage the vented stock has over the solid one is the additional sling swivel. With that and another slot cut into the buttstock you can use an ar-15 three point sling.

Other accessories for the VEPR? (whatever, nothing particular in mind).

Kobra red dot

[Tacticalweapon]

It's the most accurate AK made. Many will argue as to weather the Vepr or the Arsenal is the better made gun. I've owned both and their both great weapons.Either way your going to have AK reliability.

[454]

VEPR. I got mine a couple of months ago, and fit and finish are several levels above any other AK I handled. Mine has a 20" barrel. It gives me a tad more velocity.
I agree about the stock, it is comfy, much better than the original commie one.

I am going to the range this week, I'll post targets afterwards.

I put a Russian POSP 4x24 sight, I like it. It fits nice, yet leaves iron sights open. Lit recticle is nice, since it gets dark around here by 3 PM.

Solid forend has a couple of holes on the bottom that you can use to add another sling stud.

[Truckee]

Thank each of you for the advice and reassurance.

Anyone else? Please chime in.


TimeConstant,

You're mentioning "weight" of the rifle. Should I consider a skeletonized butt-stock for weight concerns? I don't particularly like its "bad gun" appearance, pondered its durability over the solid version and considered the balance of the rifle... but I'm all about function above anything else.

Thanks much again.

[Packin' Heat]

I have a VEPR and literally just insatlled an Ultimak ARC2 rail system, along with the ultimak gas tube. I'll post picts a lil'bit later in the day. I'm going with an eotech 512.65 revF atop the gas tube in the scout position (i think thats what they call it.

[TimeConstant]

Truckee,
I think you would be pretty happy with a regular buttstock. The 80 dollar difference would be better put towards more mags.

Packin' Heat,
If you have a scale, can you weigh the factory foregrip and the ultimak please?

[DT]

I had a 16 in. .223 vepr. It was very high quality. However, I did not notice the group sizes to be any better than my 7.62 AK. Others have reported very good groups unlike my experience. I get better groups with my Arsenal in 5.45.

The vepr rear stock is unique. You can also "skelotonize" the stock with a router for a more unique look.I am not sure about using the ultimak on it. It already is muzzle heavy with the heavy barrel. I had an ultimak on a vector and although it worked great it made the front end heavy.

The front handguard worked fine and was much better than the usual AK handguards as it is very thick and heat resistan. It does not have a metal heat shield. Be careful with the sling stud that attaches the handguard to the barrel as it gets HOT. The gas tube is also uncovered and this also gets hot. I dont think cutting vents would add much except saving a little bit of weight. You could try adding a side swivel for a tactical sling but there is not much space between the handguard and the gas tube and barrel so you may need to thin out the inside of the handguard before doing this. This might make the handguard to thin. Think very carefully before you modify the rear stock or handguard as Robinson is only place to get a replacement if you mess it up and they are not cheap.

The vepr in 7.62 should be able to take any standard AK mag or drum.

[Tacticalweapon]

I believe that their are several companies now making Vepr stock adapters, so you can put anytype of stock on a Vepr that you desire.If you don't care for Robinson Armaments stock choose your own.

[Packin' Heat]

Originally posted by TimeConstant


Packin' Heat,
If you have a scale, can you weigh the factory foregrip and the ultimak please?



yes indeedy.


OEM gas tube: 3oz
OEM hand guard: 16oz

Ultimak gas tube: 4oz
Ultimak ACR2: 12oz


you save 3 oz and you look cooler. but that net loss of 3oz goes out the window one you start clampin' things onto the rails obviously.

[.30]

If I were you I'd just get a VEPR K in 7.62x39 with no break or flash hider. VEPR's will take all AK mags and drums. Skeleton stocks look nice but I really don't think it is worth the extra money for this feature. The factory VEPR muzzle break is effective but increases noise and flash considerably. Just get one, give it a good 1000 round trial run, see how you like it, then modify from there.

[GeorgiaGlockMan]

>my responses


The VEPR will accept AK mags and is not limited to the "VEPR" mags, correct? Drum mag too (not intended to carry, but just for funfactor if desired)?

> Ak mags, drum mags they all work in my Vepr - the bulgarian waffle mags are the best. I have a romainian drum that works fine but it is a chore to load and is heavy, but the cool and FUN factor are way up there.



I don't like the VEPR butt-stock and would opt for a AR type collapsible or full type. I understand this may not be an option for the VEPR... true?

>I don't know about a replacement, but like others said give the original a chance to grow on you - it did on me.


Solid or vented fore-stock... preference or function?

>Someone else already said that the forestock or specificall the unprotected part will get hot. After shooting mine for a few hundred rounds I set it off to cool and made the mistake up grabbing the forestock and gas tube - damn I let go about 1 sec before my skin was sizzling.


Probably a muzzle break? Reading that the "flash-suppressor" is a useless farce anyway.

> the stock muzzle break is not the best and is held on with set screws. In my opinion that is one area that could be improved.


Other accessories for the VEPR? (whatever, nothing particular in mind).

> mine is 100% stock and it will most likely stay that way. Since a scope rail comes as standard, I've been considering a cheap russian surplus for optics tho.


I'd say go ahead and get the Vepr. I haven't heard of anyone that regreted that decision. Some may say they are overpriced as far as AKs go, but to me that is the price of tight and accurate (which is what mine is and I love it).

[Packin' Heat]

Originally posted by GeorgiaGlockMan

Probably a muzzle break? Reading that the "flash-suppressor" is a useless farce anyway.

> the stock muzzle break is not the best and is held on with set screws. In my opinion that is one area that could be improved.




I thought the same too. All I wanted was a threaded end. RA says the breaks are pressed on and they claim its stronger than traditional threads. Who knows. But it def isnt going to come off any time soon. I would imagine that if you took it on and off a lot then it would weaken the "factory seal." So I will live with the break and pretty much never touch it.

I'm not sure why you think the ak74 type break is a bad design, but I think it works pretty well. The russians think so too.

I also miss the bayo lug, but in the end its better because 1) Ak bayos are lame compared to some of the modern kinds that can mount to the AR15 style lugs, and 2) As much as I wanted a bayo, I dont want to keep adding weight to the rifle. The eotech, vertical forgrip, and soon the surefire G2 are all extra ounces that add up real quick.

[Truckee]

Thanks, each of you, for your knowledge, time and input. I thought that I'd get flamed for discounting the AR, but maybe I'm just in the right forum to avoid that bashing.

I finally got to handle a VEPR K and I like it very much. As all advised, the butt-stock seems swell and the rifle solid. I possibly would change the furniture, but am no longer fretting the stock parts. I wasn't able to shoot it however {booohooo}. I have a Norinco SKS, therefore I'm not going too blindly toward the VEPR... which I expect to be a MUCHA MO BETTA RIFLE.

Because its primary duty will be as a "SHTF, close-quarters battle rifle," I do not expect to trick it out... unless there is a definite improvement modification.

I've got a pal insisting that I add red-dot optics... much to his chagrin, I am not sold on that concept. For my desired application, I feel that optics, especially if battery operated, offer something else to fail and/or knock loose when I most need it not to.

How good are the iron sights?

I'm having trouble finding a vendor that has one. Atlantic might, I see it listed. Seems importation has stalled for some reason and RA says that the 7.62K is backordered.

I've read good things about the Bulgarian Waffles. Maybe I should start stocking up. What about polymer vs. metal magazines?

Vendors (links) for accessories, the stock adapters, the mags etc??? Like to take a look at my options.

Packin Heat,
I looked at your pictures. That rifle is the SNIZZLE! Nice work.

Any further advice is well received.

Thanks again to all.

[Tacticalweapon]

Originally posted by Truckee
Thanks, each of you, for your knowledge, time and input. I thought that I'd get flamed for discounting the AR, but maybe I'm just in the right forum to avoid that bashing.

I finally got to handle a VEPR K and I like it very much. As all advised, the butt-stock seems swell and the rifle solid. I possibly would change the furniture, but am no longer fretting the stock parts. I wasn't able to shoot it however {booohooo}. I have a Norinco SKS, therefore I'm not going too blindly toward the VEPR... which I expect to be a MUCHA MO BETTA RIFLE.

Because its primary duty will be as a "SHTF, close-quarters battle rifle," I do not expect to trick it out... unless there is a definite improvement modification.

I've got a pal insisting that I add red-dot optics... much to his chagrin, I am not sold on that concept. For my desired application, I feel that optics, especially if battery operated, offer something else to fail and/or knock loose when I most need it not to.

How good are the iron sights?

I'm having trouble finding a vendor that has one. Atlantic might, I see it listed. Seems importation has stalled for some reason and RA says that the 7.62K is backordered.

I've read good things about the Bulgarian Waffles. Maybe I should start stocking up. What about polymer vs. metal magazines?

Vendors (links) for accessories, the stock adapters, the mags etc??? Like to take a look at my options.

Packin Heat,
I looked at your pictures. That rifle is the SNIZZLE! Nice work.

Any further advice is well received.

Thanks again to all.





The iron sights that come with it are fine.

Bulgarian waffle mags have metal inserts, don't rust, work great and are very strong. 30 and 40 rounders can be found at K Var http://www.K-Var.com/shop/home.php?cats=248

A company called Tacticalexcellence makes stock adapters for the Vepr. http://www.tacticalexcellence.com/veprsa.html

The most popular folding stock for the vepr seems to be the ACE shown in pictures on this post. They are also supposed to be coming out with their own stock adapter next month. http://www.aceltdusa.com/

A company called Parabellum has made stock adapters for customers guns. Their primary business seems to be special modifications. They take the handguard that comes with the Vepr and mill a number of vents into it with additional options available. http://parabellum.home.insightbb.com/On their homepage scroll down to the second picture. Yes, that's really a Vepr in that picture.

If you want to put an optic of some type on your Vepr. Robinson Armament imports a Russian scope mount that has windage and elevation adjustments built into it so that you can use American made systems.
http://www.robarm.com/

I.O.R Valdada carries another adjustable scope mount for the Vepr.
www.valdada.com/

Robinson Armament imports the Vepr. Because of political tensions between America and Russia recently, both countries customs have been a little slow on various imports and exports.



The ACR2 AK modular forend rail mounting system that you like is made by Ultimak.
www.ultimak.com


If you prefer the 1200 meter rear sights on your vepr, sometimes K-VAR and Tantal carry them. Krebs custom has an AK peep sight.