Cut down Vepr Hunter barrel, still reliable?

hoodfu · Feb 11, 2014

Hi, I've got a hypothetical. Here's a picture of a Vepr Hunter in 7.62x54r. It comes stock with a 21.5" barrel and has an integrated muzzle brake (cut into barrel, not a threaded on device). Due to my state becoming disagreeable with anything of this kind in the coming months, I'm looking to cut the barrel down to either just in front of the brake, or down to 16.5". In the picture, you can see what it would look like at 16.5". Would this rifle still function reliably? I'm just a little nervous that if I cut down the barrel that much (5 inches), the dwell time of pressure after the bullet passes the gas port may not be long enough compared to the stock configuration. Anyone have experience with this? Thanks.

rcmodel · Feb 11, 2014

If it will work or not, I don't know.

But I do believe if I were you, I would cut it just behind the brake and leave it as long as you possibly can.

A 7.62x54R with a 16" barrel would be a fire-breathing dragon with a piercing sharp muzzle blast.

Makes my ears hurt to think about it.

I'd leave the muzzle as far form my ears as I could leave it!
I might even consider turning the brake down enough to put a barrel-diameter sleeve on it to block the ports and not cut it at all.

BTW: Awful big pictures.
It makes the text too small to see on my iPad!

rc

RPRNY · Feb 11, 2014

What state do you expect to have an issue with an integrally braked barrel? Even the worst, NY and CT, do not have any legislation that would negatively impact a non - pistol gripped semi auto with a non threaded muzzle. That rifle would not even have to be registered in NY, so I'm puzzled by your dilemma.

hoodfu · Feb 11, 2014

Well, muzzle brakes are allowed under SAFE, but one man's brake is another man's compensator(which isn't allowed). It's a double measure though. A fire breathing dragon would be pretty neat, so I'd like to give it a shot if it'll work. That said, I don't want to kill an expensive rifle for some big bangs.

LAGS · Feb 11, 2014

I once cut a Mosin Nagant Circle 11 Polish M-44 down to 17.5".
It would clear the line at the range when I fired it.
It shot a 2' flame out of the barrel, and even hurt my ears with ear plugs and ear protection on.
Accuracy was good, and it recoiled way more.
Boy, I miss that rifle, it was a lot of fun.
But I dont know what you would have to re work to get it to function Semi Auto.

rcmodel · Feb 11, 2014

A fire breathing dragon would be pretty neat

No, it actually wouldn't, if you ever want to become an accomplished shot with a rifle.

If you just want noise?
By fireworks next July 4th.

It's much cheaper.

rc

hoodfu · Feb 11, 2014

If you just want noise?
By fireworks next July 4th.

They don't allow compensators in my state, what makes you think they'd allow fireworks?

No, it actually wouldn't, if you ever want to become an accomplished shot with a rifle.

I already have guns for that. I got this because I'm not allowed to get the 16" pistol grip version, and Russian surplus is cheap.

RPRNY · Feb 12, 2014

Please read the Gun Owner Discrimination Act 2013. An integral, ie not applied via threaded barrel, muzzle break is NOT a "forbidden feature" under the Arbitrary Assault Weapon Designation Clause. If in doubt, go through the online "test".

You do not need to cut that barrel or register that firearm.

SilentScream · Feb 14, 2014

Leave that rifle alone! I have to agree with everything RC said. And add that; the reliability may very well go out the window with that 5" of barrel missing. Since most Russian gas operated guns tend to be over-gassed anyway I doubt you'll have issues with cycling, my concern would be with the long term wear & tear on the gun. Also not to mention the obvious issues with cutting a proper crown once cut.

Cut down Vepr Hunter barrel, still reliable?

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