First .223: AR or VEPR?

[rkh]

Gentlemen:

I'm seriously contemplating purchasing my first rifle in caliber 5.56. I've had favorable experiences in the past with Bushmaster rifles, and certainly wouldn't mind owning one, but I read that VEPR makes one mean AK (RPK?).

The prices of the two are generally comparable, and both manufacturers offer the barrel lengths and twist rates that I'm looking for.

For those of you with experience with both rifles, which do you prefer and why? What kind of groups can you get with the .223 VEPR? I intend to use the gun for recreational plinking and misc. emergency purposes--extreme accuracy (although desirable) is not a requirement.

Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[MountainBear]

I like my AR's very well. I have not had much experience with VEPR's. I like the versatility of the AR platform.

Also one to look at are the Kel-Tec SU-16 series of rifles. They are getting decent reviews, use readily available AR type magazines, and are several hundred dollars cheaper than the other options you listed. I just saw a new model I liked, I think it was the su-16 CA model or something of the like. Sights were on the receiver, rather than the barrel like earlier keltec models...

 

[Evil Monkey]

I'd choose the VEPR simply because I'm tiring of seeing AR15's EVERY WHERE gun related I go whether in real life or on the net.

 

[rbernie]

Neither - get a Saiga and use the balance for ammo. If you must spend it all on a rifle, get the AR. It's ergonomics and superior sights will make you a better rifleman (presuming you practice regularly).

 

[Technosavant]

I'd probably go AR, unless you already have a line on a VEPR. There have been some ownership changes of the Russian factory that made the VEPR, and imports and been shut off. Correia would know far more about this than I would (try PMing him and asking about a .223 VEPR, his shop sells them), and I believe he has said that he has no idea when they will restart shipments.

If you can't get a VEPR, that kind of makes the call. On the other hand, even if you can, I'd still lean AR- accessories for it (like magazines, etc.) are easier to come by than accessories for a .223 AK.

 

[GungHo]

A VEPR is a great, if not "authentic" AK. They're on the heavy side, but that helps with felt recoil and extended shooting (the receivers are RPK receivers, so are heavy, and the barrels are thicker). Throw an optic on there, and you can match some stock ARs (non-floated, using same quality of ammo).

However, it will never be a precision rifle. You don't have the option of throwing on a target upper and changing out the trigger group like you do with an AR. Understand that once you put a decent optic on top, you will have more or less maximized your accuracy short of handloads. There is no Krieger barrel in your future, nor can John Holliger at White Oak Precision or anyone else really do jack for you.

That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it is what it is.

I enjoy my VEPR K in 7.62x39. With hunting ammo, I can get a bit over 2 MOA.

 

[Correia]

I like them all.

I guess I'm supposed to be the Vepr/Saiga guy here.

Between AK vs. AR, do a search, sit down, and prepare to read for the next three days straight.

Right now Veprs are difficult to find. Robinson lost the importation rights. There is a new importer, and Veprs will be coming back. However at this time I can't say on pricing or timeline. I'm (literally) sworn to secrecy.

Take a look at my webpage at the Tromix .223 Saiga conversions. They are excellent rifles, and are one of the best .223 AKs there has ever been. Yes, I know I'm biased, but I would seriously take one of our Tromix guns head to head against anything else out there.

 

[Phil DeGraves]

AR

 

[The-Fly]

i cant comment on the AK based 223 accuracy, but I will say that a well designed AR-15 is one of the most accurate semi automatic rifles in the world. I use one for exterminating prairie rats

 

[Prince Yamato]

vepr's are sweet rifles. Also, they're not AKs, they're RPKs, based on the RPK machinegun. MUCH heavier than a standard AK. You can really feel the difference. They also feel MUCH more solid than an AR.

 

[CornCod]

Nothing easier to field-strip than an AK. AR's aren't that bad either, except for that little thingummy that holds the extractor in, it can get itself lost rather easily.

 

[Nightcrawler]

If I were going to get a .223, I'd be very tempted by one of Tromix's converted Saigas. They're light, handy, and 30 round magazines can be had for not too much now. (Not as cheap as M16 magazines, but still.)

The nice thing about it is it's an AK. You can shoot steel-cased Wolf, some of the cheapest .223 ammo available, to your heart's content.

 

[rangerruck]

why dont you get a piston driven ar , like Keltec, patriot ordinance, krebs, robinson, etc.?

 

[Nightcrawler]

There are a few piston-driven AR-15s out there, but very generally the upper receiver will cost you more than a standard gun.

The Krebs custom guns are just tricked out AKs, converted Saigas. The Tromix guns are more affordable, I think.

The Kel-Tec is another option, but I wonder what the price difference between that and a converted .223 Saiga is? The Kel-Tec takes more common magazines, but in my opinion the AK will be more durable.

Plenty of choices nowadays anyway. I remember a few years back when it was AR-15 or Mini-14.

 

[Gun Wielding Maniac]

Personally... in your position... I'd grab one of these.

Brand new from Arsenal, with AK-100 style folder.

1/7 twist barrel, folding stock, scope rail, compensator... Love.

 

[Just_a_dude_with_a_gun]

For a simple brand-new rifle, out the door on short money, for plinking and other basic purposes, everything I've read tells me that the Saiga is a fine choice for an auto loader.

However, typically only 10rd mags are available unless you modify the gun,
or new mags, to the AK format.

AR's are fine weapons with many more variables, but many more dollars required.