Probably Buying VEPR 7.62x54R - Talk Me Out of It!

[Adam123]

Ifit, I did not. I like a bit more than five-round capacity out of a semi-auto. Otherwise, it has no huge advantage over my M44 (and I'd be shocked if it could outshoot my M44). I think 15-20 should be attainable and ten obviously is with the 54R. Hell, they were making ten-rounders in the 1930s. I don't like the fact that it's setup to accept single-stack mags. Also, mags are hard to find and expensive considering they only have a five round capacity. I think that it's a good idea to convert it to accept PSL mags, but I wouldn't want to start cutting the receiver to my new rifle to find out if it's possible. I am still not sure of the scope mount that the 54R VEPR will accept. I really can't tell from photos and I have been told two different things from two different sellers. One told me that it would accept a standard AK mount. Another said that it would only accept a Mosin Nagant mount and scope setup (?????).

 

[ifit]

another forums, gentlmen mounted his psl scope onto his new vepr 54r with no problems. wow, your m44 must be a tack driver compared to the new vepr 54r, is it a stock m44? would like more info cause i have a m38 and would like it to shoot better than any vepr 54r

 

[hilljack]

The Vepr has a standard AK side mount rail.

 

[Adam123]

Ifit, it is a tack driver, but not stock. It has optics amongst other mods and is very accurate.

Hilljack, that's interesting and I hope you are correct. Someone from Centerfire told me that they took some sort of Mosin mount that I've never heard. I asked him if he was 100% positive and he assured me that he was correct.... guess he wasn't.
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[Adam123]

I am still wanting to buy the 54R VEPR, but the only thing that is holding me back is the mag capacity. I've just started to entertain the idea of trying PSL mags. Do you guys know of a good gunsmith/company the could convert the VEPR to accept PSL mags?

 

[aubie515]

Guy on Saiga forum will probably make them since he's in the process of offering 20-25rd VEPR mags for the 308 version. I believe that AF contacted him about making 54R mags as well.

I got to handle my first Vepr yesterday in a 5.45 and I must say build quality is all that has been reported. It is a solid rifle that does add some weight, but in a good way. I have a feeling that I will be owning a Vepr sometime this year.

I really like the Super Vepr .308, but the price tag is a bit high IMO for a Russian firearm.

 

[hilljack]

The 5 round mags do suck. They are functional, but it is a bummer they didn't use SVD mags. I plan on talking to Krebs about converting it to take SVD mags. Dunno if they can or will do it, but ya don't know unless you ask.

 

[Cal-gun Fan]

Why SVD mags? They are less common and more expensive than PSL mags.

 

[Usertag]

It sounds like your in a bad position right now. This is a question I really can't help you out on. Besides that if a SVD-1 parts can fit on the PSL. Then you are in luck because SVD parts are relatively cheap. But also I know that the SVD has only older accesories (1970-2000). So you will have to deal with technology that is not as advanced as todays Scopes, Rails, Stocks, ETC.

 

[hilljack]

Why SVD mags? They are less common and more expensive than PSL mags.

Two reasons:
1. They are Russian
2. I have several SVD mags

I'd prefer to keep Russian mags in it, if I'm having it converted anyway.

 

[Adam123]

The 5 round mags do suck. They are functional, but it is a bummer they didn't use SVD mags. I plan on talking to Krebs about converting it to take SVD mags. Dunno if they can or will do it, but ya don't know unless you ask.

If they were to use any mags aside from the factory mags, I think PSL would only be the practical choice. PSL mags are a LOT cheaper. I can get them for a bit less than $20.00/mag and SVD mags are something like $100.00/mag.

... but let's keep this on point. I am wondering who I could get to do a conversion for the 54R VEPR to accept PSL mags.

Aubie, would you mind providing a link? That would be great. Thanks.