To VEPR or not to VEPR, that is the question..

[CPS1]

Okay here is the deal: I have two firearms that I just love. One is a really nice GA Precision (hurts my wallet) and the other is a bennelli m1s90 (hurts my wallet and my shoulder). Looking at these two I realized that I had the short range down and the long range down, but nothing for that all important medium range fun. As such, I am considering saving up for a VEPR. I've heard lots of good things about these rifles, but before I drop more $$, thought I might ask some questions to the gun-iluminati that lurk this board. First of all should I pay extra for the muzzle break? After the benelli's savage beatings most recoil doesn't seem that bad anymore, but I was wondering what the majority thought. Secondly and this is my big concern: should I wait for the AWB ban to sunset? I.e. is there any difference between the VEPR of today and the VEPR I can buy after the AWB sunsets? I.e. will there be flash hiders and screw off muzzle breaks, or any other cool stuff? Not that I really need a screw off muzzle break, but then again I don't really need another rifle, its just something fun to have (variety is the spice of life). Also if anyone has any other suggestions I would be glad to hear them. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. In case your answer is contingient upon the intended use of the VEPR, like my other firearms, the VEPR will be used in to combat the ever present danger of watermellon infantry and milk jug comandos at my local range.

 

[clubsoda22]

The VEPR is a great gun, but personally i am a fan of the Arsenal SAM7. More classic AK lines with a heavy forged and CNC milled (not stamped sheet metal) reciever. Made proudly in the USA. Whereas the Arsenal is simply made right, the VEPR uses the thicker RPK reciever to attain the rigidity needed for the superb accuracy that both the VEPR and SAM7 show. Both are great guns and cost about the same, i just like the Arsenal better and think that more quality goes into the gun.

Excellent review on the SAM7 http://www.smallarmsreview.com/pdf/sam7.pdf

 

[varoadking]

clubsoda22

Thanks for the link. I picked up a SA M-7S yesterday and am off to the range...looking forwad to it meeting expectations...

 

[Futo Inu]

Man that SA M7 sounds nice! But what's with an American company posting all info on bbl length, muzzle vel, etc., in metric only? WTH. Sorry I'm no help with the VEPR question - also, muzzle *brake*, not break.

 

[Med 10]

I own a VEPR K in 7.62x39 with no muzzle brake. I like it. its very accurate and built like a tank. The fit/finish is very good. The RPK reciever is the toughest platform to build an AK type rifle on.

This carbine is a little on the muzzle heavy side, and the round is not known for significant recoil so I figured I'd save a little weight and cash {not to mention my fellow shooters ears!} and skip the brake.

VEPR's are Russian made at the old Molot plant. You might have to wait a while for on e though. I recommend it.

 

[CPS1]

Thanks to everyone who responded. What I was really wondering though (and its my fault for not making this clearer) is what is the difference between pre ban and post ban AK's? I notice that a lot of military AK's don't have flash hiders. Is this because 7.62X39 doesn't burn that much powder (and thus less flash) or just a design oversite? Anyway thanks again.

 

[Sir Galahad]

Military AK-47s and AKMs had a slant brake. AK-74s had a brake. Krinkovs have brakes. I don't think they ever had a flash supressor.

 

[Med 10]

CPS1, the 7.62x39 doesnt kick hard enough to justify a brake IMO.

I personally cant tell the difference between the braked and non-braked guns I've shot. To answer you question the only diff between a pre and post AK is the bayonet , side folder option and shorty barrell lengths.

 

[rock jock]

I had a VEPR II and sold it off for a Krebs. The VEPR was way too heavy and the furniture was just too ugly to look at.

 

[incursion]

I was thinking about getting a VEPR as well, but I'll probably end up getting a SAM7 instead.

 

[JShirley]

varoadking,

Could you measure the length of pull, from buttstock to trigger, for me?

Thanks,

John

 

[goon]

I had a VEPR K and I now own an Arsenal SA-M7.
I like the Arsenal better. It has the characteristic quick handling that AKs are known for and it works.
The VEPR was accurate as hell. I used to get 1.5 inch 10 shot groups with the .223 that I had.
But it was poorly balanced.
If you want one just to target shoot with, the VEPR is better.
If you feel the need to indulge your SHTF fantasies, the Arsenal is probably better.
Hope that helps.

BTW- Post ban Semi-auto rifles can only have two of the following features:
Folding/collapsible stock
Flash hider
Bayonet lug
Pistol Grip
Detachable magazine

With most, you get the pistol grip and the detachable mag.
Now if a guy were to buy an extra bolt carrier and a krinkov piston and assemble his regular AK to work as a straight pull bolt action...
Then maybe you could have all the cool features and still be able to have your semi-auto in about thirty seconds when the ban dies.

 

[Correia]

I love my Vepr. It is one of my favorite rifles of all time. The above posters are correct however, it balances different than a regular AK, and it is heavier. But rather than dismiss if for that, try one out and see how it feels. I prefer the muzzle heavy feel over the regular AK.

 

[Med 10]

The lenght of pull is much better on the VEPR and the weight makes recoil nonexistent. Really the VEPR weighs about a lb and a 1/2 more than the others. I might understand the weight issue if you were a small person but I'm 6'2 220 and the weight doesn't bother me. Also the glass re-inforced polymer furniture is tough and solid as a rock. And as far as being ugly? well, thats one persons opinion and you know what they say about those.

 

[blfuller]

The primary function of a brake on an AK-47/74 is for control during full auto fire. Doesn't do a whole lot for a semi-auto except for aesthetics.

 

[Correia]

bfuller, muzzle brakes may be extraneous on a semi-auto, UNLESS you are a 3 gunner competitor and you consider 3 aimed shots a second a reasonable pace. (another reason I like the muzzle heavy Vepr)

 

[benEzra]

.

The lenght of pull is much better on the VEPR

For all you long-armed galoots out there, anyway (to paraphrase Yosemite Sam). Since I'm vertically challenged and have short arms to match, the length of pull on the SAR-1 is perfect and the VEPR would probably be too long