Vepr 54r

[Cactus Jack Arizona]

Hey everyone. I've not had much luck finding forums regarding the VEPR 54R rifle. Unlike the PSL, which is built for light ball ammo only, I'd like to know if heavy ball (185 - 200gr) can be safely and consistently used in the VEPR. It says that the VEPR has a thicker receiver and barrel and that the receiver has been sturdied-up with reinforcements. Anyone have any ideas on the matter?

Thanks.

 

[WardenWolf]

From what I understand, the VEPR can safely fire any 7.62x54R ammo. However, keep in mind that the VEPR does not come with a muzzle brake. It may be very unpleasant to shoot unless you have one fitted.

 

[Ash]

The VEPR, as far as I know, has the same receiver thickness of the PSL. Indeed, it is really just the Russian interpretation of the PSL. The issue with the PSL is that it was not DESIGNED for heavy ball simply because no military used it at the time (nor do they use it now). Just as the m1 Garand, M14, Swedish Ljungman, even the M16 were designed around certain loads, the PSL was intended to fire the military standard combloc round, which was 149 grains. Fire heavy stuff through the Garand and the oprod shatters. Ditto for the m14.

It has to do with the timing of the gas system and nothing to do with the strength of the firearm.

In any case, MOLOT claims that the VEPR can fire any weight bullets. Since they say it's okay, then its okay.

 

[WardenWolf]

No, the VEPRs come with reinforced receivers and are overall much heavier duty. They're a better rifle, no question, but again, you really need to have it fitted with a muzzle brake or you'll be very unhappy after shooting it for a while.

 

[Ash]

No, the PSL has the same reinforcements and same metal thickness as the VEPR. They use the same front trunions. They are riveted the same. They are in no way heavier duty.

 

[Cal-gun Fan]

The PSL and VEPR have different length receivers and gas systems. The PSL has a longer receiver and gas system, whereas the VEPR has a normal AK-length gas tube/receiver. The PSL gas system is set up for light ball, whereas the VEPR will work with all loads. By work I mean that it won't be damaged.

 

[navystang]

the vepr has a thicker receiver to handle the heavier ammunition no problem. the only down side is they are not light with the thicker receiver and barrel.

http://forum.saiga-12.com/index.php?/topic/69393-vepr-x54rpsl/

but they are a hoot to shoot.

 

[Cal-gun Fan]

As for the lightness-lets take caliber into consideration. For a .223, 7.62x39, or 5.45, the VEPR is really heavy. However, for a .308/7.62, its actually still pretty light (Especially if you take the thumbhole stock off).

 

[Cactus Jack Arizona]

Ok, thanks everyone who chimed in. If anyone else has anything to add, please feel free to do so.

 

[mshootnit]

Wideners just got a load of 54 match ammo in.

 

[Ash]

The PSL is just fine with heavy loads if the gas system is adjusted to take the heavier loads. This is exactly the same approach with the FAL. Indeed, there is a simple mod that constricts the gas port diameter, making the rifle function with heavy ball without excessive wear. The PSL's gas port was optimized for light ball (which was standard ball - nothing heavier was used anywhere except as surplus made in the 1950's).

Receiver length is irrelevant, thickness is the same, and the trunions are virtually identical. I could open the gas port up on a VEPR and cause it to batter itself, too.

The VEPR is not a more durable or better reinforced rifle and as a better rifle, the PSL is the most fielded sniper rifle in the middle east with greater numbers than the SVD or Yugo M76. The Iranians field an SVD copy and Iraq used a stamped-receiver Al-Kadesih which was more SVD than anything else. Even so, the PSL has been fielded in enough combat zones to establish its ruggedness. The VEPR is a sporter never fielded anywhere.

Having said that in what seemed harsh towards the VEPR, I consider the VEPR a fine rifle and without modifications it can handle heavy ball. The point is not really to trash it, as it is a fine, rugged rifle. But the PSL is far more rugged than is credited here.

 

[navystang]

Deleted

 

[-Jake-]

I'd like to end the internet rumor that VEPRs have thicker receivers than PSLs. I measured my PSL at 1.5mm so what are the VEPRs measuring? Let me guess, 1.5mm. The VEPR does have a heavier contour barrel though.

 

[ShooterGuy]

I'm not going to get caught up in the comparison debate, but I can say I've put about every type of 54r you can find through mine and she chews through it fine. Am planning on threading it for a brake though. Fun shooter in my opinion...

 

[jodavk]

There is a forum dedicated to the Vepr 54r at the Saiga12 forum website.

 

[WardenWolf]

I opted for a VEPR .308 after I discovered the VEPR x54R doesn't use double-stack magazines. That's its Achilles heal, and one that's not easily fixed since the very few double-stack 7.62x54R magazines out there all have a bolt hold open feature, making them too long in the rear for the magazine well.

 

[Adam123]

There is a forum dedicated to the Vepr 54r at the Saiga12 forum website.

Yeah. That section gets about one post per week. In other words, it's dead. I think I saw some tumbleweed blowing through there the last time I paid a visit.

 

[-Jake-]

akfiles.com might have an active vepr forum. might be worth a shot.