Molot VEPR 12
Molot VEPR 12
Molot VEPR 12
Molot VEPR 12 is a multipurpose semi-automatic detachable-magazine shotgun, produced by Molot-Oruzhie Ltd. It is patterned after the original Kalashnikov rifle and built on the heavier RPK light machine gun receiver.
Molot VEPR 12 History
Early versions of the Vepr-12 were produced by Izhmash, with production moving to the Molot factory where the shotgun was redesigned and mass-produced. The Vepr-12 is intended to be a direct competitor to the widely popular Saiga-12 shotgun already produced by Izhmash. Like the Saiga, the Vepr-12 was designed to be a versatile weapons platform, capable of being used by hunters and professional shooters alike. With these considerations in mind, Molot introduced unique features, such as the ambidextrous safety selector, the bolt hold-open mechanism and a simplified magazine feeding mechanism. See Features (in Vepr-12)
Molot VEPR 12 Features
Due to the large difference in size between the 7.62×39mm cartridge and 12-gauge shells, the extractor port has been lengthened, allowing the shotgun to eject spent shells without risk of causing a stovepipe malfunction. Like all firearms with the Vepr designation, the Vepr-12 receiver is patterned after that of the RPK light machine gun. The stamped steel receiver is reinforced, thicker (1.5 mm instead of 1 mm), and more heavily constructed than a standard Kalashnikov-pattern rifle. The Vepr-12 also incorporates a unique safety catch and bolt release mechanism. A side folding stock is present on most models; however, Vepr-12 shotguns are offered with fixed stocks as well. Instead of the standard AK safety selector, some Vepr-12 shotguns have an ambidextrous safety that can be manipulated from either side of the receiver. An unusual feature among firearms in the Kalashnikov family, the Vepr-12 sports a last round bolt hold-open mechanism. That is, the bolt locks to the rear of the receiver after the last round has been ejected. To facilitate rapid reloading of the shotgun, a bolt release lever is located inside the trigger guard, allowing the user to release the bolt without breaking grip.[2] The addition of a magazine well, another unusual feature for a Kalashnikov-pattern firearm, allows for “straight in” magazine insertion, as opposed to the “rock and lock” procedure required on standard AK rifles and the Saiga-12 shotgun. The Vepr-12 is also chrome lined throughout, including the gas block, barrel, and chamber, affording the shotgun excellent corrosion resistance. Unlike the similar Saiga-12 Iz-109 manually adjustable restrictive regulator system, the gas system on the Vepr-12 is a clone of the Saiga IZ-433 unregulated fixed open port tappet system, allowing it to cycle most commercially available 12-gauge load from 3.25 dram eq. and up without risking damage to the shotgun. This ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach is often misleadingly marketed as “self regulating”, however no variable regulating mechanism is present. Also like the IZ-433, the gas block lacks a screw in gas adjuster. Instead the piston is accessed more like a traditional kalashnikov by removal of the gas tube. A notch on the operating rod allows the owner to hook the piston and pull it out to the rear for cleaning.[3] The Vepr-12 lacks the standard AK side mounting rail, instead using a picatinny rail incorporated into the dust cover for optic mounting. The dust cover is hinged to the shotgun, allowing the user to open and close the cover without losing the zeroing of a mounted optic.
Molot VEPR 12 Purpose
The Vepr-12 was conceived for the Russian military and law enforcement market, with civilian applications ranging from hunting to self-defense and competition use. In particular, the shotgun has carved out a niche among IPSC competition shooters, one of the Vepr-12’s target audiences. With its fixed open port gas system, the Vepr-12 can effectively cycle a multitude of 12-gauge loads, making it a highly versatile semi-automatic shotgun platform. Much like its cousin the Saiga-12, the Vepr-12 is ideal for clay shooting, with appropriate optics.
Molot VEPR 12 Variants
The Vepr-12 is manufactured in numerous variations, each with a unique designation. The Vepr-12 can use the same magazines as the Saiga-12, but the Saiga-12 cannot use Vepr-12 magazines and drums.
ВПО-205 (VPO-205)
The VPO-205 series is chambered for 12 Gauge [18.5x70mmR] and 12 Gauge Magnum [18.5x76mmR] shells. It has a side-folding two-strut folding stock with a buttpad and reversible cheekpad.
ВПО-205-00 – Stock model with a 16.92-inch [430mm] barrel with detachable muzzle brake. It weighs 8.59 lbs. [3.9 kg].
ВПО-205-01 – Sporting model with a 20.4-inch [520mm] barrel. Includes a permanently fixed muzzle-brake and can be fired with the stock folded. It weighs 8.81 lbs. [4.0 kg].
ВПО-205-02 – Competition model, includes a 26.77-inch [680mm] barrel with interchangeable chokes. It weighs 9.25 lbs. [4.2 kg].
ВПО-205-03 – Compact military model capable of fully automatic fire, includes a 12-inch [305 mm] barrel with detachable muzzle brake. It is 34.13 inches [867 mm] overall in length with the stock fixed and 23.66 inches [601 mm] long with the stock folded. It has short Picatinny rails on the sides of the forend and under the end of the barrel and long Picatinny rails on the top of the receiver and the bottom of the forend. It weighs 9.25 lbs. [4.2 kg].
ВПО-206 (VPO-206)
The VPO-206 series is chambered for 12 Gauge [18.5x70mmR] and 12 Gauge Magnum [18.5x76mmR] shells. It has a collapsible Colt M4-style sliding stock.
ВПО-206-00 – Stock model with a 16.92-inch [430mm] barrel with detachable muzzle brake. Weighs 9.47 lbs. [4.3 kg].
ВПО-206-01 – Sporting model with a 20.4-inch [520mm] barrel with a fixed muzzle brake. Weighs 9.7 lbs. [4.4 kg].
ВПО-206-02 – Competition model with a 26.77-inch [680mm] barrel with interchangeable chokes. Weighs 10 lbs. [4.55 kg].
Export and legal status
The Vepr-12 is exported worldwide. Ownership in Russia requires only a smoothbore-gun license. Due to Russian law, domestic and many export versions of the shotgun are equipped with a disconnector that will render the gun unable to fire while the stock is folded.
The shotgun is also imported into the United States. American export models have no muzzle brake and have a fixed stock rather than a folding stock. However, an import ban of Russian weapons and ammunition was created by Presidential order in July, 2014 due to the current tensions between the United States and Russia.
