VEPR K in .223, or 7.62x39?

[rtl]

From you in the know.........is there a consensus on the preferred caliber? I don't nesc want to rehash old debates, but there are certain factors to consider.
The 7.62x39 was designed for a 16" bbl, whereas the .223 isn't
at it's best in one.
Has anyone had any feed problems using bakelite mags with 223 followers?
I know the 223 is very accurate in the VEPR, but I haven't heard much about 7.62x39. What's it capable of?

thanks

[Ian]

I've gotten 2 MOA groups with my Vepr II .223, and liked it so much that I just got a Vepr K .223, though I haven't tried it out yet.

I've had some feeding problems with a few of my RobArms converted magazine; others have reported no problems with theirs. I'm extremely happy, however, with the Bulgarian 5.56 Waffles. These have worked flawlessly!

Check out this link about the 5.56x45 that was recently posted:
http://www.ammo-oracle.com
After reading it, you might change your mind about this caliber in 16" barrels.

Not to make you even more confused, but have you considered the 5.45x39? I shot a Krebs Custom AK chambered for this round last weekend. There was very little recoil in a rifle that weighed at least two pounds less than the Vepr. The owner had four 45rd magazines in a pouch that weighed just a few pounds. If I shot this round first, I might not have gone with the .223.

Lastly, if sure if you search this forum, you'll find info on all the factors that will affect your decision.

Good luck,
Ian

[Skibane]

The .223 VEPR is just about the only "mass produced" .223 rifle available that offers fit and finish as good as the average AR-15, better inherent reliability than any AR-15, better accuracy than most other AKs, and a price tag lower than even the cheapest "plinker" AR-15. That makes it an unbeatable value.

The 7.62 x 39 VEPR has the advantages of a caliber with better penetration against hard, massive targets, cheaper ammo, and dirt-cheap mags that are available just about everywhere. Plus, your mags and ammo will also work with your other "garden-variety" AKs (you DO have more than one AK, don't you? :D)

I know this isn't what you were looking for, but honestly, you can't go wrong with either choice.

[Hootbro]

I am partial to the VEPR K in 7.62x39 since I own one. The mags are plentyfull and the ammo is dirt cheap. If you are wanting 1/4moa groups then the VEPR K in 7.62x39 is not your rifle but it will hit the kill zone on anything you are trying to kill.



Hootbro

[marconi]

It just depends which ammo you want to shoot, cost per case is close. Will you hunt with it ?

I cannot say about the 7.62x39, but the .223 sure is sweet to shoot. If you buy a .223 Vepr, buy yourself a few Bulgarian waffle mags for it. Never had any problem with one. I have read that if you use the Robarm follower in a bakelite mag, they are supposed to work well. You can pick up a few waffle mags for around $22-25.00 each at: www.gunbroker.com or www.auctionarms.com. Just type Bulgarian, waffle, or AK 223 into the search box on the opening page at each site. try, www.gunsamerica.com , you will have to roll up the screen till you get down to magazines and clips heading, sometimes you find some there.

A quality scope will help you get good accuracy with either one.

[JIMBO55]

Just got my new KTR-03 and was surprized to find out that the mags (bakelite) do not have to be modified other than the robarms followers--when i first got my vepr the mag sent with it had some material removed from the rear of the mag, in the top left corner and some material removed from the inside mag lips. the mags i purchased i replaced the followers with the r/a units and followed the cuts on the original r/a mag. my ktr came with a black bakelite mag with the r/a followere but with no material remover as the first one had removed.----guess what the all feed and function!!!!!!!! JIMBO

[bud]

Why don't more people think about the 5.45 x 39? What is wrong with this caliber?

[Hozer]

My solution was to buy one of each K model........5.45, .223 and 7.62x39. I like them all but the .223 is most accurate by far.

[HDR]

bud
Well in my case, I already had a SAR 2, so the Vepr II is 5,56.

Both are really good calibers. SAR-2 mags are cheap and there's a lot of different kinds of 5,56/.223 ammo..
I liked all the different kinds of ammo, but I already have other AK's in 7.62x39 and 5,45..

[NHGunNut]

When I bought my Vepr I went with the 7.62x39 because I already had a few AR's For the record the most accurate ammo I have used is the Corbon but it eats wolf like candy and I get mags for 7-8 bucks and cases of blasting ammo for $82 compared to 150 for brass cased 223

[HDR]

Wolf is good blasting/plinking ammo.. ;)