VEPRs: II vs K

[Zaxor]

This will probably be a rehash of previous inquiries, but it's of some importance to me. I'm looking to buy a VEPR this summer, and I don't know whether to get a carbine or the longer barrel model. What is everyone's experience with this, and is there any quantitative data on accuracy comparing the two? I'll probably be getting 7.62x39mm, but other calibers aren't out of the question. The rifle will be used for plinking mostly, but there is part of me that wants to have something for SHTF... ;)

Also, how long would it take me to get this rifle? I've heard it can take some time.

[bigjross2002]

Yes it can take some time to get a VEPR but if you placed an order now you just may get one. I know FAC has a VEPR K in 7.62x39mm for $450. I would get the VEPR K because the rifle is already quite front-heavy and with a "20 barrel it would be even heavier (but possibly more accurate). The other caliber to consider is the .223 as it will eat up Wolf ammo (witout any problems) which is quite cheap by .223 standards. Im not sure however that you could fire Milspec loads as I think it is a SAMMI chambered rifle. You cant beat the price of 7.62x39mm ammo either and the mags are plentiful and cheap as well.

[Skibane]

As bigjross said, the lighter barrel weight and easier handling of a 16" barrel are big pluses on this rifle. Reportedly, the 7.62 x 39 round was designed for a carbine-length barrel anyway, and only gains a little long-range accuracy with a longer barrel. The .223 round loses significant velocity in a short barrel, but that doesn't become a serious problem in most applications until you get into ultra-short barrel rifles. Unless you're planning to shoot competitively with it, the K version is probably the way to go.

Someone posted a few days ago that FAC was backordered on the 7.62 x 39 VEPR-K.

[bigjross2002]

I believe that that was me that posted FAC was backordered. From what I hear from Harlan who manages FAC's forum here more will arive soon. I belive that my backordered rifle will be recieved somtime this week but im not sure.

You have to admit though 450 for a VEPR K is a great price. Especailly when you are dealing with other places that sell the same gun for 550 or more. So in my opinion it is worth the wait and from what I hear VEPRs will be available shortly.

Oh by the way if you do go with .223 Robinson armament sells .223 mag followers which allows you to quickly convert 5.45x39mm mags to .223 in seconds. I think they sell for like 5 or 6 bucks.

[HDR]

That nose heavy might be an advantage with muzzle rise also.


The extra 4 inches of barrel in 7.62x39 is interesting. I have a NHM-91 (7.62x39 and 20") and when shooting gongs at 100m there is a difference in the sound when it hits compared to the 16" barrels..
I asked a couple of other shooters to listen and they hear the same difference.. But, in all honesty I am not sure. Sound can be subjective also..

bigjross2002
Oh by the way if you do go with .223 Robinson armament sells .223 mag followers which allows you to quickly convert 5.45x39mm mags to .223 in seconds. I think they sell for like 5 or 6 bucks.
You'll need to grind away some of the bakelite also. The 5,45 is 39mm long and the 5,56 is 45.

If you look at a 5,45 mag it necks down where the shoulder and neck area of the cartridge contact the magazine.
That pushes the 5,56 round inwards too early. If you load a 5,45 mag with 5,56, you'll see what I mean.

[Ian]

I have a Vepr II and Vepr K, each in .223 and without a muzzle brake. The Vepr K has a better balance. I've noticed no difference in recoil due to the weight difference. Accuracy for the two rifles is the same - excellent!

I think you may enjoy the shorter Vepr K more for your purposes. If you want 7.62x39, be aware that a shipment of them is making their way to stores now.

Regards,
Ian

[HDR]

Recoil is a function of weight, but agreed as far as perceived recoil I notice no difference either..
Perhaps that is why the NRA is buying a pendelum to measure recoil? ;)

I'm no authority on the differences, I shot a mag thru a K, he shot one thru my II.. ;)
Sight radius doesn't matter, I like optics.

I bought the II because I wanted the Vepr and the extra barrel length for the 5,56's velocity.

All the "tactical" thoughts aren't really important to me. In the Military I used a variety of weapons, I learned they all worked. As far as weight, I've carried the Pig also and in tropical heat..

If I really had to defend myself, I'd reach into the safe and whatever I grab would work, its merely a tool in the hands of a weapon.

Around here, I debate the 5,56 vs the 5,45 often. Simply because one side or the other acts like one of them is not effective and they are. ;)

[bud]

Zaxor...I have a Vepr K in 5.45 x 39mm and love it! What I have read about longer barrels in the 7.62 x 39mm is you don't gain much in velocity. It is mostly a person choice. I am sure what ever your choose you will draw a lot of attention at the range, the Veprs are beautiful rifles.

[gibsonite]

I've found my VEPR II to have an edge in accuracy over my K at ranges over 100 yards. Before that, I don't see much difference.

After 200, I definitely see a difference.

The VEPR II does not swing as well as the K though, and at 100 yards and under, I'll take the K with the KOBRA sight.

Over 200, and really prefer .308 or .30-06, but I was very pleasantly surprised with the performance of the VEPR II at that range.

[HDR]

gibsonite
At short ranges I'll take the exit and make them longer.. ;)

One thing I have noticed comparing a 16" AR to the 20" Vepr II. At 200m using milk cartons filled with water and frozen, using 193 the Vepr makes a bigger "splash.."

[Mysterious]

Originally posted by Zaxor
Th... I'll probably be getting 7.62x39mm, but other calibers aren't out of the question. The rifle will be used for plinking mostly, but there is part of me that wants to have something for SHTF... ;)



FWIW, if you are really looking for a SHTF rifle, I'd steer clear of the VEPR .308. The hard to find/EXPENSIVE 10 round magazines are a serious drawback.

If you're looking for a true battle rifle, you can have a ,308 FAL or CETME/G-3 for less. Twenty round mags for the CETME/G-3s can be found easily for under $5. There's even some 30 rounders out there if you look around.

Even if you're not looking for a BR, the 7.62x39 VEPR is the way to go simply because of the general AK accessory market selection.

[BattleRifleG3]

Most AK accessories WON'T work on a VEPR.

The VEPR is the same DESIGN as an AK, but not the same specs by far.

[gibsonite]

Originally posted by HDR
gibsonite
At short ranges I'll take the exit and make them longer.. ;)

One thing I have noticed comparing a 16" AR to the 20" Vepr II. At 200m using milk cartons filled with water and frozen, using 193 the Vepr makes a bigger "splash.."

Milk cartons make great targets.... once all the milk is gone anyway... :big: I like targets like that. I use all kinds of shapes and sizes. Some of them I have hanging or just sitting. I like variety.

I've seen a difference in accuracy between the two, but I'll have to look at some spray comparisons. It would be interesting to see the results.

[satdiver00]

I had the same questions prior to getting mine. Something to also consider is will anyone else be shooting this rifle i.e. wife, kids? if so the VEPR K in .233 is lighter and felt recoil is much less than the VEPR II in 7.62 X 39 so you may wish to go with this weapon instead. I ended up buying both the VEPR II in 7.62 X 39 for myself and the VEPR K in .223 for my wife and sons to use(His and hers Christmas gifts). My wife has shot both VEPRS and she prefers the VEPR K and the .223 recoil as compared to my VEPR II. My sons like them both just as I do. I am now considering the M-96. Either way I am sure you will be very pleased with either rifle.

[The Body Bagger]

I have two semi-auto rifles. I have an Armalite M15A2 carbine and a Vepr K in 7.62 x39. I love them both, but for short range @ 100 I love shooting the Vepr!!! My finace' love the Armalite because of how light it is and the almost non existent recoil, but I love the Vepr because its all that the M15 is not. Get the Vepr man and be quick about it!!! And get a Kobra on top like mine and you will never be dissapointed, ever!!!