NIB .308 VEPR: First Impressions.

[M77B1]

Just bought a NIB .308 VEPR "Carbine" (20.5" barrel). First impressions:

Fit and finish is excellent. Black oxide on the metal has a nice matte black uniform appearence that resembles the finish on the Galil. Wood is very nice walnut that seems to have a very subtle tiger stripe type finish on the stock. Checkering is flawless.

Stock is thumbhole,of course. As t-holes go it is one of the best ergonomically that I've shouldered,with a substantial recoil pad attached. Sling swivels front and rear.

Front sight is standard Ak. Rear sight is RPK fully adjustable type. Graduations only go out to 300 meters, but one could add to that easily. Since it is marketed as a hunting rifle,the rear sight can't be set for a battle sight setting; no markings on the sight leaf for it,and the sight leaf doesn't ramp-up when the slider is moved to the fully rearward position.

Barrel is claimed to be hammer forged and is qute a bit thicker than barrels on standard .308 Yugo Ak or .308 Galil. No adjustable gas system,unfortunately.


In my opinion,this rifle could be used as battle rifle very effectively,even though it lacks a flash suppressor. I don't consider the 10rd mag a detriment to it's use in this role,but others may. It's weight is less than many other MBRs,such as the FN-FAL and M14. The quick detach scope mount is also a very nice feature for an MBR or counter-sniper.

Range report to follow in the near future.

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M77B1 aka FN49




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[This message has been edited by M77B1 (edited 07-17-2000).]

[Templarx]

You know, I thought long and hard about these things when they first came out, the quality is top notch.

Are you going to keep the issue stock on it or put a Soupbowl stock set on there? I actually kind of like the way they did the thumbhole, even though I hate thumbholes.

I totally agree that the VEPR is a very battle worthy rifle, hell, many troopers took rifles less well made or balanced (or reliable) into battle and prevailed.

What kind of glass are you going to put on it?

Keep us updated. http://www.ak47forums.com/cool.gif

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[M77B1]

Hey,Templar: Keeping the t-hole; would rather have it than U.S. made parts.

Just ordered another 10rd. mag and the VOMZ P4x32 scope with range finding reticle and removeable sun shades (only $100 for scope).

BTW- The gentleman I talked to at Robarms today said that the owner is in D.C. fighting with the Feds right now. Apparently they want to ban further importation of the VEPR.

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M77B1 aka FN49

[Templarx]

On what grounds are they trying to ban its importation??!!

10 round mag..no hi caps made for it..

politically correct thumbhole stock so you can't hurt any one with it....

no hint of a bayonet lug or flash suppressor....

Are they trying to do this via the State Department (example..trade relations with Russian Federation) or under BATF auspices?

I am well and truly getting sick of all this bullshit.



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[FN49]

I don't have too many details; he said they wanted to import some more rifles and the Feds (all he mentioned was "the damned Clinton Administration) said no. Might have something to do with the VEPR Super (standard VEPR rifles were to be modified by Robarms into the Super), but that doesn't seem like a legit reason to cut them off.

But it's the Gov't; nuff said.

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FN49 aka M77B1