VEPR K replacement furniture?

[SLR fan]

I'm thinking about getting a VEPR K in .308 after the first of the year. However, I don't like the looks of the stock. For what is supposed to be such a great rifle, the stock looks funky, IMHO. The handguard is OK. Its just the stock that bugs me. Is there a place to get replacement furniture for the VEPR K?

[Skibane]

They look a LOT better in person!:cool:

The slant-cut receiver makes it difficult to use ordinary RPK furnature. Some folks have the receiver welded to a "normal" shape.

Have you considered one of the original (not the II-version) VEPRs? They have some very nice wood on 'em. SOG was selling 'em for about $480 a while back.

http://www.robarm.com/images/vepr308_w_scope.jpg

[mack8384]

As "Skibane" says the slant cut reciever will prohibite the installation of regular AK furniture (unless the reciever slant is filled in, which must be done by a competent smith). Also the forend furniture is attached with a screw. Converting this to regular AK style involves removing the gas tube and front sight base and installing the an AK lower hand guard keeper and replacing the upper gas tube from an AK.
The Choate Dragunov style butt stock Choate link (http://www.riflestock.com/) can be installed with a small amount of fitting.
The Vepr furniture is actually very comfortable when you try it.

Mack M.

[SLR fan]

Thanks for the replies guys. I have a Saiga in .308 with wood furniture that looks like a traditional hunting rifle. I wanted a VEPR K because it looks more like a military/sniper rifle. Most of the posts I've read about VEPRs have been favorable. Some claim it is the most accurate AK made today. FAC has them for $499 I believe which makes them cheaper than the SAM7 or Sam Classic. However, I've got six AKs in 7.62x39 so I was looking for another .308. I like the AK type action and I like my Saiga so I thought the VEPR might be a good way to go but the butt stock on the VEPR K just looks cheap or like an after thought , IMHO. Don't mean to dis the rifle itself. Maybe Ironwood Designs makes or will make replacement furniture for the VEPRK. I've got a set odered from them for my MAK90 which has a slant-cut receiver.

[mack8384]

I've been in touch with Ironwood and they do not offer or have no current plans to offer a stock set for the Vepr.
It would cost you approx. $150-$250 for a decent smith to add a filler to the reciever and still make it look good.
Another option would be to get someone who has wood working expertise to make you a butt stock. I had reservations about the furniture when i first picked up my .308 Vepr, but once in my hands it grew on me and now i like it very much.
If your serious about a conversion you can contact Krebs custom Guns or SAI about it.

Mack M.

[Dadoo]

This is my VEPR-K 7.62x39 converted by Krebs Custom.
http://www.krebscustom.com/KalashnikovRifles.html
They have a special jig for welding up the angle cut on the back of the reciever. When they are done, you can not tell any welding was ever done, It looks like all one piece. The VEPR is not an AK, it is an RPK. Krebs choice of wood is RPK wood only for the VEPR, because that is what fits.
I did not like the looks of the stock VEPR-K because of the handguard. For less money than a complete conversion, you may consider just getting the handguard converted per the Krebs website. And while your gun is in their shop, have them do a trigger job on your gun. It is First Class! Sweet!:D
http://images.prosperpoint.com/images/2394/120726-71.jpg