Anyone here own a VEPR 7.62x54R

[cab5392]

I was wondering if anyone owned a VEPR chambered in 7.62x54R and if they liked the rifle or could offer a review.

I have a PSl already, but I have been debating selling off the PSL and acquiring a VEPR, due to the rising price of the PSl and the lower cost VEPR's showing up.

I hear they are more accurate and better built/fit, but I would like some opinions.

[works4dhs]

same round as the Moisin? interesting. never heard of meself.

[cab5392]

http://www.classicfirearms.com/long-...epr2-54r-rifle

They are very nice looking rifles. I ask because someone is selling one in my area for 750 including a scope mount and 4 mags.

[codycr6]

Check with MAC (Military Arms Channel) on youtube, he has one. Believe he goes by Sturmgewehre on here.

[Plagued707]

Originally Posted by codycr6

Check with MAC (Military Arms Channel) on youtube, he has one. Believe he goes by Sturmgewehre on here.

His tag name is Gladius on these boards & the youtube name is Sturmgewehre.

http://www.survivalistboards.com/sho...d.php?t=218685 Here is the review on the gun you're looking at acquiring.

[cab5392]

Thanks for the video, I think I'm sold. If I do go through with the purchase I'll probably get a comparison thread up between the PSL and vepr, I might sell off my sks' instead of the PSL, I've grown attached.

[hoplite59]

Centerfire Systems has them for $699 brand new. I'm looking at one of these beasts myself. BIG Question though, will this VEPR eat corrosive surplus
ammo ? If so, it's a no brainer, If not, then ammo costs will be high.

Any input on the surplus ammo question would be great. Yes, this is the MOSIN caliber, that's what caught my attention.

[Sp60]

I have one in .308 that I like a lot. Centerfire systems was selling the one you're looking at for $699, which is good price for a unique firearm like this (the .308 are $100 less than that even).

I'm not an AK expert, but from what I understand the "RPK-style" receiver is a lot stiffer than a regular AK, even though it is still stamped.

In the .308 it shoots very nicely, although I haven't gotten a chance to go beyond 30-40 yards with it yet. Much better groups than any stamped AK I've shot, although probably not up to M1-A standards.

I was really tempted to go for the 7.62x54R model as well, given the cost of that ammo. In the end though, it seemed more reasonable to stick with the .308.

The rifle itself seems very well put together. There are some differences between the layout of a VEPR and a 'regular' AK, so there's not going to be a lot of part interchangeability.

Also, mags are VEPR specific and are expensive at about $40 each. In the .308 ProMag makes a nice 20-rounder for $20, so that was another factor in my choice. Don't know about the 7.62x54R mags though.

Oh yeah, they also have models for lefties, although I think the only difference is the thumb-hole stock.

Speaking of which, regular AK furniture won't work on these either. The receiver has an angled cut on the back that is different than the right-angle back of an AK so you need an adapter. Front stuff looks different too.

One vendor that has some parts for these is Carolina Shooters Supply. I'm sure there's others, but I've dealt with CSS before and they were a good vendor. Their site breaks out VEPR specific parts which is nice.

Good luck on this. If you do go for it, would love to see a range report.

[hoplite59]

any insight as to the difference between the 16 and 20 inch barrel ?

[cab5392]

I did some research and found this

It shows the different velocities he obtained with different barrel lengths, a good report.

[hoplite59]

I read some info a shortwhile ago that's similar. shorter barrel for thick brush or HD type environment and longer for wide open flat land shooting. Looks like either 16 or 20 for me. I guess they make a 23 inch version as well.

[MikeK]

Originally Posted by hoplite59

Centerfire Systems has them for $699 brand new. I'm looking at one of these beasts myself. BIG Question though, will this VEPR eat corrosive surplus
ammo ? If so, it's a no brainer, If not, then ammo costs will be high.

Any input on the surplus ammo question would be great. Yes, this is the MOSIN caliber, that's what caught my attention.

That's what it was designed to eat in the first place.

[hoplite59]

Thanks Mike . Any comment on the various barrel lengths ? I'm thinking that this is like the difference between a 91/30 and M38 regarding barrel length.

[Lylac_Krazy]

I have heard the VEPR is an excellent rifle.
Thats being said, The PSL's can be made accurate.
Heck, my PSL pistol can hit a man sized target out to 100yrds
The 2 other rifles are great shooters.
The VEPR's have (supposedly) a heavier barrel and a 1.5 MM reciever.
That will help accuracy.
I believe there is a lack of hi cap mags, and 5 rounders are common, others, less so.

[Morg308]

Originally Posted by hoplite59

Thanks Mike . Any comment on the various barrel lengths ? I'm thinking that this is like the difference between a 91/30 and M38 regarding barrel length.

No doubt the 16" would be handy, but my M38 has a 20" barrel and has a HELL of a muzzle flash. I'm guessing 16" would be ridiculous, plus the accuracy would be compromised somewhat. (unburned powder.) I have been looking at one of these for a companion piece for my Mosin. Think I'd go with the 20" myself.

[hoplite59]

Morg38

i think I'm going to opt for the 20 inch barrel as well. I'm with you on the recoil and muzzle flash on the M-38. Couldn't imagine what a 16 inch barrel would be like with that caliber of ordinance.

[Morg308]

I have to say, I also really like the Saiga shotguns they have now with 'Dragunov' type furniture. Some people think they look silly, but they seem like a badass HD weapon to me. Some people would just take one look at that big hole in the end of the barrel and pee themselves. Hell, I might! LOL.

[MikeK]

Originally Posted by hoplite59

Thanks Mike . Any comment on the various barrel lengths ? I'm thinking that this is like the difference between a 91/30 and M38 regarding barrel length.

That's pretty much individual preference. I'm not a fan of short barrels since I don't need to do any CQB. Especially with a full power cartridge. You'll have better sight radius, better velocity and reduced muzzle flash with a longer barrel.

[cab5392]

I made up my mind on a 20" version 2 with integrated sights from centerfire. The barrels are pre-threaded, and with some gentle dremel work to take off the weld and a pin punch I'll be adding an rpk slot break(seems fitting for this rifle)

I opted for the v2 as the rifle will be scoped and I intend to keep it with stock furniture and a side mount. I'll get pics etc up eventually.

[Sp60]

Good deal. Can't wait to hear more about this...