Molot Vepr-12
Overview
Vepr-12
Right side view of the VPO-205-03 variant of the Vepr-12 shotgun.
Source: Unknown author -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Russian for "boar"
VPO-205
VPO-206
Description
Introduction
The Vepr-12 is a gas operated shotgun of Russian origin. The design is a competitor to the Saiga-12 shotgun. As with the Saiga, the design is based on the Kalashnikov rifle. Certain variants of the Vepr-12 are intended for tactical use.
Design
The design is based on the Kalashnikov rifle and uses an unregulated gas tappet system. The thicker RPK-74M light machine gun receiver serves as basis for the design. The Vepr-12 is gas operated and uses detachable box magazines. These magazines were developed for the Vepr-12 and are not interchangeable with the Saiga-12. Optical sights can be fitted on the Picatinny rail on the dust cover. The dust cover is hinged in order to retain zero. The Vepr-12 is produced in a number of models. These differ in barrel length, muzzle device, accessory rails and type of stock.
Firepower
The Vepr-12 is a semi-automatic shotgun chambered for 12 gauge shotgun shells. The VPO-205 models can fire regular length 2.75-inch shells and 3-inch Magnum shells. The VPO-206 models only fire 2.75-inch shells. Magazine size ranges from 5 to 12 rounds. Drums of 20 and 25 round capacity exist as well, although these are mostly aimed at competition shooters.
Users
The Vepr-12 is aimed at the law enforcement market and civilian sales. It is in use with Russia and several other nations.