Vepr II 7.62 x 39 or .223???

B

Barn Dog

New member
I'm in the market for a Vepr II (AK47 variant made in Russia then modified and sold by Robinson Armament) and am undecided about which caliber to get. The rifle will just be for range/target shooting with the guys at work but I would like something that is at least fairly accurate. I doubt self defense or hunting will ever come into play but you never know. I assume the .223 would have a slight edge in accuracy but I am also concerned about ammo & magazine cost and overall availability of ammo in the future (will the 7.62 x 39 be around in the US forever at a low cost?) I don't own anything in either round right now so your advice on the advantages & disadvantages on both calibers and the Vepr overall is appreciated. Regards, Barn.
 
Go with the 7.62x39. Ammo is cheap enought to start stocking up on now. And brand new mags are available for $5.95. Too bad they don't chamber the VEPR in 5.45x39.
 
For range use, I'd go with 7.62x39mm because ammo is less expensive. If you are considering it for battle, I would go with 223 Rem because of it being interchangeable with what the military uses and it is lighter.
 
A couple of clarifications:

The VEPR II series is based on RPK action, not AK, I think. As such, some parts (regardless of caliber) will NOT interchange with the AK parts.

Robarms sells modified 5.56mm mags for $15 each, so mags for the 5.56mm variant is quite reasonably priced.

Robarms itself seems to be very pleased with the accuracy of the 5.56mm version as opposed to the Soviet 7.62mm. In fact, on one of the discussion boards, one of their reps explicitly stated his own preference for the former.

Skorzeny
 
ROBARMS might be hyped up on the .223 VEPR because they make $15 for a $5 mag. Yes you can modify them yourself but they know alot of people will not bother. I am not saying its not a good rifle, just that they may have their motives for touting the .223 performance. Kinda like Beeman and the 5mm/20cal. airguns.
 
I have one in 223.My son and I are quite happy with it,except for the weight.Accuracy is great,but scope mounts cost$70!!!!
Tracer
 
I have one in 7.62x39. I already have an AR, so I figured if I was going to get an AK-type rifle, might as well go with the original. It does kick, but sure is a lot of fun.

BTW, the weight is also my chief complaint.
 
most parts should interchange. The RPK is really only different in the actual receiver... all parts should fit I think.
 
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