Molot VPO-206

Molot-Oruzhie Ltd. · Shotgun · In Production · 2003

Also known as: Vepr-12, VPO-206-00, Molot Vepr 12 Molot

Overview

The Molot VPO-206 is a Russian gas-operated, magazine-fed semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 12 gauge. It is the export and civilian-market designation of the Molot Vepr-12, built on a heavy-duty Kalashnikov-pattern receiver derived from the RPK light machine gun. The VPO-206 is distinguished by its M4-style collapsible telescoping buttstock and feeds from detachable box magazines of 2 to 12 rounds or high-capacity drum magazines.

Specifications

Weight (empty)4550 g (160.5 oz)
Overall Length1227 mm (48.31")
Folded Length867 mm (34.13")
Barrel Length430 mm (16.93")
Action TypeGas Operated
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity5 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity400 m/s (1312 fps)
Muzzle Energy2560 J (1888 ft·lbf)
Effective Range100 m (109 yd)
Barrel RiflingSmoothbore
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialPolymer
FinishPhosphate

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Production

Production years: 2003-present

Produced by Molot-Oruzhie at the Vyatskie Polyany Machine-Building Plant (VPMZ); exported to the civilian and law-enforcement markets as the VPO-206.

Origin

Country of origin: Russia

Notes

The VPO-206 family includes the base VPO-206-00 with a 16.92-inch barrel, the VPO-206-01 sporting model with a 20.4-inch barrel, and the VPO-206-02 competition model with a 26.77-inch barrel and choke fittings. All chamber 2.75-inch (70mm) 12-gauge shells.

Background

The Vepr family of firearms is named after the Russian word for wild boar and is built on the reinforced RPK-pattern receiver, giving the VPO-206 a notably robust action for sustained shotgun fire.