Molot Vepr-12
Molot-Oruzhie Ltd. · Shotgun · In Production · 2003
Also known as: VPO-205, Vepr-12 Molot, VEPR 12
Overview
The Molot Vepr-12 is a Russian semi-automatic shotgun designed and manufactured by Molot-Oruzhie Ltd. at the Vyatskiye Polyany Machine-Building Plant. Introduced in 2003, the Vepr-12 is built on the heavier RPK light machine gun receiver rather than the standard AKM receiver, giving it a reinforced 1.5mm thick stamped steel receiver compared to the 1.0mm thickness of standard Kalashnikov-pattern firearms. The shotgun employs a long-stroke gas piston operating system with a rotating bolt featuring two locking lugs, faithful to the proven Kalashnikov action. Chambered in 12 gauge with a 76mm (3-inch) chamber, the Vepr-12 accepts both standard 70mm and magnum 76mm shells. An unusual feature for the Kalashnikov family, the Vepr-12 incorporates a last-round bolt hold-open mechanism. The shotgun feeds from detachable box magazines available in 5, 8, 10, and 12-round capacities, with 20 and 25-round drum magazines also available. The barrel, chamber, and gas block are fully chrome-lined for corrosion resistance and longevity. Developed as a direct competitor to the Izhmash Saiga-12, the Vepr-12 has gained a strong following in IPSC shotgun competitions, 3-gun matches, and tactical applications. The heavier RPK-derived receiver effectively absorbs recoil, making it more controllable than lighter competitors during rapid fire. The Vepr-12 has seen military deployment with Russian forces in the Russo-Ukrainian War, where it is used primarily for counter-drone operations in conjunction with electronic warfare systems.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4300 g (151.7 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4900 g (172.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 977 mm (38.46") |
| Folded Length | 705 mm (27.76") |
| Barrel Length | 430 mm (16.93") |
| Height | 290 mm (11.42") |
| Width | 75 mm (2.95") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 29 N (6.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 396 m/s (1299 fps) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Stamped Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12 ga, 12 bore, 12x70mm, 12x76mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Detachable Drum Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Lever, Trigger Disconnect
- Features: Rpk Receiver, Chrome Lined Barrel, Chrome Lined Chamber, Chrome Lined Gas Block, Rotating Bolt, Long Stroke Gas Piston, Last Round Bolt Hold Open, Left Side Folding Stock, Picatinny Rail, Pistol Grip, Adjustable Rear Sight, Muzzle Brake, 3 Inch Chamber, Ak Pattern Controls, Reinforced Receiver
Variants
- Vepr-12 VPO-205-00 — Standard
- Vepr-12 VPO-205-01 Sport — Sport
- Vepr-12 VPO-205-02 Competition — Competition
- Vepr-12 VPO-205-03 Compact — Compact Tactical
- Vepr-12 VPO-206-00 Tactical — Tactical
- Vepr-12 VPO-206-01 Sport — Sport
- Vepr-12 VPO-206-02 Competition — Competition
- Vepr-12 Defender — Tactical
Service history
Operators
- Russian Armed Forces · as Vepr-12
- National Guard of Russia (Rosgvardiya)
- French RAID
- French GIPN
- Greek Special Police
Conflicts
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
- Syrian Civil War (2011-present)
Production
Production years: 2003-present
Produced domestically in Russia at the Vyatskiye Polyany factory. U.S. imports ceased in 2017 due to sanctions. Molot declared bankruptcy in 2017 but continued production under restructured management.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Notes
The Vepr-12 requires ammunition with a minimum muzzle velocity of approximately 396 m/s (1,300 fps) for reliable semi-automatic cycling. Lower velocity reloads and some light birdshot loads may not generate sufficient gas pressure to cycle the action. The VPO-205-03 compact variant with its 305mm barrel exists as a military/law enforcement model. The VPO-206 series is specifically optimized for 70mm (2.75-inch) shells and IPSC competition use. Molot-Oruzhie declared bankruptcy in 2017 due to supplier lawsuits and operational debts but continued domestic production under restructured management. U.S. imports were halted on June 20, 2017 when the Treasury Department sanctioned Molot-Oruzhie; approximately 400 units remained in U.S. inventory by October 2019. Vepr-12 magazines are not interchangeable with Saiga-12 magazines despite both being AK-based 12-gauge shotguns. The RPK-style rear sight is graduated to 1,000 yards, inherited from the RPK receiver, though this far exceeds the practical effective range of any 12-gauge load.
Background
The Vepr-12 is built on the reinforced RPK light machine gun receiver, making it one of the most overbuilt semi-automatic shotguns ever produced. Its name 'Vepr' means 'wild boar' in Russian. In the Russo-Ukrainian War, it found an unexpected tactical niche as a counter-drone weapon, used to engage small UAVs at close range in coordination with electronic warfare operators.