Molot Vepr-308
Molot-Oruzhie Ltd. · Rifle · In Production · 2003
Also known as: VPR-308, Vepr Molot .308 Winchester, Vepr Hunter .308
Overview
The Molot Vepr-308 is a Russian semi-automatic sporting and hunting rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester). Built on the heavy RPK light-machine-gun receiver pattern, it features a 1.5 mm thick stamped steel receiver - 50% thicker than a standard AKM - with a hammer-forged chrome-lined barrel for extended service life. Manufactured by Molot-Oruzhie at the Vyatskie Polyany Machine-Building Plant, the Vepr-308 is among the most rugged AK-pattern hunting rifles ever produced.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4054 g (143.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1003 mm (39.49") |
| Folded Length | 737 mm (29.02") |
| Barrel Length | 521 mm (20.51") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 838 m/s (2749 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3340 J (2463 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 318 mm (12.52") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Matte Black Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Lever Safety
- Features: Rpk Pattern Thickened Receiver, Hammer Forged Chrome Lined Barrel, Thumbhole Stock, Adjustable Tangent Rear Sight, Side Rail Optic Mount
Variants
- Vepr-308 16.5" — Carbine Length
- Vepr-308 Side-Folding Stock — Folding Stock
- Vepr-308 Super — Premium Walnut
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sport shooters
- Civilian hunters and competition shooters
Production
Production years: 2003-present
Civilian-only sporting rifle; multiple barrel and stock configurations produced
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Molot-Oruzhie design team
Notes
U.S. imports were halted by the July 2017 OFAC sanctions on Molot-Oruzhie. Available in barrel lengths from 16.5" to 23" with thumbhole, fixed wood, or side-folding stocks.
Background
The Vepr (Russian for 'wild boar') hunting series is built on tooling from the RPK light machine gun, giving each rifle a receiver thick enough to withstand sustained full-auto fire from a belt-fed weapon - overkill for a semi-auto sporter, but it makes the Vepr-308 nearly indestructible.