Vepr Hunter 7.2x54R

[WheelHead]

So after the March shoot I’ve come to one conclusion. There are just too many damn ARs . There were a few AKs but I want to get something new for myself for the next shoot that will stand out as being different. I had posted a while back about the Vepr line of rifles. I have been looking at picking up one of the hunter models in 7.62x54r for myself. I have been able to handle one, but there is not much info around the net about the specific hunter model and how they compare to the regular Vepr line.
Anyone ever have any experience firing on, what is your opinion of the Hunter style Vepr?
Thanks for any input.

 

[kohburn]

so a wood hunting stock, short barreled, version of what they used to sell as a dragunov?

it does look pretty nice

 

[erwos]

so a wood hunting stock, short barreled, version of what they used to sell as a dragunov?

There's another model (cheaper, I recall) that has more of an SVD look.

In any event, the VEPRs have always had a good reputation, but they're not easily converted to a more traditional AK format.

 

[Scott7891]

There's another model (cheaper, I recall) that has more of an SVD look.

In any event, the VEPRs have always had a good reputation, but they're not easily converted to a more traditional AK format.

+1

They use heavier milspec barrels and receivers which increases weight but also increases accuracy. They are good as shooters and are made in Russia, home of the AK, so you know quality is top notch .

If you are going for the conversion/collector route though I would look somewhere else unless you have money to throw in to it.

Sturmgewehre does an excellent review of it below:

 

[WheelHead]

I have seen that review in several places but I had heard that the hunters trigger and barrel are even a step up from that model. I was just trying to get any experance. I like the mount that it comes with and could find a nice lower power scope for it. I have no plans on changing the stock, and will add a few 10 round mags for it.
I'll be stocking up on plenty of ammo for it before the nuts really go off as the elections gets closer.

 

[BLACKTALON]

I have seen that review in several places but I had heard that the hunters trigger and barrel are even a step up from that model. I was just trying to get any experance. I like the mount that it comes with and could find a nice lower power scope for it. I have no plans on changing the stock, and will add a few 10 round mags for it.
I'll be stocking up on plenty of ammo for it before the nuts really go off as the elections gets closer.

are you sure they have 10 round mags? the thing holding this back is not being able to use surplus mags. they are really hard to convert as apposed to a Saiga I wanted one and then saw how low cap the mags are. I alsp thought about it not alot of reloading stuff for 7.62x54r and once the surplus is gone its gone. we talked about hunting with this round and the best ammo is soft point priv. I am just saying you could get a 308 Saiga save some money and have a devastating hunting round from the store

 

[Sirex]

I have seen Centerfire selling these 54r Veprs with 23 and 20" barrels. I like the idea of a 20" barrel, but would 20" be too short for the 54r? I hear stories of the M44 being a mule.

 

[boss66tcode]

I'd have to measure my M44, but I don't think it can be much longer than 20". It does kick, but its managable, so with added weight in a VEPR, it shouldn't be aweful.

 

[boss66tcode]

The barrel on the 1946 Izzy M44 we have is just over 18".

20 should be manageable.

 

[WheelHead]

Speaking of recoil..it'll be different since we are taking about as gas operated rifle. The last 7.62x54r rifle I has was a PSL imported by century and it was great. Only problem was it was part of a recall because it still had rivet from when it was a FA. So I had to a mandatory RMA and the one I got in return was junk. After selling that rifle I wasn’t interested in anything else imported by them. I did however remember like shooting the first rifle so I imagine the Vepr being even nicer.

 

[NakedSnowman]

Ohhhh, as a 54r junkie this looks great! I will probably have to buy this.

Also, 54r is closer to 30-06 than .308. I have a Sako .308 and while it is an amazing gun and a very potent round, the round isn't in the same class as the 54r. Two completely different rounds with different ballistics.

 

[BLACKTALON]

Ohhhh, as a 54r junkie this looks great! I will probably have to buy this.

Also, 54r is closer to 30-06 than .308. I have a Sako .308 and while it is an amazing gun and a very potent round, the round isn't in the same class as the 54r. Two completely different rounds with different ballistics.

can you shoot full power 7.62x54r or only light ball like PLS

 

[WheelHead]

From the research I have found heavy mil-surplus is a go.

 

[Jimbob2.0]

It's like a valet hunter that eats cheap ammo love it

 

[jawn]

I really want a Super Vepr 308.

 

[ST19AG_WGreymon]

The Vepyr Hunter has a different safety.

 

[chris12138]

Heard nothing but good things about the VEPR line. A long barreled version in 54r is on my short list.

 

[Sirex]

Wow, they have a 16" version too!

http://centerfiresystems.com/762x54r-2.aspx

 

[G O B]

That is on my wish list!

 

[Sirex]

Hmmm, I want a 20". Regulated or non? I got my Saiga 308 unregulated, with standard stock. Vepr 54r with thumbhole stock, no bayo lug, no flash suppressor or muzzle brake should be good to go, cash and carry legally per 96-1, no?