Hunters often complain about the problems associated with the heavy weight of the rifle and the too long barrel. At first glance, there is no particular difficulty in carrying your weapon. But after several hours of travel and overcoming long distances, the body begins to get tired little by little. If hunting takes place not in the field, but in the forest, one more concern is added: a long trunk clings to branches, slowing down movement.
In this regard, the relevance of a serious modernization of hunting rifles is understandable. As a result of technical improvements carried out back in Soviet times, carbines appeared on the arms markets - modifications of hunting weapons. Significantly reduced weight and barrel length of many models are favored by both amateur and serious hunters.
The most famous carbine of the USSR
In Soviet times, the Simonov self-loading carbine (SKS) was especially popular among hunters. Work on it began inWorld War II. Despite the fact that this carbine was originally planned as a weapon for the cavalry, having proved its reliability in operation, it was more widely used in the Soviet, and later in the Russian army. During the war, the carbine was also used by partisan formations to resolve local military conflicts.
This firearm has two modifications that allow automatic and manual reloading. The second option is considered hunting. This is due to the fact that SCS is most often found among hunters, as it has many valuable qualities. The advantages of the Simonov self-loading carbine are its ease of operation, shooting accuracy, reliability, which are confirmed by the owners' reviews. VPO-208, created on the principle of SCS, is its improved version.
Upgraded SCS
The Molot Vyatka-Polyansky machine-building plant, based on the Simonov self-loading carbine, created a similar, but already modernized version of a new small arms. The modified VPO-208 carbine is identical to the SKS in its appearance, weight and overall dimensions.
The new model differs from its counterpart in a new smoothbore barrel, caliber and purpose. Some reviews of the owners of VPO-208 contain the statement that the resource of the modified barrel allows you to fire no more than five thousand shots from this carbine.
In the device of the classic version of the self-loadingSimonov's carbine is new only in the barrel, equipped with an internal nozzle "Paradox" (125-135 mm) and six right-handed rifling, which have a beneficial effect on accuracy of fire. In addition, the muzzle of the carbine barrel has a special thread for attaching flame arresters or other muzzle devices. Everything else in the model remains the same. The carbine-208, the photo of which is presented below, has proven its effectiveness in practice.
Presentation of the new SCS smoothbore model
For the first time, an improved model of Simonov's self-loading carbine was presented on May 21, 2015. The venue for the presentation of VPO-208 was the SSK "Nevsky". The demonstration was organized by the Hammer Weapons enterprise and the arms company Tekhkrim, which deals with ammunition. During the presentation, the best examples of VPO-208 carbines and 366 TKM ammunition were shown. The results of the test firing demonstrated the high capabilities of the modified SCS model and ammunition.
The second show of VPO-208 smoothbore carbines took place on August 11, 2015. The venue for the demonstration was the “French Shooting Club” in Mytishchi. When firing, a high rate of accuracy was noted: from a distance of one hundred meters, the bullets fell from each other at a distance of 1 cm. After the second presentation, the serial production of this model was announced.
Components of the upgraded SCS
The design of the VP-208 smoothbore carbine contains the following elements:
- carbine barrel;
- receiver withlid;
- chamber for powder gases;
- bolt frame;
- trigger mechanism;
- return mechanism;
- handguard;
- piston;
- spring-loaded pusher;
- carbine magazine;
- special feeder with a spring that supplies ammunition to small arms;
- sights.
Tactical and technical characteristics
The VPO-208 smoothbore carbine is equipped with a new barrel. It is designed to fire modern Russian cartridges of caliber 336 TKM:
- length of carbine with barrel - 1025 mm;
- barrel length - 520 mm;
- carabiner width - 61 mm;
- VPO-208 carbine has a magazine that is designed for 10 rounds certified for the operation of smoothbore weapons;
- light barrel weight (3.65 kg) makes it much easier to carry while hunting;
- sighting range is 300 m.
The VPO-208 smoothbore carbine, the photo of which is presented in the article, quite understandably deserved high popularity.
The design of the shotgun is much more elegant than that of Simonov's self-loading carbine. In the new version of small arms, the stock has a semi-pistol shape. Walnut is used for its manufacture. In addition, there are special notches on its surface that prevent possible slipping. According to the reviews of the owners of VPO-208, a carbine withThe modified bed is very comfortable to use. The design makes it possible to attach special attachments for optics to it.
How does the VPO-208 carbine work? Description
Kurkovy type of trigger mechanism allows you to make single shots with subsequent installation on the safety lever. The principle of automation is based on the operation of powder gases discharged through holes in the side wall of the barrel. When the bolt is moved behind the combat stop of the receiver, the barrel is locked. The shutter is located on the bolt carrier, on the right side of which there is a loading handle.
A manual lever safety in the trigger guard ensures safety during operation. The carabiner can be easily and quickly removed from the fuse with the help of the thumb. The magazine is reloaded while the shutter is open. The carbine magazine is non-removable and is completed with special clips, consisting of ten rounds for smoothbore shooting.
The equipment can be carried out both with clips and single cartridges. The sight is represented by a front sight, which can be adjusted in two planes, and an aiming bar. The carbine has a wooden stock and butt, in the back of which there is a container for a special pencil case. All accessories necessary for the care of weapons are placed in it.
Dignity of the Vyatka-Polyana model
Reviews from VPO-208 ownersindicates that on the Russian market it is significantly superior to other models of smooth-bore hunting rifles. The advantage of the carbine lies in the high accuracy of fire. In the absence of optics at a distance of one hundred meters, the accuracy of hits is from eight to ten centimeters. The use of a large-caliber bullet with a high muzzle energy significantly increases the lethality of the VPO-208. Owner reviews confirm the important advantage of this small arms - the lethal effect of a bullet while hunting large ungulates. Today, any citizen of the Russian Federation can purchase such a carbine. To do this, it is enough to have a license to own smooth-bore long-barreled weapons.
Scope of VPO-208
Reviews of amateur hunters and professionals confirm that the improved model of Simonov's self-loading carbine is one of the best among many samples of small hunting weapons. The Vyatsko-Polyanskaya model of the carbine is also suitable for shooting at a shooting range. At a distance of one hundred meters, you can hit both game and the target. At the same time, an acceptable accuracy of hits from VPO-208 is observed. Owner reviews about this carbine are extremely positive. The legislation of the Russian Federation is allowed to independently re-equip its cartridge. This allowed VPO-208 to take its rightful place among other models of long-barreled small arms.
Production of cartridges for the new carbine model
For hunting animals weighing less than 200 kg, are usedcartridges 336 TKM. They are equipped with integral magazines for the VPO-208 carbine.
The characteristics of cartridges for convenience when buying are indicated by the abbreviation TKM, which contains information about the developers and manufacturers.
The development of cartridges is carried out by CJSC Tekhkrim in the city of Izhevsk. The creator of ammunition for the VPO-208 carbine is designated by the abbreviation TK. M denotes the manufacturer of the smoothbore version of the SKS - OAO Molot (Vyatskiye Polyany).
The basis for the production of carbine cartridges 336 TKM is the cartridge case 7, 62X39 mm, 1943 release. It is a model for the manufacture of a new version of the cartridge, which has a caliber of 9.5x37.5 mm. Bullet weight varies from eight to fifteen grams. With a weight not exceeding fifteen grams, flying out of the bore, the bullet is able to develop an initial speed of 570 to 590 m / s. Its kinetic energy varies from 2440 to 2610 J. The bullet can be jacketed and semi-shelled.
Used ammo shells
The production of cartridges for the Simonov self-loading carbine and its modernized version is carried out by expanding an existing sample, the caliber of which is 7.62X39 mm. As a result of processing, a caliber of 9.5 mm is achieved, the length is 0.366 inches. To complete the new created cartridges, shot and bullet shells are used, which, depending on the task, are fired by the VPO-208 smoothbore carbine. Owner reviews confirm the effectiveness of such cartridges, which are ongun market novelty.
On the shelves of hunting and weapons stores, 366 TKM shells are represented by four types:
- LSWCPC. Contained in a polymer shell and equipped with a lead bullet. The use of a polymer significantly reduces the lead lead of the carbine barrel. Bullet weight is 13.5 grams.
- FMJII. A blunt jacketed bullet weighing 11 grams is used.
- FMJI5. The pointed jacketed bullet in this projectile weighs 15 grams.
- SP. A half-shell bullet is used, weighing 15 grams.
Reviews of the Tyumen owners of the VPO-208 carbine, as well as their recommendations, allow us to conclude that for hunting large ungulates and bears, cartridges equipped with a semi-shell bullet that can be used at a distance of 150 m are more suitable.
Shot shells for the VPO-208 carbine weigh 20 grams. They are used for hunting game birds and small animals. The presence in the assortment of both bullet and shot shells testifies to the versatility of this small arms, in the production of which all the wishes and feedback of consumers were taken into account.
Dignity
The prevailing number of positive qualities of any product allows it to compete with analogues. The VPO-208 carbine also took its place in the market, among other small arms. Owner reviews highlight the strengths of the new model:
- Comparatively affordable barrel price - 25 thousand rubles. The cartridges used for this weapon are considered budgetary, since the price for them, compared with bulletcartridges, low.
- Ease of use. The improved buttstock does not slip in the hands. The shortened barrel does not interfere with movement. Recoil when shooting is almost not felt, which is important for beginner hunters and beginners.
- The presence of bullet and shot shells makes it possible to hunt small and large game.
- Since the modernized VPO-208 is based on the classic Simonov self-loading carbine, the new model of small arms is a collector's item.
- According to the law of the Russian Federation, the VPO carbine has the right to purchase persons who have already owned carbines for at least five years. In the case of VPO-208, this restriction does not apply. According to the legislation of the Russian Federation, a license for smooth-bore small arms is sufficient to purchase this carbine. Having it, you can purchase a VPO-208 carbine, which is in no way inferior to rifled weapons in terms of power. Now you don't have to wait five years. The buyer can do this already in the first year of his hunting activity. The appearance on the arms counters of the VPO-208 carbine has become a good alternative to rifled small arms.
- High accuracy when shooting: bullets fired from a distance of one hundred meters lie 5-8 cm apart. An identical picture is observed when firing from the Tiger carbine and SVD.
- The VPO-208 smoothbore carbine is ideal for both hunting and target shooting.
- Great design and ergonomics.
- The use of such additional aiming andmuzzle devices, like optics and flame arresters, improved the tuning of the VPO-208, which is very similar to the Simonov self-loading carbine.
Weaknesses of the Vyatka-Polyanskaya SCS model
Among professional hunters and target shooting enthusiasts, the few shortcomings did not make the VPO-208 carbine less popular.
There are no reviews of shortcomings in the design of this smooth-bore small arms. Consumers are more concerned about everything related to his ammunition. The most problematic issue for users is the desire of the manufacturer to monopolize the manufacture of cartridges. According to the authors of the reviews, this may lead to a significant increase in the cost of ammunition, especially with an increase in demand for them.
The second point that gunsmiths are very worried about is the possibility of ending the production of cartridges by the Tekhkrim company. This situation already took place when, for economic reasons, the company stopped producing 7.62 mm caliber ammunition for 6P42/37/36 and IZH-79/78/77 gas pistols. Gas pistols without the cartridges they need have become ordinary toys. But, despite all the fears, users hope that this will not happen with the VPO-208 carbine. In addition, according to connoisseurs, cartridges of caliber 366 have great prospects for further development. They are connected with the announcement of a completely new model created on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle - the VPO-209 carbine, which, like the VPO-208, is adapted for caliber 366.
Smoothbore VPO-208 is a good alternativerifled small arms.
You can buy it in the Hammer and Weapons branded weapons stores, the window dressing of which is made in the aggressive red colors characteristic of this company. When buying a smoothbore carbine VPO-208, there is a limit on the amount of ammunition. According to the established limit, when purchasing one copy of this small arms, the consumer receives only two hundred rounds of ammunition in the kit.
Smooth-bore version of Simonov's self-loading carbine has its own circle of admirers. These are mainly professional hunters and lovers of smooth-bore small arms. The VPO-208 carbine is also suitable for those who do not have the necessary experience to purchase a rifled barrel.
Today, in the world of hunting small arms, there is a noticeable trend towards the gradual modification of rifled options. This makes it possible to shoot ammunition from them, which until recently was intended only for smooth-bore hunting weapons. The result of such improvements are the VPO-208 and VPO-209 carbines, the demand for which may gain momentum in the future.
