Carbine VPO-208 .366 TKM

Review of the VPO 208 smoothbore carbine – many possibilities at an affordable price!

The VPO 208 smoothbore carbine is a modification of the 1945 Simonov self-loading carbine, which has a 14-centimeter rifling. Powerful, reliable and durable, it perfectly combines the advantages of a rifled weapon without the need to obtain a corresponding license. It differs from the classic Simonov carbine in its equipment: an internal Paradox attachment, the presence of six right-hand rifling, which has a great effect on the firing range and accuracy of hits.

Perfect for hunting large animals from a distance of 150 meters, it has soft recoil and is suitable for firing 7.62, 366 TKM cartridges. The price of cartridges for this specimen is quite reasonable - from 40-50 rubles per piece. The carbine has a non-removable magazine with a capacity of 10 rounds. The VPO-208 uses gas-operated automatics, which have a short stroke of the existing gas piston, which is located directly above the barrel. It has a steel receiver; the process of locking the barrel bore is realized by skewing the bolt, being in a vertical plane.

Review #1

Externally, the carbine is not much different from its combat predecessor, unless, of course, you look closely at the inscriptions on the receiver.

Disassembly also confirmed complete identity with the prototype, the only difference being the barrel. The VPO-208 has a smooth barrel with a rifled muzzle 14 cm long. It is the fact of partial rifling according to the “paradox” type that made it possible to classify the VPO-208 as a smooth-bore weapon, but in terms of accuracy, accuracy of fire and lethality it comes close to a rifled one. This attracted the attention of a large army of hunters and shooters who had not achieved “rifling experience.”

Rifles in the muzzle of the barrel.

Examining in detail the long-familiar design, I am once again convinced of the complete authenticity of this sample of Simonov’s self-loading carbine, with the exception, of course, of the barrel. At the same time, I also highlight some nice additions from the manufacturer, such as an external thread at the end of the barrel (covered with a protective sleeve), allowing future owners to use various DTK (muzzle brake compensator) to improve shooting parameters.

The thread on the muzzle is covered with a sleeve.

The main focus of testing was the desire to try out the new product in action, so I went to the shooting range.

Unfortunately, of the several possible options for .366 TKM bullet cartridges, only polymerized lead bullets were available, but I think that will be enough for now.

.366 TKM cartridges. Lead bullet with polymer coating.

Having previously studied the forums and the reviews that appeared, I was mentally prepared for troubles in the form of frequent delays (non-ejections), associated primarily with the quality of the cartridge, and not with the design of the carbine, which has been proven over decades. Looking ahead, I will say: having shot a pack (20 rounds), I received only 2 delays. But the trouble has just begun, everything will definitely be finalized over time, better components will arrive, and the range of cartridges themselves will expand significantly, and short-term shortages in gun stores will become a thing of the past.

I chose 50 and 100 meters for shooting distances; there is no point in shooting further without an optical sight, especially since they are the most efficient, both at the shooting range and during hunting.

I check the quality of the factory adjustment of mechanical sights with several shots, at the same time getting used to the trigger and tactile sensations. The descent is long, but smooth - a feature of all SKSs, and not of a specific sample. The recoil is quite soft, despite the heavy bullet, and practically does not disturb the insert, which facilitates quick readiness for the second shot. The sound of the shot is a “pleasant bass” (there is not that ear-piercing crackle like the original cartridge), and it is quite comfortable to shoot without headphones. The mechanical rear sight, left on the carbine from the progenitor, is marked up to adjustments of 1000 meters, which in our case is not relevant, but the very fact of being able to select the required position of the rear sight for a certain distance is very important.

Next, I shoot in series of 5 shots at the specified distances.

The series at 100 meters, although subject to wind drift, turned out to be more uniform in the spread of the group of hits, without separation, since it was shot without delay from one tab.

A series of 50 meters vertically fit quite compactly into 2-2.5 cm, but the horizontal was stretched due to a delay in the process of completing the series and, accordingly, a change of tab.

At the same time, the accuracy indicators turned out to be excellent: if at fifty meters they are comparable to a very well-prepared smoothbore weapon, then at a hundred meters they are in no way inferior to the SKS carbine in its native rifled caliber, and perhaps even surpass it.

Group of hits at a distance of 50 m.

Group of hits at a distance of 100 m.

Having tried shooting without a rest, offhand, I was also pleased, the carbine is quite easy to use, the aiming line is quickly located and aligned with the selected target - it would be quite good as a weapon option used in driven hunts.

It is too early to draw any conclusions after a short acquaintance with the cartridge rather than the carbine, but there is a clear understanding that the domestic arms industry is beginning to guess the desires and needs of customers. And the smooth-bore SKSs being swept off the shelves are proof of this. I am sure that such weapons have a future and their users will be both hunters who have not reached the level of experience to purchase rifled weapons, as well as amateur shooters who often spend time at shooting ranges, and owners of “rifling” whose acquisition limit has been exhausted and their desire It is possible to own the legendary SKS, even in a smoothbore version.

Author: Alexey Suvorov

Tuning vpo 208

It is possible to change the classic look of the Simonov carbine using various devices, adding to it the necessary exclusivity in appearance; tuning vpo 208 includes:

ATI “Strikeforce” stock;
butts;
forend;
orthopedic beds;
weapon racks;
telescopic cane supports.

VPO-209 – modification of the Kalashnikov smoothbore carbine

The VPO-209 smoothbore carbine is made by Molot-Weapon based on the AKM and has identical:

view;
mass;
dimensions.

The VPO-209 is adapted for effective shooting with hunting cartridges of 366 TKM caliber, developed for the VPO-208 carbine, which is based on the Simonov self-loading carbine. The 366 TKM self-loading AKM is purchased under a smoothbore license, so its buyers do not have to wait until the end of the five-year period to obtain the necessary permission to own it.

The 336 TKM cartridge is ideal for effective hunting of animals weighing over 200 kg at a distance of up to 150 meters. Produced by Tekhkrim, Izhevsk (TK) and OJSC Molot, Vyatskie Polyany. The current cartridge is a modification of the 7.62 caliber cartridge produced in 1943. It is produced complete with a “Dary” lead bullet, weighing 13.5 g, with a “Gexa” semi-jacketed bullet, weighing 15.5 g, and in 2020, production and sales of cartridges with a “Konus” semi-jacket bullet, weighing 15 g, resumed. The vpo 209 carbine is easy to use, does not have harsh recoil, and is ideal for use by beginners who want to gain the necessary experience in handling weapons. Caliber 366 tkm - modernized for shooting with smoothbore weapons. The barrel has the appropriate threading.

Review #2

On one of the Russian hunting forums we found a review from the owner of this carbine. This is what the user “Slushkov” writes:

— I am the owner of the desired device. I first heard about the presentation (June 2015) and was looking forward to the start of sales. I bought it just to be able to shoot at 100-150 m. I didn’t have time to try it on a real hunt, because... Receiving the ROC for this device just coincided with the end of the season, and there was simply nowhere to test it.

In general, below I will describe the negative and positive aspects of its use. And draw your own conclusions - whether to buy or not.

Next, user “Slushkov” describes the pros and cons of this carbine.

Smoothbore carbine VPO 208

The VPO 208 smoothbore carbine is a modification of the 1945 Simonov self-loading carbine, which has a 14-centimeter rifling. Powerful, reliable, and durable, it perfectly combines the benefits of a rifle without the need for a license. It differs from the classic Simonov carbine in that it is equipped with an internal Paradox attachment and the presence of six right-hand rifling, which has a great effect on the firing range and accuracy of hits.

SKS - Simonov self-loading carbine.

Perfect for hunting large animals from a distance of 150 meters, it has soft recoil and is suitable for firing 7.62, 366 TKM cartridges. This copy has a fairly affordable price for cartridges - from 40-50 rubles per piece. It has a non-removable magazine with a capacity of 10 rounds. The VPO-208 uses gas-operated automatics, which have a short stroke of the existing gas piston, which is located directly above the barrel. It has a steel receiver; the process of locking the barrel bore is realized by skewing the bolt, being in a vertical plane.

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What to consider when choosing?

If you choose VPO-136, the review should begin with the appearance of this device. You don’t even have to pay attention to such elements as the condition of the wood on the gas pipe or the forend, since if necessary, this can be quite easily replaced, because the cost of the kit is 300 rubles. Also, don't worry about whether to use a whistle or a nut, because this is also quite easy to change and has approximately the same cost. It is best to choose a machine that is in good technical condition, and only then replace the nut and forend on it, than to choose a device immediately with an ideal condition of the whistle and forend, but then discover later that the gas piston has burned out or there are some serious damage to the trunk.

Smoothbore carbine VPO 209

The VPO-209 smoothbore carbine is made by Molot-Weapon based on the AKM and has identical:

view;
mass;
dimensions.

The VPO-209 is adapted for effective shooting with hunting cartridges of 366 TKM caliber, developed for the VPO-208 carbine, which is based on the Simonov self-loading carbine. The self-loading AKM caliber 366 TKM is purchased under a smoothbore license, so its buyers will not have to wait until the end of the five-year period to obtain the necessary permission to own it.

Specifications

Caliber: .366 TCM.
Weapon length: 883 mm.
Barrel length: 515 mm.
Weapon width: 72 mm.
Weapon height: 195 mm.
Carabiner weight: 4 kg.
Magazine capacity: 10 rounds.

Smoothbore carbine VPO 212

According to experts, production of the VPO-212 smoothbore hunting carbine was supposed to begin in the second quarter of 2020.

On the manufacturer’s Internet portal the price is 40 thousand rubles. Within this amount, the estimated cost was indicated at the beginning of the year.

The hunting rifle weighs 4.3 kg and looks very stylish, with a walnut stock. There are no excesses that distract the shooter’s attention.

Weapons for hunting appeared on the basis of the Vepr-Pioneer carbine SOK-97R and SOK-94R. VPO-212 is chambered in .366 TKM. The kit includes a 5-round magazine.

What is this weapon of 2020? The barrel is smooth, 520 mm long, self-loading.

Automatic reloading is carried out due to the force of the powder gases and the force of the return spring.

The fuse is a push-button, very convenient and makes virtually no sound than the usual ones that are installed on Kalashnikov assault rifles and Kalashnikov light machine guns.

In addition to its own mechanical reversible sighting device, designed for shooting from distances up to 100 and 300 meters, the VPO-212 has a rail for installing collimator and optical sights.

The dispersion radius is no more than 50 mm, and the target firing range is 300 meters.

Specifications

Caliber: .366 TCM.
Weapon length: 1040 / 1140 mm.
Barrel length: 550 / 650 mm.
Weapon width: 75 mm.
Weapon height: 200 mm.
Weight without cartridges: 3.9 kg.
Magazine capacity: 10 rounds.

Types of malware 148

Today, there are several modifications of the carbine, which do not differ significantly from each other (Figure 4).

Differences in the VPO 148 5.45x39 mm model line - weight and barrel length:

148-01 - 420 mm and 5 kg;
148-02 - 520 mm and 4.85 kg;
148-03 - 550 mm and 4.9 kg;
148-04 - 590 mm and 4.6 kg.

In addition to the standard vpo 148 350 and the above, more modern analogues are also produced: 148-05, 148-06, 148-09 and 148-10.

Among them, the VPO 148 420 mm series includes VPO-148-01 and VPO-148-06. Let's take a closer look at the features of the samples that are most popular among athletes and hunters.

VPO 148 01

A fairly heavy weapon for its design, a standard caliber of 5.45 by 39 mm, VPO 148 01 is made of plastic with a weight of 5000 g and has a gas-operated reloading system. In addition, the carbine has a longer barrel length than its predecessor at 420 mm and a total of 1100 mm.

Figure 4. Basic modifications of firearms

The gun is equipped with sights in the form of a front and rear sight with a Weaver optics mount. The model's parameters are standard - a magazine for 10 rounds of ammunition and a familiar design.

VPO 148 05

A running example of a carbine that stands out among its fellows by the presence of a telescopic butt, the VPO 148 05 has compact dimensions - a length of 830 mm and a 350 mm barrel with a weight of 4500 g.

It also reduces to 635mm by folding onto the right side and locking the safety, thereby fitting the shooter comfortably. It has an improved trigger, ensuring smoother operation. To securely attach accessories, the carabiner is equipped with a metal Picatinny rail.

VPO 148 06

A particularly unremarkable model with characteristics almost identical to the base one.

There are only three significant differences between VPO 148 06:

Heavy weight - as much as 5 kg.
The average L of the barrel is 420 mm.
At the same time, the total L of the gun is 930 mm.

VPO 148 09

Another representative of the model range in a classic design.

Parameters and technical features of VPO 148 09:

Dimensions - 590x1100x75x200 mm;
Ammunition - 5.45x39, 10 pieces;
Weight - 4.58 kg and 4.69 kg without and with a magazine;
Semi-automatic with side gas engine;
4 right-hand rifling with a pitch of 195 mm;
Rotary type of locking and 2 locking stops.

VPO 148 10

An interesting modification in the style of the classic RPK-74, VPO 148 10 has its own characteristic differences.

Firstly, this is the presence of a bipod and a non-folding drive. Secondly, impressive dimensions - 590 mm barrel, 1100x75x200 mm with standard 10 5.45 by 39 mm ammunition.

Smoothbore carbine VPO 213

Model VPO 213 is a classic self-loading shotgun with a side-mounted gas engine. The energy of the muzzle gases is spent on ejecting the spent cartridge case from the chamber, cocking the bolt and setting the safety. The cartridge is fed by a spring located in the magazine and the bolt frame. The barrel is locked using a rotating bolt and two lugs.

The design allows for single shot firing. After each shot, it reloads automatically. After using the last cartridge from the magazine, you need to change the magazine and readjust the bolt frame of the gun.

The barrel is a Paradox type, with rifling in the muzzle. The channel is chrome plated, as is the chamber. The butt has a frame design to reduce the weight of the product. The stock body is made of high-quality impact-resistant polymer. The buttstock allows for adjustment by changing the position of the brush and butt plate.

Important! Like all modifications with a folding stock, the VPO 213 has a lock that makes it impossible to shoot with a folded stock. To put it into combat mode, you need to unfold the butt into its working position. Otherwise, you risk not making a shot in a timely manner and missing your prey. It is forbidden to fold the stock when the safety is in the “Fire” position.

When developing the model, the manufacturer took as a basis the Soviet RPK machine gun, as well as the models of rifled guns VPO 148 and VPO 126. Externally, the “two hundred and thirteenth” is practically no different from the latter.

How to fill it out correctly

Rosstat Order No. 90 contains instructions for filling out VPO-2 for 2019, which is also relevant for 2020, until changes are made to the order.

Instructions for filling:

a separate division is any branch of a legal entity located outside the location of the main office, its legal address, where permanent workplaces of employees are equipped;
reporting is filled out and compiled by a special person authorized by management;
the name and address are indicated in the header of the form in full accordance with the constituent documents;
when filling out the form for a separate division, indicate the name of the department and the name of the legal entity itself;
the address is indicated with a postal code; if there is an actual address different from the legal one, both are indicated. If a separate division does not have a legal address, the actual postal address is indicated;
OKUD code is indicated in accordance with Classifier OK 011-93 (OKUD), it is already indicated in the form;
OKPO is indicated in accordance with the Rosstat notification of its assignment, which can be found on the official website of the government agency;
Column 3 of the code part contains the local category code: leading classical university - 1; Federal University - 2; national research university - 3. In general, the indicator is set to 3, the first category includes only 2 universities, the second category includes those for which special requirements have been approved by the Government of the Russian Federation;
data is provided for the calendar year;
units of measurement are those provided by the form;
all information must correspond to the primary accounting documentation.

Review of the VPO-208 model

Almost all models are distinguished by high quality workmanship, and this concerns both the external design and the reliability of the mechanisms. Many owners note a high degree of comfort when using the carbine; the simplicity of the mechanisms and devices makes it easy and quick to partially disassemble the carbine, which may be necessary when repairing and cleaning the weapon. In addition to excellent shooting performance, the buyer’s attention is also attracted by such characteristics as an elongated receiver, a modern, thoughtful design and the balance of the entire design of this carbine, which ensures maximum convenience in its use.

The ergonomics of each structural part of the carbine allows you to carry out the process of its operation with convenience and comfort. Unique aiming is ensured by the perfectly flat shape of the receiver. And even attaching an optical sight, front sight and fore-end to it does not reduce the shooting performance due to the use of both a particularly strong alloy in the manufacture of the barrel and a well-thought-out form of mounting attachments that does not change the flight of the fired bullet. The modern shape and excellent design using natural wood attract the attention of buyers to the carbine, while the price worthy of the high quality is quite reasonable.

The model in question was made on the basis of the Simonov carbine, well-known to many - a fixed magazine for 10 rounds, a characteristic appearance - these characteristics are identical. A more advanced hammer-type firing mechanism ensures rapid feeding of the cartridge into the chamber, which determines the high rate of fire. The owners note as an important advantage of this model the correct and thoughtful choice of materials for the design of the carbine: made of modern polymer materials, it retains its attractive appearance for a long time. This is facilitated by the increased strength of the materials and their high-quality processing - even with sharp fluctuations in temperature and humidity, the butt body and receiver do not change their original qualities.

An overview of the VPO-208 carbine is given in this video:

Advantages and disadvantages

By analyzing the qualities of the carbine in question, you can evaluate its advantages and disadvantages. As the owners of VPO-208 note, it has practically no shortcomings.

And there are many positive qualities that distinguish this model’s carbine from its analogues on the market today. These include the following characteristics of the carbine:

convenient shape guaranteeing maximum convenience when using the carabiner;
the possibility of using the model by right-handers and left-handers;
excellent external design, while the appearance of the materials (both polymer and natural) is preserved for a long time due to their proper processing);
the ability to fire single shots;
excellent shooting quality indicators, which include shot accuracy, bullet range, and aiming;
availability of the opportunity to improve (tuning) the carbine.

Stylish appearance, excellent capabilities due to thoughtful technical characteristics - all this has made the VPO-208 model carbine one of the most popular today.

Vepr VPO-208 (photo)

Purpose

Initially, this carbine was intended for shooting: it can be used to hit medium and large targets, and the ability to use cartridges of various calibers ensures the destruction of such targets. However, as practice and reviews from the owners of the model have shown, this carbine is perfect for self-defense, for participation in sports shooting competitions, and also for entertainment.

Varieties

Today, several main varieties of this carbine are offered. They all have basically similar parameters, have proven themselves well in use and have a lot of positive reviews.

This VPO-208 model uses 7.62x39, 9.5 mm cartridges. Bullet shells with a caliber of 366 TKM can be used for firing from this carbine differ as follows:

LSWCPC - lead bullet with a polymer shell;
FMJ11 - a bullet with a blunt end and reduced weight (11 g);
FMJ15 - a jacketed bullet with a pointed end and a mass of 15 g;
SP - a variant of a semi-jacketed bullet (weight also 15 g).

A large selection of cartridge options used for shooting from the carbine in question is also an advantage of the model.

The technical characteristics of the VPO-208 shotgun are given below.

SPO and HPO: issues of interaction

Our experts

Sergey Georgievich Sitnikov , rector of SibGUTI

Olga Yurievna Krasnikova , director of the College of Telecommunications and Informatics of the State Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education SibGUTI

Svetlana Nikolaevna Burovtseva , director of the Novosibirsk College of Geodesy and Cartography

Georgy Vladimirovich Kolmakov , director of the Novosibirsk Instrument-Making College

Pavel Mikhailovich Postnikov , Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of SGUPS

Yuri Konstantinovich Tkachuk , director of the Novosibirsk Technical School of Railway Transport, branch of SGUPS

Is multi-stage education good or bad? How are things going today regarding the interaction between the secondary and higher levels of vocational education in Novosibirsk educational institutions? And is the connection between college and university important for current applicants?

— Today, representatives of both departmental and autonomous educational institutions gathered at the round table. Let's talk about the path educational institutions chose during the difficult period of education reform.

S. Sitnikov : — In our country there is a graded education. The issue of uniting secondary and higher education institutions in the field of telecommunications and computer science was thought about 15 years ago. We united - and, as can be seen now, we made the right choice. The College of Telecommunications and Computer Science is our structural unit. We have only benefited from this merger. College graduates come to us, according to the conditions accepted at the university, without passing the Unified State Exam. They can study at a university using an accelerated system - three and a half years. Moreover, we have a free choice: if the applicant wants to receive a bachelor’s or specialist’s degree, please. Our student can also study abroad and receive a double degree at the same time. Generally speaking, the system of bachelor's and master's degrees is not our system. For example, in the USA, bachelors study for a year at a training center, where they apply the acquired knowledge in practice. We do not have such centers for further education.

P. Postnikov : - This system was offered to us relatively recently, but we had and have our own, proven over the years and practice. We have previously worked in conjunction with technical schools, and in 2007, SGUPS and its four branches - Novosibirsk, Tomsk, Belovsky and Novo-Altaysk technical schools - merged into a university complex. Departmental affiliation is a truly masterful approach to solving staffing issues in the railway industry. In this regard, JSC Russian Railways makes a lot of efforts. Therefore, there were and are no problems with staffing the industry with professional personnel. It is prestigious to study here both at a technical school and at a university. And in our Novosibirsk technical school, especially: according to the results of the 2009 rating, among 55 railway technical schools in Russia, it took first place.

What will win: autonomy or industry principle?

- And now a word for those who have not united.

G. Kolmakov : — Previously, we belonged to the defense industry, but now the industry principle has been violated. We were allowed to float freely, so to speak, and it became much more difficult for us to live and teach our students. Today we pin our hopes on the creation of large holdings and corporations that would help our educational institution develop and provide guaranteed jobs to our graduates. There is talk about creating an all-Russian personnel center for the specialty “optical instruments and technologies” at the Novosibirsk base. But for now the situation is complicated.

S. Burovtseva : — Since 2005, we have become subordinate to the Ministry of Education. Current funding does not allow us to carry out proper repairs in the technical school premises or purchase modern geodetic instruments and software. What can we talk about if one device that we use as visual material costs more than a million rubles? We annually hold a “Graduate Fair” and enter into cooperation agreements with employers, but today they are also experiencing financial difficulties and are not able to help education. And in December 2009, we began to experience long-awaited changes - we were placed under the wing of the Geodetic Academy. This will undoubtedly allow us to rise and develop further.

The main principle is the quality of preparation

— What other advantages of unification can you name?

O. Krasnikova : — SibGUTI and I are together not only geographically, we interact very closely. This year the college turns 80 years old, and for 15 of them we have been a structural unit of SibGUTI. Our students do receive bonuses when entering university, but this is not the only advantage. Since the communications industry is knowledge-intensive, it is very important to quickly respond to the needs of the service market and the requests of employers. Continuing education (college - university) allows you to prepare in-demand and competitive graduates. Interdepartmental connections are also very important to improve the quality of teaching. An important role is played by the possibility of internship and advanced training for college teachers at a university. In addition, our students take part in sports competitions and undergo internships at the same enterprises as university students.

Yu. Tkachuk : — This year we celebrate our 25th anniversary. And we can summarize some of our activities. It is important that integration between educational institutions of different levels allowed us to maintain our departmental affiliation. But there were proposals to go on an autonomous voyage, but the management’s decision not to do this, made in 2007, justified itself in all respects. For example, we have preserved the institution of distribution like nowhere else: every year in the spring employers come to us and sort out all our graduates. Along with the diploma of graduation from the technical school, we present the graduate with a ticket to the enterprise. And this is a guarantee of employment for a graduate, a decent salary and the necessary social package, which is very important for a young person entering life.

P. Postnikov : — The creation of a single university complex allows us to complement, enrich each other, improve the quality of educational services, and gives the teaching staff of the branches the opportunity to improve their qualifications, including studying in graduate school. Thus, we practice teacher exchange, we have common educational and production sites, and a library collection. We also interact with common employers to distribute graduates.

Autonomous colleges are waiting for help

— What awaits SPO in your opinion?

G. Kolmakov : — Secondary vocational education is experiencing great difficulties. Most likely, consolidation awaits us - if previously there were three colleges, then there will be one. Some will be allowed to sail on their own. At the top they think: since an educational institution can feed itself and has paid places, then why finance it? The number of paid services will increase due to a reduction in budget places. Our situation will improve if the employers' union finally works and we get funding.

Specifications

The VPO-208 carbine, which stands out among analogues on the market with similar parameters of external design and shooting quality, also has excellent technical characteristics: they determine the shooting performance from it.

Specifications

Carbine VPO-208

Manufacturer country	Russia, Molot enterprise
Purpose	Hunting, sport shooting
View	Smoothbore self-loading carbine
Ammo capacity	10 with the possibility of replacing the “native” magazine with a larger one
Overall body length	1 120 mm
Type of cartridges used	7.62x39
USM type	Trigger type, allows you to fire single shots
Features of the trunk structure	The narrowing towards the exit hole has 6 right-hand rifling, which entails an increase in the accuracy of fire
Barrel length	625 mm
Model height	202 mm
Weight	4.89 kg
Width	57 mm
Type of trunk	Cold forged, oxide coated

Design

If we consider the design features of the carbine, then the relative simplicity of the VPO-208 model allows you not to feel any obvious difficulties when using the carbine in question, which is important for novice shooters.

The main structural part of the carbine can be called the butt. The barrel is also an important part of any model of rifle. Made from high-quality polymer materials, the receiver and buttstock can withstand temperature changes when using the carbine in the field.

Disassembly

Disassembling the VPO-208 is necessary when repairing the barrel of the carbine, during the process of cleaning it. It does not require the use of special tools; it can even be carried out in the field.

The optical sight is installed and removed from its intended fixation location on the surface of the receiver. There is also a bar on the barrel for attaching other attachments.

Tuning the VPO-208 shotgun is described below.

This video will tell you whether VPO-208 and VPO-209 carbines are used when hunting elk and wild boar:

What are its differences from AK?

First of all, it is worth noting the fact that the muzzle is punched at approximately a depth of about 1 cm. Often, a slight mark from the core remains on the outer front end, but reviews of VPO-136 owners indicate that in practice such punching does not have any effect no effect on the operation of the weapon, and even after 100-200 shots, the “splash” of metal in the core area gradually smoothes out. Of course, this is where the chrome plating suffers some damage, which requires more thorough cleaning.

A small hole was drilled into the bolt cylinder (in the firing pin exit area), which leaves a trace of the spent cartridge case on the capsule. It is worth noting the fact that the sleeve itself retains its integrity. The screw was welded, as well as a specialized fastening stock. This is done in order to exclude the possibility of shortening this carbine to a length of less than 80 cm. For this reason, this stock can be legally modified only if the work is carried out in a licensed workshop.

Design Features

VPO-208 is a semi-automatic smoothbore carbine with a side-mounted gas engine. It is identical to the SKS not only in appearance, but also in design. The only difference is the barrel design.

The hammer-type trigger mechanism is designed for firing single shots. There is a safety catch in the trigger guard of its body. The charging handle is located on the right side of the bolt frame. VPO-208 is equipped with a non-removable magazine designed for 10 rounds.

During a shot, part of the lateral gases is diverted through a hole located in the side wall of the barrel, which ensures the operation of the carbine's automatics. To lock the barrel, it is necessary to move the bolt downwards, behind the lug located in the receiver.

VPO-208 has a smooth barrel equipped with a paradox rifling nozzle. Weapons of this type show good accuracy and accuracy of fire; in these parameters, they are close to rifled guns.

At the end of the barrel there is an external thread, which is covered with a protective sleeve. Thanks to this, the carbine can be additionally equipped with a muzzle brake compensator, which improves shooting parameters.

In the butt on the buttplate side there is a pencil case in which accessories for disassembling and cleaning the carbine are located.

Changes and additions

It was decided to replace the trigger, that is, the removed parts of the automatic trigger, instead of which they installed a trigger, typical for Vepr carbines. Of the automatic parts, we decided to leave only the fuse-translator.

On the bolt frame, on the right guide, there is a tide cut, which on a combat machine gun is designed to interact with the automatic trigger feather. The cut area was not processed in any way, and it is advisable to make the funnel with at least some kind of cold funnel in order to eliminate the possibility of rust. About the VPO-136, reviews from owners indicate that the bolt frame is not the main part of the weapon, as a result of which the owner has the opportunity to change it completely independently.

The third axis hole has a unique detail riveted on the right side of the barrel box. Among other things, all sorts of new-made marks are applied, and on most of the devices they are present on the left and right walls of the barrel box, while on a certain part of the weapon they are located on the barrel under the forend. Brands are applied using laser technology, and can be quite simply blackened to the point of invisibility through the use of specialized cold bluing products.

In terms of other characteristics, the VPO-136 weapon fully corresponds to the standard parameters of a combat assault rifle.

Advantages of VPO-208

Main advantages:

this smoothbore carbine is a good alternative to rifles, and a rifle license is not required to purchase it;
reliable to use and not demanding on operating conditions;
has good design and ergonomics;
good range, accuracy and accuracy of fire;
the .366 TKM cartridge used has great destructive power;
There is a wide scope for tuning the VPO-208; a large number of parts are available for sale.

It is worth noting that VPO-208 carbines are produced by converting army SKS, which are stored in warehouses. In this case, either a rifle that has been mothballed and has never been used, or a rifle that has previously been in use and has even undergone repairs can be used as a source. Therefore, after purchasing VPO-208, it is worth disassembling it, soaking it in kerosene and carefully checking all the elements.

Tuning

The VPO-208 carbine allows tuning at the request of its owner. Most often, VPO-208 owners improve their carbine with the following tuning elements:

A mechanical sight is not very suitable for accurate shooting at long distances, so many owners install an optical or collimator sight on the carbine. With this improvement, the firing range and accuracy significantly increases.
The original SKS carbine has a wooden stock, which does not meet modern requirements for the appearance and practicality of a weapon. The owner of the VPO-208 can install a modern type of stock on his carbine, which can be plastic or wooden, folding, with adjustable length; in addition, it can be equipped with a pistol or tactical grip.
Owners of the VPO-208 carbine can equip their carbine with various barrel attachments: a muzzle brake-compensator (DTC), a flash suppressor or a muffler. The muzzle brake-compensator (DTC) allows you to reduce recoil and thereby increase the accuracy and accuracy of fire. Silencers allow you to reduce the volume of a shot, reducing it to a minimum. Flash suppressors allow you to reduce the flash of fire from the barrel, thereby hiding the location of the shooter.
The standard VPO-208 magazine is designed for 10 rounds; some owners want to increase the capacity of the carbine magazine, but you should immediately warn that such an upgrade is prohibited by the weapons law, according to which civilian weapons cannot have a magazine with a capacity of more than 10 rounds.
In addition to the above-mentioned tuning elements, there are many small accessories that can significantly increase comfort when using the VPO-208 carbine, these include a rubber butt plate for the butt, a magazine release button, a buffer for the return spring, and an improved gas outlet tube.