Hunting enthusiasts very often complain about problems associated with the rifle’s weight and barrel too long. At first glance, there is no special work in carrying their weapons. But after several hours of traveling and overcoming great distances, the body begins to gradually get tired. If hunting does not take place in the field, but in the forest, one more concern is added: a long trunk clings to branches, slows down movement.
In this regard, the relevance of a serious modernization of hunting rifles is understandable. As a result of technical improvements carried out during the Soviet era, carbines appeared on the arms markets - modifications of hunting weapons. The significantly reduced weight and barrel length of many models are approved both by amateur hunters and professionals engaged in serious fishing.
The most famous carbine of the USSR
In Soviet times, Simonov's self-loading carbine (SCS) was especially popular among hunters. Work on it began back in World War II. Despite the fact that this carbine was originally planned as a weapon for 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 small weapon has two modifications, allowing reloading automatically and manually. The second option is considered hunting. This is due to the fact that SKS can most often be found among hunters, since it has many valuable qualities. The advantages of Simonov’s self-loading carbine are its ease of use, accuracy, reliability, which is confirmed by the reviews of the owners. VPO-208, created on the principle of SCS, is its improved version.
Upgraded SCS
The Vyatka-Polyansk machine-building plant “Hammer” based on Simonov’s self-loading carbine was created a similar, but already modernized version of the new small arms. Modified carbine VPO-208 in its appearance, weight and overall dimensions is identical to SKS.
The new model differs from its counterpart in a new smooth-bore 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 produce from this carbine no more than five thousand shots.
In the device of the classic version of Simonov’s self-loading carbine, only the barrel is equipped with the Paradox internal nozzle (125-135 mm) and six right-hand rifling, which have a beneficial effect on the accuracy of fire. In addition, the muzzle of the barrel of the carbine has a special thread for mounting 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 proved its effectiveness in practice.
Presentations of the new smoothbore SCS model
For the first time, an improved model of a Simonov self-loading carbine was presented on May 21, 2015. The place of presentation of VPO-208 was SSK Nevsky. The organizers of the demonstration were the Hammer Weapons enterprise and the ammunition arms company Techkrim. During the presentation, the best examples of VPO-208 carbines and 366 TKM ammunition were shown. The test firing results demonstrated the high capabilities of the modified SKS model and ammunition.
The second show of smooth-bore carbines VPO-208 was held on August 11, 2015. The venue was the “French Rifle Club” in Mytishchi. When firing, a high accuracy rate 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.
The components of the modernized SCS
The design of the smoothbore carbine VP-208 contains the following elements:
- rifle barrel;
- receiver with cover;
- chamber for powder gases;
- bolt skeleton;
- trigger mechanism;
- return mechanism;
- receiver pad;
- piston;
- spring-loaded pusher;
- carbine shop;
- a special feeder with a spring, providing power to small arms with ammunition;
- sights.
The performance characteristics
The VPO-208 smoothbore carbine is equipped with a new barrel. It is designed for firing modern Russian ammunition caliber 336 TKM:
- the length of the carbine with the barrel - 1025 mm;
- barrel length - 520 mm;
- carbine width - 61 mm;
- VPO-208 carbine has a magazine, which is designed for 10 rounds, certified for the operation of smooth-bore weapons;
- light trunk weight (3.65 kg) greatly facilitates carrying during hunting;
- aiming range is 300 m.
The VPO-208 smoothbore carbine, the photos of which are presented in the article, quite understandably earned high popularity.
The design of the smoothbore gun is much more elegant than that of Simonov's self-loading carbine. In the new version of small arms, the bed has a semi-pistol shape. For its manufacture a nut is used. In addition, on its surface there are special notches that prevent possible slipping. According to the reviews of the owners of VPO-208, a carbine with a modified bed is very comfortable to use. The design makes it possible to attach special devices for optics to it.
How does the VPO-208 carbine work? Description
The trigger type of the trigger mechanism allows for firing single shots with subsequent installation on a flag fuse. The principle of automation is based on the work of powder gases discharged through openings in the side wall of the barrel. When moving the shutter beyond the combat support of the receiver, the barrel is locked. The shutter is located on the shutter frame, in the right part of which there is a handle for loading.
The manual safety switch in the trigger guard ensures safety during operation. The carbine with the thumb is easily and quickly removed from the fuse. The magazine is equipped with the shutter open. The carbine shop is non-removable and is equipped with special clips consisting of ten rounds for smoothbore shooting.
The complete set can be carried out both by 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 box and a butt, in the back of which there is a container for a special pencil case. All necessary accessories for the care of weapons are placed in it.
Advantages of the Vyatka-Polyanskaya model
The feedback from the owners of VPO-208 indicates that in the Russian market it is significantly superior to other models of smoothbore hunting rifles. The advantage of the carbine is 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 having a high muzzle energy significantly increases the slaughter of VPO-208. The reviews of the owners confirm the important advantage of this small arms - the lethal action of a bullet while hunting large ungulates. Today, a 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 models of small hunting weapons. The Vyatka-Polyanskaya carbine model is also suitable for shooting at a shooting range. At a distance of one hundred meters, you can hit both game and target. At the same time, an acceptable accuracy of hits from VPO-208 is observed. Responses of owners about this carbine are exclusively positive. The legislation of the Russian Federation allows for the independent re-equipping of its cartridge. This allowed VPO-208 to take its rightful place among other models of long-range small arms.
Cartridge production for the new carbine model
For hunting animals whose mass does not exceed 200 kg, 336 cartridges are used. They are equipped with integral stores for carbine VPO-208.
The characteristics of the cartridges for convenience when buying are indicated by the acronym TCM, which contains information about the developers and manufacturers.
The development of cartridges is carried out by ZAO Techkrim in the city of Izhevsk. The creator of the ammunition for the carbine VPO-208 is indicated by the abbreviation TC. M denotes the manufacturer of the smooth-bore version of the SKS - OJSC "Hammer" (Vyatskiye Polyany).
The basis for the production of carabiner cartridges 336 TKM is the cartridge sleeve 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 barrel, the bullet is capable of developing an initial speed of 570 to 590 m / s. Its kinetic energy varies from 2440 to 2610 J. A bullet can be shell or semi-shell.
Used ammunition shells
The production of cartridges for Simonov’s self-loading carbine and its upgraded 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, fire a smooth-bore carbine VPO-208. Owner reviews confirm the effectiveness of such cartridges, which are a novelty in the arms market.
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 polymer significantly reduces the lead of the rifle barrel. The weight of the bullet is 13.5 grams.
- FMJII. A blunt shell bullet weighing 11 grams is used.
- FMJI5. The pointed shell bullet in this shell weighs 15 grams.
- SP. A half-shell bullet weighing 15 grams is used.
The reviews of the Tyumen owners of the VPO-208 carbine, as well as their recommendations, allow us to conclude that for hunting large ungulate animals and a bear, cartridges equipped with a half-shell bullet that can be used at a distance of 150 m are more suitable.
Shotgun 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 universality of this small arms, in the production of which all the wishes and feedback of consumers were taken into account.
Advantages
The predominant number of positive qualities of any product allows it to compete with peers. Among other things, small arms took its place in the market and carbine VPO-208. Owner reviews highlight the strengths of the new model:
- The relatively affordable price of the trunk is 25 thousand rubles. The cartridges used for this weapon are considered budgetary, since the price for them is low compared to bullet cartridges.
- Convenience in operation. Advanced butt does not slip in the hands. The shortened trunk does not interfere with movement. There is almost no recoil when shooting, which is important for novice 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, a new model of small arms is a collection value.
- According to the law of the Russian Federation, persons who have been in possession of carbines for at least five years have the right to acquire a carbine. In the case of VPO-208, this restriction does not apply. According to the legislation of the Russian Federation, a license for a smoothbore small arms is sufficient to purchase this carbine. Having it, you can buy a carbine VPO-208, which in terms of power is not inferior to rifled weapons. Now it’s not necessary to wait five years. The buyer can do this in the first year of his hunting activity. The appearance on the arms shelves of the carbine VPO-208 has become a good alternative to rifled small arms.
- High accuracy in firing: bullets fired from a distance of one hundred meters fall 5-8 cm apart. An identical picture is observed when shooting from the Tiger carbine and the SVD.
- The VPO-208 smoothbore carbine is ideal for both hunting and target shooting.
- Great design and ergonomics.
- The use of such additional sighting and muzzle devices as optics and flame arresters improved the VPO-208 tuning, which is very similar to Simonov's self-loading carbine.
