Vepr-12 at the plant “Molot” began to develop after the launch into production of Saiga rifles with a smooth barrel, which were in great demand. Initially, “Saiga” was bought by many, but after a couple of years, negative reviews began to appear about it - the weapon gave out a lot of misfires.
Plant "Hammer" engaged in the creation of its own smooth-bore model. Designing did not take a lot of time, the basic design decisions of the Kalashnikov machine gun were taken as the basis.
General information about the Vepr-12 "Hammer"
The Vepr 12 Hammer was designed primarily for solving civil self-defense tasks, sports shooting and use of force structures.
Device and principle of work Vepr-12 "Hammer"
The internal structure and principle of operation are similar to the products of IZHMASH - Saiga-12S and Saiga-12K carbines.
Classic sighting mechanism (front sight and rear sight). The mount is located at the end of the vent tube. The rear sight can be adjusted. Vepr 12 Hammer 205 has a short sighting line. The best results are achieved with the use of bullets, the canister beats less crowded and it is better to use the aim bar for it.
Butt skeleton type can be folded. Its metal frame has increased strength, the coating consists of plastic and rubber butt pad. The developers have provided a change in the height of the butt for comfortable shooting with different types of sights.
Carabin Vepr-12 is equipped with a store receiver that protects the store and the receiver window from damage. The device handle, handguards and lining on the gas outlet copied from the Kalashnikov light machine gun. The surface is finished with black polymer.
Shutter lag saves shooters a few seconds to recharge. The bolt delay signals the end of ammunition, after which you can perform a quick reload and continue shooting.
All versions of the weapon are equipped with several Picatinny rail. They are located on the receiver cover, on the bottom edge of the forearm and on the trunk. Each strip has its own practical application. The receiver is mounted optical or other additional sighting mechanisms. On the handguard, you can install an additional handle. On the barrel, you can place a laser sight or flashlight.
Vepr 12 Hammer 205 feeds 12 gauge ammunition, the chamber has a length of 76 millimeters. 
Service Vepr-12 "Hammer"
The barrel is chrome-plated. This allows you to extend the working life of weapons. To cleanse carbon, clean after every shooting. It is enough to use a brush and a soft cloth. Abrasive materials cannot be used as they will damage the chrome layer. Without it, the barrel will deteriorate quickly due to corrosion. Also, do not forget about the piston and the cylinder of the gas chamber. Washing the gun is also recommended after each use, especially if the shooting has been intense.
Care of the carbine ensures its stable operation. When using lead ammunition, you may encounter the problem of "leading". Particles of material are deposited on the walls of the channel. In the future, this may affect the passage of the cartridge, whose diameter is similar to the bore.
In addition to cleaning the barrel, we must not forget that periodically you need to disassemble the gun and check the serviceability of all parts, they must be cleaned and lubricated. Such care will ensure long work of any weapon.
Use of additional equipment
If you do not want to use an optical sighting device, you can use a collimator. With the skill with it you can hit the target at a distance of 50-70 meters. Optical sights give a much better increase, but the effectiveness of a gun at such distances is low.
The edge of the gun barrel is equipped with a thread on which the flame arrester is attached to the factory. To narrow or expand the scatter of the fraction, you can install special tips: choke or pay. At the same time, it is necessary to remember the limitations on the ammunition used with these nozzles. In this matter it is better to consult with a specialist in an arms shop.
Accuracy of the shot can be improved by installing a compensator on the barrel. Any automatic weapon due to the force of the powder gases after the shot jumps to the side, due to which its aiming line is shifted. The compensator directs part of the powder gases in the right direction, which eliminates the possibility of a serious shift of the sighting line and improves the accuracy of shots.
On the barrel thread Vepr 12 Hammer 205, you can install an extension with an internal thread. Weapons in this case will be retrained from smooth-bore to rifled.
Solving the recharge problem
Reloading the carbine after the shot occurs due to powder gases. A short barrel does not always create enough force, as a result, the bolt moves back to the end and the cartridge does not change. The situation is aggravated by a rigid return spring, which requires additional effort to move the bolt.
The first solution to the problem is the use of powerful “Magnum” cartridges, which provide sufficient pressure for powder gases. The disadvantage is a strong recoil after the shot, which is able to knock down an inexperienced shooter. This disadvantage can be eliminated by installing a spring shock absorber on the butt. In addition, the Magnum cartridges are very noisy.
The recoil pressure can be increased by choking. The disadvantage of this method is that you have to choose ammunition that is compatible with choke or paycheck, and not from your own preferences and goals. If both options do not suit you, wait until the return spring is weakened and it becomes more comfortable to work with it.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Vepr-12 "Hammer"
The main advantage of the gun is impressive firepower, which was achieved thanks to the 12th caliber and high firing speed. The rate of fire is possible thanks to a roomy store and its convenient, quick replacement. According to shooters from around the world, the Vepr-12 is one of the most durable semi-automatic shotguns in the world.
Tangible deficiency in operation - Picatinny rail on the bottom of the fore. It is inconvenient for long holding the carbine. Another disadvantage of the model, which not everyone takes into account, is the mass of weapons. In the discharged state without additional equipment, it is 4.3 kilograms. But this has its own positive side - massive rifles are more stable when fired.
Modifications of Vepr-12
Based on the standard model, several versions were developed:
- Vepr-12-00 - model with a 430-mm barrel. The butt is folded, the safety is responsible for the mechanism that does not allow shooting with a folded butt. The kit comes compensator;
- Model 12-01 - barrel length is 53 centimeters. The stock also folds, but there is no system for locking the trigger in the folded state. The compensator is hard, you can not remove it;
- Model 12-02 - 680 mm barrel. There is no compensator in the kit, but there are muzzle nozzles. The thread allows you to install an extension cord to increase shooting accuracy;
- Vepr-12 VPO-250-03 - has the shortest barrel length (305 millimeters). Built-in stopper for shooting in the folded state. Included is a compensator. The mass of the unloaded weapon is 4,200 grams;
- Model 12-04 - similar to the previous version with a barrel length of 483 millimeters;
- Vepr-12 IPSC - sports modification of the carbine, created with the wishes of professional shooters. Elements that make operation more comfortable have been added: the fuse button is on both sides, the magazine can be removed by pressing a button, the shutter is raised with a lever, the standard aiming mechanism is removed;
- Vepr-12 VPO-205S is a special version for law enforcement agencies and security companies.
Conclusion
Vepr 12 is an excellent, compact weapon that can be used for training, entertaining shooting, as well as in self-defense means. Its chrome-plated barrel increases service life, and for stable operation it is sufficient to regularly clean all parts and technical components of the gun.
