The Vepr-12 smoothbore rifle (carbine) is a relatively new development of the Molot plant (Vyatskiye Polyany) and was created as a direct competitor to the Saiga 12C / Saiga 12K series rifles, which are very popular in Russia. The main purpose of the new guns is sports (practical shooting according to IPSC rules), as well as home protection and security activities. In addition, Vepr-12 is a good support weapon for the police and other law enforcement agencies.
The Vepr-12 rifle is based on the time-tested design of the Kalashnikov RPK light machine gun (also produced at the Hammer plant), however, when it was created, the wishes of the shooters-sportsmen were taken into account, and additional elements were introduced into the design of the rifle that make it more convenient to handle it - a double-sided fuse, magazine shaft, slide delay, etc. Currently, the Vepr-12 series guns are produced in three versions, differing in the long barrel - in the basic version, the barrel is the shortest, in versions 01 and 02, the barrels are longer.
Vepr-12 smoothbore rifles inherited the general layout and device of the Kalashnikov assault rifle (light machine gun), with a gas vent mechanism and locking by turning the bolt. Naturally, the bolt group and receiver were redesigned taking into account the use of hunting cartridges, the firing mechanism has lost the self-timer, the gas valve mechanism is self-adjusting and allows you to shoot cartridges with both 70mm and 76mm (Magnum) cases without additional adjustments. Sights similar to the Kalashnikov assault rifle, with fully adjustable front sight mounted on a gas chamber. The receiver cover is not detachable, but leans up and down, similar to the AKS-74U assault rifle. Additionally, a Picatinny rail is made on the receiver cover, allowing for quick and convenient installation of various additional sights on the corresponding brackets. The cartridges are fed from plastic single-row magazines with a capacity of 8 rounds; a bolt delay is introduced into the design of the weapon, which blocks the bolt in the open position after all cartridges in the magazine are used up (to speed up reloading). Metal stock, skeletal design, sideways folding. Outside, the stock is covered with plastic to increase the comfort of shooting in frost or heat. On the forend and under the gas chamber, additional guides of the Picatinny rail type are made for installing laser designators, tactical flashlights or other accessories.
The fuse is generally similar in design to that of Kalashnikov assault rifles, but has additional levers on the right and left, making the weapon handling safer and more convenient. For the basic version with a shortened barrel, produced for the Russian market, an additional safety mechanism has been introduced that blocks firing when the stock is folded (in accordance with the requirements of the Law on Weapons of the Russian Federation)
