vepr 12

[sueshake]

I know nothing about shotguns (or generally any guns) and was asking about choice of first shot gun in another post. I was interested in a Mossberg 500 combo. Just happened to see vepr 12 deal. Since I am also interested in AK style, I am wondering if I should raise my budget to get vepr 12 instead. One good friend told me that vepr 12 is not very practical in either home defense or hunting, probably even not sport shooting (e.g. clay). Is it just a fun toy? TIA for any advice.

[Jes]

More just a fun toy.

For reference, I have a Mossberg 500 combo I bought in the 1990s and it probably has less than 500 rounds through it. I bought a Vepr 12 last March and it has over 1500 rounds through it. YMMV.

[sueshake]

Sounds a lot of fun. May I ask what have you used your vepr 12 for?

[Thefeeder]

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+1 on your good friends option. You will be better served with the 500 combo.

Get the combo that comes with the removable choke tubes and your set to do anyting you want with it.

[gorillafingaz]

Your friend knows nothing about how to work a vepr 12. You can get US compliant replacement parts to be import compliant and then fit a 10 round magazine. I can tell you that even with a bullet button, you can fit another magazine in far faster than you can load another 10 rounds (not that a mossberg even has that capacity).

The other thing is that I have owned a mossberg 500 and a remintgon 870 shotgun and sold both. I love my vepr 12 for nothing more than it makes me smile each and every time I go shoot it.

[Stanze]

I have a Vepr 12 for a fun range gun. I use my Maverick 88 for HD.

IMO, The mag lock might be a liability if you need to clear a jam (Or, reload if you forget to take a suitable tool with you) in a hurry. Although, I haven't tried it myself, I heard that the plastic shells can deform and not chamber if left in a mag fed shotgun for a while.

That said, if you want the Vepr 12, go for it! It's a lot of fun to shoot.

Supply may be limited due to its made in Russia status.

Plus, budget pump shotguns like the Maverick 88 make "getting both" more of an option.

[VNGHOST]

I have a vepr 12 and it shoots everything I put in it from bird to slugs. I feed it mag after mag using sgm magazines with no problems. It is a blast to shoot. I do have to agree with your friend, it is heavy and can be akward to hold in cramp corners, so not the best hunting or clay shooting but definitely do-able. For me, its an awesome shtf and range toy. People always stop and ask me about it at the range. I let people shoot it and the look on their faces are priceless.

[VNGHOST]

I have a mag lock on mine's but it is very easy to use. Not much force needed to engage it, and my mags pop out like an ar15 drops its mags.

[Stanze]

Is this the Vepr 12 for $799. deal you saw? https://www.classicfirearms.com/vepr...623e-238686889

[sueshake]

Yes, Stanze, that is the one. BTW, to own it in California, what other cost? Mag lock and anything else?

[shellslinger]

Yes, Stanze, that is the one. BTW, to own it in California, what other cost? Mag lock and anything else?

I have one, all you need is pretty much a mag lock. Easy to put on.

I love my Vepr-12 and have no qualms about using it for HD. I've never had a problem with my Vepr 12 and I have about 3000 and counting rounds into it already. Maybe cleaned it twice? and it still runs like a champ.

[Stanze]

Yes, Stanze, that is the one. BTW, to own it in California, what other cost? Mag lock and anything else?

I bought mine from Atlantic Firearms. I paid the cost of the firearm, mag lock ($45), shipping, CA sales tax, DROS and, dealer transfer fees (I don't remember if it was flat fee or percentage).

Nowadays, you also have to pass a test for a FSC (Firearms Safety Card). That's a $25 fee.

Then, there's ammo, mags and, range fees/member ship before finally pulling that trigger. It's worth it though.

I missed out on the SPAS-12, LAW-12 and, USAS-12 (Now classified as a DD per the ATF). I wasn't going to miss out on the Vepr 12 which is better than all those shotguns because it's CA legal.

[Quiet]

FYI.
Classic Firearms only sells/ships C&R firearms to CA.
They do not modify firearms to be CA legal.
Which means they will not sell the VEPR-12 to a CA resident.

[Stanze]

FYI.
Classic Firearms only sells/ships C&R firearms to CA.
They do not modify firearms to be CA legal.
Which means they will not sell the VEPR-12 to a CA resident.

It's on sale right now at Atlantic Firearms -- They'll sell and install a bullet button. Not $799.99, but fixed folding stock version if CA's tyranny (and 922R compliant) ever gets abolished.

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/component/virtuemart/shipping-rifles/vepr-12-gauge-shotgun2014-05-27-14-55-29-detail.html?Itemid=0

To add, I believe my work buddy bought a PAP AK pistol (last year) from Classic Arms. I'll check with him to verify.

[sueshake]

Thanks Quiet for the info. I kinda remember seeing some ffl's website saying they can accept and modify (install mag lock?) guns like this.