Skip to main content

Vepr-1V-E Tactical Rifle

Vepr-1V-E Tactical Rifle

Vorobiev was a member of the elite Soviet Spetsnaz in Afghanistan in the 1980s. He's a U.S. citizen now and conducts training courses that draw on his special forces training. He'll have a new installment every Wednesday.

While at the "Molot" Arms Plant rifle range in Vyatskiye Polyany, Russia I got a chance to sample a few guns that are bound for the U.S. market in the near future. It appeared that "Molot" and its Importer I.O., Inc. of Monroe, N.C., are trying to address the US AK (read as Russian) gun needs.

One such rifle that I was able to put my meaty paws on was New Vepr-1V-E Tactical (or Assault) rifle. Built on robust RPK receiver, it features a tubular folding stock with rotating cheekpiece, 16-inch heavy barrel tipped with RPK short cage-type flash hider, standard RPK front and adjustable rear sights, side rail for mounting optics and dark plum polymer furniture.

This particular gun was chambered in .223. However, it will be available in all three calibers for sale in the US. The Vepr-1V-E American version will not have folding stock and flash hider, but will retain all other features.


One of the things that stood out for me as I pulled the trigger was a lack of any appreciable recoil. I guess the heavy receiver and barrel ate it all up. Knocking bricks over at 75 meters with open sights didn't feel like a challenge. The rifle was slightly on the heavy side, but in line with some of the Yugoslav variants.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by way the rifle felt and handled. I am curious about the way it handles 5.45x39 and 7.62x39 ammunition. But I guess I have to wait and see when they become available from I.O., Inc. early next year.


The new Vepr-1V-E is a typical representative of Kalashnikov family of assault rifles. It combines AK and RPK features in an attractive package.




Although the rifle was configured as closely as possible to the AKS, some of the features like folding stock and flash hider have to omitted for the import.

The Vepr-1V-E has a tubular folding stock equipped with rotating cheekpiece, a necessary addition for Russian optics that sit much higher on AK type rifles.

Recommended


Handling the Vepr-1V-E was superb, with no significant recoil. This is most likely attributable to gun's RPK pedigree with heavy receiver and barrel.

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Guns

Daewoo AR-100

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Gear

Shooting Blanks

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Gear

5.7 Elite Ammunition

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Guns

Laser Pistols

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Learn

The Famous CAR-15's Path to Modern Combat Rifles

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Guns

Mossberg 590s Review

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Gear

The Latest from Black Hills Ammunition

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Gear

Headrest Safe – a new way to secure your firearm.

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Guns

Having Fun with the HK MP7 PDW

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Guns

SIG Sauer MPX

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Guns

Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro CCW Pistol Review

Firearms News Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW OUR CURRENT ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Buy Single Digital Issue on the Firearms News App

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Firearms News subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now