Help !! Vepr 12 or MKA 1919

[steveUK 9]

I am just about to buy either a MKA 1919 or a Vepr 12. I am based in the UK and will only use for practical shotgun competitions. With my budget I can only get the Standard Vepr 12 but the MKA will have a new stock, Level 10 tooth and nail forend, new bolt handle, trigger replaced, new gas block etc.

 

Both these come out between $2,500 and $3,000

 

Which should I buy?

 

Steve

[Vulcan 14]

I've not shot the MKA 1919, but it seems like a fine piece. Seems well built, well thought out, and is gaining in popularity. I've looked over a lot in person- just never decided to buy one.

 

That said, I am personally partial to the VEPR because the platform, AK, has so much more support in terms of parts, accessories and options. Out of the box, the VEPR 12 is pretty capable.

 

 

 

Out of curiosity- have you fired one or the other or both?

Edited March 16, 2013 by Vulcan

[steveUK 9]

Due to uk laws legaly you are not allowed to borrow or even use firearms that are not on your firearm certificate, therefore I am unable to try each of them. I therefore have to go on recommendations and by seeking advice from forums like this one. I know that seems a little crazy that I am going to spend lots of money without even test firing, but its the only way I can do it.

[DresNightfire 39]

I almost got one during it's first release, but was very disappointed with it's unibody frame as there were no customizations available at that time, after converting the MKA 1919 to a collapsible/foldable stock and mid-length rail with the left-side charging handle, it seems like a winner. The owner of Firebird Precision understood about magazine demand, so they made a mag extender kit that let you take SGM Saiga 12 10-Round/12-Round Mags and use it in conjunction with MKA 1919 5-rounder mags (15-17 round mags!). I do really wish Molot USA cares more about it's VEPR 12 owners and produces more magazines for it's customer base. I do prefer the AR style safety on the MKA 1919 as well as some times my VEPR 12 safety creeps upwards into safety from fire and I miss my vital moment of fire (possibly user error, but the AR safety eliminates that error). I have read of some MKA 1919 owners not being able to cycle low-recoilloads, and their solution is using a low recoil spring (which is one similar solution for the VEPR 12). If you can get your hands on one, do it. My buddy just picked one up during spring break already converted.

[3Gun 19]

I have both Fly over to Sweden and you can try before you buy

 

The Akdal is new to me, and fairly new as a model. No big fan over how disassembly has to be done, the Molot is much better on this side.

Don't like the Magazines to much either, the Molot mags are better.

 

Happy with both, but my Vepr 12 is "all in" Open and would be my 1st choice if I did it over again.

Edited March 25, 2013 by 3Gun

[menace667 194]

Plastic reciever (Akdal) or thick RPK metal (VEPR)?

Expensive magazine modifications (Akdal) or reasonable priced 10-12 rounders (VEPR)?

Easy disassembly and maintenance (VEPR) or not so much (VEPR)?

Both have LRBOH.

Both seem to run reliabily with little changes on almost all ammo.

Most like the AR style safety on the Akdal better.

Cost is comparable.

 

May sound biased, but these are issues I have heard debated by owners of both.

[3Gun 19]

In the EU you can get 10 round Magazines without problem.

 

http://www.gprifle.se/?category_id=63

 

That's like 45 GBP each, much cheaper than Molots 10 round which is more like 3 times (but it's a better Magazine).

 

Overall ergonomics are better on the Akdal, but the Vepr isn't bad.

[evlblkwpnz 3,418]

VEPR 12, by far.

[b_r 2]

If you need 5 round mags in the UK or Europe, I can supply them.

Edited September 30, 2013 by b_r

[ec4321 113]

Stock Receiver MKA vs Vepr... Vepr all the way.

 

If you are going to do a FB receiver, then the MKA is an option. I like both.