Reviews of owners of HPE-208. Description, characteristics, photo

Hunting fans very often complain about the problems associated with the large weight of the rifle and the too long trunk. At first glance, there is no particular difficulty in carrying their weapons, no. But after several hours of travel and overcoming long distances, the body starts to get tired a little. If hunting does not take place in the field, but in the forest, one more care is added: a long trunk clings to branches, slows movement.

In this connection, the urgency of serious modernization of hunting rifles is understandable. As a result of technical improvements made in the times of the USSR, carbines appeared on the arms markets - modifications of hunting weapons. Significantly reduced weight and length of the trunk of many models are approved by amateur hunters and professionals engaged in serious fishing.

The most famous carbine of the USSR

In Soviet times, a very popular among hunters was a self-loading carbine Simonov (SCS). Work on it began as early as World War II. Despite the fact that initially this carbine was planned as a weapon for the cavalry, it proved its reliability in operation, was used more widely in the Soviet, and later - in the Russian army. During the war, the carbine was also used by partisan units to solve local military conflicts.

This small-arms weapon has two modifications, allowing you to recharge automatically and manually. The second option is considered hunting. This is due to the fact that SCS is most often found among hunters, since it has many valuable qualities. Advantages of the self-loading Simonov carbine are its simplicity in operation, accuracy of shooting, reliability, which are confirmed by the owners' feedback. VPO-208, created on the principle of SCS, is its improved version.

Upgraded SCS

Vyatsko-Polyansk machine-building plant "Molot" on the basis of self-loading carbine Simonov created a similar, but already modernized version of the new small arms. The modified carbine VPO-208 in its appearance, weight and overall dimensions is identical to the SCS.

The new model differs from its analogue with a new smoothbore barrel, caliber and purpose. Some reviews of owners of HPE-208 contain the statement that the resource of the modified barrel allows to produce from this carbine no more than five thousand shots.

In the device of the classic version of the self-loading Simonov carbine, only the barrel equipped with the inner nozzle "Paradox" (125-135 mm) and six right-sided slicks, which favorably influence the accuracy of the shooting, is new. In addition, the muzzle of the barrel of the rifle has a special thread for fastening flame arresters or other muzzle devices. Everything else in the model remains the same. Carabiner-208, the photo of which is presented below, has proved its effectiveness in practice.

Presentation of the new smoothbore model of SCS

For the first time the improved model of the self-loading carbine Simonov was presented on May 21, 2015. The location of the HPE-208 presentation was SSK "Nevsky". The organizers of the demonstration were the enterprise "Molot Arms" and ammunition-engaging weapons company "Techcrim". During the presentation, the best samples of carbines HPO-208 and ammunition 366 TCM were shown. The results of test shooting demonstrated the high capabilities of the modified model of SCS and ammunition.

The second show of smooth-bore carbines VPO-208 was held on August 11, 2015. The place for the demonstration was the "French Rifle Club" Mytischi. During the shooting, a high level of accuracy was noted: from a distance of one hundred meters the bullets fell apart from each other at a distance of 1 cm. After the second presentation, a serial release of this model was announced.

Composite upgraded SCS

The design of smoothbore rifle VP-208 contains the following elements:

• The barrel of the carbine;
• Receiver with a lid;
• Chamber for powder gases;
• Shuttering frame;
• Shock-trigger mechanism;
• Return mechanism;
• Barrel overlay;
• piston;
• Spring-loaded pusher;
• Carabiner shop;
• A special feeder with a spring, which supplies small arms with ammunition;
• Sighting devices.

Tactical and technical characteristics

Smooth-barrel carbine VPO-208 is equipped with a new trunk. It is intended for firing modern Russian cartridges of caliber 336 TCM:

• Length of the carbine with the barrel - 1025 mm;
• The length of the trunk is 520 mm;
• The width of the rifle is 61 mm;
• Carbine VPO-208 has a store that is designed for 10 cartridges certified for the operation of smoothbore weapons;
• Insignificant weight of a trunk (3,65 kg) essentially facilitates carrying during hunting;
• The target range is 300 m.

Smoothbore carbine ВПО-208, the photo of which is presented in the article, is quite explainably deserved high popularity.

The design of the smoothbore gun is much more elegant than that of the self-loading Simonov carbine. In the new version of small arms, the box has a semi-pistol shape. For its manufacture, a nut is used. In addition, on its surface there are special incisions that prevent possible slipping. As evidenced by the owners of HPE-208, a carbine with a modified bed is very comfortable to operate. The design makes it possible to attach a special device for optics to it.

How does the carbine VPO-208 work? Description

The trigger type of the trigger mechanism makes it possible to produce single shots with the subsequent installation on a flasher fuse. The principle of automation is based on the work of the powder gases output through holes in the side wall of the barrel. When the bolt is moved behind the trunk of the receiver, the barrel is locked. The shutter is located on the shutter frame, on the right side of which there is a handle for charging.

The manual safety switch available in the trigger guard ensures safety during operation. The carabiner with the help of the thumb is easily and quickly removed from the fuse. Store equipment is carried out during an open shutter. Carabiner shop is non-removable and is equipped with special clips consisting of ten cartridges for smoothbore shooting.

The complete set can be carried out both by clips, and by single cartridges. The sight is represented by a fly, which can be adjusted in two planes, and a sighting bar. The carabiner has a wooden box and butt, in the rear part of which there is a capacity for a special pencil case. All the accessories necessary for the care of the weapon are placed in it.

Advantages of the Vyatka-Polyanskaya model

The feedback of owners of HPE-208 indicates that in the Russian market it significantly exceeds other models of smooth-bore hunting rifles. The advantage of the carbine is the high accuracy of firing. In the absence of optics at a distance of one hundred meters, the accuracy of hits is eight to ten centimeters. The use of a large-caliber bullet, which has a high muzzle energy, significantly increases the slaughterability of VPO-208. The responses of the owners confirm the important dignity of this small arms - the slaughtering effect of the bullet during hunting for large ungulates. Today any citizen of the Russian Federation can acquire such a carbine. To do this, it is enough to have a license to own a smoothbore long arms.

Scope of HPE-208

The reviews of amateur hunters and professionals confirm that the improved model of the Simonov's self-loading carbine is one of the best among many samples of small hunting weapons. The Vyatka-Polyanskaya model of the carbine is also suitable for shooting in a dash. At a distance of one hundred meters you can hit both game and target. At the same time, an acceptable hitness of hits from VPO-208 is observed. The owners' comments on this carabiner are extremely positive. The legislation of the Russian Federation permits the independent refilling of his patron. This allowed the HPE-208 to take its rightful place among other models of long-range small arms.

Production of cartridges for the new carbine model

For hunting animals, the mass of which does not exceed 200 kg, cartridges 336 TCM are used. They are completed with permanent shops for the carapin VPO-208.

Characteristics of cartridges for convenience in purchasing are indicated by the TCM abbreviation, which contains information about developers and manufacturers.

The development of cartridges is handled by ZAO Techkrim in the city of Izhevsk. The creator of the ammunition for the carbine VPO-208 is designated by the abbreviation TK. M stands for the manufacturer of the smoothbore version of SCS - OJSC Molot (Vyatskie Polyany).

The basis for the production of carbine cartridges 336 TCM is the cartridge case 7.62X39 mm in 1943 of release. It is a sample for the manufacture of a new version of the cartridge, which has a caliber of 9.5 x 37.5 mm. Bullet weight varies from eight to fifteen grams. At a weight not exceeding fifteen grams, flying off the barrel bore, the bullet can develop an initial speed of 570 to 590 m / s. Its kinetic energy varies from 2440 to 2610 J. The bullet can be shell and semi-shell.

Used shells for cartridges

The production of cartridges for a self-loading Simonov carbine and its upgraded version is carried out by expanding an already existing sample, the caliber of which is 7.62X39 mm. As a result of the machining, the caliber is 9.5 mm, the length is 0.366 inches. To complete the newly created cartridges, shot and bullet shells are used, which, depending on the task, the smooth-bore carbine VPO-208 fires. The owners' feedback confirms the effectiveness of such cartridges, which are a novelty in the arms market.

On the shelves of hunting and weapons shops, the 366 TKM caliber is represented by four types:

• LSWCPC. It is contained in a polymer shell and is equipped with a lead bullet. Using a polymer significantly reduces the lead of the carbine barrel. The weight of the bullet is 13.5 grams.
• FMJII . A dull shell bullet weighing 11 grams is used.
• FMJI5 . The pointed shell bullet in this shell weighs 15 grams.
• SP . A half-shell bullet weighing 15 grams is used.

Reviews Tyumen owners carabiner VPO-208, as well as their recommendations allow us to conclude that for hunting large ungulates and bear are more suitable cartridges equipped with a half-shell bullet that can be used at a distance of 150 m.

Shotgun projectiles for the caravan VPO-208 weigh 20 grams. They are used for hunting game birds and small animals. The presence in the assortment of both bullet and shotguns testifies to the universality of this small arms, in the production of which all the wishes and feedback of consumers were taken into account.

Advantages

The prevailing number of positive qualities of any product allows it to make a worthy competition to the analogs. His place in the market among other small arms took and carbine VPO-208. The owners' feedback highlights the strengths of the new model:

• The relatively affordable price of the trunk is 25 thousand rubles. The ammunition used for this weapon is considered to be budgetary, since the price for them is low compared to bullet cartridges.
• Convenience in operation. The advanced butt does not slip in the hands. The truncated barrel does not interfere with movement. Return on shooting is almost not felt, which is important for novice hunters and beginners.
• The presence of bullet and shotgun shells makes it possible to hunt small and large game.
• Since the modernized VPO-208 is made on the basis of the classic self-loading carbine Simonov, a new sample of small arms is a collector's value.
• Under the law of the Russian Federation, the carbine of the HPE has the right to purchase persons who already own carbines for at least five years. In the case of VPO-208, this restriction does not apply. According to the legislation of the Russian Federation, a license for smooth-bore small arms is sufficient to purchase this carbine. Having it, you can buy a carbine VPO-208, which in terms of power does not inferior to rifled weapons. Now it is not necessary to wait five years. The buyer can do this already in the first year of his hunting activity. The appearance on the arms counters of the carbine VPO-208 was a good alternative to rifled small arms.
• High accuracy during shooting: bullets fired from a distance of 100 meters lie 5-8 cm apart. An identical picture is observed when firing from a carbine "Tiger" and SVD.
• Smooth-barrel carbine VPO-208 is ideal for hunting and shooting at targets.

• Excellent design and ergonomics.
• The use of such additional sighting and blunt devices, like optics and flame arresters, improved the tuning of VPO-208, which is very similar to the self-loading carbine of Simonov.

Weaknesses of the Vyatka-Polansky SCS model

In the environment of professional hunters and fans of shooting at targets, the few shortcomings that have not been made have made the caravan VPO-208 less popular.

Comments on the shortcomings in the design of this smooth-bore small arms are missing. Consumers are more concerned about everything related to its ammunition. The most problematic issue for users is the manufacturer's desire to monopolize the manufacture of cartridges. According to the authors of the reviews, this may entail a significant rise in the price of ammunition, especially with an increase in demand for them.

The second point, which worries the gunsmiths, is the probability that production of cartridges will be stopped by Tekhkrim. This situation has already occurred when, for economic reasons, the company ceased to produce ammunition of 7.62 mm caliber for gas pistols 6P42 / 37/36 and IZH-79/78/77. Gas pistols without the necessary ammunition for them became ordinary toys. But, in spite of all the fears, users are hoping that this will not happen with the caravan of VPO-208. In addition, according to experts, the cartridges of caliber 366 have great prospects for further development. They are connected with the announcement of a completely new model, created on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle - the carbine VPO-209, which, like the VPO-208, is adapted to the 366 caliber.

Smoothbore VPO-208 is a good alternative to rifled long-barreled weapons.

You can buy it in the branded weapons shops "Hammer and Weapons", the display of which is executed in the aggressive red colors typical for the company. When buying a smoothbore rifle VPO-208 there is a limit on the amount of ammunition. According to the established limit, purchasing one copy of this small arms, the consumer receives in the complete set only two hundred cartridges.

Smoothbore version of the self-loading carbine Simonova has its own circle of admirers. These are mostly professional hunters and fans of smooth-bore small arms. The carbine VPO-208 is also suitable for those who do not have the necessary experience to purchase a rifled barrel.

Today, in the world of hunting small arms, there is a tendency towards a gradual modification of the rifled variants. This makes it possible to shoot them with ammunition, which until recently was intended only for smooth-bore hunting weapons. The result of such improvements are carbines VPO-208 and VPO-209, the demand for which can later gain large turns.