I have been considering the Vepr rifle for a while.  I really like the 5.45x39 round (I have an AK chambered for this - it is fun, pretty accurate, and light recoil).

Questions:

1 - Difference between the Vepr II and the Vepr K?  Any difference in accuracy?

2 - Any reason I should choose .223 over 5.45x39?  I see no real difference in prices of ammo, though getting dies and reloading components for 5.45x39 is pretty expensive.  However, I have lots of mags for it versus higher priced mags for the .223 version.

3 - anyone know of a good source for these rifles?

Any other advice or opinions appreciated :)

Here's a thread for you, Greywolf2112:
[url]http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=1232311#post1232311[/url]

I think the general agreement is that VEPRs are some of the best made Kalashnikovs around.  They are very accurate to boot.  The only down side is their weight.  They have reinforced RPK type receivers and heavy barrels.  The VEPR II has a full length barrel while the VEPR K has a 16" barrel with a short AK-74 type compensator.  I love my VEPR II.  I got it from Tennessee Guns.  Cavalry Arms sells them as well.

Here's a picture of mine:
[img]www.ar15.com/members/albums/USPC40%2Fvepr2%2D2%2Ejpg[/img]

USPC40


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[b]Greywolf2112[/b], [url=http://www.sportingarms.com]Sporting Arms[/url] in the Dallas-Fort Worth area has very good prices on VEPRs — one fellow reported getting one for under $450 a few months ago.

Yeah, like THAT!
Nice 'chooting ma-cheen', mang!
Very nice.
I'm inspired to spend more gun money! [;D]

One reason I can think of is that since the VEPR is so accurate, you'd be missing out on using accurate 223 loads that can easily be found.