Why the VEPR-12 was Banned
What is a VEPR-12?
These 12 gauge semi-auto shotguns, some claim, are the best on the market. Meant for self-defense, hunting, and sport, shooters of all types love the familiar design. The VEPR-12 is modeled after the infamous AK-47 rifle and built on the RPK receiver. Chrome lined in multiple places, the VEPR shotgun is incredibly durable in harsh conditions and resistant to corrosion. VEPR-12s are produced at the Molot factory in Russia—established in 1941 to produce the PPSh-41 machine guns during World War II—and are known for both their reliability and high-quality production. Beginning in 2015, Molot firearms were sold and imported in the United States exclusively by the FIME Group under the VEPR brand.
Saiga-12 from Kalashnikov Concern
By Vitaly V. Kuzmin - http://vitalykuzmin.net/?q=node/529, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29470697
The VEPR shotgun was created to compete with the Saiga-12. But the VEPR-12, unlike the Saiga, doesn’t have an adjustable gas system. Its fixed open port gas system allows the gun to easily handle most loads without the need for manual adjustment. The VEPR also has several features which users prefer such as the ambidextrous safety, bolt hold open on the last shot, and an easier magazine feeding system with a mag-well which eliminates the “rock and lock.”
Banned for import by the federal government in 2017, the Russian-made VEPR-12s are becoming collector’s items and getting harder and harder to find these days—though we do have two currently checked in for gunsmithing work. At the time of the announcement, the FIME Group had only 400 VEPR-12s remaining in the United States for sale.
But why did they get banned in the first place? The reason has to do with the United States’ foreign policy on Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
Why Was the VEPR-12 Banned?
The Annexation of Crimea
Crimea has always been a contested part of the world. Due to the nature of its location—with Ukraine to the north and Russia to the east—it has always been an area where various countries seek to exert their power. Crimea has changed hands countless times over the last several hundred years—being ruled by Turkey, the USSR, Ukraine, and even being autonomous at various points in time.
In 1954, Russia transferred control of Crimea to Ukraine who was a member of the USSR at the time. But when the Soviet Union collapsed and Ukraine became an independent nation in 1991, Crimea operated as a constituent entity independent of Ukraine.
Rioters in Ukraine's 2014 Uprising
By Mstyslav Chernov/Unframe/http://www.unframe.com/ - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31307276
Crimea’s situation changed again in February 2014 after Ukraine experienced a violent revolution ousting the president and overthrowing the government. Russia declared the new government illegitimate, and Russian sympathizers in southern and eastern Ukraine—including Crimea—protested the revolution. The ousted president fled to Russia and petitioned Putin to send troops to create law and order in Ukraine.
In the same month, unmarked Russian troops with support from local pro-Russian separatists invaded Crimea and installed a pro-Russian government within two days. Then, the new government held a referendum resulting in the reunification of Crimea with Russia.
Map of Ukraine showing the most common native language according to 2001 census. Crimea is the large red peninsula in the south.
By Tovel, Spesh531 - File:UkraineNativeLanguagesCensus2001detailed.PNG, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31514035
Along with the United States and the United Nations, many Ukrainians held that this vote was illegal and illegitimate. So, in March 2014, after Russia formally annexed Crimea, President Obama issued an executive order which stated that Russia’s actions in Ukraine and Crimea were a threat to United States’ national security and foreign policy. The United States imposed import sanctions on several Russian companies as retaliation.
It is important to note that while much of the West saw this as an act of Russian aggression, the majority of Crimea supported the referendum as the majority of the population is ethnically Russian and Russian is their native language.
The VEPR Ban
The initial import sanctions in 2014 didn’t include the Molot factory or the VEPRs, but it did include the Kalashnikov Concern—maker of the AK platform, the Saiga-12, and the manufacturer of 95% of small arms in Russia. The sanctions that prevented the sale of new Kalashnikovs in the United States actually opened up the market for Molot’s VEPR shotguns to take over. In fact, just a year after the Kalashnikov ban was put into place, The FIME Group began selling Molot’s VEPRs in the United States. The import sanctions also gave American AK-style manufactures a boost in the U.S. market as well.
But, in 2016, the United States government caught wind that the Kalashnikov Concern had advised a foreign company to use Molot to falsify invoices to get around the import sanctions. This led the U.S. Department of Treasury to believe that Molot was acting as a front for the Kalashnikov Concern.
Additionally, that same year, Molot was for sale, but the requirements to participate in the auction were difficult for most companies to meet. The buyer needed to have a firearms manufacturing license and to be able fulfill Molot’s Russian defense contracts. Many financial experts suggested that Kalashnikov Concern was the only entity capable of fulfilling both requirements—remember the company comprises 95% of all small arms manufacturing in Russia.
Given these two findings in 2016, the United States Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Asset Controls added Molot to the import sanctions list in 2017. This effectively banned the VEPR-12 and other Molot firearms from import.
Will we ever see new VEPR-12s in the United States again? It’s unlikely. The United States government claims that the sanctions will remain in place until Russia ends their aggression in Ukraine and Crimea. These sanctions, they say, create pressure on Russian to work toward a diplomatic solution. But Russia continues to administer Crimea—using Russian time and Russian money—and it doesn’t seem like they’re willing to change their stance anytime soon. In fact, the Prime Minister of Russia asserts that Crimea has become fully integrated with Russia. And in 2018, Russia built a bridge from Russia to Crimea and installed a security fence between Crimea and Ukraine.
So, new Russian VEPRs seem to be a fool’s dream at this point. Crimea river that the VEPRs are banned. You’ll just have to cough up more money to get your hands on one. And it’s probably worth it. These things are amazing.
VEPR-12 Gunsmithing
At McCluskey Arms, we have worked on a lot of VEPR-12s over the years, and we have quickly become the top VEPR-12 gunsmithing shop in the Pacific Northwest. We offer a variety of VEPR-12 gunsmithing services including customization, repair, and maintenance. Here’s a list of some of our services:
Cut, Thread, and Pin Barrel (18.5”)
Our Cut, Re-thread, and Pin Barrel service for the VEPR-12 reduces the barrel length to 18.5 inches. We expertly re-thread and securely pin it, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with legal requirements, providing a reliable and precise fit for your muzzle device.
Short Barrel Shotgun Conversion (12.5”)
Transform your VEPR-12 with our SBS Conversion Package, reducing the barrel to 12.5 inches for a more compact and maneuverable firearm. This service includes all necessary modifications to ensure reliable performance and compliance with all relevant regulations.
Bolt & Carrier Polish and Profile
Enhance the smoothness and reliability of your VEPR-12 with our Bolt & Carrier Polish and Profile service. We meticulously polish and profile the bolt and carrier, reducing friction and ensuring smoother operation and improved cycling.
Picatinny Optic Rail & Install
Our Picatinny Optic Rail installation service provides a robust and secure mounting platform for your optics on the VEPR-12. We ensure precise alignment and secure attachment, enhancing your firearm's accuracy and versatility with a durable Picatinny rail.
Left Hand Charging Handle
Optimize your VEPR-12 for left-handed use with our Custom Left Hand Charging Handle installation. This service includes the fabrication and fitting of a custom charging handle, providing improved accessibility and operation for left-handed shooters.
Bob Front Sight
Our Bob Front Sight service customizes the front sight of your VEPR-12 for a streamlined, snag-free profile. This modification enhances draw speed and reduces the risk of snagging, providing a smooth and efficient shooting experience.
Tune Gas System
Ensure reliable cycling and optimal performance of your VEPR-12 with our Tune Gas System service. We adjust and fine-tune your gas system for improved operation, reducing recoil and enhancing overall firearm functionality.
Handguard Install
Upgrade your VEPR-12's handling and aesthetics with our Handguard Install service. We expertly fit and secure your chosen handguard, ensuring a comfortable grip and improved control during operation.
Thumb Magazine Release Install
Enhance your VEPR-12's usability with our Thumb Magazine Release Install service. This modification provides a more accessible and efficient magazine release mechanism, improving reload speed and convenience.
Dehorn & Polish
Improve the handling and aesthetics of your VEPR-12 with our Dehorn & Polish service. We remove sharp edges and polish the surface, providing a smoother, more comfortable grip and a refined appearance.
Tune & Profile Trigger
Enhance your shooting experience with our Tune and Profile Trigger service for the VEPR-12. We fine-tune the trigger mechanism for a smoother pull and consistent break, improving accuracy and control.
Tune Factory Safety
Ensure the reliability and ease of use of your VEPR-12's safety with our Tune Factory Safety service. We adjust and optimize the safety mechanism for smoother operation and enhanced security.
Tune Magazine
Improve the reliability and feeding of your VEPR-12 with our Tune Magazine service. We adjust and fine-tune the magazine components to ensure consistent performance and smooth feeding.
Tune Magazine Well
Enhance your reload speed and efficiency with our Tune Mag Well service for the VEPR-12. We adjust and polish the mag well to ensure smooth and rapid magazine insertion and removal.
Sources
https://fimegroup.com/molot/
https://fimegroup.com/shotgun/vepr-semi-auto/
https://www.k-var.com/molot-vepr-12-gauge-semi-auto-tactical-shotgun
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/sanctions-end-supply-russian-made-vepr-12-02-shotguns/
https://blog.k-var.com/news/politics/closer-look-molot-sanctions/
https://fimegroup.com/media/fime-group-reports-only-400-vepr-12-shotguns-remain-for-us-sale/
https://www.gunsamerica.com/digest/treasury-department-adds-molot-vepr-import-ban/
https://www.ammoland.com/2017/07/vepr-ban-video/#axzz6b9KBFtaf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalashnikov_Concern
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimea#Crimean_Khanate_(1449%E2%80%931783)
