On April 9, 2024, Russia announced the delivery of large quantities of semi-automatic shotgun, Vepr-12, to its military forces present in Ukraine, as part of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.
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The Russian armed forces have begun receiving large quantities of adopted Vepr-12 semi-automatic shotguns. (Picture source: Russian Social Media)
The Russian armed forces have begun receiving large quantities of recently adopted semi-automatic shotguns, the "Vepr-12". Unlike the more well-known Izhevsk Saiga-12, the Vepr is not based on the AKM but on the RPK, making it more robust and sturdy. It boasts a magazine capacity of 10 rounds and a shell length of 76 mm.
The Vepr-12 is a semi-automatic shotgun rifle originating from Russia, produced by Molot Oruzhie Ltd. since 2003. Designed by OOO "Molot-Oruzhie", it was introduced to serve in the Russian armed forces and has also been used by other countries.
The primary purpose of this shotgun is to engage drones at short distances, especially when working in tandem with electronic warfare operators (for example, for drone suppression). Additionally, it can be used to destroy small anti-personnel mines and employ specialized equipment. It lacks an automatic firing mode, as it is unnecessary for a military rifle, and features a muzzle brake optimized for firing small shots and large pellets, mounted on a detachable barrel extension.
This rifle has seen action in various theaters of war, including the Iraq War, the Syrian Civil War, and the War in Afghanistan. Its operational system is gas-based, with a rotating bolt. It is fed by box magazines of 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, or 12 rounds, as well as detachable drum magazines of 20 or 25 rounds.
With an effective firing range of 100 meters, the Vepr-12 is available in different variants, although the exact number is not confirmed. Its weight ranges from 4.2 kg to 4.55 kg without cartridges, and its length varies from 867 to 1227 mm with the unfolded stock. Additionally, it is equipped with tangent sights for increased accuracy.
It is worth noting that this is not the first rifle adopted by the Russian armed forces. Previously, models such as the KS-23, KS-23K, KS-23M, RMB-94 (for police and internal troops), and Saiga-12 (for police and National Guard) have also been in service.
It is increasingly common for armed forces to equip themselves with shoulder weapons capable of combating drones; for example, Belgium has begun equipping its forces with pump-action shotguns to shoot down various UAVs. However, such initiatives to counter drones have not yet proven effective, unlike jamming systems, for example.
