VYATSKIE POLYANY MACHINE BUILDING PLANT ("MOLOT")
MORE THAN A HALF CENTURY OF FIREARMS MANUFACTURING
The following is a brief history of the Vyatskie Polyany Machine Building Plant which manufactures the VEPRTM Rifle and BECAs shotguns.
1940
On the 26th of April, the Soviet Government decided to put the Shpagin submachine-gun (PPSh) into production at the defense factory located in Zagorsk, a town in the Moscow region. On the 21st of December, the PPSh was added to the arsenal of the Red Army.
1941
In October, the factory was moved to Vyatskie Polyany, a town in the Kirov region. The very first PPSh submachine-guns made by the Vyatskie Polyany Machine Building Plant left the factory in early November.
1941-1945
Two and a hlf million PPShs were made at the Plant during the Great Patriotic War. Additionally, around 350 thousand Shpagin Lighting Pistols (OPSh) and Shpagin Signal Pistols (SPSh) were produced at the Plant.
1952
Georgi Shpagin worked at the Vyatskie Polyany Machine Building Plant until the last days of his life and died on the 6th of February.
1959
In December, the production of the legendary Kalashnikov RPK Machinegun was started at the Plant. Since the beginning, all the different models and modifications of the RPK have been manufactured at the Plant.
1968-1985
Many different models of firearms were put into serial production during this time: anti-aircraft guns, different grenade launchers (anti-tank, infantry, navy and aircraft), and also six different models of belt-filling machines.
1992
At the end of the "Cold War", partial conversion of the defence factories started in Russia. Vyatskie Polyany Machine Building Plant (aka "MOLOT") started creating its own firearm designs intended for civilian ownership. The Russian Government let the Plant carry out foreign trade activity independently.
1994
The former state Plant became the Joint Stock Company - Vyatskie Polyany Machine Building Plant (aka "MOLOT"). Working out its first semi-automatic rifle began a new chapter in the company's history. It was called the"VEPR" and was chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge.
1995
"MOLOT", already known as a civil and hunting firearms manufacturer, introduced its new VEPRTM rifle chambered for the .308 Win. cartridge (7.62x51mm).
1996
One more new idea was realized by the company - production of the BECAS series of shotguns. Now this line is continuing with the BECAS-Auto series of semi-automatic gas-operated shotguns in 16 and 12 gauges.
1997
In this year the VEPRTM began enjoying a significant international success with breakthroughs in the American, Asian, and European markets. The first commercial shipments went to the USA, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Kazakhstan and Mongolia.
1998
Production of the VEPR-Super began this year. This model combines well know VEPR reliability with a brand new look and some internal parts changes. This new addition to the VEPR family is expected to be a great seller for the company.
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