VEPR MOUNTS AND OPTICS

There are several mounts for the VEPR.  Some of the original VEPRs imported (mostly in .308 and .223 cal. and sold with wooden thumbhole stocks) came with a scope mount with integral rings.  These scope mounts were calibrated (aligned with the bore) to the rifle for which they belonged.

The scope rings of the original mount were very close together so the scope could not be moved back and forth to adjust for eye relief.  The old mount was also not very stiff.  Consequently, there were some accuracy problems, especially when installed on the higher recoiling .308 VEPR rifles.

The New VEPR mount is a Weaver type mount which can accept a variety of sights and other optical devices. The mount attaches the the left side of the VEPR on the scope attachment rail.  The mount was designed so that it is as low as possible without requiring it to be removed to disassemble the rifle for cleaning.   

To see pictures of the scope mount on the VEPR, Please Click on the thumbnails below.   

Problem and Solutions to Mounting Optics on AK Rifles

There is a general problem with mounting optics to AK type rifles.  The most prolific problem is that the scope mount attachment rail on the left side of AK is not parallel to the bore.  Most of the East Block scope mounts (like the PSO series) have the scope attached to the mount.  The reticles of these scopes are designed to move greater distances than those of western optics.

The problem becomes evident when one buys a fancy machined AK Scope Mount, mounts it to his AK and tries to attach a Leupold or some other quality optic.  Often the scope is so far out of alignment with the barrel (or so high above the barrel) that the reticles cannot be moved far enough to zero the rifle at 100 yrds.

The Russians have come up with a Weaver/Picatinny type mount which allows one to align the mount (actually the scope) to the bore.  It does require a limited amount of simple gunsmithing.

The mount is attached as follows.  Refer to the picture below.

First, the desired optic is firmly attached to the Weaver Rail via the appropriate rings.  (Note:  the Customer must purchase appropriate rings of the proper height for the optic he intends to use.)  The reticles of the optic must be centered.

Second, a laser or other type of bore sight is attached to the rifle.

Third, the four screws of the scope mount are loosened so that mount with the scope attached can be rotated until the cross hairs of the scope center on the center of the bore sight. 

Fourth, the four screws are firmly tightened (but not over tightened) while the cross hairs remain on the center of the bore sight.  (Note:  some customers have reported good results by using blue Loctite on the four screws without following the Fifth and Sixth steps below.  We advise following the Fifth and Sixth steps.  However, there's no harm in trying the Loctite method.)

Fifth, four holes for the four set pins are drilled in four places on the mount.  These holes act as pilot holes to drill through the other side of the mount. Drill through the other side of the mount according to the instructions provided with the mount.  You can use a .113 drill bit (#33).

Sixth, once the holes for the set pins are drilled, pound the four set pins in place.  The set pins ensure the mount remains aligned with the bore even if the screws were to loosen.

The scope mount is now calibrated to the rifle to which it was bore sighted.  It may not be calibrated to another AK.