Is The Russian Molot VEPR The Highest Quality AK Of All Time? (My 2024 Retrospective)

In the end, i only kept one VEPR rifle from Molot; the FM-RPK74-33. Do I regret my decision? Do I wish I had kept a different model? Also, did Molot produce the highest quality, lowest failure rate Kalashnikov pattern rifle ever available on the US market?
This is my look back as of May, 2024.
This video is produced and published to KZbin for historical and educational purposes and to document and make record of the content herein publicly available for said purposes. The Mishaco channel is run by experienced and trained industry professionals and all activity portrayed and content herein is presented with all considerations to safety and in accordance with local, state, and the Federal law of the United States.

[@megacluckcluck2302]

Just found this channel, I love this format!

[@rdh5961]

This channel is a gift. Really digging it and I'm on a marathon binge.

[@levinlevinallday]

Im liking this channel. You need to promote it more. Only regular listeners know it exists. Btw love my veprs. Need to take my vepr 308 20" back to the range. It did good last time at 500 yards with 8x posp

[@Brucey69]

Nah he doesn’t need to promote, welcome to the channel tho

[@misha5670]

promote it how?

[@Detective.John.Kimble]

@@misha5670keep doing what you are doing. The fans love you and what you’re providing.

[@Tusk_III]

Would love a video on how you store and catalog your gear. I’m not blind, have a fraction of what you’ve got and I can barely keep track. Thanks man, love the content.

[@misha5670]

Sure, i have some mag pouch videos. Really that's it. I jsut keep the same mags together in the same pouch + put any other gear to that rifle in with them. Bonus to the puoch method is that i enjoy collecting them too.

[@mattmorrison9379]

I remember when molots were put on the list. The rpk just came out , and then the ban hammer came down, causing the price to sky rocket. But, sporter veprs and FMs were available for a while atleas, for 699 i might add.

[@timewave02012]

I still have 7N6 by the crate from when RGuns sold it cheap and was reasonably local to me. I ended up getting an FM-RPK74-33 from PSA when they had them on sale. No regrets, and it's a great AK, eminently suitable for military or militia service (or plinking, target shooting, hunting, LARPing), but if it wasn't banned, and a rare/desirable configuration before the ban, I'd be disappointed with fit and finish at half the price.

[@luked2767]

I have to agree the best imports, but to convert a sporter to accept RPK / AK furniture is a pain but worth it. My 7.62x39 16" converted Vepr square back sporter is my favourite factory AKs that I own. It took me a long time to get the parts but was totally worth it.

[@Grizzlyman420]

Any experience with Zastava ? I just got a M70 looking for feedback

[@luked2767]

@@Grizzlyman420 yes I have a Zastava USA M70 and it's the best AK for the money plus it will go up in value. When century imported them, the quality was low but now they are very high quality, 1.5mm receiver, bulged front reunion, AK47 thickness barrel that's CHF and CL, personally I would not change the trigger but if you want a better trigger then do a trigger job (can make it better than an ALG) remove the furniture and break, get some surplus furniture and a Yugo scoop break (file It down so it has no rattle) get some RS regulate mounts and whatever optic you like, if you want a flashlight then you have 2 easy options Pic rail between the front handguards or inlet M lock. Buy a bolt repair kit that's made by Zastava or a mill factory that's new ( extractor, ensuring and retingin pin. Firing pin and retaining pin) also a recoil spring. As most malfunctions cannbe fixed quickly with those parts. Don't use the cleaning rod to clean it. Use a hire snake, don't need any fancy cleaning products, Zastava makes one that is good but normal cleaning products, grease in the rails and bolt tails then motor oil for the rest is fine. It has a bayo lug so good idea to get a bayonette, as for ammo just shoot the cheapest but if you have primers relaod (buy brass case if you don't as you can sell it) a real shame about the russian ammo ban. Don't modify it as in putting rails all over the place, side optic rail is fine. I also would not use a FCG pin holding plate, stick with the Shepard's hook or if you have to use C clips. I use the sharoards hook on all my AKs and sure they are a pain to get used to but pins won't walk out and spares are cheap Don't refinish the metal or paint it unless you need to camo up, your limited to what stocks and forgips you can use as it's a Yugo. As for mags I like Yugo BHO followers so just buy surplus steel Yugo mags or new croation ones (they need a little fitting but are solid) don't bother with US made mags as they look ugly and the steel AKM or Yugo mags just last forever, give them a clean every now and then and maybe a new spring if they get weak. Don't worry about 922r as thats just for sellers so it's why I would recommend putting surplus Yugo furniture on it as it's well made. For all intensive purposes the Zusa M70 Is short RPK, so a little more heavy than an AKM but much more durable and it will last multiple lifetimes. For new AK import rifles in 7.62x39 from cheapest to most expensive that are any good. WASR10 WBP with FB barrel (WBP is not a military company) Zastava M70 FB Radom Beryl Arsenal You made the right decision as I would go for the M70 but I have others. (Avoid WBP without FB barrels, Pioneer or Nova modul) If you want a 5.56 your limited to: Zastava M90 FB Radom Beryl (Both are 18" so perfect) Maybe arsenal makes 5.56 milled .308 Zastava M77 For 5.45x39 I would not bother unless you have ammo like 7N6 and maybe arsenal imports some If you ever want a kit build then make sure the kit is good and comblock, FB Radom or Bulgarian barrel unless the kit comes with a barrel and get it built by a decent builder. Don't ever use rifle dynamics or meridian defense or even buy them as it's just overpriced and your paying for a name that's not great. Older AKs used like Veprs. siagas. Older Romanians, Hungarians, Chinese and even some Egyptian are all great but most will charge alot of money. The only US AK i would recommend is the PSA or KUSA 9mm with the PSA using CZ scorp mags. Don't buy a chiappa/nova modul 9mm with Glock mags as they are not made well. The price of mill surp has gone up but comblock mag pouches and stuff are pretty cool same with NOS canvas or leather slings. Don't use the cleaning rod and capsual to clean, only use the cleaning rod if you have a stuck case but make sure to use the cleaning capsual top as a bore guide so you don't damage the crown. Dont use an old worn AKM cleaning capsual try to find a Yugo/Serbian or other NOS cleaning capsual. The cool thing about surplus furniture is some have trench art, the Yugo pistol grip that's made of black rubber is pretty comfortable. If you are using it for home defense then use quality defensive ammo as 7.62x39 FMJ has alot of penetration and destructive power Vs 5.56

[@Scott079]

I lucked out. I picked up a Robinson arms 556 Vepr, absolute sweet shooter

[@Aztal]

I have one of the 16 inch foldy 7.62 ones and it has been an absolute tank, can't speak highly enough about it

[@jtasmo409]

So glad you made this channel. It doesn’t get any better than this if you are a purest

[@misha5670]

Next weeks is looking like Romanian week now lol.

[@chknbskt1]

Slapping likes as soon as the algo feeds my thumb

[@glenngamboa9224]

I still have my fm vepr and it’s a keeper

[@stonehalo1632]

Almost bought a vepr for 800 in 2019 but I didn't have the 400 the ffl wanted to convert it...looking at it now... kinda wish I just bought it. I could've had the conversion cash by now. I think that's why I love zastava, they have it done when they get here.

[@redfirekla]

Without a doubt my vepr 5.45 is on 20k rounds and shoots like the day i got it, I had a century 74 that only lasted 2k rounds.

[@Detective.John.Kimble]

Misha, I have always been a big fan of molot vepr products. I have a handful and will never let them go. If I had to choose a 2nd best, I would go with beryls. They stand above arsenal IMO.

[@chrischiampo7647]

What a Beauty Misha 😀😊😀👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@timothycain4512]

Hey Misha I ordered 3 Russian ak slings same color as that. But one had hooks on both ends. So is it a rpk sling I couldn't figure out why it had hooks on both ends

[@misha5670]

yes, used during the Afghan War period especially.

[@timothycain4512]

@@misha5670 ok thanks I couldn't find information is to why it was hooks on both ends. I didn't no if someone just added 1 to the other end or what. Because I've ordered 7 or 8 through the years and that was the only one that come in that way. So thanks for the info Misha. Also I subscribed to the new channel enjoying your content as always. Aks are my favorite platform for a long time. Thanks for all the knowledge

[@Greengoblin0481]

I was wondering how you store all your guns Anytjing special? I live in a super high humidity region

[@MadeiraDragunov]

What about the Vepr 1V’s from Legion? Would be interesting to hear your thoughts on those.

[@misha5670]

Same name, totally different configuration from the I.O. ones. One of the few 'thin' wall VEPR types imported too.

[@timothycain4512]

I missed my chance with the vepre while they were importing them. I didn't quite realize that they could dissappear overnight and not come back. But I regret it now. But I agree a 100% definitely the 545x39 would be my choice due to the Russians use them and are currently using them to this day. Maybe one day I'll find a somewhat decent deal for current market on one

[@alpinaca]

I had shot a FM-AK74-21 (5.45 16 inch tube folder) the owner sort of disliked it for its weight. I had an FM-AK47-11 that I parted with. Great gun. Came out ahead with pandemic pricing. I don’t think it had a bayonet lug or provision to take a cleaning rod. If I were to go out and get an AK now it would probably be a SAM5.

[@kalashnicarolina220]

I think you should do some research, Misha has a few videos about the sam5, before you make a sam5 purchase. I just traded mine away for a converted vepr in 7.62x39. Best decision I've ever made. Sam5 is over gassed. Mine was unreliable until I put a KNS piston in it and it wouldn't work with my silencers even with kns. It did work unsupressed after kns thou.

[@thedumbguncollector5546]

More knowledge from the master!

[@bradborgelt60]

Sad how all the coolest models were always a cool guys club as far as availability. All on who you know.

[@misha5670]

Not in who you know, but the level of effort and energy you put into things you are passionate about.

[@jayh9144]

U R the encyclopedia of AKs.

[@dgunearthed7859]

Is there a possibility the price could eventually go higher than $8,000.00 for your rpk?

[@donjohnson5172]

A friend of mine bought a 54R Vepr right before the ban came down. I'm sorry to say that it did not live up to the hype. That fuckin rifle just WOULD NOT CYCLE reliably. He tweaked this and that, different ammo, etc. No dice. I tried to get him to send it to a prominent domestic builder to look over, but he was so mad that he sold it for a loss. The guy that bought it knew it had trouble, but I dunno if he ever got it figured out.

[@Enjoyer.762]

Better quality than any US made AK

[@Jose-xm3tq]

Do you by any chance have a Super Vepr ??

[@russianoleg]

Molot does Not only make RPKs. They make 16inch AKMs, hunting rifles, shotguns and handguns.

[@Hitmanheart4]

Molot iszmash same difference. And hes if it says iszmash its the best

[@KB-kw8ni]

You have been reported to ATF for your fraudulent Form 6's that you have done in the past. Do not think it has been forgotten just like it has not been forgotten about your shady slimy dealing with MAC on the HD-18

[@misha5670]

Hey KB, how you been? Funny you say that because you know what? I've never filled out a single F6 in my life. So report away! ;P

[@Anonymous8421]

Lmao jfc

[@KB-kw8ni]

​@@misha5670You know exactly who you corroborated with in reference to those form 6's. Karma will catch up soon Mr. Trotter

[@misha5670]

Well, I am glad you know because I haven't a clue. Thing is, I'm not an importer. Never have been. So my business has nothing to do with F6s, but this is very entertaining so please continue. Also, the ATF has all of my info and welcome to contact me anytime about anything, cheery-o.

[@Flevvers]

@@misha5670 KB has a troll face as their profile pic with the "u mad bro" meme under it. I wouldn't feed them.

[@tropocal2343]

*Ya, I love my VEPR sniper rifle 7.62x54R, would never sell it, it's a real vehicle stopper.* *Also my Waffen Werks Bulgarian - Plum AK74.* *I deeply regret not buying a James River Armory AK47 Yugo M72B1 RPK Carbine, I really missed out on owning a heavy duty, and unique AK for under $800.00!*