Thanks guys, I went ahead last night and ordered a Vepr 7.62 w/16.5" barrel from Centerfire for $499. The only right handed model left in stock was the version with integrated sights so that is what I had to order.
The integrated sight model, is it any less desireable than the standard AK style sights? Seems the front sight distance is dramatically decreased, wonder how that would affect accuracy (of course mostly depends on shooter).
Also, from what I understand, the gas tube is 1" longer, does this have any affect on what style aftermarket hand guards I can use? Personally I dig the furniture on the VEPR, if it was mine I would strip the finish and stain it black like the stock on
the VEPR12 (I love that black woodgrain!) but this is for my son and I am a little worried that the wood furniture may be a little too heavy for his liking at the moment and might need to lighten it up with some polymer if needed.
In case you are wondering about my concern with the wood furniture weight, my son is 11. He is very proeffecient with the handling and firing of his rifles as he has been doing since his first rifle at age 8 (.22 rifle) and has recieved at least one or two guns a year since then. I am carrying on the tradition that my parents did with me as they bought me a gun every year as I was growing up since I had shown much interest also and they felt it was something that I could keep practically forever and would have something to show for in the end over the years. He has a Ruger 10-22, a Ruger 77-22, Remington 700 BDL .243 and 22-250, Smith-Wesson MP15-22 AR, Browning Invector 20 gauge shotgun and his first handgun last year a Sig Mosquito (i know.. should have bought a Buckmark, but so far it has had only few feed issues with junk ammo), For Easter I plan on purchasing him a Marlin 30-30 for his first hunting trip. Oh and he still gets toys, dirt bikes and whatever electronic items also, not just "weapons" hehe.
In the end I thank all you guys for offering advice, doing some reading I feel that the VEPR probably is the best deal going, especially at the $499 price. I just hope someone will have the VEPR 12 in stock when I go to order it for myself