I am looking to change some things about my Vepr and need some info/advice on how to go about doing it.

I want to find a front sight/gas block combo, and I want to switch out the hand guard.

I haven't really found anything Vepr specific regarding either, but was wondering if there are any substitutes that I could look into.

Do Saiga(unmodified) hand guards fit RobArms Veprs, as in just switching them out?

I am looking to get some work done by a smith in a few months, and would like to have the front sight/gas block for him to install, in the meantime,I am looking to replace the long hand guard with one of equal length.

I have thought about putting a little jazziness on the RobArms hand guard myself, but if there are alternatives that let me keep the classic hand guard untouched and off the rifle, I would prefer that. I have been looking at some kinda snazzy saiga hand guards and hope that is an option.

BUT!!!!!!!! most importantly!! I am in real NEED of a gas block/front sight combo that will fit my rifle. The hand guard question is obviously the easiest to solve.

I almost forgot..........a pic would help clear up what I am looking to do....
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_4_80/80686_VEPR_Picture_Thread_.html

The configuration I am going for can be seen in the 3rd visible, still working pic...the side folder with the ace stock, and what looks like tiger stripe camo, sitting on an eagle/American flag blanket.

Thanks for all the replies..even the ones that will probably question my life choices





EDIT:                                 ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

             I have been looking at the slant cut receiver block (or standard block) from Ace and wonder if it could be modified enough to fit under the tang during installation.

FSB I'm unsure of, there is one called the Bolton gas block but I don't think it will work with Vepr barrel diameter





As far as handguards you could go with the Dinzag retainer, or Carolina Shooters Supply now has an aluminum tubular handguard



 
 

I've been giving that one some serious thought.  Tempted to try one on one of my .308s.



 

Thanks Turnkey, I really appreciate it.

That alone opens up many possibilities.

ATTN EVERYONE ELSE: Still need ideas/info for FSB/gas block.

Contact Rifle Dynamics and ask if the Bolton Gas Block will fit your barrel diameter ( measure it with a caliper )



Krebs Custom made one similar to the Bolton that fit Veprs but don't see it listed on their website, you can contact them also they're real good about answering inquiries



Dinzag does make a retainer that fits


 

Me too, and I just bought a spare wood one from gunsimporter





If you get one, post pics and a review please












 
 

I ordered it (slotted version).  I figured that if I have to spend that much time thinking about something (been about a week now), deep down I must really want it.  





I like the tubular design and clean lines of the CSS piece.  Looking forward to getting it installed on the .308 Vepr.  I weighed the factory wood handguard and it came in at 5 oz., so this tube only adds another 5 oz. to the overall weight of the rifle.





I remembered to include the Saiga-12 forum discount code as well.
 

I own two Robinson VEPRs, both IIs, one x39 and one .308.  I would not change a thing on either gun.  *shrugs*  Your gun, do what you like... it's a unique and valuble/collectible gun as it is.  Don't screw it up.

from another thread on this, Atlantic Firearms is coming out with a converted Vepr called the Vepr Classic I think and are also going to be producing conversion parts to make the old veprs have some of the normal options,

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_4_80/140756_Vepr_Pioneer_7_62x39_.html

Thanks guys for all the replies and ideas.

I guess I will hope for the best and give Krebs and Dynamics a call.

I am really excited about Atlantic working with Vepr's in a more involved way....hopefully it will lead to a wider availability of parts.

Mine came today and is now installed.  Very nice design and extremely good quality.  Very lightweight and rock solid on the rifle.  Overall I am very impressed.





On my RobArms .308 it was definitely not a drop-in.  I had to do significant hand-fitting where the tube mates with the receiver.  A file, hacksaw, and Dremel tool were involved.  It was not at all hard to do and is invisible to the eye, but was quite laborious.  You have several ways to make it work on the receiver end, I chose the hard way because it would result in the most solid fit.  There is an easier (but less desirable IMO) way to do it.





The upside to the hand-fitting is that it ends up being custom fitted to that particular rifle and therefore very solid once installed.  A fair amount of work but worth it.  I don't consider the need for hand-fitting to be a negative and I would gladly do it all over again.





Very satisfied with the outcome.  I'll get some pics up soon.





 

Here you go Turnkey.  As luck would have it, a Harris bipod stud is the same thread as the provided forward mounting screw.  The bipod stud performs double duty, it anchors the tube to it's mounting bracket as well as anchors my bipod to the tube when in use.  Tube is very solid on the rifle, noticeably more so than the factory wood handguard.



What the rifle looked like prior to the CSS tube.  I can quickly and easily go back to the wood anytime I feel like it.

 


 
 

Liquidmetal, thanks for the pis and review



Gonna IM you with some questions