Molot VPO-209

The Molot VPO-209 is a Russian "shotgun" manufactured by Molot-Oruzhiye, and chambered in .366 TKM. It appears to be based on the AKM, and is strictly semi-automatic for the civilian market. It seems that it is typical for Molot to repurpose existing surplus AKM series rifles by either rechambering / boring them out (or replacing the barrel), limiting them to semi-auto, according to ModernFirearms.net. Finally, the repurposed firearms are sold to the civilian market - as opposed to manufacturing completely new firearms.

Legal Classification

Despite appearance, the VPO-209 is actually considered a shotgun due to Russian firearm regulations, where smooth bore firearms are classified as such. Likewise, the cartridge it fires (the .366 TKM) is of course also classified as a shotgun cartridge, despite largely firing solid bullets ("slugs"). According to this article at ModernFirearms.net this shotgun utilizes a Paradox bore, which starts smooth from the chamber end, with some actual rifling grooves toward the muzzle - the final 12 centimeters (~4.75 inches) in the case of the VPO-209.

Specifications

• Platform: Based on the AKM
• Caliber / Cartridge: .366 TKM
• Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds, detachable (from modified 30-round AK-47/AKM magazines)
• Overall Length: 880 mm (~ 34.65 inches)
• Barrel Length: 415 mm (~ 16.34 inches)
• Weight (Empty): 3.6 kg (~ 7.94 lbs) - Some sources show more like ~8.37 lbs. Perhaps loaded weight?

(Info needs additional verification).

In Pop Culture

The Molot VPO-209 as well as the .366 TKM cartridge, are featured prominently in the popular online first person shooter "Escape From Tarkov". The VPO-209 seems to draw mixed feelings from the EFT community on how good or bad it is exactly. However, it's a common lower-tier weapon, especially when a player is either just starting out, or early in the game's periodic wipes of players' progress for major updates.