Krebs KV13 VEPR Hybrid - school me on it

[Iamero]

A buddy of mine has one for grabs for $1800 and I’m wondering a couple things about it:

1) what makes Krebs custom work so special on such a rugged and non-fine tuned type of firearm?

2) is it worth the $1800?

Ive never owned an AK worth more than about $600 so it’s definitely new territory I’m stepping into even considering this.

here’s a pic of it:

 

[MSTN]

Think of a stock, military issue 1911A1. Compare that with a custom 1911 from the very best 1911 gunsmith out there.

That's like comparing a stock AK' to a Krebs AK'.

BTW, Marc Krebs was the best 1911 gunsmith in the world when he was working on 1911's, back in the eighties and nineties. Currently, I'd say it is Matt McLearn.

 

[Iamero]

Are they worth the $1800 or should I try to wait out the price a little?

 

[MSTN]

That would depend on the condition of the weapon and just how badly you want it.

The KV-13 was built from a Russian Molot VEPR rifle. Molot is the factory where Soviet RPK light machine guns were built for half a century. As such, it has a thicker receiver, plus a heavier profile hammer forged, chrome lined barrel than a typical Soviet AK' from the Izhmash factory that produced the bulk of AK' rifles.

Russian built AK' variants have long been considered to be the best available. However, they are no longer able to be imported, so it is a plus to have an AK' with Soviet heritage, from the collectability perspective.

Now, in looking at the Krebs rifle pictured, I see that it is coated FDE, but with a black forend. Krebs typically would not coat his firearms in any color but Black. I know this because I contacted Krebs and asked.

I'm not saying it is impossible that the FDE coating wasn't done by Krebs, just that it would be unusual. Even desirable! I'd contact the Krebs website for further clarification on that.

But ... If the gun was originally coated FDE by Krebs, why is the Krebs forend Black?

Another factor to consider: You can purchase brand new, right now, from Krebs a similar rifle, the AC-18A2, for $1860 - $1910.

 

[gro]

If it is a legit Kreb's rifle I think that is a fair price. Brand new Arsenals are $1300-$1600 and have had their fair share of canted sights and poor finish. Although the muzzle device on the picture isn't usually what is used, unless it is older than 3 years?

Is it worth it? Only you can answer that. A lot of AK users tend to be cheap and will harass anyone who pays more than $600 for an AK, similar to the stock Glock crowd.

MSTN is right on with his comparison. I have multiple AKs that run the gamut on price, the Kreb's outclasses them all and is my favorite. Kreb's refinements and accessories elevate the AK platform and make it more practical. They also work on the trigger, true the receiver, better coating etc (read their website's description "why Kreb's".)

Now the pics of MSTN's sbr is going to send me over to the website again, my wife is going to kill me...

 

[TonyTheTiger]

$1800 is so close to $3300 that you might as well get a Dissident Galil or SLR106!