Why is this so expensive?

[gregintenn]

...and what is hanging under the barrel?

https://palmettostatearmory.com/fime-group-rpk47-vepr-7-62x39-ak-47-rifle-with-folding-trapdoor-stock-black-fmrpk4733.html?trk_msg=AUH31VP1JUDKN90UHQDE61FAPC&trk_contact=J0O6F96VK99PH79FM828GOBMF8&trk_sid=BCM7S0BB8N29HKPE625JQVOPDC&utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=email&utm_term=SHOP+NOW&utm_campaign=Daily+Deal+Email&utm_content=12%3a00+Email

[Omega]

Don't know about the price, but I think it is a bipod under it, it lists it as an accessory.  Looking at their prices, it seems they are trying to get some of this buying craziness.

[Links2k]

I’d buy a MP5 for that kind of money. 

[gregintenn]

1 minute ago, Links2k said:

I’d buy a MP5 for that kind of money. 

Do you have any guesses as to why it is so pricey? I am not familiar with the maker. It just looks like a bubba’d AK to me.

[Smith]

It's an RPK clone. Com-block answer to the m240/249. Basically an AK with a longer barrel and bi-pod. That particular one is a VEPR, which is built in the Russian special weapons military factory. They are definitely capitalizing on the current state of American politics and import issues. 

$6k? not a chance. In the past RPK's were usually higher priced and a VEPR would have been a premium version (for some) but mainly because they were a niche collector market item. 

Edited March 18, 2021 by Smith

[turkeydad]

4 minutes ago, Smith said:

It's an RPK clone. Com-block answer to the m240/249. Basically an AK with a longer barrel and bi-pod. That particular one is a VEPR, which is built in the Russian special weapons military factory. They are definitely capitalizing on the current state of American politics and import issues. 

$6k? not a chance. In the past RPK's were usually higher priced and a VEPR would have been a premium version (for some) but mainly because they were a niche collector market item. 

Yeah that is crazy. . Vepr's used to command somewhat more money that a garden variety AK, but not at that ratio. Thats 1.5 times new Polytech Legen pricing 

[Johnny Rotten]

Needs to be BF for that money

[BJB]

I do believe that is a tripod. 
worst place in the world to mount one 

[gregintenn]

I would think a factory could manufacture one for no more than $300.

[No_0ne]

On 3/18/2021 at 8:06 PM, gregintenn said:

I would think a factory could manufacture one for no more than $300.

Probably about right.  I wasn't familiar with this particular variant, but a quick search on the interwebs revealed how these were priced at about $1000 when introduced back in 2017.  The original Vepr's, in x54r, were made in Russia and fall under the current import bans, so their prices have been rising for years.  These are apparently modified versions of Molot's x39 and 5.45mm rifles with some US made parts to meet the 922 requirements.  I suppose it's a niche company marketing these, with up to 45 round magazines they are undoubtedly popular among the EOWAWKI crowd and given the current mania retailers are taking advantage of those willing to fork over the cash for one ...