Krebs Custom KTR-03 Molot VEPR 7.62×39 16.25” Semi-Automatic Rifle AK47
SOLD FOR: $2,000.00
LSB#: LSB250605MF002
Make: Krebs Custom / Molot (Vyatskie Polyany Machine-Building Plant)
Model: KTR-03 (Built on Molot VEPR RPK-Pattern Receiver)
Serial Number: 02 KK 5108
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 2003 (The KTR-03, is Krebs Tactical Rifle-2003)
Caliber: 7.62x39mm
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Long-Stroke Gas Piston, Rotating Bolt
Markings:
The right side of the dust cover is marked “KTR-03”. The left side of the trunnion is marked with the serial number “02 KK 5108”. The bottom of the receiver, forward of the magazine well, is marked “KREBS Custom Guns / Wauconda, IL / Molot / VEPR / KTR-03 / 7.62×39 / MADE IN RUSSIA / ZDF SLC UT”.
Barrel Length: 16.25”
Sights / Optics:
The rifle features a Krebs-railed top cover with a fully adjustable aperture rear sight. The front sight is a post protected by wings and adjustable for elevation. The Picatinny rail allows co-witness or direct mounting of optics without losing zero.
Stock Configuration & Condition:
The rifle is fitted with a one-piece polymer skeleton stock that integrates the pistol grip and buttstock into a single rigid unit. The stock provides a straight-line recoil impulse, enhances cheek weld consistency, and maintains the rifle’s sleek, modern profile. The HK-style smooth polymer forearm is free of vents, giving the front end a clean, monolithic appearance while still providing solid heat resistance. Overall, the furniture shows only minor handling marks and rates in Fine-Excellent condition.
Magazine:
One 30-round steel AK-pattern magazine is included.
Type of Finish: Matte Black
Finish Originality: Original Krebs finish over factory Molot base rifle.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition:
This rifle retains about 96% of its finish. Most wear is limited to light handling marks on the handguards, pistol grip, and magazine. There are a few small rubs at high points from normal handling. The markings are clear and sharp. The screw heads are clean, and the pins are unmarred.
Mechanics:
The rifle features a standard-profile Krebs safety lever on the right side and an ergonomic ambidextrous paddle selector on the left, positioned for thumb operation from a firing grip. The fire control group appears to be an ALG AKT-style enhanced single-stage trigger, providing a light, crisp break uncommon in standard AK builds. The action cycles smoothly, the safety engages positively, and the trigger reset is short and tactile. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Accessories: This rifle comes with one 30 Round magazine.
Our Assessment:
The Krebs Custom KTR-03 stands as one of the finest evolutions of the Kalashnikov system, and the foundation for that excellence is its receiver. Built on Molot’s RPK-pattern VEPR chassis — a 1.5mm stamped steel receiver with a bulged front trunnion and reinforced rear trunnion — this rifle carries the same overbuilt architecture that Russia designed for sustained automatic fire in the RPK light machine gun. This strength translates directly to superior rigidity, durability, and long-term reliability compared to standard AKM-spec rifles.
Krebs’ enhancements push the platform even further. The railed top cover with fully adjustable aperture sight allows for modern optics without compromising zero, while the HK-style smooth handguard offers a unique, monolithic front end with excellent heat resistance. The one-piece polymer skeleton stock/grip assembly gives a solid, straight-line recoil geometry and consistent cheek weld, improving shooter comfort and control. The ambidextrous left-side selector makes safe-to-fire transitions nearly effortless, and the ALG-style trigger transforms the break and reset into something more akin to a match rifle than a battle carbine.
For the shooter who appreciates the mechanical ruggedness of the AK platform but demands more in terms of ergonomics, optics mounting, and control layout, the KTR-03 remains one of the best-executed hybrids ever made. With Molot’s VEPR roots and Krebs’ design philosophy, this rifle is as much a collector’s piece as it is a highly capable fighting carbine. Expect it to draw attention from AK connoisseurs and tactical shooters alike. So bid high and bid firm. I encourage you to look at the item’s condition in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
