In the middle of the last century, the Tula Arms Plant began developing a new, improved model of a double-barreled hunting shotgun that would be distinguished by increased reliability and high build quality. As a result, a smoothbore shotgun with vertically positioned barrels MTs-6 appeared, which began to be mass produced from 1950 to 1958. After this, MTs-6 continued to be produced in small quantities, mainly to order.
Currently, this double-barreled over/under is produced exclusively as a piece, for collection or as a souvenir gift
Characteristics of MTs-6
The MTs-6 has a classic look: detachable vertically paired barrels, a detachable forend and a stock with a receiver. The barrels themselves are made of high-alloy steel and are necessarily chrome-plated, which gives them even greater strength and increases ballistic parameters. The barrel block is made of durable alloy, the outer part is chrome plated with blued technology. There are practically no gaps between the parts, all the parts are fitted to a very high quality, so the gun itself has a huge service life, and with proper care it can last for several decades. As already mentioned, MTs-6 is currently produced only to order and in piece versions. The wooden parts of this vertical, such as the butt and fore-end, are made from valuable types of wood - selected walnut. The caliber of this gun is usually 12, but at the beginning of production modifications were produced with both 16 and 20 gauge.
Today, guns with these calibers are not produced even to order.
Reviews about MC-6
The undoubted advantages of the MTs-6 include its high-quality workmanship and reliability: even with careless storage, the gun will last quite a long time in comparison with any modern model. The MTs-6 is absolutely undemanding when it comes to the choice of ammunition: without any misfires, it can work both with factory-made cartridges and with homemade ones, and it doesn’t matter at all what type of cartridge case: paper, plastic or metal.
Modern models of shotguns are not always able to work if the cartridge case is metal or paper, so this is a definite plus
The MTs-6 has a very accurate and precise firing: from a distance of 50 meters, the gun can easily hit a circle with a diameter of no more than 30 cm. Moreover, you can fire several dozen shots in a row, the result will be the same. Some modern Russian-made domestic shotguns cannot boast of such achievements, since the quality of the steel is much worse, which leads to a deterioration in the accuracy of shots. MC-6 has a weight of 3.3 kg. and with it it is quite easy and comfortable to make long walks while hunting.
In addition, the MTs-6 is very practical, that is, it lies very comfortably in the hands and quickly aims at the selected target
Among the disadvantages, it can be noted that the MTs-6 cannot be purchased in a store and is difficult to buy secondhand in acceptable condition, and an individual order at the factory will result in a fairly tidy sum of money: after all, this is a collectible hunting rifle with highly artistic engraving. So, at current prices at the end of 2019, the price of the MTs-6 shotgun will surprise almost every hunter. For a copy of MC-6 in satisfactory condition, the owners ask for a minimum of 60,000 - 90,000 rubles, into which they will also have to invest the same amount for restoration and repair.
For the MTs-6, which does not require large investments and is suitable for hunting, owners ask from 150,000 to 250,000 rubles and above, which is comparable to the price of a foreign premium hunting rifle. In my own opinion, the MTs-6, although a very high-quality and reliable gun, is to a greater extent only of historical value and is mostly interesting only for collectors. Paying such an exorbitant price and using the MTs-6 directly for hunting looks, to put it mildly, stupid and is not worth the money. With such a sum of money, the modern hunter is offered a wide selection of modern hunting rifles, which are much superior in technical characteristics to the MTs-6. Well, anyone who still owns an MTs-6, which is carefully stored in weapons-grade lubricant, can only be envied, because the price of this gun is growing every year, and in just a couple of decades the price of the MTs-6 will be comparable to the cost of an apartment in a provincial town in our Motherland.
How to look after your weapon and how it should be stored
In order for a smoothbore weapon to serve reliably and for a long time, it must be monitored and maintained. Regularly, at least once a week, the weapon should be cleaned of dirt and dust and lubricated with gun oil, and when used immediately after shooting, it should be cleaned of any deposits that have formed. Do not store dirty weapons, as this can lead to corrosion and render the weapon unusable. According to Russian laws, any firearms should be stored in a steel safe under a secure lock.
Video of firing from MTs-6
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Comparison of shotguns MTs-6 and MTs-106
The well-known TsKIB models of shotguns MTs-5 and MTs-6 were, and are still considered, the fundamental models in the entire series; they have a vertical barrel arrangement. According to available data, they were developed at the very beginning of the 50s of the last century, but few people know that the basis was a gun that was released even earlier, it was the MTs-3.
The MTs-6 is a hammer-fired shotgun with two vertical barrels, both barrels are 12 gauge. Today, such a model is produced only to order in a piece version, or existing models are restored. Early on, in the 50s, it was a high-quality mass-produced gun. Among the entire MC series of shotguns, the MC-6 has been in production for the longest time.
The similarity between the MTs series 5 and 6 shotguns was not only visual, their mechanisms had many identical parts and assemblies, for example: the same trigger mechanisms were assembled into one base, made as a separate part, the mechanisms were installed at the bottom of the box. Also, the barrel locking system is made in the form of a movable wedge-shaped frame and is installed in the cutout with an under-barrel hook. Both internal triggers with separate strikers were made in a very original way. It is also worth noting the similarity of automatic fuses and standard triggers and other parts. The high-quality execution of the trigger did not allow the triggers to be decocked if the barrels were not even slightly closed.
The barrel blocks are connected to the box of a proprietary, world-famous mechanism, it is known as a “dead hinge” with a latch; the world-famous MTs-8 was equipped with the same mechanism. This connecting mechanism is very reliable and durable, but for beginners it was difficult to assemble and disassemble, although this is only at the initial stage. A similar problem arises for a beginner with TOZ 34, at the same time with disassembling and separating the block and barrels.
A distinctive and unifying feature of both models MC 5 and 6 is the presence of cutouts in the form of rectangles, which are machined into the box on the side walls at the top. When closing the barrels, these grooves accepted the protrusions that were made on the breech coupling (though over time, the cutouts and protrusions were removed.) To eject the cartridge case, a single extractor was made; there is no ejector in the MTs 5 and 6 guns, as for the forend, in the models that release it was screwed on with a screw and did not come off. The chamber in these models is 70 mm long. A simple, but high-quality and comfortable stock was made from walnut; you could choose from two options: either with a pistol protrusion under the cheek, or simply straight. Today, three versions of guns are produced, two types of shotguns: for a trench stand and for a round stand, as well as a hunting rifle.
Hunting version MTs-6, 12 gauge
Double-barreled shotgun with two triggers, depending on the version, barrel lengths are 725 and 750 mm. The narrowing is standard, the lower barrel is 0.5 mm, the upper one is full choke 1 mm. The weight of the gun, depending on the length of the barrels, is 3 or 3.2 kg. You can shoot from such guns with any charges: bullets, shot or buckshot.
Trench guns are good for hunting hare, goose or duck, the best aim is up to 50 m. Those guns that are made for shooting on a round stand are especially good for hunting hog or wading birds, the best aim is up to 25 m.
Shotgun MTs-6, 16 gauge
The gun fires bullets or standard shot calibers; its characteristics are ideal for sportsmen and game and bird hunters. The barrel is 750 mm, with the same tapers as 12 gauge, 0.5 mm for the bottom, 1 mm for the top.
Shotgun MTs-6, 20 caliber
The ideal double-barreled shotgun for fishermen, however, is equally suitable for sportsmen. In 20 gauge, the barrel length is 750 mm, the muzzle constriction of the upper barrel is 0.8 mm, the lower one is 0.5 mm, the weight, depending on the design of the stock, is 2.6-2.8 kg.
There was an interesting model; in the 50s the so-called fitting according to the catalog name, it was made on the basis of the MTs-6, but with rifled barrels. It was an MTs-7 shotgun, the upper barrel was a small rifle with a rimfire cartridge, caliber 5.6 mm. And the lower barrel has a powerful caliber of 12.7 mm, but given the peculiarity of the gun, it was made in limited quantities.
At one time, TsKIB produced both models MTs 5 and 6 with lightweight boxes, but then they abandoned them and continued production from pure steel. However, all other boxes for shotguns MTs-5 and MTs-6 of sports design and with rifled barrels were also made of steel. It is noteworthy that in Soviet times, 50-55, MTs-6 was allowed to be produced in small quantities in Tula, at a weapons factory.
Guns were also made to individual orders, and it was possible to order the installation of different barrels; TsKIB generally offered a choice of 29 assembly options. If the gun was rifled, then it came with an original bracket and optical sights.
MC-106
Shortly before perestroika, in the early 80s, the plant underwent modernization, it affected models MTs-5 and 6. As a result, model 6 became MTs-106, this already happened in 1988. After all the developments, the MTs106 became completely new, it was produced in two versions for hunters MTs-106-12 and athletes: MTs-106-01, MTs-106-0. After modernization, the guns have become even stronger and more reliable; hunters can shoot cartridges with an increased charge without any problems. This became possible thanks to the new production of steel, the already strong alloy steel underwent special heat treatment, while its weight was maintained and its strength increased. The designers and testers of TsKIB guaranteed MC 106 20 thousand shots without any replacement of parts, but even after that the gun shoots perfectly. From the sixth model, MTs-108 was produced, so almost all the parts are the same.
As already mentioned, in the MTs-106, after modernization, the protrusions and cutouts on the box were eliminated, and the possibility of firing in the case of not fully closed barrels was also eliminated. The handguard has been revised, previously it was bolted on, this has also been eliminated and structurally changed.
The changes did not affect the flawlessly executed extractor and trigger mechanism, the MTs-106 in the hunting version has an automatic safety lock, this model is produced in 12 gauge, barrel length 750 mm, with a long chamber of 70 mm. The muzzle constriction remains the same, the bottom is 0.5 mm, the upper barrel is 1 mm, in this version the gun weighs 3.2 kg.
Impression from meeting
The old and new models have a serious visual difference, and in the case of the new gun, on the weaker side. It is noticeable that the old gun has better bluing, the parts are better processed, the assembly is definitely better, the wood seems to be the same, but the walnut in the old one is richer. These are the visual notes, although of course they are just eyes. But externally the gun has become stylish, there is a beautiful engraving on the block, and in your hands lies a powerful and high-quality barrel, made by the famous and unchanged TsKIB. The previous MTs-6 was ideally balanced thanks to the short barrels, it was easy and convenient to operate; in its original form, the gun did not have swivels, but they were installed in the hunting model.
Now, looking at the elongated new model MTs-106, I can’t even believe that it can be as obedient and clearly balanced, the same applicability has been preserved. Based on the shooting results, it became clear that there was increased fighting, but this was not bad, and for shooters from under the dog it was simply ideal. The gun is excellent in every way, it will be especially good for autumn hunting with a dog.
Summarizing
If you take two guns in turn - the old MTs-6 and the new MTs-106, turn them around and shoot, then the rating will be good and a little worse. Although this impression is relative, because we are used to the fact that “then” they produced the best, and now they are beautiful, you can also evaluate guns of the last century and modern ones from any English gunsmith. In modern guns one can feel a lack of enthusiasm or something, a more simplified and accelerated version of guns. However, if you disassemble the MTs-106 and delve into the mechanism, it is much more serious than its predecessor. In addition, modern guns are cheaper because... many parts are made entirely on machines, while previous guns, on the contrary, saw the hands of assemblers.
The old MTs-6 feels and visually feels more alive and solid, but these are all just sensations. As already mentioned, if you look at the design, technical and shooting qualities, the new MTs-106 outperforms the previous one. New and reinforced material of the block and all metal increases shooting life and adds reliability. It is also worth noting the new design, locking mechanism and automatic fuses, the inability to fire when the barrels are not latched. Another plus: with elongated barrels, the same reliable dead hinge for attaching the block and barrels remains, and the whole world considers it difficult to implement. The cost of the gun is justified, although it is high, but you get an ideal gun from a domestic manufacturer, which gives a head start to many Italian gunsmiths.
