Russians became acquainted with such self-defense weapons as gas pistols relatively recently, just a couple of decades ago. But it gained popularity immediately, because this non-lethal weapon showed great effectiveness in action.
Instead of metal ammunition, they use special capsules that contain a gas that is an irritant or tear-producing agent. It is impossible to fire a live cartridge from the device, although there are modifications that allow the use of signal or traumatic cartridges.
The first models of gas weapons came from abroad, but IZHMASH (Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, now part of the Kalashnikov concern) quickly developed its own models of gas weapons, which in their characteristics were in no way inferior to foreign ones, and in some ways superior.
The peculiarity of Izhevsk “hedgehogs” (that’s what people call the plant’s products) are developed on the basis of military weapons with maximum preservation of the characteristics of each. Let's look at the most famous models of IZHMASH gas pistols.
IZH-76 8mm
One of the first models of Russian gas weapons. It is known abroad under the following marking – IZH-76. The plant's specialists used Reck G5 (Perfecta Mod. FB1 8000) as a basis. This is a low-power German-made pistol, which, according to consumer reviews, can only scare a person unfamiliar with weapons.
The Izhevsk model is also not far from the prototype in this regard, and therefore has many negative reviews:
- The handle is uncomfortable and small. A grown man simply cannot shoot with it.
- The bolt is shaky and causes frequent misalignment of the cartridge when fired.
- The trigger has too short a stroke - about 2 mm. The shot always occurs unexpectedly not only for the attacker, but also for the owner himself.
- The barrel is short, which is why the shooter himself gets caught in the gas cloud.
That's why it was taken out of production so quickly (produced 1994-1996). True, you can still find this model on sale for a couple of thousand rubles.
Among the positive aspects, they note the small weight - 500 grams, and compact dimensions - the length of the pistol is only 135 mm.
Advantages
The positive qualities of the pistol are as follows:
- Small dimensions - the weapon is very small in size, it can be put in a pocket and carried secretly.
- Comfortable safety lock - the button, made of plastic, moves easily, its location is convenient for use.
- Easy to cock - a weak return spring makes it easy to cock the bolt.
- Weight of the gun – plastic is used to a minimum in materials, so the IZH-76 has a mass of 500 grams.
Model 77 8 mm
This pistol is one of the most popular Izhevsk models. Margolin's sports pistol was used as a basis. Izhevsk residents changed practically nothing. Therefore, the seventy-seventh one works on the same principle as the prototype; by the way, all the mechanisms between them are interchangeable.
Users note its reliability; all main components are made of steel. The hammer must be cocked before firing, as the weapon is not self-cocking. The magazine holds 6 rounds of 8 mm caliber. After the shot, the gas jet flies up to 3 m, which is quite enough to stop the hooligan.
True, there is a significant drawback, which somewhat reduces the popularity of the pistol; its length is 195 mm and its weight is 750 grams. This makes it impossible to carry a concealed weapon, but for a gas weapon this is one of the main requirements.
History of creation
At the end of the 60s of the twentieth century, the development of a small-sized pistol for concealed carry by officers and intelligence authorities began in the Soviet Union. The order was sent by the KGB to the design bureau of the TsNIITOCHMASH plant. Among other conditions, special attention was paid to the following: the small mass of the future weapon (up to 0.5 kg), the possibility of concealed carry, the absence of protruding parts and dimensions (thickness up to 18 mm).
The types of cartridges existing at that time could not meet these requirements, so the question arose of developing a cartridge specifically for the new weapon. A group of engineers headed by Bochin A.I. took on this task. As a result of the work, a new cartridge appeared - MPC, which stands for “small-sized pistol center fire.” It had a caliber of 5.45x18 mm, assigned the index - 7N7. It was almost identical in characteristics to the PM cartridge, not inferior to it in anything. Thanks to the use of a pointed bullet, the new cartridge easily penetrated body armor at close range and had an excellent stopping effect.
Version 78
Produced from 1993 to the present day in the following modifications: IZH-78-7.6, IZH-78-9, IZH-78-9T “chain mail”, IZH-78-9TM.
The difference between the models is in caliber; 7.62 mm or 9 mm cartridges are used. “T” in the marking indicates that this model does not have special overlaps in the barrel and can fire traumatic cartridges.
A small-sized PSM was used as a prototype for the 78 IZh; the changes affected only the guide for the bolt stroke. The bolt frame can have two versions - similar to the PSM or similar to the 75 IZhem. There are 8 rounds of ammunition in the clip.
The 9TM model has been upgraded to use a higher power cartridge. To achieve this, it has a stiffer return spring and increased strength of the bolt and frame. The design of the barrel itself has also been changed, eliminating the possibility of “blowing” or rupture.
Experts recommend using cartridges with a power of 50 J for shooting, although more powerful ones can be used - 80 J. But in this case, wear of the main parts occurs faster.
The clip of this model holds 7 cartridges of caliber 7.62 or 9 mm TK 023 and 024. Similar analogues of ammunition from other manufacturers, including foreign ones, are allowed.
- Gas is effective at a distance of up to 3 m.
- Rubber bullets up to 7 meters.
- Length – 155 mm, weight – 460 g.
Advantages and disadvantages
IZH-79-8 can be used to fire gas and sonic cartridges. Automation operates on the principle of blowback. Self-cocking UMS allows you to fire a shot without cocking the hammer. The UMS, bolt and frame, which bear the load when fired, are made of steel, which provides the pistol with reliability and strength. Safety is ensured by the safety lever, which is located on the left side of the bolt.
The IZH-79-8 model is easy to use, always ready for use, and convenient to carry due to its compact size. It is externally and structurally similar to the prototype, so those who are accustomed to the Makarov pistol will find it easier to work with. It is relatively inexpensive and spare parts and ammunition are available. Problems with the mechanism rarely occur.
Disadvantages of IZH-79-8: not very good ergonomics, long reload time, insufficient magazine capacity. Elements in the barrel bore impair shooting quality and range, and complicate weapon cleaning.
Among the variety of traumatic and gas pistols that are on the Russian market today, the leading place is occupied by models developed on the basis of military weapons. Among them, the Makarov pistol is especially popular due to the low price of the model and ammunition, and its small size. IZH-79-8 – version chambered for a gas cartridge, used for self-defense. It can be carried hidden under clothes, in a bag, in a pocket. It does not cause any difficulties in use; learning to shoot with it is easy even for a beginner.
Model 79
This version needs to be considered in more detail than all of the above, since the 79th IZH is the most common model of gas weapons in the country. The famous PM (Makarov, in service with the armed forces and law enforcement agencies) was chosen as the prototype for the 79 series. IZHMASH engineers retained almost the entire design and operating principle of military weapons. In essence, the gas model is the same PM combat pistol, with one exception - the inability to fire live ammunition. Available in four modifications: IZH-79-8, IZH-79-9, IZH-79-9T (Makarych), IZH-79-9T 10M.
As you noticed, the 79-9T model has its own name “Makarych”, thanks to this, all injuries and gas injuries based on PM began to be called that.
The weapon is self-cocking, the clips hold 8 rounds, like the original, with the exception of the latest modification - its magazine holds 10 rounds.
All working main parts are made of weapon steel, which makes Makarych one of the most reliable gas pistols in the world.
Has the following performance characteristics:
- Caliber – 7.6, 8 mm. Supplied for export in 8x20 mm.
- Effective firing range: gas - up to 3 meters, rubber bullet - up to 7.
- The clip contains 8/10 rounds.
- Dimensions: length – 161, width – 30.5, height – 127 mm, respectively.
- Weight with a full charge – 730 g.
Safety
The plant engineers made sure that it was impossible to fire live ammunition from the Makarych. For this purpose, there is a pressed-in bushing in the barrel; it makes it impossible to convert a standard barrel for a combat charge. Also, the breech on the outside has small cuts, and the attachment of the barrel to the frame, compared to the original, is weakened. All this together, when trying to fire a live charge, tears the pistol into pieces. In this case, the shooter may receive serious injuries to the hand.
In addition, such “modernizations” of a gas pistol are illegal and are punishable by law.
Disassembly
Partial and complete disassembly is possible. The first is used for routine maintenance of the weapon, for example, for cleaning after shooting. Complete disassembly is recommended for repairs or when the gun has been in a damp environment for a long time - in water, rain or snow.
Carrying out partial disassembly:
- We take out the clip. We inspect the chamber for the presence of ammunition - lower the flag, move the bolt back and set it to delay.
- Separate the shutter from the frame. This is done like this: pull back the trigger guard and move it to the right. Then you need to rest it against the frame and fix it in this position. Afterwards, the bolt must be moved to the rearmost position and lifted by the rear end. We pull until we feel that the spring begins to pull it forward. The shutter is separated.
- Remove the return spring from the barrel.
Partial disassembly completed. We carry out assembly in reverse order.
First of all, we carry out incomplete disassembly. After which, for complete disassembly, the algorithm of our actions should be as follows:
- We unscrew the screw from the handle to remove the latter from the frame.
- This opens the valve and return mechanism. Move the valve down and remove the spring.
- Using an awl, we pry the edge of the spring from the bolt stop, after which you need to turn the sear in the trunnions until it separates and remove it together with the delay.
- We tilt the trigger forward and remove it.
- The last thing to remove is the trigger rod, hook and cocking lever.
We assemble starting from the last point in reverse order.
Specifications
The weapon has the following indicators:
- Total length – 135 millimeters.
- Height – 100 millimeters.
- Thickness – 25 millimeters.
- Weight (without cartridges) – 500 grams.
- Caliber – 8 millimeters.
- Magazine capacity – 6 shells.
- Damage range – 3 meters.
- Serial production - from 1994 to 1996.
The pistol is made by casting from a light alloy similar to duralumin.
The frame and barrel cannot be separated. The barrel contains a thin tube 1 millimeter wide, with barrier bushings installed in it.
